I'm thinking of going for a 1-year non-B extension instead of continuing to make visa runs every 90 days or less.

My multiple-entry non-immigrant B visa states "enter before 10th July 2006" and since I made my final entry on it a few days ago I'm stamped until 16th September and my work permit has been renewed until 16th September.

At what time should I apply for the 1-year extension?

Also does anyone know the current cost? I know at one time it was something like 12,000 baht under the table here in Phuket but hopefully it's not so much these days.

I've been fine over the last 3 years with just one Thai employee. Might this be a problem if I go for the extension (e.g. need 4 employees)?

I also heard that some people got it extended just for a month a couple of times before finally getting the 1-year extension. Is this still a possibility?

Any other suprises to beware of?

Thanks

I'm thinking of going for a 1-year non-B extension instead of continuing to make visa runs every 90 days or less.

My multiple-entry non-immigrant B visa states "enter before 10th July 2006" and since I made my final entry on it a few days ago I'm stamped until 16th September and my work permit has been renewed until 16th September.

At what time should I apply for the 1-year extension?

Also does anyone know the current cost? I know at one time it was something like 12,000 baht under the table here in Phuket but hopefully it's not so much these days.

I've been fine over the last 3 years with just one Thai employee. Might this be a problem if I go for the extension (e.g. need 4 employees)?

I also heard that some people got it extended just for a month a couple of times before finally getting the 1-year extension. Is this still a possibility?

Any other suprises to beware of?

Thanks

If you would like to apply for an extension of stay by business (because you are tired of visa runs) Ifyou are married or have a investment in a condo from a developer or 3 million Baht in a bank, then you as the employer must have 4 Thai employees per foreigner. ( Unless your companies objective is Consultant or Agent, than it is only 1 Thai employee required) Each Thai must be getting the minimum salary of 5,520 Baht per month and the foreigner must be getting the following salary

United States, Canada, Japan 60,000 baht/month

Europe, UK, Australia, NZ 50,000 baht/month

Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea 45,000 baht/month

India, Malaysia, Middle East 45,000 baht/month

China, Philippines, Indonesia 35,000 baht/month

Africa, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam 25,000 baht/month

Journalists working for Thailand newspapers 20,000 baht/month

If you travel to BKK for your work, Apply for the extension in BKk, it does not have to be in Phuket.

www.lawyer.th.com

Thanks for that. The 4 Thai employees, plus the 15k hike in my salary, make this a no-go for me.

Guess it's on with those marathon minibus rides.

cheers