Successful Non B 1 Year at Penang

[bigsteve]

I had been hoping to make use of the new ‘Phuket Visa Run Ride Share Network’ on Facebook to do my 1 year Non B Visa run to Penang but timing due to work constraints made it impossible so I ended up having to use one of the many visa run minibus services, which to be honest I was dreading.

So on Monday I went with KBV Visa Run, and got picked up just before 10pm at Big C near Central Festival. There were six others already in the bus and having experience with this type of run before I decided I wanted a seat belt and sat up front with the driver. There were no seat belts in the back which concerned me as I think this is a basic requirement for this kind of trip. (I spoke to the driver later and he told me that KBV has five buses – this is the oldest and the newer ones all have seat belts in the back). The minibus was well decked out and the seats were comfortable padded leather.

We made a few more pickups ending up with nine customers. The driver (whose name was Tongbee) was better than most and apart from a bit of tailgating was safe enough and pleasant. He gave everyone a bottle of water and there was a blanket on each seat. We stopped a couple of times on the way down for toilet/smoking breaks and made it down to the border at Sadhao for about 4:45am. To kill time whilst we waited for immigration to open at 5am the driver gave each of us a Thailand visa application form to fill out and had us attach our two passport photos. We all then passed through immigration for our exit stamps which only took a few minutes as none of us had overstay.

We passed through Malaysia immigration, got stamped in and continued. One thing different to my last Penang run in October was that just inside the border, the driver stopped at a money changer so the customers could pick up some Malaysian Ringgit (visa fee must be paid in local currency). The rate given was 10 THB to 1 RM. We then continued onto Penang itself, arriving at the Banana Boutique hotel at about 8:30am local time (1 hour ahead of Thailand). We had some breakfast (a decent selection of hot food, toast, pastries, fruit and cereal) and then gave in our visa paperwork to the driver. I watched what was happening and it seems the owner of the Banana Boutique hotel checks all the paperwork and then lets you know if there is anything missing and which visa you are likely to get. At the same time you hand in your visa fee (to which they have tacked on 200 baht/ 20 ringgit for this checking service). Those who are looking for Non B visas are then handed back their paperwork and passports and have to go and hand them in personally at the consulate which is about ten minutes away in the minibus. I took a look through my paperwork and was interested to see that the hotel had removed a lot of my papers leaving me with a bare ten pages neatly stacked together with my (correct) visa fee now stapled to the paperwork. The papers still remaining were:

Visa application form with 2 recent passport photos attached

Letter of introduction/ sponsorship from my company

List with names of employees

Company registration

Social security registration

Company license

Company registration

Work permit - photo page

Passport - photo page

All other papers had been removed. We went to the consulate, handed this in and then went back to the hotel where we were given our room keys. I ended up with a nice room to myself just a few doors down from reception. Some of the others later told me their rooms were much smaller – I guess I was just lucky.

I then spent the next eight hours or so wandering around Penang. There is a lot to see and after the obligatory curry (Sri Ananda on Lebuh Penang in Little India – excellent curry and so cheap!) I took a look inside a couple of temples, one of which was the Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, which is described as one of the city’s most prominent heritage attractions. There are also many paintings on the walls around the city which are kind of in 3D and very realistic, usually of children sitting on bicycles or swings or reaching up to a window. These are well done and interesting to look at. I missed dinner at the hotel which is included (last time I was there they served up spaghetti bolognaise which was fine).

The following morning I skipped breakfast and wandered a few hundred metres along the road to a small cafe called Mugshot for a bagel muffin and hot chocolate. Check out was then at 10am and at about 10:45 we were given back our passports (no need to go back to the consulate). We left soon afterwards on the trek back to Phuket. I decided I wanted to be comfortable on the trip back so I got in first and grabbed the seat behind the driver, which had a bit more space. I am 194cm tall and although I preferred having the seat belt in the front, I couldn’t face another ten hours with my knees knocking the dash.

On the way back we stopped at some kind of duty free place and a few people bought things (mainly alcohol). We did this last time I made this run so it seems pretty standard. We then stopped in a nice little restaurant in Phattalung called Larn Ta Chu Steak House for lunch, which didn’t happen last time. Several Thai dishes were served up with iced water and if you wanted any other drinks you just paid for those.

We stopped about every two hours on the way back for toilet/smoking breaks. The driver was going a bit faster than necessary but was also pretty careful. I think he was getting a bit tired towards the end as we got into Phuket traffic (hardly surprising) and keen to get home. I got out of the minibus back at Big C at 8pm, pretty much ten hours after leaving the hotel in Penang.

All in all, a much better experience than I was expecting. Having a pleasant friendly driver makes a big difference.

[phuketrichard]

Good report, thanks,

1 year non B visa, 550 MYR still?

