Does bar work require a work permit in Thailand for a farang?  My initial thought is yes, in fact i'm about 99% sure the answer is yes, but thought i'd ask anyway.

Are there any positions that farang's can do that does not require the arduous work permit situation and perhaps are more suitable to a farang?  Yes, i'm aware of the UN ngo's, but their impossible to find positions.

Cheers  

A work in a bar would require work permit, YES.

The problem is that they will NOT approve a work permit, because that work can be don by a Thai.

If you are investing in a big restaurant (not a bar), bringing in funds to the country, employ Thais, pay taxes, transfer knowledge to Thais, you can have one.

For example a Girl Bar or Beer Bar would be impossible.

All work in Thailand requires work permit, no exceptions.

All work in Thailand requires work permit, no exceptions.

George,

Does this also apply to voluntary work? I have a couple of friends who teach local kids English on a voluntary basis.

All work, even voluntary work, requires a work permit. No exceptions.

Have a look at this thread regarding voluntary work:

http://forum.thaivisa.com/cgi-bin/ikonboar...ct=ST;f=1;t=477