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

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require a work permit depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Thailand. If you are not sure whether your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

As business visitors, travelers to Thailand may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attending general conferences or seminars (not organized by the foreign national’s company or contractor)
Visiting Thailand for the purpose of researching future business opportunities
Visiting or viewing an exhibition or trade show
Visiting businesses or holding meeting discussions (meetings must not be for the purpose of work, if the company is currently under contract (services agreement / purchase order) with an existing client)
Attending special lectures and educational forums
Attending lectures for training and technical seminars (audience participation)
Buying products at a trade show
Attending a board meeting or directors meeting of the foreign national’s own company

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

Many European Union, Asian and Latin American nationals as well as United States and Canadian nationals do not require a visa to enter Thailand to conduct business activities and are eligible for a visa waiver. If your nationality is not on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain a Non-Immigrant B Visa prior to travel.

Thailand is a member of the Asian Pacific Economic Council (APEC). Foreign nationals in possession of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to THA” are permitted to enter Thailand without a visa to conduct business activities.

Working in Thailand

What sort of activities require a work permit?

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

Hands-on technical work
Repairs and maintenance
Project planning or implementation
Marketing
Conducting training
Visiting a current project site or factory floor even for informational purposes
Attending contract discussions

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

The type of work permit required depends on your qualifications, on whether your employer has an entity in Thailand, and on the nature and duration of your work. The most common Thai work permits are:

Urgent Work Permit (short-term work permit)
Work Permit (direct hire work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationalities that are exempt from the work permit requirement in Thailand.

What else should I know?

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

Copyright © 2018 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.

Updated Nov. 13, 2018.

News and Events

6 Nov 19

Thailand

At a Glance

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

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

Working in Thailand

What sort of activities require a work permit?

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

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

What else should I know?

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At a Glance

Immigration Links

Thailand

At a Glance

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

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

Working in Thailand

What sort of activities require a work permit?

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

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

What else should I know?

News and Events

At a Glance

Immigration Links

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