Hi all-

I have a quick question which I haven't been able to get a straight answer from anyone. Its a slightly unusual situation so let me explain:

1. I am a 'volunteer' with a program under AUSAID and was issued a non-imm F class, multiple entry visa in Canberra on 19 March 2012.

2. The assignment is with a Thai governmental organization which have taken care of the pesky '3 monthly visa run' which volunteers in the program ususally have to endure. So on the page opposite to the non-imm visa, there is a stamp reading ' Permitted to stay in Thailand under Section 15 until not later than 13 May 2013' - this was issued (the stampe) on 26 July 2012.

So, as I understand it, with a normal multiple entry non-imm visa one can leave and re-enter the country up until the last day on the visa and get three additonal months.

However, does the 'setion 15' stamp cancel this out? Secondly, if it doesn't cancel it out, does that mean that the last day I could leave and re-enter (and get three additonal months) become the 19 March 2013?

I ask as the assignment is finishing and I have decided to stay in Thailand for a while, but will not continue to work for the organization I currently work for. I'd really appreciate any advice on this.

Thank you!

The visa is invalid as that date has passed (it would have been valid earlier if not marked canceled). You are on an extension of stay which end the date your work ends (regardless of the date stamped) and the extension needs to be canceled on that day. Once that is done you may exit country to a Thai Consulate to obtain a tourist visa (or two entry from Vientiane).

Is it 'cancelled' by virtue of the fact that I have been granted an extension of stay?

I just saw that there is also a page (another one) which reads 'GRATIS' (ยกเว้นค่าธรรมเนียม) which states "Good for multiple journeys to Thailand. This re-entry visa must be utilized before 13 May 2013 if passposrt remains valid"

Does that change things at all (meaning if I leave and come back before 13 May do I get 3 extra months) or is it simply, as you said, just a visa which lasts until then, which then needs to be cancelled?

Thanks again, really appreciate your reply.

Best

I think you are writing about a re-entry permit that expires when your extension ends. It will not give you any additional time beyond that date.

Your original visa would of expired one year from date issue which has already passed.

If you want an additional 3 months you have to apply for a tourist visa.

As said your visa and work permit finish the day your job does. You have to inform immigration and leave the country. You can apply for 7 days extension at immigration.

Your options are then apply for a tourist visa ( I think you have to outside the country) or get 30 days if you are eligible by entering by air or 15 days by land.

You no longer can have a business or volunteer visa if you don't have a job or a position and work permit.

You have no resaon for an extension ( except the 7 days ) so you have to apply for a new visa. Tourist only as you have no other reason to be here.

That would be a re-entry permit (not visa) and it will end when your current extension of stay ends so will not be valid for another entry after work ends. You should obtain the single or two entry tourist visa when your employment is over and that will provide up to six months stay with extensions and once work is found you can obtain a non immigrant B visa and likely extension of stay again.