Work Permits For Volunteers

[martyboy]

Apparently volunteers require a work permit and a non-immigrant 'O' visa. The visa can be applied for in the UK, no problem but the WP has to be applied for in Thailand. Some volunteer organizations arrange this, and so they should, but some don't. What is the risk of the local constabulary weeding out volunteers without the WP and what would the fine likely to be?

[7by7]

Sorry, but are you asking about volunteer work in the UK, Thailand or somewhere else?

[benton]

Apparently volunteers require a work permit and a non-immigrant 'O' visa. The visa can be applied for in the UK, no problem but the WP has to be applied for in Thailand. Some volunteer organizations arrange this, and so they should, but some don't. What is the risk of the local constabulary weeding out volunteers without the WP and what would the fine likely to be?

The Labour Office and Immigration Investigation Branch are continually on the hunt so beware..the fine is hefty and most offenders are deported..so why risk it..as it is, those of us who do have Work Permits get all the pressure and hassling as a result of those who can't be bothered and try to operate under the radar without one. If you choose to live here and are Retired that is all the Thai Govt require of you; be retired and enjoy your life; if you choose to be married that is what you do, dote on your wife and if you want to work you need a permit..simple isn't it?

[Lite Beer]

Moved to Thai Visas.

[Mario2008]

The risk depends on the situation. In small communities the risk is minimal, as nobody will care that you don't have a WP and it will be clear that you are indeed a volunteer. Local authorities will love you and you will have some protection from that. But there are always risks, for instance when you should be involved in an accident while volunteering people can start asking questions.

Penalty is officialy a fine and/or jail term of 5 years, wich for a volunteer is unlikely. Often it is just a fine and possible deportation.

[thaiphoon]

Apparently volunteers require a work permit and a non-immigrant 'O' visa.

There is no "apparently" about it. You need a WP to do any type of work legally in Thailand ... and obtaining WP is not restricted to just having a Non-O visa.