Type Of Visa

[appleman_thai]

Hi,

Im hoping I can get some advice here (to add to the info I have already gathered myself).

I am an Irish guy, aged 35 and have been living and working in THailand for 4 and half years. I came here as an Expat and got my work permit through BOI (Board of Investment).

However, I am finishing my contract at the end of April and have been told that I get 7 days to get out!! Yep, i live and work here for 4 and half years and then they dont even let me hang around for a while!!

In my passport I have a Non Imm visa (it doesnt say the type) which is multiple entry and valid until 30th Sept 2006.

However, i have been told that when my work permit gets cancelled that the visa will be too!

Up to now the company took care of everything.... I just signed papers when i was asked and was never interested in the details...

However, now I would like to stay in THailand for at least 6 months. I want to improve my THai as well as look at the prospects of setting up business here.

I already have 2 condos in my name - 1 in Bangkok and 1 in Hua Hin. DOnt now if this will help in any way?

I have asked for legal advice also and was told that I can get a 1 year visa (multiple entry) if I lodge 3 million baht on fixed deposit for 12 months. Thats a little steep (also considering the recent strengthening of baht against euro!)

I dont have any company set up yet and dont want to do this yet until i get something sorted out first.

So when i have to leave in the first week of May and I want to come back just as a person (without work permit) to stay in Thailand for 6 months - what visa should I be looking for?

Hope someone can give me some good advice.

Thanks

[astral]

In my passport I have a Non Imm visa (it doesnt say the type) which is multiple entry and valid until 30th Sept 2006.

However, i have been told that when my work permit gets cancelled that the visa will be too!

Unfortunately this is true

I already have 2 condos in my name - 1 in Bangkok and 1 in Hua Hin. DOnt now if this will help in any way?

Others will advise on this point. If you purchased these condos as "new" you may be OK.

So when i have to leave in the first week of May and I want to come back just as a person (without work permit) to stay in Thailand for 6 months - what visa should I be looking for?

If you do have to leave then I suggest you visit Penang and get a double or even triple tourist visa.

The double can give you 6 month, and the triple, carefully used will cover almost 9 months.

[lopburi3]

If you were here on extensions of stay for your job your permitted to say will indeed expire with the job and provide you a week to pack up.

Your condos "might" be usable to meet the 3 million baht investment extension of stay if purchased from developer. You can check that out at Immigration as they run the program.

For visa to cover six months a two or three entry tourist visa is about all you will qualify for. You should be able to obtain that at Penang.

[appleman_thai]

If you were here on extensions of stay for your job your permitted to say will indeed expire with the job and provide you a week to pack up.

Your condos "might" be usable to meet the 3 million baht investment extension of stay if purchased from developer. You can check that out at Immigration as they run the program.

For visa to cover six months a two or three entry tourist visa is about all you will qualify for. You should be able to obtain that at Penang.

Thanks. i checked regarding the 3 million baht and the Condos will not suffice. You must lodge 3 million baht in cash and have it fixed for 12 months. No chance of getting it out during that period!

Regarding the Tourist Visa from Penang- does this mean that I can obtain a visa for 6 months which doesnt involve me having to leave the country every month or 3 months? Is there a special name for this Visa?

[lopburi3]

Your condo may not but they most surly can be used in this program per

Buy an apartment or condominium at the price set and registered by the Land Department.

A tourist visa allows a 60 day stay, which can be extended at immigration for 30 days upon payment of 1,900 baht. So, yes, you will have to make visa runs.