I'm coming to thailand in july for 6.5 weeks on my 6th week I want to volunteer at a elephant sanctuary for a week, however going to the thai embassy in london they tell me i need a non immigrant visa. I've spoken to 3 or 4 different sanctuaries in thailand and cambodia over the last few days and each tell me they've had no problem in the past with people volunteering on tourist visas 30 or 60 day ones.

What do I do though, as I don't want to get in trouble with an police or consulates.

Thanks

Lucy

Legally you need a non immigrant visa entry and a work permit from Labor Ministry for any type of work in Thailand. So yes it would be completely illegal. Will you get in trouble? Probably not; unless someone takes a dislike to you or the organization you are working for.

There are many organizations in Thailand where you pay (a lot) of money to volunteer. They are right that people thus far not get in trouble for volunteering at their organization and that is their usual reply.

However, the law clearly states that for work, including unpaid work, as a foreigner you must have a work permit. It caries a maximum jail sentence of 5 year and/or fine of 100,000 baht (and a criminal record). And that is what they neglect to tell.

For a work permit as a volunteer you indeed need a non-o visa, as it will not be issued on a tourist visa. But the organization will probably have no intention in helping you with the work permit and repeats it reply.

Hi All,

Many thanks for your help.

Mario have you volunteered in Thailand before?

I'm only paying 250 pounds for a week volunteering which is very cheap considering I've found the same package for £500 upwards.

Lopburi have you volunteered too? Just wondering if you both have whether you found people to helpful in supplying the documents needed for a non immigrant visa.

I was told by the embassy in london I need an invitation letter from the elephant foundation inviting me to volunteer and I also need a registration form which has details about the elephant foundations charity number, address etc.

Does that all sound like standard procedure?

Thanks again,

Lucy

That is all standard procedure to apply for a non-O visa based on volunteering.

But as said, the organization probably has no intention to help you with a work permit or non-O application. For them it is probably just a way to get money from people who want to volunteer and they will not be bothered with all kind of paperwork for every volunteer. That will cost money.

As said, it is illegal but the risk is small.

I have contacted a few organizations in the UK who provide volunteer work where you have to pay a lot of money for. They outright deny you need a work permit or tell you to stop whining as there is no risk (for them).