Went to Bangkok immigration today to extend my stay/visa based on WP. Handed over all the documents as per list of requirements but the officer said a letter from Ministry of Labour (sponsors the WP) to immigration that requests my extension of stay/visa is requirred. Ever heard of this? I did include the original sponsor letter from MoL requirred to apply for the WP in the documents but this wasn`t sufficient. Amy advise?

I have been here many years and have never heard of an "Extension of stay based on a WP".

Was your list of required documents similar to the list itemised in the attachment below?

Visa extension on the basis of employment 777 2551 Case 2.1t.pdf

Maybe I used the wrong wording, but I have a WP valid until next year. Don't I have to go to immigration and extend my Non B visa which is only valid for 3 months? I should be able to get an "extension" until WP runs out, no?

No. You must meet requirements for extension of stay as outlined in police order 777/2551 and have proof of making the required salary for your nationality. What list of documents did you provide? This list includes many from your company including tax information, structure and such. Just having obtained a work permit does not mean you can obtain an extension of stay. If you can not you must go to a Consulate to obtain a new visa to remain working and some will issue multi entry with a long period remaining on a work permit so you only have to exit/return every 90 days until you can qualify for extensions of stay.

No, list of requirred docs is different as I work for an org that is a not for profit/charity which are regulated and registered by a special division in MoL. Paid up capital and the employment ratio is for example not relevant. The special division in MoL allocates the number of WPs based on a number of criteria. So if MoL says in a letter a WP should be granted until a certain date and WP is issued, why would immigration request a letter from MoL that my stay needs to be extended based on WP? If I work in Thailand I need to be in country - isn't this an automatic conclusion?

Maybe I used the wrong wording, but I have a WP valid until next year. Don't I have to go to immigration and extend my Non B visa which is only valid for 3 months? I should be able to get an "extension" until WP runs out, no?

Yes you can apply if you are eligible, as per the list supplied a National Police Order 777/2551 Section 2.1 Extension of Permission to Stay based on Employment in the Kingdom of Thailand will normally be for one year and is not locked into the expiry date of your WP.

You would not be applying for a visa, it is a One Year Extension of your existing 90 day Permission to Stay, based on your last Non 'B' entry into Thailand.

If Immigration are asking for a letter from your sponsor (effective employer) who you state is the MOL, then there is no point arguing, just get them the letter.

Edited October 9, 201213 yr by digitalchromakey

Seems you are applying for an extension of stay under 2.21 of police order 777/2551, For working for an NGO or volunteer organisation, the documents required are listed in 303/2551 as follows:

1. Application form

2. Copy of applicant’s passport

3. Copy of work permit

4. Copy of evidence of permission to establish the organization or a copy of the permit to enter into and operate the organization in the Kingdom issued by the relevant government agency

5. Letter of confirmation and request for a temporary stay issued by the organization

6. List of aliens working in the organization

7. Only in the case of Criterion (3), the applicant must attach a letter of confirmation or request for a temporary stay issued by the head of a government agency equivalent to or higher than the departmental level or by the head of a state enterprise or by the head of another government agency relating to the organization.

Charity work is done under a non immigrant O visa - not a B visa, AFAIK.

Yes Mario2008 is right. So with the letter they mentioned they must refer to point 7. Wasn't aware of that. Guess the issue is solved.

No, list of requirred docs is different as I work for an org that is a not for profit/charity which are regulated and registered by a special division in MoL. Paid up capital and the employment ratio is for example not relevant. The special division in MoL allocates the number of WPs based on a number of criteria. So if MoL says in a letter a WP should be granted until a certain date and WP is issued, why would immigration request a letter from MoL that my stay needs to be extended based on WP? If I work in Thailand I need to be in country - isn't this an automatic conclusion?

It may well be that your application is under a different section than 2.1, perhaps 2.21 where an absence of official confirmation from the concerned governement departemnt would lead potentially to only a 90 day extension.

2.21 In the case of working for a public charity organization, private foreign organization, foundation, association, Foreign Chamber of Commerce, Thailand Board of Trade, or Thailand Federation of Industries:

Permission will be granted for a period of not more than 1 year at a time.

In the absence of the official confirmation set out in clause (3), permission will be granted for a period of not more than 90 days at a time.

(1) The alien has obtained a temporary visa (NON-IM);

(2) Confirmation and request has been made by the authorized officer or head of that organization; and/or

(3) Confirmation and request has been made by the chief government officer division level or equivalent and higher or chief of state enterprise or other chief of government agency who deals with that organization.