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Do I need a work permit while volunteering in Thailand on a non-immigrant O Visa?

Non-Immigrant O Visa Thailand visa Volunteer work Visa extension Work permit requirements Expats in Thailand

Oct 9, 2018

6 years ago

Bekah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

My husband and I are volunteering in Thailand for a year. We have a non-imm O Visa. I know we need to apply for  an extension of stay, but do we need to obtain a work permit too? I wasn't sure if volunteering required a work permit. If a work permit is required, do we have a grace period to obtain it from the time we enter Thailand? Thank you!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you are in Thailand on a non-immigrant O Visa for volunteering, you will indeed need to obtain a work permit. This is a requirement for applying for an extension of stay. It's advisable to consult the organization that supported your visa to guide you through the work permit application process. You can remain in the country on your current visa until you receive the work permit, but you cannot start volunteering until the permit is obtained.

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Robert *******

You can start doing the Volunteer work as soon as you have the Work Permit in your hand. Till that time you can stay on your Visa without problems.

6 years ago

Ellie *******

If you have Non O (Volunteer), you need to talk to the organization who support your visa at first place

6 years ago

Joseph *****

I am also holding a none-O as volunteer. You do need work permit and such is one of the requirements for you to apply for extension.

6 years ago

Joseph *****

Henry Durrant Two reasons. One, because she is volunteer and may not be renting a house or living in a hotel, and therefore, house owner may or may not have the knowledge of TM30. Second, since it's her first time, it's better to be cautious. Know what it takes, do and don't.

6 years ago

Henry *********

@Joseph ****

So why does

@Bekah ********

need to do one? Her landlord or the hotel where she is staying is responsible.

6 years ago

Bekah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Joseph ****

okay thank you

6 years ago

Joseph *****

TM30 needs to be done ASAP.

6 years ago

Joseph *****

@Bekah ********

It's basically a requirement that landlord and house owner needs to report if there is non-Thai living with them.

6 years ago

Bekah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Joseph ****

I have no idea what a TM30 is 😳

6 years ago

Joseph *****

If I were you, I would get TM30 first, work permit, and start working on papers needed for extension ASAP, particularly the photo required in the application.

6 years ago

Joseph *****

@Bekah ********

When I got here in 2016, the rule is before you apply for extension, which was due in three months.

6 years ago

Bekah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Joseph ****

we just entered Thailand a few days ago. How many days do we have to obtain the work permit?

6 years ago

Reply to

Bekah *********