Do I need a work permit/visa?

[johnnywishbone]

If I work as a kitchen knave and dishwasher in a restaraunt run by a good friend, not paid.

I have unofficially invested money in this enterprise. More like a gift.

I would prefer to avoid unpleasant surprises.

I had planned on getting another retired visa.

[Ronuk]

100% you need a work permit even though you say your not being paid. Also, you will never get a work permit for the type of work you describe.

Foreigners even working on voluntary charity projects and community projects need work permits in Thailand even though they are not being paid.

If your caught, deportation and banned from returning is highly likely.

[blackcab]

What you would be doing is work. As stated, you would need a work permit, which would be impossible for this job.

[johnnywishbone]

What if I was legally part owner?

I need to stay busy.

Every time I get really bored

I end up in jail.

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[ubonjoe]

What if I was legally part owner?

I need to stay busy.

Every time I get really bored

I end up in jail.

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If you became part owner and it was registered as a Thai company you could get a work permit but not with an extension based upon retirement.

Do you understand the old saying "Out of sight out of mind". Your situation is one of those. If you do something that could require a work permit it fits perfectly.

[ubonjoe]

A off topic inflammatory post has been removed along with one containing a comment on moderation.

[JayBird]

What if I was legally part owner?

I need to stay busy.

Every time I get really bored

I end up in jail.

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Get a hobby?

Go to school?

Go to the gym and lift weights?

Gotta be something to do to keep you busy other than washing dishes or helping out in a kitchen.

[jspill]

Yep just stay out of sight out of mind and no issues really. 'Ending up in jail' is a bit of hyperbole, in practice you wouldn't be incarcerated, even if the law allows for it. You'd face a small fine.

[IMA_FARANG]

You asked a question.

You were given a polite answer.

The answer was Yes, you do need a work permit.

That is the Thai law pertaining to the employment of foreigners.

As with many things in Thailand you will have to learn to deal with the situation as it is.

[blackcab]

It doesn't matter if you are part owner or not. If the company is eligible to apply for a work permit the company can hire you.

But as has been mentioned, not on a retirement extension of stay. And not for washing dishes. You could be the General Manager though.

[elviajero]

You need permission to work which you won't get for washing dishes or many other jobs.

Immigration Act.

Section 37 : An alien having received a temporary entry permit into the Kingdom must comply with the following :

1. Shall not engage in the occupation or temporary or employment unless authorized by the Director General. or competent official deputized by the Director General . If , in any case , there is a law concerning alien employment provided hereafter , the granting of work privileges must comply with the law concerned.

Section 75 : Any alien, who fails to comply with the provisions of Section 37(1) shall be punished with imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding 10,000Baht or both.

I doubt the authorities would actively come after you, but if a Thai were to complain about you they might. You'd likely be fined up to a maximum of 10K baht and could be deported. Imprisonment is highly unlikely. If you are doing this occasionally then you have little to worry about. If you're doing it as a regular job (unpaid or paid) you're on dodgy ground.

[johnnywishbone]

Most replies were constructive. Thank you.

The adversarial comments I see were removed.

I think I'll be fine.

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