Is This Just A Hobby? Seeking Reassurance!

[frequentlyaskedquestions]

Dear thai visa forum members,

I am British citizen currently studying in thailand. I have a 1 year student visa.

In my spare time (6 nights a week) I like to help a professional thai boxing gym (only thais) as a trainer. This involves pad and clinch work with the boxers.

There is no contract of employment, there is no payment of any kind. I see it as a hobby.

However, my concern is that it may not be seen as a hobby but as work.

Can anyone tell me whether this is just a hobby or would be treated as work?

If work,

where can I go to make myself completely legal?

What paperwork would I need to produce? (considering I have a student visa)

I'm becoming more anxious by the day so a swift response would be appreciated.

Regards

Frequentlyaskedquestions

[simon43]

'Work' is always a difficult subject to realistically define in LoS! But the fact that you are providing training to another person would suggest to me that it could certainly be construed as work. There need be no financial payment for it to be classed as work.

Simon

[Lite Beer]

Any type of work needs a work permit. Even if it is voluntary. I am not an expert but the Gym is unlikely to go through the process of getting you a Work Permit for part time work.

Some info. here from Forum Sponsor. http://www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com/Thailand-Work-Permit.php

Also the Dept. of Employment http://www.doe.go.th/service3_en.aspx

This is their definition of work.

1. Definition

“Alien” means a natural person who is not of Thai nationality; “ Work ” means to engage in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits.

[CosmicSurfer]

It's not work... It's a "Work-Out" !!!

Exercise to any Thai that asks.

Finished - Done.

Don't rock the boat.. Don't make waves!

Don't worry.. Be happy.

CS

[ivank]

I would suggest that it is simply "helping out" in the gym,if anyone asks.Many a people do such things in a friendlyness for new persons.No need for it to be the big deal,just tell persons yu are the friend.

[Lite Beer]

The OP asked a question. It is working. It is illegal.

If he chooses to carry on under the radar. Up to him.

[Lite Beer]

Nonsensical post deleted.

[BigSnake]

It's work, pure a simple, hobby or not

[frequentlyaskedquestions]

I have found this on the web and thought that it might be relevant to my situation. Section 4, clause 6. Any thoughts?

Section 4. This Act does not apply to

performance of specific duty by aliens in

the Kingdom in the following capacities:

(1) as members of a diplomatic mission;

(2) as members of a consular mission;

(3) as representatives of member countries

and officials of the United Nations and

specialized institutions;

(4) as personal servants coming from

foreign countries to work regularly for

persons in (1) or (2) or (3);

(5) as persons who perform duty or

mission under an agreement concluded

between the Government of Thailand and

foreign Governments or international

organizations;

(6) as persons who perform duty or

mission for the benefit of education,

culture, art, sports or other activities as

may be prescribed by the Royal Decree;

(7) as persons permitted by the

Government of Thailand to enter and

perform any duty or mission.

Working of Aliens Act B.E .2521 and

Working of Aliens Act (No.2) B.E. 2544

In the meantime I think it is time to contact Sunbelt or possibly the Labour Office on monday. Its something I am very passionate about and I don't want to give it up!!

[heretostay]

Hi,

My two satangs:

1. I admire your honesty.

2. Become a "member" of the boxing gym, pay a nominal monthly fee, call it your sport/fitness activity, and don't call it coaching anymore.

Good luck.

[Artisi]

Hi,

My two satangs:

1. I admire your honesty.

2. Become a "member" of the boxing gym, pay a nominal monthly fee, call it your sport/fitness activity, and don't call it coaching anymore.

Good luck.

Good advice, join the gym - get a receipt - if anyone asks - you are exercising with one or more other members.

[Mario2008]

I have found this on the web and thought that it might be relevant to my situation. Section 4, clause 6. Any thoughts?

Section 4. This Act does not apply to

performance of specific duty by aliens in

the Kingdom in the following capacities:

(1) as members of a diplomatic mission;

(2) as members of a consular mission;

(3) as representatives of member countries

and officials of the United Nations and

specialized institutions;

(4) as personal servants coming from

foreign countries to work regularly for

persons in (1) or (2) or (3);

(5) as persons who perform duty or

mission under an agreement concluded

between the Government of Thailand and

foreign Governments or international

organizations;

(6) as persons who perform duty or

mission for the benefit of education,

culture, art, sports or other activities as

may be prescribed by the Royal Decree;

(7) as persons permitted by the

Government of Thailand to enter and

perform any duty or mission.

