This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

Can I work on a Thai Non-O visa, or do I need a business visa?

Feb 21, 2025
2 days ago
Dimitris ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, I am now on a Thai wife non-o visa. My understanding is that now I am eligible to work. Immigration told me to go to labour office to find details for work permit. Labour office gave me a bunch of paper in thai and say your prospective employer must fill. The prospective employer says I need to leave the country and that will arrange a business visa based on which the work permit will be granted. So whatโ€™s the truth here? Who need a business visa if married to a thai allows you to work?
3,419
views
9
likes
78
all likes
10
replies
0
images
7
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion clarifies that individuals on a Non-O (spouse) visa in Thailand are indeed eligible to apply for a work permit without needing to switch to a Non-B visa (business visa). Comments suggest that some employers may mislead employees to prefer the Non-B visa for better control, but maintaining the Non-O visa allows for job security despite employment status. The panel also emphasizes the importance of seeking proper guidance from the labor department or professionals.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Richard *************
Go to the labour department, they will put you on track or use an accountant/lawyer who will do it for you
Jacob *********
It's easier for your employer to do the work visa for you rather than the family visa, as they're used to.

But seeing as you have it already, there should be no problem getting the work permit.

I am on Non-O dependant Thai child, and the visa part is a pain each year, but the work permit I never hear about, my employer just does it.
Zen ******
You can apply for work permit if you already have the non o (spouse) visa.

No need to apply for Non B visa. If you use Non B visa then uโ€™ll have to leave the country immediately if you quit your job.
Wolf ******
They scam you.
Jordee ******
The truth is: If you have a Non-O visa based on marriage, you should legally be able to work in Thailand, as long as your employer obtains a work permit for you. There is no need to leave the country to obtain a business visa, as your marriage visa grants you the right to reside and work in Thailand, as long as you follow the work permit procedures.
Jordee ******
@Wolf *****
The employer is probably not fully informed about the flexibility of the marriage visa and is used to handling business visas (Non-B), which are more common in the work field. It's important to explain to them that with the Non-O marriage visa, there is no need to switch to a business visa.
Tod *********
your employer is wrong ๐Ÿ˜ฎ You can indeed hold a work permit and legally work here while on an extension based on marriage to a thai national

Many employers will tell you that you can't, try to get you to get off the marriage extension and on to a Non-B because that way they have control over you ๐Ÿ‘Ž๐Ÿ˜ก

Remember if you're on a Non-B visa/extension and quit or get fired you lose the extension when you stop working ๐Ÿ˜•

BUT

if you're on an extension based on marriage to a thai and quit or get fired you KEEP your visa extension because it's not based on employment but on marriage to a thai national.

That's why employers tell you to get off your marriage extension and go get a non-B instead

Tell them you'll just keep the marriage extension and only need them to get the work permit for you
Dimitris ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
๐Ÿ™ thanks
David ********
@Dimitris ***********
Tod is right. Maybe the employer has only ever done nonb for work permits . Just explain you situation ti then and that your non o allows you to work. It will be ok l am sure just Thais set in their ways ๐Ÿคฃ๐Ÿคฃ
Graham ******
@David *******
maybe but Tod's second sentence is probably nearer the truth
Thai Visa Advice
... members ยท 40% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice group is a specialized Q&A forum for visa-related topics in Thailand, ensuring detailed responses.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice