Criminal Record Check

[waters]

Hi All,

I've been offered a job at a very good demonstration school in Thailand (and therefore the University associated with the school will be my actual employer).

At some point over the next week or two, I'll likely go to Laos to apply for a Non-B visa (90 days) so that on my return - the school can process my work permit application and 1 year extension as they normally would.

The school itself has said specifically that they do not require a criminal record check, however, I've read on the Web site of the Thai Embassy in Vientiane, that when applying for a Non-B because of work at an academic institute - you will be required to show a "copy of police clearance or certificate of no criminal conviction."

http://vientiane.tha...consular_check/

I'm Canadian - and I've been living in Thailand on and off for 12 years now. An official 'fingerprinted' criminal record check from Canada is going to take 120 days.

http://www.canadaint...ire.aspx?view=d

Or I may be able to ask a relative to send me a non-fingerprinted check, from a local police station in Canada (assuming they can do this on my behalf).

Or I may just apply for a Thai criminal record check - from here at the main Bangkok police station.

So my first question is:

1) Does anyone know if the Thai Embassy in Vientiane is forcing Non-B applications for work at an academic institute to supply a criminal record check?

My second question is:

2) Is there anyplace else that might NOT be enforcing this requirement? What about the consular office in Savannakhet?

Thirdly:

3) Having previously worked in Thailand - and having lived here (although not a permanent resident) for close to 12 years - would a Thai Police criminal record check suffice?

I'm concerned about the long delay that will occur if I need a 'fingerprinted Canadian criminal record check'.

Thoughts or suggestions greatly appreciated.

waters

[ThaiRich]

There are many threads about this already and if you would of bothered to spend the time, (less than you spent writing your post), you would know that the embassy in Laos will not ask for your criminal background check.

[waters]

Hi ThaiRich - thanks for the reply.

I spent 15-20 minutes searching the forums here at ThaiVisa before posting my question. I found several posts concerning individuals who had criminal records (or misdemeanors) and were asking about home country searches (while in their home country). Perhaps my search wasn't as thorough as it could have been - but I tried, and didn't see a recent post that was directly related to my question.

waters

[ThaiRich]

Hi ThaiRich - thanks for the reply.

I spent 15-20 minutes searching the forums here at ThaiVisa before posting my question. I found several posts concerning individuals who had criminal records (or misdemeanors) and were asking about home country searches (while in their home country). Perhaps my search wasn't as thorough as it could have been - but I tried, and didn't see a recent post that was directly related to my question.

waters

Well, I guess the important thing is you got your answer... And I admit searching on this forum is not always straight forward. Good luck with the new job.

[Colabamumbai]

With four Non B's from Vientiane in three years never asked for criminal record check. Not needed. Fellow Canadian.

[waters]

@Colabamumbai thanks!