Mr. Chang @ VISA SERVICE IN PATTAYA
E-MAIL: changvisa@gmail.com
183/27 M.10 Soi 13/2 Nongpure, Banglamung Chonburi 20150
Mobile: 66 81 7549342, Tel: 66 38 711 145
Fax: 66 38 710 163
Consulate volunteer
Q: I have been asked to do a little work for my embassy, requiring me to visit a prison twice a month, but I am concerned that this is technically illegal as I don’t have a work permit. Also I shall be receiving travel expenses so do I have any reason to be concerned?
A: No problem. The Employment of Foreigners Act 2008 specifically excludes from the work permit regulations anyone working for, or on behalf of, a foreign embassy or consulate. Even if you were being paid a salary, this would still be true.
Post work permit period
Q: My work permit expires in a few weeks and I understand my non-immigrant “B” visa will come to an end at the same time. How much longer can I stay in Thailand before I must leave the country?
A: How long is a piece of string? Typically you can apply for a one week’s extension for a fee of 1,900 baht (but remember you go into overstay starting the day after the work permit stops). However, if you are old enough and otherwise qualify, you may be able to transfer to a one-year retirement visa. Check with your local Immigration Office.
Teacher with two jobs
Q: I am a teacher with a work permit and I have the time to do extra work. I have been offered a sales job with a local property company. My question is whether I need a separate work permit for the second job.
A: Well, the blue work permit book has space for a second employer. In theory the answer to your question is yes. However, we suggest that you raise the matter directly with the Labour Department or Immigration. Show them a letter setting out the starting date, duties and salary of the estate agency work.
Work permit and 90 days
Q: I have a work permit and have been in Thailand for seven months. I forgot to make my 90-days report several months ago, but somebody told me you don’t need to do this if you are working officially in the kingdom. Is this true and, if not, what should I do now?
A: Work permit holders are not an exempt category so you should have made the report. Turn up at your local Immigration Office and apologize. Chances are you will be fined 2,000 baht but, if you are really lucky, it might be just a slap on the wrist.
Working as police volunteer
Q: I have a lot of time on my hands and want to offer my services as a foreigner in the Thai police force. As there is no payment involved, I assume I don’t need a work permit? My friend says the police are exempt.
A: Interesting question. The 2008 act is a catch-all definition and defines work as muscular or mental activity, whether paid or not. Therefore, voluntary police work is not excluded from the law as it stands. In practice, however, it is exempted and no cases have ever been brought – after all you are assisting the state authorities as are court translators and other jobs we can think of. If somebody did complain to the police officially, it is unlikely that anything much would happen.
Work permit period
Q: What is the maximum length of time a work permit in Thailand is valid for?
A: We are told that in the 1970s some lifetime work permits were given out by the then post-coup military junta. However, those days are long gone. Most work permits are valid for one year but some are valid for two years. Those longer than a year often relate to the Board of Investment. There is a non-immigrant “B” visa issued in some Thai embassies for three years, but it is decidedly not a work permit, rather, it is a facility for business people who come and go often.