'Special Skill, Or 'Artisan' Work Permit

[sticklee]

I have a 'special' artistic skill which, if at all, is not easy to find anyone with in Thailand. Is it possible to obtain a work permit based on having a specific special skill so as to be able to practice such skill and also possibly introduce it to some Thai artisans through seminars/workshops? Starting a business and meeting the criteria to do so is really not an option.

[sticklee]

Can anyone provide useful information?

[Mario2008]

You get a work permit when you have found an employer willing to employ you. A work permit is tied to the employer and job you are hired for. A change of emloyer or function, means you need a new Work Permit.

It is not the case that if you have a work permit you can work anywhere.

[sticklee]

You get a work permit when you have found an employer willing to employ you. A work permit is tied to the employer and job you are hired for. A change of emloyer or function, means you need a new Work Permit.

It is not the case that if you have a work permit you can work anywhere.

I am not 'employable' as there are no companies practising the craft that I specialize in. 2M Baht and hiring 4 Thais is not going to happen. I'm asking if there is a permit to be an independent artisan as I wish to display my work, sell if there are interested parties, and take on commissions if something comes my way.

[Langsuan Man]

Sounds to me like you are going to have to form a company and then have your company obtain a work permit for you based upon this supposed special skill that you have

I remember a post about a guy up in Chaing Mai that was busted selling portraitures at a market and they were only 20 THB apiece

[Mario2008]

Thai labour law doesn't provide for your situation. Setting up company, or working for someone (an art college?) are your only choices.

[Maestro]

...I'm asking if there is a permit to be an independent artisan as I wish to display my work, sell if there are interested parties, and take on commissions if something comes my way.

There isn't.

[Doru]

Sounds like a catch 22...you don't get permit without a job but than again you may get a job easier having a work permit already. Not an "universal" one but at least in some concrete area...How about if you're married with a Thai person? Or other alternatives?

[dave2]

re .... I have a 'special' artistic skill which, if at all, is not easy to find anyone with in Thailand

here he is ..... hes on the left ... with the grey shorts on ; )

just joshin ... dave2

[jazzbo]

If the OP can arrange for an arts or crafts gallery to put on an exhibition / sale of the output of his unspecified artistic skill, he might be able to arrange, based on a letter of invitation from said gallery, for a Non-IMM 'B' for 'doing business' visa but he could do no work under such a visa...

I am relying on his use of the word 'artesian' that there is some tangible output and this is not a performance oriented skill.

[lopburi3]

Sounds like a catch 22...you don't get permit without a job but than again you may get a job easier having a work permit already. Not an "universal" one but at least in some concrete area...How about if you're married with a Thai person? Or other alternatives?

Marriage does not allow working. A work permit is issued for a specific job so having a work permit for some other job does not help. There is no catch 22. You find a job that will support a work permit and then apply for the work permit.