Thread: Worried Newbie

Originally Posted by cosa

So technically you could teach in Thailand for 6 months without even applying for the Non B.

Illegally ... yes. That's what I did my first 9 months here (With 2 Laos trips)

Originally Posted by cosa

What do you mean by you've blow your chance for the second tourist entry....surely it doesn't matter once you get the Non B visa as that gives you a longer stay regardless?

You've blown the extra money you spent on a double entry ... when a cheaper single entry is sufficient. Not a biggie.

---Update---

Originally Posted by cosa

I suppose if you only wanted to stay 6 months teaching, you would never actually have to apply for the Non B.

Only if you worked illegally (Lang school maybe). But if you signed up in a legit situation they would have you packing for the Laos border to get the Non B within a week or two.

Ok thanks for the info, I think a single 60 tourist visa would be sufficient as i'd imagine its a lot cheaper.

I plan on getting a job straight away when I get there. I doubt it will take 6 months to find a job

I guess if you're eager then there would be no problem regarding that matter.

Originally Posted by cosa

So technically you could teach in Thailand for 6 months without even applying for the Non B.

Hi everybody

In order to have things nice and legal, what would I need to get the Non B? Currently I'm attending a Thai language school in BKK and got a Non Immigrant ED (education visa). Now there's that job confirmation but it turns out the school director is new and unexperienced in visa issues. Semester would start in about three weeks but we didn't even apply for the teacher's license yet.

As I've read before in different forums for government schools there's a good chance of getting teacher’s license and work permit with an ED visa. But now - as time is running out - I'd like to do what ever I can to speed up the whole process at best. Guess I should take a flight to Vientiane as fast as possible to get a business visa. Right?

So, next to some ID photos what would I need to get the Non B at the Thai Embassy e.g. in Laos? Do I need a letter from the school director or anything else?

Thanks in advance!

Originally Posted by Chang Mekong

So, next to some ID photos what would I need to get the Non B at the Thai Embassy e.g. in Laos? Do I need a letter from the school director or anything else?

Thanks in advance!

Well, you will need a "letter" from the school. They better address the Ambassador properly, or else you may be sent back as a colleague was. // In addition, you should have a copy of your contract complete with signatures. // Moreover, my school included scans of both sides of their admin's ID card. Not sure if that was necessary. // Finally, you should photocopy and sign every stamped page of your passport.

For my last Visa run (last week), I took the train 77, ETA 5:05 am, it arrived at 7 am. Perfect - and I saved the 2nd night at a guesthouse.

There is a small bus for 25 Baht or 6,000 Kip taking you to the bus terminal in town. Just keep walking and turn slightly to the right. Ignore the touts.

Bring US Dollars! They rip folks off, demanding 1,500 Baht or $ 35 from Americans. Europeans pay $ 30. There is a $ 1 added on before 8 am.

FYI, some bad admin pretend the paperwork takes weeks or months. That's not true. My new school has its act together and it takes maybe half an hour plus some signatures. Get this over with asap!

Good luck!

Chris

Originally Posted by Chang Mekong

Do I need a letter from the school director or anything else?

Seriously mate ... get yourself over to Phil's site at Ajarn.com | Teaching English in Thailand and read up on all the basics.

Originally Posted by snooples

I have a question if you dont mind, how much money do you think I should bring when heading over? Bearing in mind im a poor student with very little money but I suppose Id need enough money for a deposit, a month or two rent and a months living maybe?

Linda, I take it that you will have a degree, even though it's not printed yet?

There are many guesthouses in beautiful smaller towns like NAN where you will get an aircon room with free drinking water and wifi for about 4,500 a month. No deposit! Once you are here, maybe you want to get the Skype World Flatrate and buy a cheap mobile phone. A Thai can help you avoid stress with calling credit and days ending for a few Baht.

Bring some paperwork to prove you completed your studies.

Money? IMHO, 20,000 Baht should last you 6 weeks. Eat Thai food, drink water from those vending machines @ 1 Baht a liter. Even if you get a job within 2 weeks, you will have to wait a month for your first salary.

Enjoy the trip!

Chris