Working in Thailand

Foreigners who wish to work in Thailand must have a work permit. It doesn’t matter whether the job is paid or unpaid.

Foreigners are restricted from taking up certain occupations that are reserved for Thai nationals. Those include farm worker, hairdresser, pottery maker, shoe maker and over 39 other professions. While a new positive list is on its way, this negative list applies. But the foreigner may work in a company engaged in these sectors, for instance as export manager.

The official definition of “work” by the Ministry of Labour is “exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits”. Organisations representing foreigners working in Thailand have tried for years to request a more clear definition, but so far no Thai government has been willing to change the current regulations that could be abused by corrupt state officials when for instance retired persons are seen engaging in useful charity activities in their local environment.

A regulation to govern working as a digital nomad is way overdue, leaving thousands of digital nomads working technically illegal - and not paying taxes. The income of revenue department would benefit the nation more than the fines collected by the immigration police when arresting and deporting them.

Getting A Work Permit

A work permit is issued by the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour. In applying for a work permit in Thailand, you need the assistance of your potential employer. The procedure is complex and involves the collection of a large amount of documentation.

In general, there are two criteria, that must be met. The employing company must employ at least four Thais for every foreigner whose work permit it sponsors, and the company must have a paid up share capital of no less than 2 million THB per foreigner it wishes to employ.

The normal procedure to gain a work permit after arriving in Thailand is first to travel abroad, e.g. to Singapore, with the papers prepared by your new employer in order to apply at a Thai embassy for a NonImmigrant B Visa. Recently, this embassy has introduced online application procedures, so check that out first.