Bad news Lee. But, as the Forum is web based & the Map & Magazine are hard copy you could always relocate your business to Vientiane if they totally hissed you off...

Sorry that things have become less convenient for you!

By the way,I don't understand the picture and the connection to the immigration police!

Is the person in the picture in custody of the police?

Have you thought about hiring a lawyer, due to your special circumstances, to accompany you on your annual visit to Nong Khai, Lee? Rayrai or others in the area might be worth the consultation fee, at least. Kind of think that the guy in question's behavior might be completely different if he had to deal with a sharp, savvy mouthpiece.

Unfortunately a lawyer wouldn't be any help in this instance. B visa extension requirements changes 3 weeks ago.

Well I wonder what will be next?

If you have time Lee could you explian the changes, deosn't effect me but I'm sure it might others and I like to see where the trends are going.

18 documents are required for a B visa extension, 3 of which were changed in October.

No.3 Employing Company’s balance sheet and statement of profit/loss from the recent fiscal year. If it is a new company (first year of operation) bring a letter of certification that includes details of financial expectations.

This has been removed; it's no longer possible to bring a letter of certification.

No. 4 Employing Company’s income tax declaration form (P.N.D no. 50) from recent fiscal year with tax revenue receipt or letter of certification/explanation.

Removed, no longer possible for new companies to offer a letter or certificate.

No. 5 The applicants yearly income tax declaration form (P.N.D no. 91) from recent fiscal year with tax revenue receipt or letter of certification/explanation.

Removed, no longer possible for new employees to offer a letter or certificate, therefore if you change companies you need to be with them a year before you can apply for an extension.

No. 3 is important for me since we have only been VAT registered for 5 months, before that we were VAT exempt, at the same time we became a Ltd Partnership company. Therefore in the eyes of immigration we have been operating for 5 months, when in actual fact udonmap has been operating for 4 years. I am unable to provide a certificate from the government to prove this since it's been removed from the rules. Therefore I need to wait another 7 months before I can provide immigration with a 1 year profit/loss sheet, tax receipt and yearly income receipt.

Thanks lee, glad I'm retired.

I wouldn't be sounding so secure Ray. With the rate at which the 'Goal Posts' are being moved this sort of thing is going to bite us all on the arse in one form or another.

Oh I think you miss interrputed secure, me not hardly wondering what my next hoop will be to jump through. Just grateful I don't have to jump through Lee's.

I packed my bag and traveled to Laos on Wednesday to renew my business visa. The whole experience IMO was pretty painless. I left Udon at 9am and arrived at the border 40 minutes later, parked the truck at the secure parking behind the visa offices (90 baht per day) and then made my way to the border crossing. Before I knew it I had my Laos visa and was making my way to the Thai embassy in the taxi (300bt). I arrived at the embassy in good time, 11am (embassy is open from 08.30am to 12.00 for visa applications). I was pleased to see there was no queue, I handed the following documents over: passport, passport copy, 2 x passport photos, work permit, work permit copy, application and business letter. I was then told to pay the fee at the visa office counter and was given a receipt to collect it the next day anytime between 13.00 - 15.30hrs. So by 12.00 noon I was free to sample the delights of Laos, drink copious amounts of Beer Laos dark, coffee and baguettes.

The next day arrived; I picked up my passport (B visa stamped for 3 months) and was then whisked off to the border in the taxi. I stocked up on duty free, picked the truck up and made my way back to Udon.

Today I have to renew the work permit (follows visa “to and from” date) and then I'm all sorted for the next 3 months.

The accountant says that next time I should be able to apply for an extension within the country because it will be a new financial year, but this will mean visiting the dreaded Nong Khai office again. I'm sure they'll find another hoop for me to jump through or maybe I'm just being cynical.

I think it would be easier and less stressful to return to the UK next time, have a couple weeks holiday and avoid all the hassles in Nong Khai. Or I could just keep renewing in Laos every 3 months.

Glad you got it sorted Lee.

Maybe 1 more trip to Laos in 3 months time, then back to the UK when the rain is a little warmer????