Work Permit Requirements in Thailand

Do you know the work permit requirements in Thailand? If you are going to work in Thailand then you will need to have a valid work permit. See our Thai work permit lawyer. The process starts with you obtaining a Thai Business Visa before you arrive in Thailand to use this visa to apply for the work permit at the Labour department in Thailand. Depending on what you wish to do in Thailand you need to have the correct documents for the application process. Read further to see the full work permit requirements in Thailand. See also the article on prohibited jobs for foreigners in Thailand as well as the Thai work permit cost on here.

Firstly ensure that you are allowed to hold the job you are applying for. There are occupations that foreigners may not hold in Thailand or restricted occupations for foreigners. Ensure that your position is not in one of these employment categories. These types of positions can only be held by a Thai national and foreigners are not allowed into these professions. Also note the work permit renewal process on here as well as Thai taxes for expats which you should consider. Likewise see also the work permit Thailand cost on here.

When applying for a work permit in Thailand, meticulous attention to required documents is paramount. It’s crucial to note that the documentation needed for the initial visa application will be necessary once again during the work permit application process. However, it is imperative to stay informed about any changes in the document requirements, and consulting with a legal professional well-versed in current Thai permit regulations is highly recommended. 

For individuals aspiring to work as journalists in Thailand, the application process diverges from the general work permit requirements. Referring to the comprehensive list provided by the Foreign Correspondents Club in Thailand is essential to compile the necessary documents accurately.

Similarly, for those engaged in evangelism, acquiring a permit involves a distinct process. The initial step is applying for a Thai business visa or a Thai “B” visa. This underscores the importance of adhering to a specific set of procedures distinct from other professions, highlighting the need for meticulous planning and compliance.

NGO workers in Thailand encounter a more intricate process than those applying for standard permits. To obtain a Thai “O” visa. Then a preliminary requirement involves securing a letter from the Office of the National Culture Commission in Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok. This nuanced procedure necessitates a careful and deliberate approach, underscoring the unique intricacies involved in obtaining a work permit for NGO-related activities. This is how getting a work permit in Thailand.

Conversely, individuals seeking employment with a business in Thailand enjoy a relatively streamlined process. The requirements are simplified, with only a copy of the company’s letter, the latest tax filings, and registration documents needed. This straightforward process makes it the easiest among the various work permit categories, requiring the least number of documents for successful application. Mote at the bottom of the page the company work permit is also explained. 

You need to ensure that you have the following documents when you apply for the visa and you will need these documents again when you apply for the work permit. The documents required do change so speak to a lawyer about the current permit rules in Thailand. You need the following documents:

• – Proof of your qualifications (Diploma + Transcripts)
• – Complete resume
• – Photos which are not older than 6 months (3cm X 4cm)
• –  Map to your school
• –  Criminal Background Check from your home country and Thailand
• –  Also a Copy of Thai teachers license (not always required at Embassy)
• –  Medical certificate (your blood type and advanced syphilis check)
• –  Tax return from your last permit (if you had one before)

If you are going to work as a journalist in Thailand then the rules are a bit different. You need to ensure that you have the following documents as listed by the Foreign Correspondents Club in Thailand. It’s more difficult to obtain than a permit for a teacher. See also the article employment contract Thailand for more information. The documents are as follows:

• – You have to apply for a Non-Immigrant “M” visa
• – Also you need to have a valid press card

The process will start with obtaining a press card you need to apply at the Public Relations Department (PRD) of the Thai Government and there are rules for this as well. Note the card is valid for 1 year only. This is how this is calculated:

• – Correspondents for foreign news agencies (valid one year)
• – Thai nationals working locally for a foreign news agency (valid one year)
• – Local correspondents in Thailand working for foreign news agencies

 To obtain the press card you need the following documents:

• – Letter from the Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm the status
• – Also a Letter from your employer being an accredited letter
• –  Copy of your passport and completion of the application form

So the process for the permit for a journalist is first to obtain the “M” visa then apply for the press card then apply for the work permit. That is normally the sequence for the work permit in Thailand for all journalists.

Much like a journalist if you are an evangelist then you need a permit however you need to follow a process to obtain this visa as well. You need to apply for a Thai business visa or a Thai “B” visa for Thailand. You would normally start with obtaining a letter from the Department of Religious Affairs in Thailand at the following address for a letter which you need to attach to your visa application. Their address in Thailand is: 666 Borommaratchachonnani Road, Bang Bamru, Bangkok, Thailand.

Once you have this letter as well as the Thai “B” visa you can now apply for a work permit in Thailand and be an evangelist in Thailand. Note that this needs to be done within 90 days of entering Thailand.

If you are doing work for an NGO or foundation in Thailand then the process is a bit more complex in Thailand than applying for a normal permit. You first need a letter from the Office of the National Culture Commission in Ratchadapisek Road, Bangkok to obtain a Thai “O” visa.

You need to add this letter to your visa application form. You will also need a letter from the Foundation as well as the Foundation Establishment License. Once you have all these documents you can apply for the visa. Once in Thailand, these documents have to be used again for the permit application. Speak to us at the law firm in Bangkok.

If you are going to be working for a business in Thailand then you only need a copy of the letter from the company with their latest tax filings and their registration documents. The process is the easiest as it requires the least amount of documents. Note again that you cannot apply for work which is prohibited to foreigners in Thailand. The job description must be such that it is a position that a Thai national cannot fill. You will need the following:

• –  Complete resume
• –  Photos which are not older than 6 months (3cm X 4cm)
• –  Map to your business location
• –  Medical certificate (your blood type and advanced syphilis check)
• –   Tax return from your last permit (if you had one before)

The following documents are also needed when you apply for a work permit in Thailand and for a Thai business visa at the Thai embassy. This is if you are going to work for a Thai business in Thailand.

• – Copy of the registration of the Thai business on your work permit in Thailand
• – Also Copy of VAT Registration form Phor Por 01 of the business
• – Copy of VAT Certificate – Phor Phor 20 of the business
• – As well as a Copy of Withholding Tax – Phor Ngor Dor 1
• – Copy of certified Shareholders List
• – Also a Copy of the Social Security Payment filing
• – Copy of the Thai business license – as an example Factory License
• – As well as a Copy of school registration with MOE if you are a teacher

If you have any other questions about your work permit in Thailand then call us or walk into our offices in Phuket or Bangkok for more information in this regard. You can also call us toll-free from overseas. See also the work permit renewal requirements as well as this page being getting a work permit in Thailand.

The information contained in our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.