Long story short, lived here many many years and been out of touch with what's required and the various hoops I'll need to jump through... until my last trip to the UK my visa situation was taken care of for some ten years+, now going to acquire a Work Permit with a new employer and have to do this first step myself.

In a nutshell, my situation is as follows...

* UK citizen, 42 years old, living in Bkk, brand new passport issued in the UK with a Visa On Arrival stamp for 30 days which expires on the 30th of this month.

* Have a letter of job offer (in English) from my Thai company proposing employment offer. It's on company headed paper.

* I will get a copy of the company registration document from the employer too - is that all I need from them, just those two things? Example wording for job offer? Should or MUST include salary details? Do I need it in Thai too?

* I understand I may need other documents, some presumably can be filled out when actually applying for the vise or downloaded, but I am not too worried about that.

Anything I have missed? Police check req'd or not?

Next part is, where to go...

* As a UK citizen Malaysia, namely Penang seems the best option, as no Visa required, and I've been before and know my way around.

* I've read through here for some 2 hours or so, but can't find any recent cases similar, so does anyone know of any recent problems there with this type of Visa?

* My understanding is that they will process it in the morning (c.10-12am) and all being well you pick it up the next working day (c.2-4pm) - I'll probably use one of the better know agents on Chulia Street, it's seemingly a well established service they do there. Right?

If I'm clearly going to the wrong place, please suggest an alternative... the way it looks the total cost should be around 3k (Visa) 3-4k (AA flights) 2k (budget hotel) 2k (misc travel) and whatever I spend on food and drinks and killing time - sounds about right?

I'm really really thoroughly grateful to anyone who can contribute to my query... ideally someone who has just done the same and knows what's required. Or persons with solid knowledge about this process. Furthermore... Chulia Street advises and/or recommendations?

Have a great w'end one and all.

Penang is good choice. You can find their list of requirements to get a non-b visa here. http://www.thaiembassy.org/penang/contents/files/services-20140508-110623-169095.pdf

The fee will be 300 MYR not what is shown on that fille.

The most important thing you should note on the the list is number 12 on the list. Your employer will have to apply for a work permit and get a work permit application approval letter.

Penang is good choice. You can find their list of requirements to get a non-b visa here. http://www.thaiembassy.org/penang/contents/files/services-20140508-110623-169095.pdf

The fee will be 300 MYR not what is shown on that fille.

The most important thing you should note on the the list is number 12 on the list. Your employer will have to apply for a work permit and get a work permit application approval letter.

Joe, thank so much, really useful...

So, if fact, loads of paperwork required seemingly... they are really strict on ALL those do you know? Noting point 12, I will ensure that is filled in, where do I get such a form? Ministry of Labour or Immigration? Do you perhaps know?

On returning my employer I think will do all whatever else is required I believe.

You fast and factual response impressed me! Thanks once again!

If you don't have everything listed they could refuse to accept your application.

Your employer will have to apply for your work permit at the Labor Ministry in order to get the application approval letter.

If you don't have everything listed they could refuse to accept your application.

Your employer will have to apply for your work permit at the Labor Ministry in order to get the application approval letter.

I see, so the WP3 form that I need to take to Penang I must get first from the Dept of Labour at Din Daeng and then they complete it?

You're kind put up with my ignorance by the way!

If you don't have everything listed they could refuse to accept your application.

Your employer will have to apply for your work permit at the Labor Ministry in order to get the application approval letter.

I see, so the WP3 form that I need to take to Penang I must get first from the Dept of Labour at Din Daeng and then they complete it?

You're kind put up with my ignorance by the way!

Your employer will have do a application for a work permit by submitting all the required documents in order to get a "WP3" from the Labor Ministry.

If you don't have everything listed they could refuse to accept your application.

Your employer will have to apply for your work permit at the Labor Ministry in order to get the application approval letter.

I see, so the WP3 form that I need to take to Penang I must get first from the Dept of Labour at Din Daeng and then they complete it?

You're kind put up with my ignorance by the way!

Your employer will have do a application for a work permit by submitting all the required documents in order to get a "WP3" from the Labor Ministry.

Good Lord, it's all changed since I last did this then... so all that has to be done PRIOR to me even going to get the Non-Imm B from Penang?

It used to be that you just had a letter of job offer, then came back with your Non-B and did all the applying etc

Things changes a few years ago. All nearby embassies and consulate require the work permit application approval letter.

The nearest place I am aware of to get a non-b without one is Hong Kong.