May First

[bentrein]

I'm halfway through changing jobs and am getting nervous. My old employer cancelled my work permit (of course), and after that I was entitled to a 15(+6) days extension on my Non-Imm-O visa. I don't have enough savings in the bank now to get a year extension simply on the fact that I'm married in Thailand, so it really has to come from the fact that my next employer has his (er, her) paperwork ready before this 21 days extension runs out. It does on May first.

She says that although most schools are closed, the immigration is probably open on May first. Can anyone verify this, because I sincerely doubt it...

And what about the Thai embassy in Penang/KL/Singapore? Will they be open on May first?

Hoping for a positive answer; if I have to go, I'm trying to plan the trip as efficient as possible, as I'm financially unable to stay elsewhere than home for a long time...

Thanks a lot!

Edited April 24, 2006 by bentrein

[lopburi3]

It is a holiday in both Thailand and Malaysia. They will not be open.

[bentrein]

I feared that.

Does any other country (nearby) have an open Thai embassy on May 1st? Or will the Thai embassy be closed on May 1st because it's a holiday in Thailand all over the world?

[lopburi3]

They will be closed anywhere in the world. Embassies observe both local and national holidays.

[Axel]

Actually, May 1st is a bank holiday in Thailand, however, no government-holiday.

Embassies and consulates in Singapore and Malaysia should be closed as Labour day in these two countries is a local public holiday.

[lopburi3]

That's what happens when you don't double check. I thought I recalled Thailand was like the US in not observing Mayday because of the Communist connotation but it is still labor day here. Now I see it is a commercial and bank holiday but not a government holiday so Immigration should be open in that case.

I did check both a bank and commercial calender and both had it red. Guess I need to get a government calender also.

[Axel]

Lop, easier for me, I checked with my chief accountant, she knows all the rules and tell the staff what's on and what's not.

But also googled a bit:

http://oca.thaiembdc.org/official_holidays.htm

[bentrein]

Hm... So my best bet to be sure is give the embassy over there a call... Will let you know what comes out of that!

[lopburi3]

Immigration in Thailand may be open but the Consulate in a country where May 1 is a holiday is not likely to be open.

[bentrein]

I promised to get back to you on this; I haven't (disappointed but not surprised) been able to contact the consulate - so I'm not taking my chances. I guess they'll be closed.

[bazmlb]

i was told Penang was closed on may 1st for thai holiday, also closed may 5th and may 12th

[bentrein]

But what about the 2nd and 3rd? I believe they're open then... I hope... I pray...

[bazmlb]

yes i believe penang is only closed those dates mentioned, so the other days are as normal check with NJ books in penang if you want to be certain

[bentrein]

Do you have a phone number of them? The Thai consulate refuses to answer the phone - also on work days. Have been trying all week!

Edit: Don't worry about the number; googled it, found it! Thanks. For other interested: +60 4-2616113 - and they say the consulate is indeed open on May 2nd.

Edited April 29, 2006 by bentrein