What counts as work
Thai law defines work broadly: any physical or mental effort, paid or not. Remote work for clients abroad on a DTV is allowed by that visa. Working for a Thai business, or serving Thai customers, needs a permit.
Working without a permit can mean a fine, deportation and a ban, for you and a fine for the employer. Some jobs are reserved for Thai nationals altogether.
How to get a work permit
- Enter on a Non-B visa (or another visa that allows a permit, such as some LTR and family visas).
- The employer files the application with company documents: registration, shareholder list, VAT and social security records, financial statements, an office map and photos.
- You supply your passport, degree certificates, CV, a medical certificate and photos.
- The permit is issued, increasingly as a digital work permit you can show on your phone.
Renewals and changes
- Renew before expiry; the permit and your extension of stay usually run on the same yearly cycle.
- Changing employer means a new permit and usually a new visa process. Cancel the old permit when you leave.
- Adding a new job title or work location needs the permit amended first.