Ok so I have just realised I've done something epically dumb. I got myself to Thailand, I'm here for 6 months to volunteer as an English teacher. Before I left I obtained a 90 day non-immigrant type 'O' visa (the volunteer one obviously) but I only just realised I can't legally volunteer without a work permit - not good as I already started working

I'm working with a very small organisation who don't get many long term volunteers so they weren't fully up to speed with what was required for me visa wise, I think they would be ok with me volunteering without a work permit but will help me out with the necessary paperwork if I want to get one. I think on balance I'd rather get one, I can afford the expense and I'd rather play by the rules, despite all the stories I hear of people overstaying and working illegally etc. I've seen the local prison and it's not that bad but I'd rather not risk a stay there...

I'm trying to work out exactly where I need to apply for my permit and what I need to take with me to the office.

As far as I can work out I apply at the Ministry of Labour office, is that correct? I'm based in Mae Sot and the nearest one seems to be in Tak.

thaiembassy.com suggests that my employer will need to provide a small mountain of paperwork:

• company certificate and objectives
• list of shareholders
• application for VAT
• withholding tax of the company
• financial statement
• photocopy of the director’s passport and work permit with signature affixed
• office map
• letter of employment stating position and salary of applicant
• employment agreement

link: http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/work-permit-rules.php

is this still likely to be the case with a charity? I'm receiving no payment for my work not even room and board which hopefully might mean they are a little less stringent on what's needed.

My last and biggest concern is that my 90 day visa started 3 weeks ago but I haven't got a permit yet so there will be a gap - I'm thinking I'll just say that I haven't started volunteering yet due to waiting for a course to start or something, as I'm legally allowed to be in Thailand on my type 'O', just not to work.

I'm a UK national, not of retirement age and with no attachments (marraige, kids etc) so this is strictly a volunteer Type 'O'.

Any help anyone can give is greatly appreciated

I suggest the organization simply contacts the labour office to get all the required forms and ask about what is needed in your case. Lots of volunteers working in the Mae Sod area, so shouldn't be problem. The only problem will be that the organization doesn't know how to handle the paperwork. Do get your highest educational degree, they will ask for it.

There used to be a labour office in Mae Sod, but that was years ago.

You will need the WP to get an extension of stay from immigration.