Non-Imm B multiple entry (a thing of the past?)

[Robaht]

Best I can see is that Thailand is only offering the single 90-day non-imm B anywhere. (well, in the region & USA). The only exception, maybe out of date, is that Penang might give the 1-year multi entry non-imm B if you have a valid work permit with 8 months+ validity left on it. Whether that is still true, not sure, but I've only got 7 months 25 days - drats!!

So the problem becomes not getting the 90-day non-imm B and applying for multiple re-entry (I think I have all the documents) but rather being required to extend it within Thailand with the extra requirements from Immigrations for Thai staff, special fund payments etc. A big company I am not so I don't think I have all needed documents for that.

A ) For the 90-day non-imm B, is there any word on whether they will issue several consecutively? Over the past 9 years getting a new 1-year non-imm B multi-entry each year was easy, but they seem to be changing that, so I wonder if they will reject 2 or more of the 90-day single entry non-imm B in a row? Any thoughts?

B ) Or maybe it is back to not-working in Thailand (and return my work permit/close company) and just use 30-day exempt stamps and tourist visas. I hear the 30-day exempt stamps are no longer limited but probably using the full 30 days, leaving for 2 days and coming back several times in a row is going to trigger something eventually (so have air tix and 20k baht on person, etc.).

C ) are they limiting at all the number of consecutive multi-entry tourist visas in the region?

Cheers!

[sunnyjim5]

If your company is legal and can meet the requirements for a single entry "B" visa there will be no problem.

Penang will with correct documentation and a work permit with 8+ months validity still issue ME "B" visas.

[Robaht]

If your company is legal and can meet the requirements for a single entry "B" visa there will be no problem.

Penang will with correct documentation and a work permit with 8+ months validity still issue ME "B" visas.

Will they be super-strict on the 8 months? If I got there Monday I'd be a week short on the WP at only 7 months 25 days actually.

EDIT: I called the Penang consulate and actually got hold of someone. She said no, must be 8 months+, no buffer zone. But she did seem to confirm the 1-year non-imm B ME so that is something.

[ubonjoe]

A. There are people that have been getting multiple entry non-b visas for many years from Penang. There is no limit on them that I know of.

You might get them also at some location much farther away from here.

B. Not a good option.

C. By multiple entry tourist visa I assume you mean 2 or 3 entry visas that are no longer available anywhere since the real multiple entry tourist visa (METV) started back in November. For all intents and purpose the METV can only be applied for in your home country.

If you are just maintaining a company for visa purposes the 5 year Thai Elite membership might be an option. For 500k baht you can get a PE visa that allows unlimited one year entries for 5 years. See: http://www.thailandelite.com/glimpse.php

[PoorSucker]

Will they be super-strict on the 8 months? If I got there Monday I'd be a week short on the WP at only 7 months 25 days actually.

Contact Jim in Penang

https://www.facebook.com/jim.tachinamurthy

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jims-Place/151258461691517

http://jimsplacepenang.tripod.com/

[Robaht]

Will they be super-strict on the 8 months? If I got there Monday I'd be a week short on the WP at only 7 months 25 days actually.

Contact Jim in Penang

https://www.facebook.com/jim.tachinamurthy

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jims-Place/151258461691517

http://jimsplacepenang.tripod.com/

This was by far the best advice I received on the topic. Completely sorted. Thanks!

[Tomtomtom69]

A) No problems getting a non-B multi entry. I'm on my second consecutive one. All depends on where you apply.

Certainly choosing the visa-free or tourist visa option wouldn't be a good option, if anything, that's what they're cracking down on.

Multi non-Bs are no more difficult to obtain (easier even) than a few years ago in my experience. Depends where you apply.