[bigsteve]

Yes 550 RM for 1 year and 220 for 90 day single entry (but as I said the hotel add on a 200 baht agent fee)

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[BKS22]

Nice informative write up bigsteve. As I am expecting to have to do a Penang run within the next few weeks fir a non Imm-B as well.

More power to you taking a trip in a minivan that far, but it sounds like it was fairly comfortable. I just couldn't do it...I'm going to have to fly.

[Phuketboy]

Good to see everything went smoothly for you. Need to renew mine but there is no way I will ever do via road again. Did the first one a few years ago and that was the last. I personally prefer to fly somewhere to do my visa runs. I think the car, not only takes so long, dangerous driving, etc etc. it is far safer and better experience to fly and have time to enjoy where you are going.

[phuketrichard]

if u fly firefly the flight departs Penang at 2:10

if u do the visa on ur own u pick up your pasport after 1,

not enough time.

Latest u need leave downtown Penang is 12:30

Last time i flew down with gf to do her non b we stayed at the mindigood hotel an Arthur did the visa for us and got it back to us at noon so we could make the flght

BUT who knows if they still do it that with new regulations.

check before you fly. sales inquiry <[email protected]>

rooms are 100 myr/night ., 2 blocks to Chula street.

[seancbk]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

[ubonjoe]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

Yes you must have a work permit and it must have 8 months remaining on it.

[seancbk]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

Yes you must have a work permit and it must have 8 months remaining on it.

Thanks Joe.

[lemonjelly]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

The papers still remaining were:

Visa application form with 2 recent passport photos attached

Letter of introduction/ sponsorship from my company

List with names of employees

Company registration

Social security registration

Company license

Company registration

Work permit - photo page

Passport - photo page

[seancbk]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

The papers still remaining were:

Visa application form with 2 recent passport photos attached

Letter of introduction/ sponsorship from my company

List with names of employees

Company registration

Social security registration

Company license

Company registration

Work permit - photo page

Passport - photo page

Oops... I missed that when I quickly read through the OP.

Cheers.

[Phuketboy]

if u fly firefly the flight departs Penang at 2:10

if u do the visa on ur own u pick up your pasport after 1,

not enough time.

Latest u need leave downtown Penang is 12:30

Last time i flew down with gf to do her non b we stayed at the mindigood hotel an Arthur did the visa for us and got it back to us at noon so we could make the flght

BUT who knows if they still do it that with new regulations.

check before you fly. sales inquiry <[email protected]>

rooms are 100 myr/night ., 2 blocks to Chula street.

Or fly to KL, many flights available drop passport off between 9.30 and 11.00 pick up the next day between 2.00 and 4.00. As with any visa run, you need to check the holidays for both Thailand and which ever country you are going to. Singapore or Hong Kong also very good.

[ubonjoe]

if u fly firefly the flight departs Penang at 2:10

if u do the visa on ur own u pick up your pasport after 1,

not enough time.

Latest u need leave downtown Penang is 12:30

Last time i flew down with gf to do her non b we stayed at the mindigood hotel an Arthur did the visa for us and got it back to us at noon so we could make the flght

BUT who knows if they still do it that with new regulations.

check before you fly. sales inquiry <[email protected]>

rooms are 100 myr/night ., 2 blocks to Chula street.

Or fly to KL, many flights available drop passport off between 9.30 and 11.00 pick up the next day between 2.00 and 4.00. As with any visa run, you need to check the holidays for both Thailand and which ever country you are going to. Singapore or Hong Kong also very good.

Not for a multiple entry non-b visa. Penang is the only nearby choice at this time.

[BKS22]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

Yes you must have a work permit and it must have 8 months remaining on it.

Joe,

What if I'm going to get my first ever Non Imm B visa....and obviously I don't have a WP yet? I'll only get approved for a single entry Non Imm B visa?

[bigsteve]

BKS22,

You'll need correct relevant paperwork and very likely a special letter from the labour office (others will know the name for this paper, sorry I don't). You will then get a 90 day single entry. This gives you time to get the work permit and then armed with the work permit (and other necessary paperwork as per my OP) you can go at the end of your 90 days to apply for your 1 year.

Sent from my GT-N7105 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[digitalchromakey]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

Yes you must have a work permit and it must have 8 months remaining on it.

Joe,

What if I'm going to get my first ever Non Imm B visa....and obviously I don't have a WP yet? I'll only get approved for a single entry Non Imm B visa?

Your employer needs to successfuly file for a Work Permit at Labour, using form WP3, if you are outside of Thailand, or WP1 if you are already in Thailand.

Once your papers are accepted as being in order you will be issued with a WP3 or WP1 receipt and should then apply for a Letter of Approval from Labour, this can take some time as it needs to be signed by the Head of Dept at Labour.

Form_tt1.pdf

Form_tt3.pdf

The Letter of Approval states that you are eligible for a Work Permit only if you are first issued with a non immigrant 'B' visa and get a 90 day entry in your passport there of.

