Thailand Work Permit

Working in other countries for the first time could be a little bit confusing.

To be able to work in other countries, you are required to be knowledgeable of laws other than the laws of your country of origin. And other than that, you are required to follow the rules/laws of the country that you are to work in.

Let us take Thailand as an example, to be able to work legally in Thailand, you will need to obtain a Thai work permit. To help you understand more about the Thailand work permits, this article will provide basic information about the Thailand work permit, so keep reading.

Thai Work Permit

A Thai work permit enables foreign citizens to work in Thailand as skilled professionals or as an employer. To work legally in Thailand, you must first get a Thai work permit from the Ministry of Labour or the Department of Employment.

The purpose of this Thai work permit is for foreign citizens, who are working in Thailand, to be recorded and be tracked by the Thai authorities for legal purposes. It records your type of work, where you work, and other details needed.

Working in Thailand without a valid work visa could result in serious consequences. If a foreigner is arrested for working without a Thai work permit, he or she will either be fined or imprisoned. Read the article Working Illegally in Thailand.

Who will Need to Obtain a Thai Work Permit?

The following are the ones who will need to obtain a Thai work permit:

Those foreign citizens who plan to work in Thailand.
Those foreign citizens who plan to have business in Thailand.

Foreign Citizens to be Granted Thai Work Permit

You might ask, are there any specifics on who will need a Thai work permit? Or who will be granted a Thai work permit? Well, expats who meet all or most of the following criteria may be granted a Thai Work Permit:

Those working in a business that employs 50 Thai people. A company may hire 1 expatriate for every 50 Thai employees, but no more than 5 expats in total.
Those working for a company that has a minimum registered capital of THB 2,000,000. For every THB 2,000,000 in the capital, one expatriate can be hired, however, no more than ten expatriates can be engaged.
Those working in an establishment that has paid at least THB 5,000,000 in income tax to the Revenue Department in the previous 3 years. One expatriate can be hired for every THB 5,000,000 paid in taxes.
Those working for a company that does export business and sends at least THB 3,000,000 in foreign currency last year. An establishment is authorized to hire one expatriate every THB 3,000,000 of revenue, but no more than 3 expatriates per THB 3,000,000 of revenue.
Those expatriates who earn enough money to owe the Revenue Department personal income tax in the amount of equivalent or more than THB 18,000, or who has already paid personal income tax in the amount of equal or more than THB 18,000 in the previous year.

Also, if you meet the following criteria, Thai Immigration may consider work permit approval, renewal, and adjustment of job descriptions regardless of the preceding requirements:

If you work for a Thai or non-Thai company with a registered capital of at least THB 2,000,000, you are eligible.
If you work in an establishment that has paid at least THB 5,000,000 in income tax to the Revenue Department in the previous three years.
If you work for a Thai or non-Thai company that does export business and remits at least THB 3,000,000 in foreign currency last year, you are eligible.
If you work in a place with more than 50 Thai employees.
If you are a working expatriate with an income of equivalent or more than THB 18,000 and are required to pay personal income tax to the Revenue Department, or if you have already paid personal income tax in the previous year of equivalent or more than 18,000 Baht.
If working for a representative office in charge of quality control, procurement, or market research.
If working in investment consulting, administrative consulting, technical and technology consulting, or internal auditing on a regular basis.
If working as a Tourism representative who brings in foreigners to travel in Thailand.
If working under International financial institutions approved by the Bank of Thailand.
If working in the temporary business of entertainment, religious, social welfare, cultural or sporting without intention to make a profit and paying income tax to the government.
If working as a contractor on projects with any government bodies or state enterprises.
If working on local raw material as an essential component in the production process or work that can reduce the use of imported raw material.
If working involves supporting the export of Thai products.
If working to produce new technology, which Thai people are not capable of, in order to distribute and transfer to Thai people.
If working in an area where there is a shortage of Thai labor.

Assess yourself as a foreigner who is to work in Thailand. After assessing, do you think you will be granted the Thai work permit? Proceed to the next part for more information.