Working Legally?

[mja1906]

I have recently been offered freelance teaching work by an organisation. I will not be an official member of staff just somebody who teaches when and is needed by them. They will pay me hourly and money will go straight into my bank account.

Is a work permit still required for this in order for me to be working legally?

[Mario2008]

For work, including volunteerwork, a WP is always required.

[Lite Beer]

Yes. Even with no salary you need a Work Permit.

[beano2274]

But the Organization might not want to get involved in all the paperwork that is required.

They would require all the tax forms from all their foreign staff who have work permits. The

reason why most schools, universities and organizations look for part time staff is because,

of the non requirement of a WP. (although as others have said it is required to work, but

how many part timers do not have one) (Even some full time teachers do not have as they

work for Agencies, who do not always supply a teacher with a work permit?

[ubonjoe]

Just remember that anybody working without a work permit could be jailed, fined and deported if caught.

[pit101]

mja1906,

In the year 2008 the law regarding WP has changed. In the old days it was possible in specific cases to work without WP for a limited time. This now is cancelled!

Working witout WP you can face now up to 5 years in prison. Keep in mind that for a WP a NI - visa is required. On a tourist visa you will not get any!

[lopburi3]

But you can apply for a work permit on a tourist visa. You can also convert a tourist visa at Immigration if you meet the conditions. You can also take receipt for WP application/company paperwork and apply for a non immigrant visa at a nearby Consulate. Many people are required to start the process from a tourist visa entry.

[mja1906]

Thanks for the input. The organisation are telling me that I don't require a work permit and that my non-imm 'O' is sufficient.

[Penkoprod]

Thanks for the input. The organisation are telling me that I don't require a work permit and that my non-imm 'O' is sufficient.

Then the organisation is telling you wrongly, then

Penkoprod

[lopburi3]

Is this "organization" a high level government agency and in position to keep you out of jail? There are people who work under the radar without WP's but most know the risk. Don't believe someone who tells you there is no problem - it is your freedom that is at stake when/if there is.

[Penkoprod]

Just remember that anybody working without a work permit could be jailed, fined and deported if caught.

Didnt know you could get deported too

That would have ramifications to (re)gaining entry back into Thailand, i would imagine. Anyone know?

Penalties for working without a work permit or doing work not specified in one's permit include imprisonment not exceeding 3 months or a fine of up to Baht 5,000, or both. People who do work reserved solely for Thais are liable to imprisonment of up to 5 years or to a fine from Baht 2,000 to Baht 100,000, or both. A company or employer that hires a foreigner without a valid work permit is subject to more severe penalties, i.e., imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine of up to Baht 60,000, or both.

For further information, please contact Ms. Piyanuj (Lui) Ratprasatporn, Head of Commercial Department, Tilleke & Gibbins International Ltd.

Penkoprod

[ubonjoe]

Breaking any law in Thailand can result in deportation and denial of entry into the country for life.

[mja1906]

to make things worse its an ngo .... in a remote part of thailand, so i'm also told the chances of immigration checking are extremely slim?? immigration here seem to be more concerned with catching illegals from Myanmar. Anybody know of foreigners who have been caught out before and what provinces they were in?

[Lite Beer]

You seem to be searching for an answer you want to here rather than the facts.

You will be working illegally. It is entirely up to you if you want to take the risk or not.

Good Luck.