Working of Aliens Act B.E .2521 and

Working of Aliens Act (No.2) B.E. 2544

In the meantime I think it is time to contact Sunbelt or possibly the Labour Office on monday. Its something I am very passionate about and I don't want to give it up!!

I think you should note the words "perform duty or mission" and "as may be prescribed by royal degree". In short, it doesn't cover your situation and it could be seen as working. So either get a work permit a s a volunteer or follow Heretostay's advise.

Under normal circumstances nobody will make a problem out of it. But if someone has a beef with the gym or you, or there would be an accident, you could be in trouble.

[kimincm]

Any type of work needs a work permit. Even if it is voluntary. I am not an expert but the Gym is unlikely to go through the process of getting you a Work Permit for part time work.

Some info. here from Forum Sponsor. http://www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com/Thailand-Work-Permit.php

Also the Dept. of Employment http://www.doe.go.th/service3_en.aspx

This is their definition of work.

1. Definition

“Alien” means a natural person who is not of Thai nationality; “ Work ” means to engage in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits.

Ok, am I right in thinking, any exertion, physical or mental can be deemed work,"using knowledge",I use knowledge to cross the road,but that's not where I'm headed.So I know what qualifies as work,by definition,a later post lists the dispensations to this rule.So let's push the ridiculous to the ABSURD.

I thought about changing my garden around,ok,I've got a plan ,I dig a few new holes,I've met both requirements for working and the the list of can do's doesn't mention my situation as being permissible.

Please tell me I don't understand what I'm talking about.It was only two days ago that somebody told me here,just meet the stated requirements by law and everything goes along just fine.Again please tell me I've misunderstood.

[QED]

Any type of work needs a work permit. Even if it is voluntary. I am not an expert but the Gym is unlikely to go through the process of getting you a Work Permit for part time work.

Some info. here from Forum Sponsor. http://www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com/Thailand-Work-Permit.php

Also the Dept. of Employment http://www.doe.go.th/service3_en.aspx

This is their definition of work.

1. Definition

"Alien" means a natural person who is not of Thai nationality; " Work " means to engage in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits.

Ok, am I right in thinking, any exertion, physical or mental can be deemed work,"using knowledge",I use knowledge to cross the road,but that's not where I'm headed.So I know what qualifies as work,by definition,a later post lists the dispensations to this rule.So let's push the ridiculous to the ABSURD.

I thought about changing my garden around,ok,I've got a plan ,I dig a few new holes,I've met both requirements for working and the the list of can do's doesn't mention my situation as being permissible.

Please tell me I don't understand what I'm talking about.It was only two days ago that somebody told me here,just meet the stated requirements by law and everything goes along just fine.Again please tell me I've misunderstood.

DIY on your house or garden is exempt. I know this because I had a friend like you who was a bit paranoid so went to the labour office and asked. That is my only evidence however, I can't quote legislation I'm afraid.

[Mario2008]

Off course it is, you ahve to read the law in it's context. Is is trying to regulate employment/labour by aliens. Not what you do at home out of business context, like doing your garden.

[abdulrahman]

Off course it is, you ahve to read the law in it's context. Is is trying to regulate employment/labour by aliens. Not what you do at home out of business context, like doing your garden.

This is your interpretation of a Thai law.

But yours(or mine for that matter)is OF COURSE,only your opinion.

For the OP,joining the Gym as a paying member,and using it as he likes,is the best and safest option.

[kimincm]

Off course it is, you ahve to read the law in it's context. Is is trying to regulate employment/labour by aliens. Not what you do at home out of business context, like doing your garden.

I said I was pushing the ridiculous to the ABSURD,I'm a bit worried about out of context,who defines what's in context in this Country,you might get a couple of different views on that as with everything else.

No I'm not paranoid,no I'm not going to stop doing anything I chose, within the legal and moral boundaries of society.But that definition is a doozie. I wonder if it's legal??????

[frequentlyaskedquestions]

Dear all, thanks for your replies.

I have written an Email to Sunbelt and I am awaiting a reply.

In the meantime I think I will be joining the gym in some form or other.

Regards

Frequently Asked Questions