The Thailand expat forum for Travel, Lifestyle and Fun.

cleddeau · 06-09-2008, 05:03 PM

Has anyone else had problems lately with a work Permit? As I understood from Thai Visa I should have had no problems applying for a work permit using a non imm. O visa ( retirement)
At Chonburi when I applied yesterday I was informed that “This type of visa may be issued to applicants aged 50 years and over who wish to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 1 year without the intention of working.
Holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 1 year. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited”
I was also informed that acc to Section 51 of Workers Alien Act 2551 any alien engaging in the work without permission shall be subject to an imprisonment of not exceeding 5 years or a fine from 2000 bt to 100000 bt. if I work illegally.
That “Foreigners who wish to work, conduct business or undertake investment activities in Thailand must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulates-General. Various categories of the Non-Immigrant Visa are currently provided to meet the needs and qualifications of individual business persons. These include business visa Category “B”. Holder of this type of visa wishing to work in Thailand must be granted a work permit before starting work.
The visa fee is 2,000 Baht for single-entry with three-month validity and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries with one-year validity.
It is recommended that the applicant should apply for visa at the Thai Embassy/ Consulate in the country where he/she has the residence
I was also informed that the charges were going up considerably

good2bhappy · 06-09-2008, 05:07 PM

B is for business
O is for other
You want to work get a B
simple

dirtydog · 06-09-2008, 05:09 PM

By rights you should be able to get a work permit based on your non imm O visa, maybe the labour dept in Chonburi don't know this though, maybe an idea to change it to a B visa in Bangkok then reapply for your work permit in Chonburi.

Norton · 06-09-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleddeau

As I understood from Thai Visa I should have had no problems applying for a work permit using a non imm. O visa ( retirement)

The information you received on Thai Visa is incorrect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleddeau

Various categories of the Non-Immigrant Visa are currently provided to meet the needs and qualifications of individual business persons. These include business visa Category “B”. Holder of this type of visa wishing to work in Thailand must be granted a work permit before starting work.

This is correct.

Norton · 06-09-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtydog

maybe an idea to change it to a B visa in Bangkok then reapply for your work permit in Chonburi.

This I would check out. If you can convert you will need some additional documentation however. The "B" visa is required to get a work permit.

cleddeau · 06-09-2008, 05:24 PM

Dirty Dog -- Yes you could previously get on a retirement visa. I know peopel who have done that but they said that the new regulations have just come in also Pattaya Immigration says that I will have to go out of the country to change my visa to a Business visa

Thetyim · 06-09-2008, 05:41 PM

Both retirement visa and retirement extension are for retirement only, the rules do not permit you to work.

You should be able to change from O to B in Bangkok.
I don't think any other immigration office can do it.

Norton · 06-09-2008, 05:42 PM

Here is what the Thai Embassy in Singapore requires. This the same in any Thai Embassy as far as I know. If Thai Immigration in Bangkok will allow you to apply, they will need the same documentation.

Non-Immigrant Visa-B
Required documents are:

One completed and signed visa application form
One recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 x 4.5cm)
Passport (valid for no less than 6 months)
Invitation letter from a company in Thailand (Original)
(The letter must be typed in the company’s letter head and signed by authorized person)
1. Company’s registration documents in Thailand
2. list of shareholders
3. business registration and business license (including capital)
4. company profile
5. details of business operation
6. list of foreign worker stating names, nationalities and positions
7. map indicating the location of the company
8. Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor 30) of the latest year
9. Alien income tax return (Por Ngor 91)
10. Valued added Tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20), etc
  (Copies of company documents must be signed by authorized person and affixed the company seal)
Recommendation letter from a company in Singapore (Original in the company’s letter head)
Airline ticket or confirmation slip with flight number and date of entry/exit.
Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom)
Financial evidence in case that the person applicant is doing his/her business
Application fee:
1. $85 for Single enty (Cash only in Singapore Dollars)
2. $220 for Multiple Entries valid for One Year

http://www.thaiembassy.sg/immigrantB_visa.html

Thetyim · 06-09-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norton

The information you received on Thai Visa is incorrect.

I disagree

cleddeau · 06-09-2008, 06:09 PM

Thank you all for your help and advice
As you can see I havn't posted very much on this Forum although I have read it a lot. I hope to post more in the future as everyone has been very helpful and not treated me as if I had been stupid -- that has been suggested to me elsewhere Thank you all.

Norton · 06-09-2008, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetyim

I disagree

Are you at it again.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleddeau

As I understood from Thai Visa I should have had no problems applying for a work permit using a non imm. O visa ( retirement)

You must then agree with this?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetyim

Both retirement visa and retirement extension are for retirement only, the rules do not permit you to work.

I'm confused!

Thetyim · 06-09-2008, 06:29 PM

^
Shit, sorry Norton, I read your post as saying "correct"
My apologies, I am suffering from eye strain because of a dodgy monitor and of course old age again.

