Volunteer visa info help

[Hockley]

Hello all,

I need to apply for a Thai volunteer O visa but have a few of questions I'm hoping you may be able to help me with:

1) I know police checks are now required for a non-B visa, would I need to go to Bangkok to get the check done for an O visa?

2) It says the visa starts with 3 months but can be extended to a year. After the year is finished can you get another O visa?

3) Can you apply for this visa at any Thai embassy outside of Thailand, for example in Vientiane?

Many thanks in advance!

[ubonjoe]

1. That is only needed if teaching.

2. You will need a work permit to get the extension.

You may only get 90 day extensions dependent upon the organization you are working with. If you qualified for a one year extension you would be able to apply for another extension. If only 90 days you would have to go out for anther non-o visa after a year of total stay.

3. With the proper documents you would be able to get a single entry non-o in Vientiane.

[Hockley]

Wow, that was quick! Many thanks Ubonjoe, really appreciate your help.

[oncearugge]

Not all "B" visas are dependent on a police check before being issued.

What is involved in the proposed volunteering.

A visa for "volunteering" can only be obtained from a Thai Embassy/Consulate with supporting paperwork from the organisation you will be volunteering for. Vientiane would be a good place to apply.

Extensions of stay are, again, dependent on supporting documentation and would only be for 90 days for a max of one year.

If working you will also require a work permit.

[Hockley]

OK, sorry, just reread this, what if I am volunteering as a teacher?

[oncearugge]

OK, sorry, just reread this, what if I am volunteering as a teacher?

If that is the case you would likely need a Thai Police clearance and , possibly, a criminal record check from your home country.

[Hockley]

Thank you both very much for your advice