I'd like to find an Internet link to the laws pertaining to work permits both in Thai and English, and I'm especially interested in the new sanctions for working without a WP, i.e., the fines and potential jail time imposed on a foreigner for working without a permit.

Prior to retiring I was a certified ESL / TESOL instructor with a number of year teaching experience.  I keep having people, including Thais from local schools, approaching me to ask me to teach because I once offered to help the community with volunteer teaching.  But that was always dependent on the community leaders obtaining a valid WP for me to engage in volunteer work in schools and government agencies within the Amphur.  So I'm a little tired of hearing, "Oh you no need work permit, no problem, you just teach."
I get that from the locals and even from TV members. So for the locals, I want a printed list of the new sanctions, fines, and jail time associated with working/volunteering illegally to show these people exactly how serious teaching without a WP is and why I won't do so.
Because the bottom line is I'm not even doing non-paid volunteer work without a WP.  That's my personal choice.  If they want to take me up on what I consider to be a generous offer to help the community for free, they can reciprocate by obtaining the necessary documents for me to teach legally.  Quid pro quo. It really is something for the government officials in our Amphur to work out directly with the MoL in Lamphun province if these people are serious about wanting a qualified NES to assist the community for free.  If they are serious, then they can work to obtain concessions from the MoL.

Edited October 6, 20178 yr by connda

Alien Working Act 2551 en

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwNib_gx9zYEWDJSV3Q5R1hESFE

 

Alien Working Act 2551 th

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwNib_gx9zYEY0RvRlEzLUFIOEE

 

P.S. The above law has been repealed and replaced with a Royal Decree. See this post.

 

2 hours ago, Maestro said:

Alien Working Act 2551 en

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwNib_gx9zYEWDJSV3Q5R1hESFE

 

Alien Working Act 2551 th

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwNib_gx9zYEY0RvRlEzLUFIOEE

The English version is different from the legal Thai version: Work is "using [your] knowledge with or without reward or compensation". So volunteering for free is still illegal work if you don't have a work permit. eg, Giving directions to a tourist is "illegal tour guide" under Thai law (thanks to Thai lawyer pal). Begging is illegal, which's why you see so many awful musicians on the street  - musician is a protected profession, legal. Thais understand, put up with the noise and hand the guy a few coins.  

1 hour ago, jgarbo said:

...Begging is illegal, which's why you see so many awful musicians on the street  - musician is a protected profession, legal. Thais understand, put up with the noise and hand the guy a few coins.  

Yes, it is illegal, and sometimes, it doesn't work out so well for the foreign-busker:

 

Edited October 7, 20178 yr by JackThompson

The OP asked for directions where to download a particular law. He did not ask what type of work is illegal for foreigners in Thailand, so please stop discussing that.

 

Posts to links of a better English translation of the Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 and to subsequent laws amending this Act and an English translation thereof are welcome.

I wish to ask the OP the question which went unanswered before, if the moderators will allow it.

At what level of education do Thais gain full competence in English? 

 

2 hours ago, Aditi Sharma said:

I wish to ask the OP the question which went unanswered before, if the moderators will allow it.

At what level of education do Thais gain full competence in English? 

 

Unless they are educated at international schools, there is no way of knowing. There are teachers of English in Thai schools, and people with masters degrees who are incapable of carrying out a conversation in English. On the other hand, I have met some motivated individuals who did not finish high school but are functional in the language (and I do not mean bargirls).

On 10/7/2017 at 8:05 AM, jgarbo said:

The English version is different from the legal Thai version: Work is "using [your] knowledge with or without reward or compensation". So volunteering for free is still illegal work if you don't have a work permit. eg, Giving directions to a tourist is "illegal tour guide" under Thai law (thanks to Thai lawyer pal). Begging is illegal, which's why you see so many awful musicians on the street  - musician is a protected profession, legal. Thais understand, put up with the noise and hand the guy a few coins.  

Which is exactly why I wanted the original Thai.  I tend to like to translate the Thai and compare it to the translations, then work out the differences.

21 hours ago, Aditi Sharma said:

I wish to ask the OP the question which went unanswered before, if the moderators will allow it.

At what level of education do Thais gain full competence in English? 

 

I hate to be dense, but I don't understand the context of your questions.  So I think I'll change your wording a little and use 'demonstrable fluency' instead of 'full competence.'  There are assessment tests and standards which address fluency.  I'll leave it up to you to look those standards up on your own.  

19 hours ago, BritTim said:

Unless they are educated at international schools, there is no way of knowing. There are teachers of English in Thai schools, and people with masters degrees who are incapable of carrying out a conversation in English. On the other hand, I have met some motivated individuals who did not finish high school but are functional in the language (and I do not mean bargirls).

I've got to agree with you.  I created curriculum to teach Thai English teachers instruction methodologies that I've used in the military,  corporate training programs, and ESL training here in the LOS. I came across too many Thais with Masters degrees in Education with emphases in English language who were light-years from fluency, actually bordering on functionally incapable of engaging in an English language conversation.  Worst, most of these teachers were simply regurgitating what they learned themselves, albeit, pretty poor English language skills, and most of the teaching methodologies were a form of rote learning that is just mind-numbing.  But, on the positive side, probably 100% of Thai English learners can say, "Good morning teacher with perfect pitch, tenor, and pronunciation, regardless of the time of day.  

Edited October 8, 20178 yr by connda

@connda Beware : the english version is only a guideline ! For the law, in court or  interractions with any authorities, only the thai version is the "legal" one. 

 

It appears that the Alien Working ACT B.E. 2551 has been cancelled and replaced (not just amended) by the Royal Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens B.E. 2560 (2017), of which I do not have a copy on file, nor an English translation.  Perhaps another member has a link to one or both of them.

 

Quote

On 23 June 2017, a new Royal Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens B.E. 2560 (2017) (Royal Decree) became effective. It cancels and replaces the two main pieces of legislation regulating foreigners working in Thailand, namely the Royal Decree on Bringing Alien to Work in the Kingdom B.E. 2559 (2016) and the Alien's Work Act B.E. 2551 (2008) (collectively the Previous Legislations). The Royal Decree still upholds the main requirements and principles of the two Previous Legislations but brings the provisions up to date and addresses some new issues to reflect the current situation in the country.

Source:https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=2b420096-ca77-4e69-beea-7c29f95bcb48

Major differences between the old laws and the new decree are listed on this web page on the site of a notable law firm:

http://www.tilleke.com/resources/thailand-new-obligations-employers-and-employees-under-reformed-law-foreign-workers

The original Thai text of the Royal Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens B.E. 2560 (2017) can be viewed here:

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BwNib_gx9zYEaWJ4b1JVaDgxcmc