Job Discussion Forums

opo · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 23

Hi yall. I need some info on where is the cheapest destination to get a visa from bangkok. Also what is the name of the visa? I have been in Thailand for about 2 weeks and just got a job. The school will be paying for my work visa but I guess I have to leave the country to get some other kinda visa first. How much is the visa? Where is the closest and cheapest destination. How do I go about bookin it? I know these are probably simple stipid questions but any help would be appreciated.

Slow down everyone your movin to fast-- JJ

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Your questions aren't stupid at all. Wink

On this upcoming visa-run, are you planning to apply for your Non-Imm B (with an official letter and supporting paperwork from your new employer) or are you planning to simply get a new Tourist Visa for 30 days?

The answer to the above question will determine the advice you get!

Cambodia is the closest border from Bangkok for a new Tourist Visa (4 to 5 hours one-way @ 2,000 Baht if you use one of the special visa bus services) but it can be difficult to get a Non-B from there. Most people fly down to Malaysia (or farther) for the Non-B.

kenkannif is our resident expert on visas. Maybe he'll hop in here and rescue both of us!

PS: for details and contact info regarding Tourist Visa border-runs, click on The Master Index 'sticky' located at the top of this forum, and scroll all the way down to FAQ 2.2 at the bottom. Getting a new Tourist Visa is a piece of cake; the Non-B requires a bit more planning.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Closest would indeed be Cambodia kind of, but it's an absolute nightmare to get them from there (as it also is in Laos).

I'd get the paperwork from your school and apply in Penang or Singapore! Air Asia does cheap flights to both of these locations (I think).

If you need any further info, just post away and I'll be happy to answer as best I can!

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Good tip by kenkannif!

AirAsia has some really cheap fares to Penang (Malaysia) & Singapore:

http://www.airasia.com/index.htm (AirAsia)

opo · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 23

Thanks guys. Umm whats the name or hp# of one of those visa services company. I have to get my non imm B visa. However I think it's gotta be cambodia cause that looks like the cheapest route. I was pickpocketed last week and am extreamly strapped right now Mad

. Does anyone know what the cost of the B visa is?

Thanks for all your help

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

Dear opo:

I can't in good conscience recommend Cambodia for a Non-Imm B Visa at this time.

Besides, you'd have to travel all the way to Phnom Phenh.

You cannot get a Non Imm B Visa at the Cambodian border with Thailand!

and even in Phnom Penh, it's unclear if you'd get the visa or not.

Plan B: Go to Vientiane, Laos (via Nong Khai) :: You can take a train or a bus; it's not too expensive.

If you're really low on cash, consider asking your school for an advance!

With the proper financial statements & paperwork & a letter of employment from your school manager,

you can get a Non-Imm B in Vientiane.

That's the best advice I can give you. Wink

paging kenkannif: any other ideas for this young lad?

Hed_Kandi · Joined: 06 Apr 2005 Posts: 45

joe beets · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 37

^schadenfreude \SHAHD-n-froy-duh\, noun:
A malicious satisfaction in the misfortunes of others.

Now crawl back under yr bridge.

jb

joe beets · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Posts: 37

Volodiya · Posted: Sun May 08, 2005 2:09 pm Post subject:

Wow, Joe Beets, now that's what I call advice- clear, straightforward, detailed, and practical. Keep up the good work.

cujobytes · Posted: Mon May 09, 2005 2:05 am Post subject: >

It's pretty obvious who's back.

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

Actually Mynamar IME is easier than Laos (both Vientienne and Savankhet), I've not known anyone to have problems there, although I've heard Americans can't go there?

If you decide to use Laos (I would advise against it as it's around the hardest place now to get one from other than Cambodia) make sure your school contacts them FIRST and checks as to what paperwork is needed (it varies from location to location) and to make sure the school is on the list (as otherwise regardless of what paperwork you give them there's a good chance they'll knock you back).

I personally would advise you to use either Penang (or KL or KB in Malaysia) or Singapore, they're the two easiest ones here.

Although as a 'proper' tourist Visa can in theory be converted to a Non-imm B you could always apply for a tourist Visa in Laos if you get knocked back for a Non-imm B! Although easier said than done like a lot of things here.

opo · Joined: 30 Jan 2005 Posts: 23

thanks for all you help guys. I just got back from Laos, but with only a tourist VISA. They wanted all kinds of BS documents. Whatever though, I'll have to do it again in a month but by that time I'll have enough money to fly to singapore. Once again thanks for everybody givin me a hand

cheers

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

^ Indeed Laos is a nightmare!

kenkannif · Joined: 07 Apr 2004 Posts: 550

If you have a proper tourist Visa (i.e. 60 days on entry) in theory with your schools assistance it can be converted to Non-imm B Visa at Immigration (far easier said than done though), which would save you a trip to Singapore.