Re-Entries On A Long Term Basis

[isawasnake]

I have a work permit and a (initially) 3 month non-imm O based on marriage from Lao. If I want to leave Thailand I think I will need a re-entry permit to keep my current situation intact. My question is, if I go back home to the States and get a multiple entry non-imm O, then go through the process again, will I then be able to leave Thailand without reentry permits?

Or, put more simply, how does a married foreigner working in Thailand leave without having to get a re-entry permit every time? Can it be done from within Thailand (as mentioned, current visa from Laos)?

Thanks.

[Lite Beer]

A Multi Entry Non Imm O Visa gives unlimited entries for a year.

A Re Entry Permit would not be needed.

[lopburi3]

Most people get one year extensions of stay and re-entry permits (either single or multi version). Yes a multi entry non immigrant O visa allows travel without re-entry permits but you can not stay longer than 90 days on any entry. But you can obtain this from Savannakhet as easily as from the USA.

Yes you would require a re-entry permit to keep your current 90 day stay alive but remember it does not add any time to your stay so you need to make plans for extension, either for work or marriage, or obtaining a multi entry non immigrant visa as above.

[isawasnake]

So, if I don't want the hassle of re-entry permits, my options would be to go to Savannakhet, or the USA to get a multiple entry O visa. And this would require going through the entire work permit process again I take it.

[ubonjoe]

Re-entry permits are not a hassle of any kind to get. If you get a one year extension of stay you can get a multiple re-entry permit (3800 baht) that would allow you to leave and return as many times as want without getting another one for about one year.

Since you are working if your income is is 40K baht or more you could use tax payments as proof of income for the extension of stay. Otherwise you would need to have 400K baht in the bank for 2 months.

If you are getting short on time remaining on your current 90 day entry you could get a 60 day extension at immigration (1900 baht) to visit your wife.

[lopburi3]

Work permits are not tied to visa (you can leave to get a new visa/entry) so if you have a valid work permit it will remain valid for return with new non immigrant visa entry as long as it does not expire in that period.

[isawasnake]

So, once you get a multiple entry O visa, you are good to go as long as you are working (with respect to re-entry permits I mean).

Or, alternatively, as ubonjoe mentioned, you can get a one year re-entry permit, but you would have to keep paying the 3800 baht per yer if you wanted this option long term.

Is all that correct?

Thanks again for all the replies.

[lopburi3]

You would also have to obtain a new non immigrant O visa every 12-15 months at cost of 5,000 plus trip to consulate and exit of country every 90 days or less (if normal travel does not cover it). Extension of stay cost would be 1,900 baht plus 3,800 baht re-entry permit yearly if needed.

[isawasnake]

One last note/question.... would it be considered kosher to ask for an employer to pay for a one year re-entry permit. I realize that is a very subjective answer and differs under differing circumstances, but in general is that something that is done?

Thanks again to all.

[ubonjoe]

If the job you have requires frequent travel it would be legitimate business expense so I see no reason why you could not ask your employer for reimbursement of cost. Even your extension of stay should be reimbursable or if wanted a visa and border runs needed for the visa.