Topic: Non-B Visas from Laos, Penang, Cambodia no longer availabe?

[curtcrossley]

The immigration expert at my former school has just informed me of a new policy barring Thai embassies and consulates in neighboring countries from issuing 90-day Non-B visas to teachers.  She said that from now on, teachers must get them at the Bangkok immigration office or in their home countries.  Has anyone had trouble getting a 90-day visa since July 1 in one of these countries?  Has anyone actually gotten one recently in one of these countries?  The rule was supposed to be effective July 1...so I am eager to know if it is being enforced or if non-B visas are still being granted at these consulates and embassies.

Thanks.

[blackmail]

I had heard that Laos and Cambodia were getting very difficult.  Last fall, I went to Vientianne (Thai Embassy does not except Laos currency).  They kind of snickered at my contract from BCC.  I arrived on a Monday morning, and didn't get out of there until Friday.  Thay told me that there would be no more.  It was "Catch 22."  They said I needed a work permit to get a visa.  But, I was also told that I needed a visa to get a work permit.  There were many other people getting negged; including some who were escorted by Thai admins of their perspective schools.

It's a pain in the A__.  BTW, BCC gave me zero in compensation for this trip.

[pauleddy]

I know nothing about this, but you might look on Ajarn.com and ask the old timers on there.

There has recently been an increasing awareness, following my postings, that teachers can get Non-Imm Bs at BKK immig in San Phlu (change of visa status).

I recently got a job in a BKK gvment uni. Most people I know, plus teachers in bars,and even the uni, said I would have to fly out for the Non Imm. Then I heard the "rumour" that I could go to Room 303 at immig, which I did successfully, although u need to make sure that all the papers are correct....you may have to go more than once.

Most people dont want to run, and prefer to do it in BKK, obviously.

 

[Uncle Che]

Yeah, I have heard this same rumor, but reports I have gotten have said that the spigot is still open in Penang. It is an interesting scenario though, but imagine all of the thai workers are the conulsates who would get set back home for lack of work?

[wrangler]

Everyone is a Visa expert in Thailand, even those that don't have a clue. Not you, dude, I am referring to the one who gave you information.
I was at the Thai embassy in Laos on the 3rd of July. I was there getting a Non O visa. While there I met another American that was applying for a B. He has been teaching in Thailand for 3 years or so.  He told me, I did not witness it, that the embassy official that took his paper work and asked for a copy of his college diploma. Now we all know that the embassy doesn't need this. This guy told me that he was firm, but polite, and told the official that he had sent it to the Ministry of Education, and that he didn't need to show it again. The official said OK, what ever, and the next day he (the guy I met) picked up his passport with a new B.
I didn't have any problem with my visa either.
It seems that if you go prepared it is seldom a hassle.............wait, we are talking about Thai government officials, right?  
Now that 2 weeks have passed, who knows for sure what the rules are.

[kenkannif]

I actually have seen the OP before a month or so ago without the July 1st date though. Wasn't correct then and it isn't now.