Not returning on a work permit

[djw238]

I left Thailand on a Non-B and a WP with a single re-entry, but I've decided to not return for at least a few months. My Non-B expires in February 2017. Will I have any problems when I return to Thailand? Do I have to wait until after February to return?

[Maestro]

You don't have to wait until after February.

[chrisinth]

If your extension of stay (assuming this is what you have as you refer to re-entry) is based on the work permit, and the work permit is cancelled during your absence, then the extension of stay will be cancelled as well.

Ie, no WP, no extension of stay until Feb 17.

[Johnniey]

If your extension of stay (assuming this is what you have as you refer to re-entry) is based on the work permit, and the work permit is cancelled during your absence, then the extension of stay will be cancelled as well.

Ie, no WP, no extension of stay until Feb 17.

Really? Cancelled by whom.

This is not my experience. The Dept of Labour do NOT contact immigration.

[ubonjoe]

If you try entering prior to the date your re-entry permit expires the officer may insist on using it. It would be best to get a visa to use for entry instead of trying to do a visa exempt entry.

[chrisinth]

If your extension of stay (assuming this is what you have as you refer to re-entry) is based on the work permit, and the work permit is cancelled during your absence, then the extension of stay will be cancelled as well.

Ie, no WP, no extension of stay until Feb 17.

Really? Cancelled by whom.

This is not my experience. The Dept of Labour do NOT contact immigration.

I am not disputing that the DOL don't contact immigration on cancellation of a WP, what i am stating is (what i believe to be) the legal aspects of what the OP is suggesting. If the WP is cancelled and the OP returns on the re-entry permit, he needs to cancel the extension of stay with immigration as he no longer has a reason for that extension.

As the OP intends returning to Thailand, i think it is fair that he is aware of what he is doing as I'm pretty sure he won't want a 5 year ban and the overstay fines if he is for some reason caught between his return and February next year.

As to the WP cancelled by whom, I can't think of a single company that would keep a work permit alive considering the financial and manpower implications for someone not returning for work. Unless some agreement between the company and ex-employee has been agreed on.

Happy to be proved wrong if the above is incorrect.........................

[djw238]

Thanks, I'll return after February on a tourist visa.