bornslippy

Hello,

I haven't been able to find the information I need, so am posting here in the hope that someone knows the answer. I've been in Thailand a while - for the last 11 months approx on a non immigrant B visa and work permit (I worked in a government high school). That expired at the end of March so I left and went to get a tourist visa in Penang - the 60 days expires on 2nd June, so I have a little bit left. Anyway, I've been offered a job at a university and have the letter of invitation from the faculty stating that they intend to hire me, but I have to wait for a contract, as everything has gone off to the university committee for approval. Essentially, the contract will take a while to arrive (no date as yet).

So I need to get another non immigrant B and to then apply for a new work permit.

Today I tried to convert my tourist visa into a non imm B at Chaeng Wattana; something which is certainly possible providing you have all the necessary paperwork, 6 x 4 cm photo, 2000 baht, and at least 21 days left on your tourist visa etc etc. I had everything except the contract, and the first immigration guy actually 'processed' my non imm B stamping it into the passport. The problem came when I went to collect, as his boss overuled him and refused to issue the visa on the grounds that there was no contract. Luckily I got my 2000 baht back as well, as she claimed that once the details have been entered onto the computer you cannot get a refund! So perhaps this will be useful information for some, if people don't know about this already.

My main question really is does anyone know if I can get a non immigrant B visa in either Penang or KL with just an invitation/job offer letter? My helper claims that I can, but I'm not sure. Last time I got one I had a contract already, as well as bundles of paperwork about the company (agency).

A visa run for a non immigrant B would be my preferred choice now and I would go at the end of this month. The alternative (if getting the former without a contract is difficult) is to get another 60 day tourist visa in Penang (or KL, or elsewhere), and then convert it when the contract comes through. Extending the tourist visa in Thailand for a month is not really sensible as I would still need to leave again to get a non imm B at the end of June.  

I hope it's not too long-winded and someone knows some more information. I wanted to post some info as well, hence the bit on converting from a tourist to a non immigrant B.
Thanks in advance,
Bornslippy