How long would it take to obtain a letter of approval in Bangkok? If it took longer than 7 days and i overstayed and payed fines would i be penalized in any other way than fines? I am a US citizen and i just got a job but my current visa is running out and i would like to get the letter of approval so i can then go get my non immi b visa in Vientiane. thank you for tour time

It should not take more than 7 days to get the letter of approval.

What kind of visa or entry do you have now?

There is nothing but a fine of 500 baht a day for overstay.

To avoid the overstay you could apply for a 7 day extension, pay 1900 baht and be given 7 days to leave.

My visa is currently the transit visa for 30 days from airport entry which i have renewed for 30 more days and which ends on the 7th of oct. Can i extend again for 7 days on top of that? I just talked to my employer who said i need to get the non immigrant b visa prior to applying for the work permit. is that true? can i go to laos and apply for non immi b visa without first applying for work permit? i read that you need some letter of approval from the labor ministry.

You will not get a non-b visa at any nearby embassy or consulate without a letter of approval. You might get one in Singapore without it.

You could get the 7 days if needed.

To get a letter of approval i need to have applied for work permit?

Just looked it up sorry. So the employer need to fill out a WP3 form and gve it to the ministry of labor right?

Since you are already here they need to do a WP1 application form.

A WP3 is an application for a person that has not entered the country.

Form downloads here. http://wp.doe.go.th/wp/index.php/2013-07-25-03-44-08/form-english

Okay thank you so much for your help UbonJoe It is very appreciated. All of the replies and help you have offered has helped me through a lot of the confusing thai visa processes. I am very grateful to you and the others on this fourm who help people like me out.