Gerbil · 06-09-2008, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetyim

My apologies, I am suffering from eye strain because of excessive wanking.

Frankenstein · 07-09-2008, 08:55 PM

The confusion likely stems from that not all Non-Immigrant O visas are created equal.

A Non-Immigrant O based on retirement does NOT make you eligible to apply for a work permit.

A Non-Immigrant O based on marriage DOES make you eligible to apply for a work permit.

cleddeau · 08-09-2008, 08:15 AM

So Frankenstein if I change my retirement visa for a marriage visa I could get a work permit -- Why did they not tell me they say my marriage certificate?

Frankenstein · 09-09-2008, 01:02 PM

Yes, that should be possible.

Although I am not sure whether the visa can be changed in-country, or if you would need to leave, cancel your retirement visa and apply for a new non-immigrant O based on marriage at an embassy abroad.

DrAndy · 09-09-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thetyim

^
Shit, sorry Norton, I read your post as saying "correct"
My apologies, I am suffering from eye strain because of a dodgy monitor and of course old age again.

it was correct that he said incorrect, so the post was correct and you were incorrect to attempt to correct him

Thaihome · 12-09-2008, 12:11 PM

The confusion between a visa and an extension to stay are causing the problems. If the OP is staying on a 1 year’s extension of a Non Imm "O" visa for reasons of retirement or has entered on an O-A visa and has a 1 year permitted to stay stamp, he cannot get a work permit.
If he has entered on a Non-Imm "O" visa and is staying a 90 day entry stamp, he can have that converted to a "B" visa and get a work permit and then a 1 year extension based on the work permit.
Extensions are based on some reason to stay, a work permit, retirement, or marriage. Reason to stay (Work permit, etc) come first, then the extensions, not the other way around.
TH

racefan · 14-10-2008, 06:50 PM

My personal experience:

I moved to Thailand in 2005 to take up employment with a Thai law firm.
I obtained a Non B visa from the Thai consulate in Birmingham assisted by the papers that my future employers sent me.

My work permit was obtained from Surathani Province shortly after my arrival.

After starting work on Koh Samui after doing 1 visa run to Malaysia after 90 days my boss suggested I get a retirement extension as I had the required 800k in my bank.

This was done and the work permit was renewed without problem.

When I left the law firm however in August 2007 to join my current employers, I was unable to get a new work permit based on the retirement extension which I had to forfeit and go to Vientienne to get a new Non B armed with the job offer papers from the new employer.

When I did that the new work permit was issued.

Hope this helps.

06-09-2008, 05:03 PM	#1 (permalink)
cleddeau Bang Tao Beach Last Online: 29-11-2008 10:07 AM Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pattaya Posts: 13	Problems with Retirement Visa and Work permit Has anyone else had problems lately with a work Permit? As I understood from Thai Visa I should have had no problems applying for a work permit using a non imm. O visa ( retirement) At Chonburi when I applied yesterday I was informed that “This type of visa may be issued to applicants aged 50 years and over who wish to stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 1 year without the intention of working. Holder of this type of visa is allowed to stay in Thailand for 1 year. Employment of any kind is strictly prohibited” I was also informed that acc to Section 51 of Workers Alien Act 2551 any alien engaging in the work without permission shall be subject to an imprisonment of not exceeding 5 years or a fine from 2000 bt to 100000 bt. if I work illegally. That “Foreigners who wish to work, conduct business or undertake investment activities in Thailand must apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies or Royal Thai Consulates-General. Various categories of the Non-Immigrant Visa are currently provided to meet the needs and qualifications of individual business persons. These include business visa Category “B”. Holder of this type of visa wishing to work in Thailand must be granted a work permit before starting work. The visa fee is 2,000 Baht for single-entry with three-month validity and 5,000 Baht for multiple entries with one-year validity. It is recommended that the applicant should apply for visa at the Thai Embassy/ Consulate in the country where he/she has the residence I was also informed that the charges were going up considerably

06-09-2008, 05:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
Norton Born Again Pagan Last Online: Yesterday 10:28 PM Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Roiet Posts: 7,265	Here is what the Thai Embassy in Singapore requires. This the same in any Thai Embassy as far as I know. If Thai Immigration in Bangkok will allow you to apply, they will need the same documentation. Non-Immigrant Visa-B Required documents are: One completed and signed visa application form One recent passport-sized photograph (3.5 x 4.5cm) Passport (valid for no less than 6 months) Invitation letter from a company in Thailand (Original) (The letter must be typed in the company’s letter head and signed by authorized person) Company’s registration documents in Thailand list of shareholders business registration and business license (including capital) company profile details of business operation list of foreign worker stating names, nationalities and positions map indicating the location of the company Balance sheet, statement of Income Tax and Business Tax (Por Ngor Dor 50 and Por Ngor 30) of the latest year Alien income tax return (Por Ngor 91) Valued added Tax registration (Por Ngor Dor 20), etc (Copies of company documents must be signed by authorized person and affixed the company seal) Recommendation letter from a company in Singapore (Original in the company’s letter head) Airline ticket or confirmation slip with flight number and date of entry/exit. Copy of Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (only in case the applicant has previously worked in the Kingdom) Financial evidence in case that the person applicant is doing his/her business Application fee: $85 for Single enty (Cash only in Singapore Dollars) $220 for Multiple Entries valid for One Year http://www.thaiembassy.sg/immigrantB_visa.html __________________ Eat right, exercise daily, live clean, die anyway.

