Minivdo: Special Report - Ibap Q&a On Work Permits

[NBT TV Phuket]

MiniVDO on http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/prev...php?news_id=275

The International Business Association of Phuket or IBAP monthly meeting last Friday evening was held at the nice setting of PG's Steak and Rib House beside the swimming pool The Yorkshire Inn in Patong.

IBAP members and guests came for a Question and Answer session with representatives from the Phuket Provincial Employment Office (or Labor Department), to speak about work permits here in Phuket, a difficult but important issue for most foreign residents.

Khun Janya Yingyong, a Labour officer and 2 independent translators tried to answer the Members and guests’ questions, some of which were prepared beforehand online at www.IBAP-Phuket.org.

For example one asked: “I am currently teaching in Thailand. Another school has asked me to do some hours teaching for them. Can I legally do so with the work permit for the other school? If not, could you please advise me what I should do?” The labour official answered through the translator that it was not legally possible to work for 2 schools at same time:

“It is not allowed to do that for other schools; it doesn’t allow to do that.”

Another member asked “While still in the USA, what steps can I take to ensure a smooth process in obtaining a work permit?” The reply was more positive for foreigners, known here as ‘aliens’:

“In the case of an alien still abroad, ask your employer to send documents to the Employment Office; submit all docs; Thai employer can consult; when alien arrives they can get work permit.”

A controversial subject was permits for volunteer work, especially among retirees, as they said it was illegal:

“If you hold retirement, you’re not allowed to work, even volunteer, it’s illegal.”

Michael Massey, president of IBAP, had to calm some of the members;

Denny Bowman, IBAP Treasurer, tried a follow up question, which got a better reply:

“If you have a retirement visa, can you serve as a board member of say Lions or Rotary Club or non-profit organization; can you serve as a Board Member for an organization like that?”

“as long as you don’t sign any paper, you can be a member of any club.”

But one member was not still not satisfied

“when you don’t have work permit, can’t do volunteer work, it really amazes me…

The reply then clarified that it was possible for specific volunteers like Tourist Police:

“For non Thai helping the government like police, they can work without work permit, because it is short time, not long time.”

Perhaps the most surprising and potentially damaging announcement came when they suddenly said the work permit fees would soon be increased:

“The coming law the price is about 20,000 baht per 2 years.”

Despite seeking clarification, it was still not clear if the new fee would combine years and/or visa fees:

“The work permit is independent of visa, in the future, coming soon, it will be 20,000 baht for 2 years.”

A couple of members also complained about capital or investment rules, and having to apply each time they travel in & out of the country, and it was difficult for the staff to answer then.

Denny told Andaman News later he has just had an invitation by the Labour office to ‘look at how IBAP can ease some of the difficulty by helping getting signage into English and confirming clear instruction on papers, forms, etc.

This is part of what IBAP was designed for. This is one very big step in Value Added for the entire working community here.’

Let’s hope this leads to better communication between all officers and residents here.

Special Report for Andaman News NBT (VHF dial) at 8.30am & local Cable TV channel 1 + maybe FM90.5 Radio Thailand 6pm, broadcast to Phang Nga, Krabi & Phuket provinces, & possibly FM108 Mazz Radio 7.30pm in Phuket, Wednesday 18 June 2008 & http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/

Contact [email protected]

[Briggsy]

Good report.

Good idea.

More access to information from public officials is good.