Work in Thailand for a seaman, can I get a visa?

[neil1280]

Fell in love with Thailand and met a great girl and I really want to live and work out there even for a year or so. I had a quick look at visa information and it looks pretty tough to get one, although I did see a part that said that seafarer's can be allowed, however I wouldn't be keen on working on ships in Thailand, I would if it were doing trips or excursions for tourists but im not qualified for that. Other than that my qualifications are very little, basic gcse, my previous background being retail management and bar work.

What I would like ideally is that being a seafarer meant I could get a visa but then just looking for bar work when I arrive.

Do you think it would help if I were to find a sponsor? there is someone I know who operates tours to Phi-Phi Leh however I don't know this person very well and it would be a huge ask.. Even if they were to sponsor me as a part time worker and I could do some work for free in exchange...

What's your thoughts?

[OldChinaHam]

Do you have any seaman's rating?

Like Oiler?

[neil1280]

Steward

[OldChinaHam]

Enroll in an approved Thai language school.

You will need Thai if you wish to live here.

I would advise you choose one of the more intensive language programs at a Thai university in Bangkok,

And this might be better than a private school in some cases.

You will get a 1 year Ed visa.

After you get this, then you will have time to relax and study and think about what you want to do in Thailand for a much longer period of time.

Good luck to you.

Thai is very worth the initial effort to learn a different writing system and the phonetics. It is definitely not hard and anyone can learn Thai.

I would have done this 30 years ago if I had not chosen China.

Now, Thailand is far better than China for general quality of life.

If you get into hospitality business with your Steward's experience, you will still need to know Thai to do much.

Now pardon me,

I am off to the slop chest for a refill.

[wayned]

You could get a tripe entry tourist visa. If obtained and used properly, 2 border runs and three 30 day extensions , you can get almost 270 days permission to stay. While you are here you could look for work and if found obtain a work permit and the correct visa. You can go to school on a tourist visa and if you do and find a school and course l that fits your needs you could apply for an ED visa. It doesn't have to be Thai language school.

[neil1280]

270 days!? that's interesting..

How risky is it working for cash in Thailand? or is it done?

[Soutpeel]

270 days!? that's interesting..

How risky is it working for cash in Thailand? or is it done?

One suspects working cash in hand in Thailand is wide spread, you biggest hurdle to be fully legal would be getting a WP and one suspects unless the company changes your job description, you wouldnt be granted one by the DOL.

Also your comment looking for "bar work" again to be fully legal you would need a WP

seeing as you intend to work in the the public eye, I would be very careful if you choose to work with out a WP as all it will take is for someone to put a complaint in with immigration/BIB or DOL and you could find yourself in a sticky situation..

[Colabamumbai]

I would bet that 80 % of the foreign teachers working here are paid cash. Very few businesses make monthly bank deposits for foreign employees.

What does the employer gain? Do they not have to pay tax on salaries paid? Are schools exempt from this?

This poses a problem since there are no tax deductions or receipts for such, if demanded my immigration.

ie: If necessary to show funds in Thai Bank can show funds but no sustaining paperwork.

Most Thai Bank issued credit card companies require to see 2 years pay statements to issue a credit card.

[lopburi3]

Nonsense post removed.

[falkan]

teach english ?

[arthurwait]

I would bet that 80 % of the foreign teachers working here are paid cash. Very few businesses make monthly bank deposits for foreign employees.

What does the employer gain? Do they not have to pay tax on salaries paid? Are schools exempt from this?

This poses a problem since there are no tax deductions or receipts for such, if demanded my immigration.

ie: If necessary to show funds in Thai Bank can show funds but no sustaining paperwork.

Most Thai Bank issued credit card companies require to see 2 years pay statements to issue a credit card.

Teachers are not subject to minimum wage visa rules.

No one pays tax under 20k Thai or farang and tax if any on teachers wage is very low.

Was issued a credit card without even applying for one.

[arthurwait]

teach english ?

Needs a degree to be legal so same position.

[PoorSucker]

.

Was issued a credit card without even applying for one.

What bank?

Debit cards everybody gets.

Never got a credit card in my eight years here.

[billd766]

I have been here about 20 years and debit cards are easy.

A couple of months ago I asked Kbank for a credit card.

KBank Do you have a work permit?

Me No.

KBank No credit card then.

KBank If you really want a credit card we will issue you one, but..

Me But what?

Kbank You have to assign to KBank the money first.

KBank One million baht credit card you put one million baht into a locked account and you get credit card for one million baht. When you close the credit card you get the money back.

Me With interest? How much interest?

KBank Not sure but you get interest.

Me Thanks a lot. I will let you know.