To work legally in Thailand, foreigners need a work permit. This work permit is an official document that specifies the foreigner's position, current job title or description, and the Thai company they are working for. It also serves as a license to engage in activities permitted for foreigners in Thailand.

Foreigners are not permitted to work in Thailand, regardless of their visa, unless they possess a work permit. Anyone wishing to work in Thailand must have the appropriate visa in order to apply for a work permit.

To obtain a work permit in Thailand, a foreigner first needs a visa, a so-called non-immigrant visa. This visa must be applied for before entering Thailand.

Once the foreigner has received a nonimmigrant visa, they can begin the application process for a work permit. Processing the work permit typically takes seven business days. The application is processed by the Ministry of Labor.

A foreigner may apply for a work permit if he has a non-immigrant visa or a residence visa, has an available employer who will issue the necessary documents for the work permit, and the activity he intends to perform is not prohibited for foreigners.

The applicant must submit the following documents:

The employer must provide the following:

  • Company certificate and goals
  • Withholding tax of the company
  • Photocopy of the director's passport and work permit with signature attached
  • Employment contract letter stating the applicant's position and salary

    • Once a work permit has been granted, the foreigner must carry it with them at all times, especially at the workplace and during working hours. Please note that the foreigner may only perform the job specified in the work permit for the respective employer.