stament

Thanks. So if my understanding is correct, "consultants" who are issued a work permit and have a valid visa are required to be entered into the social security system in addition to "normal" employees?

That's my feeling too but these things are never clear-cut hence my question. Thanks everyone for your responses.

I understand that not all employers have SS for their employees, indeed many private schools don't although government schools do, but I am aware there are different rules for schools which isn't the case for me. My understanding regards Social Security is that foreigners cannot choose to pay into it themselves voluntarily unless they have already been in the SS system for 13 months and leave the organisation and then elect to pay SS voluntarily themselves which is the sensible thing to do. The fact that my employer has paid my SS I hope would lead me to be looked upon as an employee. Are employers allowed to register consultants in the SS I wonder?

Many thanks, what you said is also my understanding. I have a work permit and an initial contract I signed. I didn't sign the extension as I raised the issue that one of the benefits offered to other staff was missing, the air ticket home. Having done quite a bit of research I read that not having a signed contract doesn't matter as the court will look at the facts, i.e me working there and getting paid regularly. However, my main issue is that they refer to me as a consultant in my emoyment contract. Having read up on this on the internet, it seems that the court will not look at this directly but will look at other things to determine if I am in fact an employee. I am registered for Social Security, on the payroll, receive sick and annual leave, attend staff meetings and are subject to annual appraisals like all other staff. I was also given the HR manual. The sole reason I am referred to as a consultant are due to their internal rules which prevents them from employing foreigners. However, my argument is that that is their rules not the Thai rules and it's the Thail Law which prevails..... They seem to be very angry that I am trying to affirm what I believe are my rights under Thai law. Should a Thai person be made redundant they would be entitled to redundancy but they argue I am not entitled for the aforementioned reasons. I know the Thai law looks at the substance of the contract but then they quoted me this exemption for NGOs and non profit making organisations which seemed bizarre. Thanks all. I do plan on going to the labour office but posted on here first to get more info. ????

Thanks for sharing, I also found this but I was told by my organisation that it doesn't apply to NGOs hence my question as I am a little suspicious to say the least....

To be clear, severance pay with regards to being made redundant.

Not sure where to ask this question. Do NGOs also have to abide by s118 of the Employment Act with regards to severance payments due to employees or are they exempt? Thanks in advance.

or is the amount you get just supposed to cover food and accomodation, so a small amount like THB 10k

Monday 14th

Thanks for sharing, much appreciated.

I read somewhere that currently foreigners can only visit a few parts of Chiang Mai province such as Mae Rim, Muang. I think there were 4 or 5 but I didn't see Mae Wing listed so I presume it's not possible to visit there. UPDATE: per the Bangkok post " CHIANG MAI: The northern province is seeking approval from the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) to reopen the entire province to new arrivals from other countries. Foreign tourists are currently allowed to visit only Muang, Chom Thong, Doi Tao, Mae Taeng and Mae Rim districts and banned from entering 20 others." " Are any members able to confirm please? Thanks.

Can you be paid as a volunteer, if so are there limits or ceilings with regards to salaries?

My friend has arrived in Thailand on a 60 day tourist visa to visit his girlfriend and their daughter. My understanding is that he can apply for a family visa based on him being the father and person on the birth certificate. If so, what are the requirements please as he would like to do it for one year of possible. Wondering if the requirements are similar to the spouse requirements, guessing so, i.e. 400k in the bank or would it need to be 800k as they aren't married.... Thanks on advance.

How long does the whole process take approximately? Some Thai staff told me it takes nearly all day! I was hoping to get it all done within 2 hours at a private hospital, perhaps I am being way too optimistic LOL

Sorry for the delayed response. I have only been there one before and found it quite difficult as I can only speak a little Thai and the people I spoke with didn't speak very good English. In fact Thai patients in the queue helped me by advising what I needed to do. Like you I normally go elsewhere and pay. Hence, unfortunately I'm not able to answer your question though I suspect Lanna would be better from a communication perspective. Suan Dok was very busy when I was there.

Good morning all, I've read a few older threads on here and seen the recommendations but they are quite old (according to the search I did), hence I feel it's time for another thread. I'd like to hear some recent good and bad experiences (so I know which ones to avoid) from people along with the approximate cost please. Previous threads have recommended Rajahev, HDMC and Siripat. I do have social security cover at Suan Dok but not sure what they are like or the waiting time for an appointment....... I'm a 50 year old male (might be relevant to the type of checks/tests carried out). Thanks in advance.

OP - in England nobody got Sinovac..... AZ and AZ yes but not Sinovac and AZ. I know as I am currently in England and have that combo as I got vaccinated in Thailand and now they aren't dishing out AZ here which is what the Thai governement recommends so I am unsure of what to get....

I've read that most people are either purchasing AXA or Tune covid insurance as part of the requirments to return to Thailand. Is there some website that compares the benefits and costs of these policies or others? Just wondering which is the best to get. Some I have read done cover you if you don't have any symptoms and happen to test positive which seems a bit strange to me. Any responses most welcome, thanks in advance.

I know about the USD50k coverage requirement for covid when entering the country. However, is there a minimum period this must be for? For example, if you are coming in on a 3 month non-immigrant visa, do you require the coverage for the full 3 months or just 1 month, i.e. enough of a period to clear your "risky" arrival period. I've read other readers post that they have normal travel insurance from the UK but this doesn't meet the specific covid requirement as it doesn't specifically state covid. I could be wrong but I think they are trying to encourage you to buy the policies from Thailand for people based in Thailand who are returning home but plan to come back to Thailand. I could be wrong.... Bit like the PCR tests which are very expensive here and much cheaper in more expensive countries....somebody is making money.... I have Thai social security with my job if that makes any difference at all.

Infers it but not definitive.... guess we need to check to be sure.

@deejdo you need to complete a form or just hand your passport in at the drive-through?

@ubonjoeon a non-immigrant O visa would I need to show a return ticket from Thailand?

This looks the best option. Thanks again @ubonjoefor your invaluable advice as always and the link.

apparently not as on what basis would I enter the country under if my old visa has expired and I hadn't received my new one yet? Can you see the problem? Not so straightforward is it.

But I won't be back in time when they tell me to report until about another 4 weeks, hence not possible the IO said.