Teaching in Phuket: I need to get a new Non-Immigrant B from Penang???
Hi everybody,
First off, I've searched on TD for an answer to this question but haven't found one. If one exists, please just direct me to it. In addition, I've posted this here, in Teaching in Thailand, as opposed to the visa section, because it seems more teaching-related to me. As it is a question about visas, please feel free (mods) to move it if you'd like.
I'm currently employed by a private company in Phuket. I have been working since the beginning of June, 2008. Prior to June, I was back home in the US. Before returning to Thailand, I obtained a Non-B from the Portland, Oregon, consulate. I obtained the visa with paperwork provided by my current employer. All was legit. I entered Thailand sometime toward the end of May and my 90 days are up on August 26.
All has been going well at work. I got my work permit (temporary) at the end of June. Quite speedy, I thought, and I was pleased. Then I started asking about the one-year extension of my visa (to me, the next logical step). I was met with puzzled looks from my go-to person at work... no worries, I thought. I'll just ask again next week. Give her a bit of time to find the answer. Well, I asked again and was told that... I would need to go to Penang before August 26 and obtain a new Non-Immigrant B. In addition, this Non-B should be a multiple entry visa. Now, as this is quite a departure from how things had been done at my previous places of employment (a private language school and a government school, both in the South), I tried to plead my case that it wasn't necessary.
My go-to person at work, lovely person she is, has gone to immigration and returned with the same info... I must go to Penang. This has been interpreted and handed down by the Big Boss, so there's no point in arguing. This sucks for several reasons, not the least of which is the amount of time and money required to take care of this. My work will "chip in" ฿4500, but the rest is up to me. I even offered to just pay for extension to be done here in Phuket, saying it was cheaper, easier, etc. No dice.
My only real question is... why? Nobody at work can tell me. I'm searching online but have yet to find any other answers. I'm the sole farang English teacher employed here and so I don't have anybody to ask. Is this a Phuket thing? Is it because I'm not working at a school, but for a company? I'm not worried about going to Penang. I actually quite like the place (curry, etc.). My degree is real, I have my diploma, I have a background check and I'm not a dodgy criminal. I've been teaching for a couple of years. I just don't want to get down there and have it get all arsed up. And, hell, I'd rather take however many thousands of baht I'm sure to spend there and put it toward a motorbike or getting settled up here.
This is a long post, and I apologize for that. I was hoping to connect with some teachers in Phuket who can clue me in to the way things are done here. This is the only place I've worked where there were lots of foreigners. I guess things are different here. Thanks for the help!
