Hi guys,

I have a German passport, but due to several reasons a Thai ID card. I plan to move to Thailand this fall and was wondering if I could apply for "Thai nationals only"-jobs or if if even need a work permit. I thought of coming in by tourist visa, switch to a "Family visa" there (my parents live in Thailand, so that's not a problem) and work without work permit as I have the Thai ID. But I have no clue if that's possible... Has anyone been in the same situation?

If you are Thai citizen, you do not need a Work Permit and you can do anything any Thai can do.

You should get a Thai passport at the consulate or emabssy and enter with it.

But I can't get a Thai Passport, because dual citizenship is not allowed in Germany.

And of course, I don't want to give up my German passport - that's why I have to enter and leave with a valid visa.

But I can't get a Thai Passport, because dual citizenship is not allowed in Germany.

And of course, I don't want to give up my German passport - that's why I have to enter and leave with a valid visa.

There are plenty of Germans with dual nationality.

I have a scoop for you: just don't tell each country about the other nationality, you will be fine.

Also: your Thai ID card is enough to prove your citizenship, you don't need a Thai passport for that.

What does prevent you from simply asking for a Thai passport for when you want to travel?

Edited October 9, 201411 yr by manarak

You are already a dual national, just because you don't have a Thai passport doesn't mean you aren't a Thai citizen!

But I can't get a Thai Passport, because dual citizenship is not allowed in Germany.

And of course, I don't want to give up my German passport - that's why I have to enter and leave with a valid visa.

If you have a German parent and a Thai parent, dual nationality is legal. On the other hand, if neither parent was German when you were born, you may well have a legal problem keeping both nationalities.

You can apply for a one year extension of stay at immigration as a returning Thai national. You just need proof of being one.

You could also apply for a single entry non-o visa as a Thai also.

What you should do is get a Thai passport here then make a flight out and back in to use your Thai passport for entry.

You can, if you wish, enter the country as a German on your German passport.

Then, while here, as long as you can show proof of your Thai birth, you can get a Thai passport here in Thailand.

Then you exit the country on your German passport, and then re-enter on your new Thai passport.

Now, as far as immigration is concerned, you entered on a valid Thai passport ... so you are a Thai.

And you have all the rights of a Thai................no work restrictions.

However, as a Thai male you need to be aware of the possible Thai National Service (Military draft) requirement (depends on your age and possible draft eligibility).

All Thai males have that possibility until they are old enough or no longer eligible.

But I can't get a Thai Passport, because dual citizenship is not allowed in Germany.

And of course, I don't want to give up my German passport - that's why I have to enter and leave with a valid visa.

Dual nationality is allowed in Germany, under circumstances. The main rule is that it is not allowed, but for cases as people born with 2 nationalities it is allowed to hold dual nationality.

A Thai ID-card shows that you are a Thai national and do not need a work permit.

I was born in Germany. My mum is Thai, my dad is German. I was German citizen all my life, until my parents moved to Thailand. When I was 25 something we were able to get me a Thai ID - so in this case I think it is not so easy to get me a Thai passport, because I can't prove Thai birth. Believe me, I would love to have a Thai passport!

But I can't get a Thai Passport, because dual citizenship is not allowed in Germany.

And of course, I don't want to give up my German passport - that's why I have to enter and leave with a valid visa.

A Thai ID-card shows that you are a Thai national and do not need a work permit.

Oh great, that's good to hear. But as I already described- I probably won't get a Thai passport. Do you think it's an option to enter/leave with a "Family visa", but work there with my Thai ID-card?

A Thai ID card is all you need here to apply for a passport. http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/1415/21479-Requirements-for-the-Ordinary-e-Passports-Applicat.html

You could come in on any visa or even a visa exempt entry and get a one year extension of stay for being Thai.

Once you are in the country all you need is your ID card and a copy of your house book to work and live as a Thai.

If you don't get a Thai passport the only difference would be that you fall under immigration's rules as a foreigner. Meaning you will have to make 90 day reports and maintain a valid permit to stay in the country.

I think the OP can also apply for the passport in Germany.

Just be on the safe side I would bring a Thai birth certificate (obtained the Consulate in Germany), or the German birth certificate, then have it translated and MFA legalized in Bangkok.

Edited October 10, 201411 yr by paz

I was born in Germany. My mum is Thai, my dad is German. I was German citizen all my life, until my parents moved to Thailand. When I was 25 something we were able to get me a Thai ID - so in this case I think it is not so easy to get me a Thai passport, because I can't prove Thai birth. Believe me, I would love to have a Thai passport!

To get your Thai ID would mean you had to prove your entitlement to it. The passport is only a travel document. With your ID card you can apply for it.

To answer the question asked, yes you can work without a work permit. That will require you to apply for the job as a Thai, using your Thai ID card and number. Additionally, most companies require a copy of your House Register (Tabien Baan) and application form using the Thai language. You are Thai as verified by your ID card and number.