Foreigners running workshops/seminars in Koh Phangan - do they need work permit?

[Liverpool Lou]

3 hours ago, blackcab said:

There is an exemption for attending, not for organising, conducting or speaking at the same.

Really?  Where is that specifically stated that organising or speaking at is not included in the exemption?

[JoseThailand]

13 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Depends on your understanding of the English language!

I'm not gonna challenge your understanding of the English language. Suffice it to say that the English language is extremely rich and flexible.

[blackcab]

24 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Really?  Where is that specifically stated that organising or speaking at is not included in the exemption?

 

It's specifically stated that the exemption is for attending. Organising, speaking, etc. is not listed as an exempt activity.

 

This makes logical sense as actors, etc. need a work permit to act in a stage production, and there are not many differences between that and puclic speaking at an event.

 

If you want to read the Notification you will be able to get a copy at your local Department of Labour.

[blackcab]

There was some legal discussion at the time, so you can always view client advisories, such as:

 

https://www.bakermckenzie.com/-/media/files/insight/publications/2015/08/certain-activities-by-foreigners/al_bangkok_workpermits_aug15.pdf

[mokwit]

58 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

Much appreciated.  There are a lot of others who are thankful, also.  

We're very lucky to have you, I'm sure a lot of others would agree with this.

[NoDisplayName]

Quote

PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) — A model from Belarus who claimed last year that she had evidence of Russian involvement in helping elect Donald Trump president pleaded guilty Tuesday in a Thai court in a case related to holding a sex training seminar and will be deported.

https://news.yahoo.com/belarus-model-arrested-thai-sex-seminar-pleads-guilty-123417432.html

 

"self-styled sex guru Alexander Kirillov, a co-defendant, were giving a class in sexual relationships"

[blackcab]

@Liverpool Lou Here is the same information in English on the BOI website, under the heading Activities Not Requiring a WP-10 :

 

https://osos.boi.go.th/EN/how-to/218/Getting-Visa--Work-Permit/#:~:text=On 6 March 2015%2C the,Attending a meeting or seminar.

[impulse]

21 minutes ago, blackcab said:

@Liverpool Lou Here is the same information in English on the BOI website, under the heading Activities Not Requiring a WP-10 :

 

https://osos.boi.go.th/EN/how-to/218/Getting-Visa--Work-Permit/#:~:text=On 6 March 2015%2C the,Attending a meeting or seminar.

Here's the exemption that confuses me:

• Persons who enter into the Kingdom for the performance of any duty or mission for the benefit of education, culture, arts, or sports;

[BritTim]

5 minutes ago, impulse said:

Here's the exemption that confuses me:

• Persons who enter into the Kingdom for the performance of any duty or mission for the benefit of education, culture, arts, or sports;

I take this to mean that, if the officials like what you are doping, it is OK. Clearly, "for the benefit of" is not an objective qualification.

[stevenl]

2 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

How would that be classified as being illegal?

Look at the earlier definitions.

Just do it and keep it to yourself.

[sidneybear]

6 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Where is the definition of "use"?

Where is the definition of "strength"?

Where is the definition of "intention"?

Where is the definition of "other"?

Whatever the people who catch you want it to be.

[freeman01]

these events are likely bringing tourists to the islands so cracking down on it would be like shooting themself in the foot, not happening.

Edited September 10, 2023 by freeman01

[blackcab]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

Here's the exemption that confuses me:

• Persons who enter into the Kingdom for the performance of any duty or mission for the benefit of education, culture, arts, or sports;

 

This derives from Section 4(6) of the Foreign Employment Act in Thailand (1978).

 

Section 4 of the Act deals with people the Thai government gives special concessions to, such as diplomats, members of the EU Commission, Interpol, etc.

 

The key takeaway with Section 4 is that it is something expressly granted to you by the Thai government, and not something someone can bestow upon themselves.

 

Such a guest would probably hold a Courtesy (CY) Visa.

