Expat & Thai Expat: Working Abroad - Do I Need A Work Permit ?

• This may appear as straightforward, but is not always so easy

• Various visa & work permit options

• Remember, if you’re looking to establish a business to provide an income for your new home, chances are you'll need a work permit

• Marriage with a local

• Applying for a driving licence. A vehicle in your own name

Thailand:

Obtaining your visa. The information concerning this is available at the websites of many embassies and also consulates worldwide, explaining the various entry requirements.

For UK residents, as well as the Royal Thai Embassy in London, there are two consulates with websites which are a great help and a great source of information.
There is the Royal Thai Consulate in Hull and also the Royal Thai Consulate in Birmingham will give you current information regarding visa requirements.

On a somewhat different note, but non the less important is driving in Thailand. If you are indeed planning on staying in Thailand for an extended period of time and plan on doing any driving you should need to appy for a Thai driving licence.

There are people who may tell you that an international drving licence is acceptable, but if you are stopped by the police, also for any insurance to be valid, you will find that you need a Thai driving licence.
This is available in Thailand at a vehicle licensing office.

When you apply for a Thai licence, bring your passport with your non-immigrant visa in it and your driving licence from your home country with you, this way you will avoid having to take another driving test.
If you don't have a driving licence from your home country, you'll find that you have to then take a practical driving test, one for a motorbike, one for a car.

Initially you will be issued with a licence (for a motorcycle or car, or both) which will be vaild for one year. After this is, it a fairly straightforward procedure to renew the licence(s) for a futher five years.

Also if you decide to buy a car or motorcycle, having a non-immigrant visa allows you to put the vehicle in your own name. Unfortunately, there have been instances of foreigners being told (sometimes by "barstool experts", sometimes by locals) that they are not allowed to own a vehicle in Thailand. Not true.

If you already have a Thai spouse or are considering marrying a Thai, this is an important factor which can enable you to stay in Thailand easier.

Immigration law in Thailand does change occasionally, but generally speaking if you are legally married and supporting a Thai national, you will find you will be allowed to stay here indefinitely.