Siam Legal International

Working in Thailand

Still, the best way to working legally in Thailand is to obtain a work permit. Not only does it assure foreign employees of entering legal jobs, it also protects their legal rights. Without the permit, the foreign worker could be deported, penalized and worst, imprisoned. As a matter of fact, even those who are working for a day and do not have the necessary permission can be sanctioned.

There are several factors that one should carefully consider prior to applying for a work permit. First is the acquisition of the business visa. Without the visa, a work permit cannot be issued. For some, this could be quite confusing since in other countries, the permit is released along with the working visa. The business visa, however, is not a working visa, thus, requiring separate applications.

Another important factor that contributes to the successful acquisition of the permit is the applicant's skill set and comprehensiveness of his resume or curriculum vitae. Prior to saying 'yes' to the applicant, labor officers tend to examine whether the foreign employee possesses the necessary qualifications to perform the position's corresponding duties and responsibilities. One must make sure that their resume highlights their capabilities and that they are perfectly fit for the job.

Step 1: Seek legal assistance - Working abroad demands a thorough knowledge of the country's laws and policies. However, it is a reality that foreign workers hardly have the time to familiarize themselves with these regulations. Thus, It would be better to secure guidance from the experts.

Step 2: Constantly communicate with the employer ' The employer in Thailand is responsible for acquiring the foreign employee's work permit. But they shall also ask for the worker's personal documents to complete the whole process.

Step 3: Request for a visa extension ' The business visa shall enable the foreign worker to enter Thailand. This proves that they will be performing business-related activities or transactions inside the country. But since the visa is valid for only 3 months, it is impractical for someone to exit Thailand again. This is most especially true if they have long-term employment waiting inside the country. Thus, they should immediately file for an extension.

Some foreign workers may take multiple jobs while inside Thailand. However, this is not permitted since the permit is valid only for the company that currently employs the worker. Should they wish to work for yet another employer, they must apply again for a separate work permit.