07-09-2008, 08:55 PM	#14 (permalink)
Frankenstein Elite Member Last Online: Yesterday 10:39 PM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The land of milking honeys Posts: 2,680	The confusion likely stems from that not all Non-Immigrant O visas are created equal. A Non-Immigrant O based on retirement does NOT make you eligible to apply for a work permit. A Non-Immigrant O based on marriage DOES make you eligible to apply for a work permit. __________________ Freedom of speech is ultra important so stupid people will make their stupid statements so we know how stupid they are. - Ted Nugent

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-09-2008, 05:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
good2bhappy Senior Member Last Online: Yesterday 11:34 PM Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Klong Samwa Posts: 5,335	B is for business O is for other You want to work get a B simple

06-09-2008, 05:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
dirtydog The Dog Last Online: Today 06:20 AM Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Pattaya Posts: 34,415	By rights you should be able to get a work permit based on your non imm O visa, maybe the labour dept in Chonburi don't know this though, maybe an idea to change it to a B visa in Bangkok then reapply for your work permit in Chonburi.

06-09-2008, 05:24 PM	#6 (permalink)
cleddeau Bang Tao Beach Last Online: 29-11-2008 10:07 AM Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pattaya Posts: 13	Dirty Dog -- Yes you could previously get on a retirement visa. I know peopel who have done that but they said that the new regulations have just come in also Pattaya Immigration says that I will have to go out of the country to change my visa to a Business visa

06-09-2008, 05:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
Thetyim Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phrae Posts: 12,218	Both retirement visa and retirement extension are for retirement only, the rules do not permit you to work. You should be able to change from O to B in Bangkok. I don't think any other immigration office can do it.

06-09-2008, 06:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
cleddeau Bang Tao Beach Last Online: 29-11-2008 10:07 AM Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pattaya Posts: 13	Thank you all for your help and advice As you can see I havn't posted very much on this Forum although I have read it a lot. I hope to post more in the future as everyone has been very helpful and not treated me as if I had been stupid -- that has been suggested to me elsewhere Thank you all.

06-09-2008, 06:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
Thetyim Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Phrae Posts: 12,218	^ Shit, sorry Norton, I read your post as saying "correct" My apologies, I am suffering from eye strain because of a dodgy monitor and of course old age again.

08-09-2008, 08:15 AM	#15 (permalink)
cleddeau Bang Tao Beach Last Online: 29-11-2008 10:07 AM Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Pattaya Posts: 13	So Frankenstein if I change my retirement visa for a marriage visa I could get a work permit -- Why did they not tell me they say my marriage certificate?

09-09-2008, 01:02 PM	#16 (permalink)
Frankenstein Elite Member Last Online: Yesterday 10:39 PM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: The land of milking honeys Posts: 2,680	Yes, that should be possible. Although I am not sure whether the visa can be changed in-country, or if you would need to leave, cancel your retirement visa and apply for a new non-immigrant O based on marriage at an embassy abroad.

12-09-2008, 12:11 PM	#18 (permalink)
Thaihome Phuket Last Online: 07-11-2008 05:00 PM Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Bangkok Thailand Posts: 22	The confusion between a visa and an extension to stay are causing the problems. If the OP is staying on a 1 year’s extension of a Non Imm "O" visa for reasons of retirement or has entered on an O-A visa and has a 1 year permitted to stay stamp, he cannot get a work permit. If he has entered on a Non-Imm "O" visa and is staying a 90 day entry stamp, he can have that converted to a "B" visa and get a work permit and then a 1 year extension based on the work permit. Extensions are based on some reason to stay, a work permit, retirement, or marriage. Reason to stay (Work permit, etc) come first, then the extensions, not the other way around. TH

14-10-2008, 06:50 PM	#19 (permalink)
racefan Chaweng Beach Last Online: 25-11-2008 09:50 AM Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Jomtien Beach Posts: 77	My personal experience: I moved to Thailand in 2005 to take up employment with a Thai law firm. I obtained a Non B visa from the Thai consulate in Birmingham assisted by the papers that my future employers sent me. My work permit was obtained from Surathani Province shortly after my arrival. After starting work on Koh Samui after doing 1 visa run to Malaysia after 90 days my boss suggested I get a retirement extension as I had the required 800k in my bank. This was done and the work permit was renewed without problem. When I left the law firm however in August 2007 to join my current employers, I was unable to get a new work permit based on the retirement extension which I had to forfeit and go to Vientienne to get a new Non B armed with the job offer papers from the new employer. When I did that the new work permit was issued. Hope this helps.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)