Thread: o visa / b visa / police check = confused!!!

Yes, if you're not actually married to a Thai they will in some locations (are you in Pattaya?) refuse to issue a work permit on a Non-imm O (although if you're married to a Thai and/or in certain locations they will).

Cannot convert as far as I know (although basically up to Imm...but Bangers will probably say you can get a WP on it, so why convert it?)....you'll need to do a run to get one....or get a 30 dayer (Visa exemption) and convert with 21 days left (alternatively a tourist Visa can be converted with 21 days left on it).

Police check generally not needed for a Non-imm B Visa from most of the countries surrounding Thailand (although Singapore will sometimes ask for it)....and can be done in country should you need it for your WP.

Agree with kenkannif. I had a WP on a non-O for a while, but I also had a Thai wife.
I'd say get a Business visa instead of a wife!

Had a non - O and got a WP without any problems, and I'm not married (this is Bangkok btw).

I had a Non Im O for 3 years and was told by an employer to cancel it and get a Non Im B. They wouldn't budge, I did it and all is fine.

^ Can extend on a WP or marriage and money, often O's are used as a retirement Visa as well (age and money).

Yes, a Non-imm O can be used to obtain a work permit on, and in Bangkok (at least in the past) it's been doable even if you're not married (i.e. you got it on the sly)....but recently in Pattaya (and maybe elsewhere) they've been funny about putting a WP on it if you're not actually entitled to it.

KK will advise you before 10am tomorrow.

Originally Posted by timerbee

I seem to be getting more confused and tied in knots the more information I get!!!

I know this doesn't help you none, but welcome to Thailands way of life.

Originally Posted by timerbee

So I went to immigration in Bkk today. I was pointed in 3 different directions and told I cannot change my type O visa to a type B. however if I do a quick border run and get a tourist visa, this can be changed to a B.

Is a 30 day stamp from ban laem the kind of visa I can change to a type B in Bkk? Will it override and therefore invalidate the remaining time left on my type O?

30 day is fine with 21 days left on it.

However I couldn’t get any clarification about whether or not I can get a WP using my type O.

People do mate....as per my earlier posts though in some locations if you're not married to a Thai (you obtained the Visa on the sly) they won't do it....if you are you should be okay to get a WP on it.

Am I correct in thinking that immigration has nothing to do with issuing WPs? They just do the visa?

They extend the Visa as well mate....so even if you got a WP they could refuse to extend the Visa (as per the minimum wage issue).

So I need to speak to the MoE or the labour ministry?

Could try....don't think it will help though (Labour issue the WPs).

I seem to be getting more confused and tied in knots the more information I get!!!

My earlier posts covered most everything mate.

^ Won't IME need a police check for Vientienne....and if you do need it for Bangers (we don't need them) it can be done internally now!