Questions on Re-Entry Permits and if overseas work can threaten visa status

[avander]

I am living in Thailand with my wife and kids on a Non Imm. "O" visa based on marriage (obviously). Been here for over two years now but recently have been offered a possibility of some contract work spending up to 80% of my time for 12-18 months working on a project across Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.

The work is specialized very few skills/knowledge here in Thailand so a short term WP (which my current visa allows for) could be provided. The company employing me is US based with an office here in BKK so they can sort out a Work Permit for me.

My questions below are rather on the processes for obtaining, maintaining and surrounding Multiple Re-Entry Permits as I could be flying in and out of Thailand regularly (weekly or fortnightly) for the life of the project (12-18 months):

1. Could travelling in and out so often affect my immigration status or my 12 monthly renewal
2. What about 90 day reporting? I can (and have been) reporting online and my "place of residence" would still be Thailand. Is it OK for me to still report online if I am out of the country at the time as it may be difficult to be here if I am out of the country working on the project at the time?
3. What is the easiest way for me to obtain/maintain the re-Entry Permit.

[Crossy]

1. Not really. You need to be in-country at the right time to apply for the extension, if you need to leave during the 30 day "under-consideration" period you'll need a new re-entry permit.

2. You only report if you are in-country for 90 days, the clock re-starts every time to re-enter.

3. Your local immigration, you can also get them at both Bangkok airports when exiting.

[elviajero]

1. No affect whatsoever. If you leave the country during a 30 day consideration you should tell the IO processing the application in case they want to do a home visit. You will need to be in the country at the end of the consideration period.
2. If you leave the country within 90 days the clock stops and you don't need to report. When you re-enter the country the 90 day clock restarts. If you are in the country for 90 consecutive days you report as usual although you might have a problem doing it online with new entries.
3. Get it from your local immigration office. You can buy a multiple re-entery permit for 3,800 baht that will be stamped in your passport. You buy a new one when you renew the 1 year extension of stay. You can also get one from the major airports. Single entry re-entry permits are available for 1,000 baht.

p.s. If you are going to be travelling in and out regularly you could use a multiple entry non 'O' visa.

[thaihome]

When the company gets your work permit tell them to get you multiple re-entry permit. They should pay for it anyway. This will let you leave Thailand as many times as you want and not impact your permission to stay date on your extension. The stamp will have a visa number, put that on your arrival card when you enter. You will not need to do 90 day reports unless there is over 90 days between trips. Every entry into Thailand resets the 90 day report clock (since you put your address on the arrival card)

TH

[lkv]

I think based on discussions on the other threads, the OP's real question was:

"If i spend so much time far away from my wife is the Immigration going to create problems or refuse annual extension" since "you need to be living with your wife" (apparently).

[sunnyjim5]

I think based on discussions on the other threads, the OP's real question was:

"If i spend so much time far away from my wife is the Immigration going to create problems or refuse annual extension" since "you need to be living with your wife" (apparently).

It will cause no problem.I have two friends who are married to Thai women who do exactly what the OP is asking about.

The other thread is just a moaning exercise which should be disregarded.

[elviajero]

I think based on discussions on the other threads, the OP's real question was:

"If i spend so much time far away from my wife is the Immigration going to create problems or refuse annual extension" since "you need to be living with your wife" (apparently).

I would assume he does live with his wife, when in Thailand, but as far as I know it's not a requirement that you live here full time. You just need to prove the marriage is legal and real.

[avander]

I think based on discussions on the other threads, the OP's real question was:

"If i spend so much time far away from my wife is the Immigration going to create problems or refuse annual extension" since "you need to be living with your wife" (apparently).

Actually I hadn't considered that but base don other replies following the above it seems not to be a problem in any case.

[avander]

Thank you to all who have contributed to answer my questions and other comments.

At least I am now prepared should the situation eventuate. Given the current economic climate I expect it is just as likely for the project to be put on hold but I hope not for my sake