Kind of frustrated by asking people (who should abviously know) and getting every time different answers. Hello dejavu! I am hoping to get straight answers and tips how to do this and providing links, docs, if possible (so that I can show it).

Situation:

Currently on NON-IMM-ED here IN THAILAND. I want to apply for a work permit inside Thailand to get the letter of approval and wp3, before going on a visa run for NON-B. Want to ensure that I get the NON-B first time and the WP is waiting to get picked up upon return.

1. Can I apply for a work permit and letter of approval on a NON-ED inside Thailand? If a agency (hired by employer) is doing it, can they do it for me, while I am in Thailand?

2. What are the differences between WP1 (tt1?), WP2, WP3? Which one(s) do I have to use?

3. Can you describe briefly the process and docs I have to do/get? WP1 > Approval > WP3 > visa run > Work Permit?

4. For Vientiane: As I do not have former/current work permit I need the letter of approval, right? Is it the same then WP3?

5. How can I get WP3 as other Embassies require it.

6. Can I be inside Thailand while an agency is applying for WP3

7. Do I have to cancel my NON-ED before going on the visa run? Do I get NON-B if I don't (ED expires autom.)?

8. Can I get a re-entry for NON-ED and still get the NON-B on visa run? (In case for easy return if docs are missing)

9. Anyone heard of the same story getting a work permit and work visa inside thailand without leaving TH for Non-B visa run?

Thanks in advance!

1. yes

2 Use the WP1 application form if you are already resident in Thailand.

3.Apply sucessfully with form WP 1, you will get a receipt (A5 sized); this is what many erroneously call the WP3 (which is actually an application form of behalf of someone who is not yet in Thailand.

4. No, its a letter signed by the head of your local labour dept stating that you will be issued with a WP once you have the correct visa stamp (i.e. visa/entry).

5. See 3 above.

6. Strictly speaking no, although may get away with it if they don't spot your existing entry stamp in your passport.

7. No if it's a visa, yes if it's an extension of permission to stay.

8. You might have a problem at the border on re-entry with your new 'b" visa.

9. Yes it's possible if you are eligible for an extension of permission to stay based on working in the Kingdom of Thailand (National Police Order 777/2551 Case 2.1); in this case you can first convert to a non Immigrant Category 'B' Visa at immigration inside of Thailand then get an extension. It's rare but has been done

Thanks for your quick answer!

3. So, if I (or so. on my behalf) apply in TH with Wp1 I'll get the letter of approval. And this the same letter what I would get, if someone else would apply for me while I am outside TH with a WP3?

4. Is it also the same letter which is signed by the head of labour dep. = letter of approval?

Do you know how long a letter of approval is valid?

Also do you know, when a letter of approval has been done and the wp is granted what happens upon return? When collecting the work permit is the extension of the work visa / wp right away for a year or can it happen that I am still "under consideration" for some time?

9. Out of curiosity any idea when so. is eligible for such an extension to stay based on working? Have all the requirements to be met or just some of them?

Thanks for your quick answer!

3. So, if I (or so. on my behalf) apply in TH with Wp1 I'll get the letter of approval. And this the same letter what I would get, if someone else would apply for me while I am outside TH with a WP3?

4. Is it also the same letter which is signed by the head of labour dep. = letter of approval?

Do you know how long a letter of approval is valid?

Also do you know, when a letter of approval has been done and the wp is granted what happens upon return? When collecting the work permit is the extension of the work visa / wp right away for a year or can it happen that I am still "under consideration" for some time?

9. Out of curiosity any idea when so. is eligible for such an extension to stay based on working? Have all the requirements to be met or just some of them?

3. Yes if your application is filed successfuly i.e all paperwork is to Labour's satisfaction. Yes.

4. Yes, No validity period is stated in the Letter of Approval, but it is dated and the WP1/Recieipt has a validity period ([pick up WP within 1 month if I remember correctly) so I guess the letter is of no use after that point.

WP can be picked up and work started once you have your Non 'B' Visa and Entry Stamp in your passport. Extension of Permission to Stay is handled by Immigration, not Labour and can be applied for once you are one month from expiry of said permission.

9, If you/your company meet the criteriae for a Case 2.1 Extension then you can apply to immigration for an in country conversion to a 90 day Non 'B' - see document attached below for an example of the extension criteriae.

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

Edited September 20, 201312 yr by digitalchromakey

It will depend upon the local labor office whether they will accept ED for application.

Some consider them lower than a tourist visa and there have been reports of people having to go out for a tourist visa to apply.