Travel and Visa Info for Thailand - B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

At a Glance

Capital	Bangkok
Language	Thai
Population	67,976,405
GDP Total	$1.234 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP Per Capita	$17,900 (2017 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

When traveling to Thailand, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work permit. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

Traveling for Business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Thailand, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

» Attend internal board or director’s meeting
» Buy products at a trade show
» Attend lectures for training or technical seminars

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Thailand?

In general, foreign nationals seeking to travel to Thailand for business purposes should obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa from a Thai Consulate or Embassy prior to arrival. While certain nationals may be eligible enter Thailand on visa-waivered status or with a Visa on Arrival, this should be done with caution and is generally not recommended for business purposes. Please consult your immigration counsel before traveling to ensure compliance.

Working in Thailand

What types of activities require a work permit?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Thai law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Thailand, even if conducted for a short duration.

» Hands-on technical work
» Quality inspections of products
» Attending contract discussions
» Auditing

If I am traveling to Thailand for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for a work authorization depend on your qualifications and on the nature and duration of your work. The most common Thai work permits are:

» Urgent Work Permit (short-term work authorization)
» Regular Work Permit (long-term work authorization)

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

Some categories of foreign nationals are exempt from work permit requirements in limited circumstances, including certain manager positions that have been granted a Foreign Business License. In these cases, a legal assessment to determine the possibilities for work permit exemptions should be obtained prior to traveling.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2020 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

News and Events

13 Oct 20

Thailand

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Thailand?

What types of activities require a work permit?

If I am traveling to Thailand for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

News and Events

COVID-19: Special tourist visa scheme for long-staying visitors...

COVID-19: Inbound flight ban extension

Government updates residence notification regulation

BOI issues process for foreign national employees to...

COVID-19: International flight suspension extended

COVID-19: Further immigration measures, extensions implemented

COVID-19: Temporary flight ban extended

COVID-19: Temporary flight ban implemented

Applications shifted to local Labor Offices after closing...

Government fee receipts now required when submitting certified...

At a Glance

Immigration Links

Thailand

At a Glance

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Thailand?

What types of activities require a work permit?

If I am traveling to Thailand for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Is it possible to be exempted from work permit requirements?

News and Events

At a Glance

Immigration Links

Related News