Hey all, this is my first time posting. Thanks in advance for your help. I was just offered an UNPAID internship (a 'stage') at a top restaurant in Bangkok. If everything works out, I hope to stay there for a year. So clearly I need a non-immigrant visa. The question is, is this possible, which visa would I need, and what documentation do I need to obtain it?

Non imm B and a work permit

Ok, but do you know if it's possible to get a non-b for an internship with a private business? Do I just need a letter from the restaurant? A contract?

"Internships" are usually associated with University study.

As said you will need a Non imm B and a work permit.

Your employer will have to provide the documentation for the visa which will be more substantial than a letter.

The employer will also have to apply for the necessary Work Permit.

If the restaurant is linked to one of the well known hotel chains they will know what is required.

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/4908/15388-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22B%22-(for-Business-and.html

I

Edited October 14, 201510 yr by oncearugge

I wish you the best. I do feel so bad when humans are exploited in these unpaid internships. I get it, you get to "learn from the master" and get "real world experience". I used to work for a big company that exploited tons of college kids and they were really 'below humans' since they offered to work for zero money. we found it hilarious at times, since they really said, "i will do whatever you want, master". if this restaurant is so "top tier," why can't they pay even 100 baht an hour? don't they know us humans really need money. they need the money, or else they would part with their money to you. but they don't.

i know you will defend them, and i mean no ill will. i wish you well.

An internship is normally done through a university and a ED visa is issued. But there will not be an extension of stay done at immigration for it unless there is a connection to a university here in the country. It is best to try and get a multiple entry non-ed visa that allows unlimited 90 entries for a year.

A off topic post and replies to it has been removed.

Thanks ubonjoe. So that would be preferable as compared to non-b and working permit?

An internship is normally done through a university and a ED visa is issued. But there will not be an extension of stay done at immigration for it unless there is a connection to a university here in the country. It is best to try and get a multiple entry non-ed visa that allows unlimited 90 entries for a year.

On suspects this is not the case with the OP therefore a non imm B and WP would be applicable in this case

Thanks ubonjoe. So that would be preferable as compared to non-b and working permit?

Is what you are doing part of a recognised Thai University course ?...if not then the Ed visa is the incorrect one, as stated you need a B visa and WP

Thanks ubonjoe. So that would be preferable as compared to non-b and working permit?

I was just stating how visas for internships are normally done.

Not sure in your case since it does not appear you will be doing it through a university. That means the non-b and a work permit would be the only option.

Ok, thank you all. I am not going through a university, so non-b it is. Though I understand the legality of the volunteer work would then be questionable, could I renew a non-b without a work permit?

Ok, thank you all. I am not going through a university, so non-b it is. Though I understand the legality of the volunteer work would then be questionable, could I renew a non-b without a work permit?

Possibly but you would be working illegally so you many as well get a tourist visa or something other than a B visa....having a B visa doesnt make it any more "legal"

The visa is only part of it. You will also need a work permit.

With paper work from the restaurant you might be able to get a multiple entry non-b visa in your home country.

The only way you would be able to get a single entry non-b at a nearby location would be with at least a work permit application approval letter. Then once you have the work permit you could get a multiple entry non-b in Penang if your work permit is valid for at least 8 months.

Ouch. And I hear work permits are expensive, even leaving aside all the paperwork and hassle....

I'm in Thailand now, by the way.

The fee for a one year work permit is 3000 baht plus a 100 baht filing fee.

What can make it more expensive is paying somebody to do the paperwork for it.

Ouch. And I hear work permits are expensive, even leaving aside all the paperwork and hassle....

Not much more expensive than the Non imm B visa

Be aware that if they are not paying you they will probably tell you you don't need a work permit.

Do not believe them, you need a work permit, being paid is not an issue

Doesn't the issuance of a work permit assume a minimum level of income and therefore require income tax to be paid?

There is no salary requirement to get a work permit.

Only if you were applying for an extension of stay based upon working would there be a minimum salary requirement.

Doesn't the issuance of a work permit assume a minimum level of income and therefore require income tax to be paid?

No

Hmm, isn't "an extension of stay based upon working" exactly what I would need to stay longer than 3 months?

Hmm, isn't "an extension of stay based upon working" exactly what I would need to stay longer than 3 months?

No as a minimum you would need a multi entry B visa and a WP....you can only get an extension of stay if you meet the stated criteria...if you dont qualify you can still work but need to visa run every 90 days

Hmm, isn't "an extension of stay based upon working" exactly what I would need to stay longer than 3 months?

Yes ------------But!

You first need a "B" visa and a work permit !

That is before the 50,000 Bht/month minimum salary is mentioned !

Edited October 15, 201510 yr by oncearugge

Hmm, isn't "an extension of stay based upon working" exactly what I would need to stay longer than 3 months?

To get extension based on work you must have a minimum salary depending on your country of origin.

For western European, US and Australian it is minimum 40.000 baht/month.

English teachers are exempt.

Hey guys, someone told me today that I could get an Ed visa if I enrolled in Thai classes (which I'm planning on doing anyway) min 4 hours per week, and that it was a one year visa. Is this true??

Hey guys, someone told me today that I could get an Ed visa if I enrolled in Thai classes (which I'm planning on doing anyway) min 4 hours per week, and that it was a one year visa. Is this true??

There is no one year ED visa.

Best you contact a school for details of what is offered and the costs.

Hey guys, someone told me today that I could get an Ed visa if I enrolled in Thai classes (which I'm planning on doing anyway) min 4 hours per week, and that it was a one year visa. Is this true??

And you still cant work in the restaurant on this visa or be issued the WP you need

For studying Thai the minimum is 8 hours a week now in order to get 90 day extension up to one year in total before needing to go out for a new visa.