Leave Thailand and go to a Thai Consular facility with the full list of papers in the link below and as BigSteve posted, you will be issued with a Single Entry Non immigrant 'B' visa, use this to get a 90 day entry.

Go to Labour with copies of your entry stamp and they will complete the process then issue your WP, after which you can start work.

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15388-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22B%22-(for-Business-and.html

.

[EBlair48]

The MFA site says only 1 pic, so good to know that 2 are needed, kinda thing that can cost you a day if you get there too late to get another photo

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15388-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22B%22-%28for-Business-and.html

Anyone have a link to the Penang Thai consulate in English?

Thanks

Edited March 23, 2014 by EBlair48

[EBlair48]

Since I have a WP for two years now, and am director of the company do I still need that Letter of introduction ?

The MFA also mentions VAT registration papers , any need for this?

[digitalchromakey]

The MFA site says only 1 pic, so good to know that 2 are needed, kinda thing that can cost you a day if you get there too late to get another photo

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15388-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22B%22-%28for-Business-and.html

Anyone have a link to the Penang Thai consulate in English?

Thanks

Royal Thai Consulate-General, Penang, Malaysia

No. 1, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 10350 Penang, Malaysia

Tel.(604) 226-8029, 226-9484, 228-6784

Fax.(604) 226-3121,226-2533

E-mail: [email protected]

Currently nothing sensible webwise from the MFA in English.

Phone them, they normally answer the phone during working hours.

[digitalchromakey]

Since I have a WP for two years now, and am director of the company do I still need that Letter of introduction ?

The MFA also mentions VAT registration papers , any need for this?

Yes, bring the PP20 (VAT Papers) in case they are requested - Bigsteve's Company is not VAT registered.

[phuketrichard]

I just got reply from Banana GH

Needed

1. Visa application form with 2 recent passport photos attached
2. Letter of introduction/ sponsorship from company
3. List with names of employees
4. Company registration
5. shareholders & directors list
6. Work permit - photo page
7. Passport - photo page
8. Plus the real work permit

[digitalchromakey]

I just got reply from Banana GH

Needed

1. Visa application form with 2 recent passport photos attached
2. Letter of introduction/ sponsorship from company
3. List with names of employees
4. Company registration
5. shareholders & directors list
6. Work permit - photo page
7. Passport - photo page
8. Plus the real work permit

MFA site below as my post above said it was out at the time:

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15388-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22B%22-(for-Business-and.html

[phuketrichard]

I posted what the consoulute is asking for via banana gh in Penang,

nothing more, nothing less

They do visa applications daily

[zianlim]

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

Yes you must have a work permit and it must have 8 months remaining on it.

Joe,

What if I'm going to get my first ever Non Imm B visa....and obviously I don't have a WP yet? I'll only get approved for a single entry Non Imm B visa?

Please do not apply for a non b if you dont have a WP3. I swear! you will be denied by consulate

[ubonjoe]

A WP3 is not enough. A letter of approval for the work permit application issued by the labor ministry is required to get a non-b if working for a company.

[M71]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

Thanks for the detailed report.

You mention letter from the sponsoring company. Do you still need a WP to apply for the 1 year mulitple entry B visa or are Penang not requiring that?

Yes you must have a work permit and it must have 8 months remaining on it.

My work permit has only 2 months left on it - can it be extended [before going to Penang of course]

[ubonjoe]

That would depend upon the local work permit office how early they will extend a work permit. You will not get a multiple entry visa without it being extended.

[LD8044]

I have been told that Penang has just recently stopped issuing 1 year non-b and will only give 3 month single entry. I have asked these people if they had all the correct paper work, passport/ work permit are valid ect, and of course they said yes but they could be lying not to look like a fool, I have also heard at the same time others received 1 year multi entry no problems. I would like to know if anyone with in the past 2 weeks has had any issues being denied a 1 year multi entry other than not having proper documents or documents without the proper length of validity.

Thanks

[haiku]

I have been told that Penang has just recently stopped issuing 1 year non-b and will only give 3 month single entry. I have asked these people if they had all the correct paper work, passport/ work permit are valid ect, and of course they said yes but they could be lying not to look like a fool, I have also heard at the same time others received 1 year multi entry no problems. I would like to know if anyone with in the past 2 weeks has had any issues being denied a 1 year multi entry other than not having proper documents or documents without the proper length of validity.

Thanks

Wow, that would be a drag as I’m getting ready to go to Penang next week for the 1 year multi entry. Yes, anybody out there have any new reliable info on whether they still issue the 1 year multi entry. I do have all proper paperwork, work permit and so on and got my 1 year there about 5 years ago. So any new info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[phuketrichard]

heading down monday , have heard nothing from anyone, an banana gh ( whom i contacted last week) said only that you need go to the consolute on ur own, no longer can a travel agent take it for you.

Need 9 months on wp