Can I Get A Work Permit

[NewGuy]

Hi All, first post ...

I've just got my non-immigrant OA visa here in Toronto, no stamp saying I cannot work, coming to BKK in 6 weeks, and my GF just told me she has a friend who works in the "work permit issuing" dept in Bangkok and am I interested in getting one?

Having the OA visa, if I can work, what are the circumstances?

If I try to use this contact to get a work permit, what are likely outcomes?

Regards and please don't flame.

[Dickie]

Dunno if the info is here, but might be worth a look.

Link to ThaiVisa work permit information page

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Hi All, first post ...

I've just got my non-immigrant OA visa here in Toronto, no stamp saying I cannot work, coming to BKK in 6 weeks, and my GF just told me she has a friend who works in the "work permit issuing" dept in Bangkok and am I interested in getting one?

Having the OA visa, if I can work, what are the circumstances?

If I try to use this contact to get a work permit, what are likely outcomes?

Regards and please don't flame.

Did you get the O-A based on retirement ?

[NewGuy]

I applied, said my reason for coming to Thailand was retirement ... the consul general here is quite a character .... an old "very hot' cold warrior. But in the passport ... it just says O-A and multiple entries .. I paid $200 CDN ... about 6000 Baht.

[dr_Pat_Pong]

Immigration will get a copy of the original application, and you might find it difficult to get a work permit as a retiree. The WP issuance is handled by a different Department altogether. The girlfriends friend may prove invaluable to you. If you are married to a Thai, it is a breeze to get a WP on any O class visa.

[davethailand]

I think only non imm B business visa's are the only visa's that can have work permits.

Thats what i have to have, they also told me although i'm married not to change my visa status to a marriage visa as it won't help.

[kenkannif]

No, it is indeed possible to obtain a WP on a Non-imm O (and possibly other types of Non-imm Visas) you don't have to be in a Non-imm B at all (although whether the offical you're dealing is aware of this is another story!).