[Gottfrid]

8 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

Is there a legal definition of "work" as per the Thai legislation?

Yes, there is. However, written in such a way, so it is not possible to fully understand.

[FritsSikkink]

10 hours ago, blackcab said:

 

It wasn't issued as primary law. Instead, based on the opinion of the Council of State, the Department Of Employment issued a Notification in March 2015, specifying the following activities would not considered as ‘work’:

 

1. Attendance at meetings, discussions or seminars

2. Attendance at exhibitions or trade exhibitions

3. Visits to observe businesses or to meet for business dialogues

4. Attendance at special lectures and academic lectures

5. Attendance at technical training and seminars

6. Purchasing of goods in trade exhibitions

7. Attendance at board of directors meetings of one’s company

Visit, buy and attending. NO organizing.

[FritsSikkink]

10 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

As said above, there is a exemption specifically for seminars/lectures etc.

Attending, NOT giving.

[bignok]

11 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

I'm not going to report anyone. You think the authorities are so stupid and don't have a clue what's happening there? Or there are not enough "concerned citizens" who could report them?

Mind your own business

[JoseThailand]

10 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

https://news.yahoo.com/belarus-model-arrested-thai-sex-seminar-pleads-guilty-123417432.html

 

"self-styled sex guru Alexander Kirillov, a co-defendant, were giving a class in sexual relationships"

"the charges of soliciting and conspiracy were filed against them"

 

Not running a class without a work permit

[itsallmine68]

19 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

What if they don't get paid and do it for free?

Still working and need a Permit

 

[bigt3116]

18 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

Can you give a link to the law where that is stated please.

If you check back on my posts, I posted a link to the relevant legislation

[hotchilli]

20 hours ago, JoseThailand said:

What if they don't get paid and do it for free?

You cannot volunteer either.

[quake]

12 hours ago, freeman01 said:

these events are likely bringing tourists to the islands so cracking down on it would be like shooting themself in the foot, not happening.

Your joking.

Shooting themselves in the foot, is a national pastime here. 

 

[d4dang]

Are these the colonic and proctology clinics and seminars advertised in Phuket? Must be backed up.

[quake]

1 hour ago, d4dang said:

Are these the colonic and proctology clinics and seminars advertised in Phuket? Must be backed up.

The Colonic clinics.

Must surely be backed up

[Liverpool Lou]

16 hours ago, stevenl said:

19 hours ago, Liverpool Lou said:

How would that be classified as being illegal?

Look at the earlier definitions.

Just do it and keep it to yourself.

You seriously think that writing a book requires a work permit?   Gawd...   How about writing a diary every day, does that require one, also?  

[Liverpool Lou]

17 hours ago, blackcab said:

@Liverpool Lou Here is the same information in English on the BOI website, under the heading Activities Not Requiring a WP-10 :

 

https://osos.boi.go.th/EN/how-to/218/Getting-Visa--Work-Permit/#:~:text=On 6 March 2015%2C the,Attending a meeting or seminar.

I know, I 've read them.  It could be included in the exemption for attending a seminar.

[JoseThailand]

2 minutes ago, Liverpool Lou said:

You seriously think that writing a book requires a work permit?   Gawd...   How about writing a diary every day, does that require one, also?  

Only in someone's schizophrenic mind. Look at all those answers in this thread. People are completely detached from reality and live in their own imaginary world - the definition of schizophrenia.

[sikishrory]

There's foreigners working all over those islands without work permits. Thais don't care so why do you

[Lemsta69]

3 minutes ago, sikishrory said:

There's foreigners working all over those islands without work permits. Thais don't care so why do you

He refuses to answer the question so my assumption is that he's jealous because he can't get in on the racket.

[JoseThailand]

5 minutes ago, Lemsta69 said:

He refuses to answer the question so my assumption is that he's jealous because he can't get in on the racket.

Your assumption is wrong. I just wanted to clarify some things, that's all.

Edited September 11, 2023 by JoseThailand