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Work Permits For Foreign Nationals In Thailand

By Ben Hart

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 25Mar2011 Word count: 472 Viewed: 267 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

The following article was written in an effort to provide insight to those interested in seeking information regarding Thai work permits for foreign nationals.

Each year, the Kingdom of Thailand attracts many visitors from around the world. Some visitors opt to remain in the Kingdom for a short period of time for recreational purposes. Meanwhile, others who come to Thailand decide to remain. Those who stay in the Kingdom on a visa category such as a Student visa or a Retirement visa are generally not permitted to obtain a Thai work permit pursuant to relevant Thai labor and immigration rules. However, those present in the Kingdom on a Thai business visa may be eligible to apply for Thai work permit.

Thailand can offer many opportunities to businesses small and large, but any foreign national wishing to conduct business or undertake employment in the Kingdom are likely to be required to have a work permit lest they face fines or punishment from the Thai authorities. In many ways, the rules regarding Thai work permits are quite different from such rules in other countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Notwithstanding this fact, such regulations are enforced in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Many people who are unfamiliar with Thai law believe that the Thai business visa permits the bearer to work in the Kingdom. This is simply not true. In some limited instances a Thai visa may have work authorization conferred within the provisions of the travel document. For example, those present in the Kingdom on an official passport bearing a Thai F visa may be permitted to work without obtaining a work permit. However, such visas are not easily obtained and generally only acquired within the context of those with official business in the Kingdom.

Those holding a Thai business visa (whether single entry or multiple entry) are required to obtain a work permit prior to undertaking any type of employment within the Kingdom. Even those who are traveling to Thailand in order to undertake volunteer work are required to obtain a Thai work permit. The work permit can also be an important travel document for those who wish to eventually obtain Thai Permanent Residence. In order to be granted lawful permanent residence in the Kingdom of Thailand, the applicant must have maintained a Thai work permit for a statutorily prescribed period of time.

Those wishing to obtain a work permit must either have an employer in Thailand willing to sponsor a foreign national for a Thai work permit or have a Thai company. Those who have incorporated a Thai limited company may be able to receive a work permit in connection with their role in the organization. It should always be noted that decisions regarding Thai work permits are made on a case-by-case basis.

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