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Can a foreigner married to a Thai citizen obtain a work permit to work as an electrician or plumber in Thailand?

Thai work permit Farang marriage to Thai Electrician work visa Plumber work permit Setting up a business in Thailand Construction laws Thailand Foreigners working in Thailand

May 26, 2018

7 years ago

Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello all, 

Sorry if it might be out of topic but i have a question .

Example :

Farang married to a thai lady . 

Farang want to move to thailand. 

And for supporting his familly

 Question :

Farang can he obtain work permit to be able to work as electrician or plumber ?

Or 

Can that farang ( of course if he has some money ) to set up a business and build a house and for that house him self to do the electricity, plumbing even a swimming pool and then sell it ? 

Can he optain that work permit ? 

Thanks for your opinions ...

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The general consensus is that a foreigner (farang) married to a Thai citizen can hold a work permit under a marriage visa, but specific trades such as electrician and plumber are restricted to Thai nationals. Although the foreigner can build their own house without a work permit, to sell built houses or operate a business, they would need to establish a company and obtain the necessary permits, which can be complex due to Thai regulations and market conditions.

Tod *********

, you were correct, it was not related to thai visas.

Suffice to say you CAN hold a work permit on a visa or extension based on marriage to a thai BUT you can't do any trades that are thai only trades.

You've got some good answers, good luck, (y)

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James ***********

As far as Thailand is concerned, what you mention is pretty much illegal.

Although it is always absolutely possible to "slip through the cracks" in certain circumstances, know that it can all come chrashing down on you in an instant.

Remaining "Under the radar" would be my first tip.

The second tip would be NOT to announce your intentions on social media!!

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@James **********

that's why i launched the question . And im happy all ye answered .

True . i have my dreams. But time will show and give me the answers .

So far i got an idea of what Thailand is .

I was thinking that sometimes i can do a better job and use my skills.

And i really appreciate any opinions on this answers

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James ***********

Peace!

I think many of us have originally thought to do things the legal way,

but after learning all the monetary and legal requirements, it becomes clear that its absolutely UN-doable,

unless you're a multinational that can afford to put up

(and be prepared to lose)

lots of money!!

Thai have always employed protectionist policies and there is many valid reasons why.

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for advice . i anouced what i want to do because i want to do in legal way . And by the time i will do it, until then enough water flows on Mekong river .

But as i said : respect .

for replying sir ...

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Sebastian ************

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Best advice ! Thanks

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Julian *********

Build it first without a work permit. If you find you really can sell it for a profit, then set up a company to continue. This is a very tough market to make money in though. House turnover can be very low outside a few hotspots. Great houses at good prices stay on the market for years sometimes.

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Best advice ! Thanks

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Sebastian ************

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Robert *******

No work permit possible for electrician or plumber. You can build your own house without a work permit. But if you build to sell and start building new to sell, you really need a company and a work permit.

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for advice i apreciate 👍

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Robert *******

I understand what you say. Unfortunately construction work is prohibited in Thailand for foreigners. Your skills and even when you're the best of the best don't change Thai law. If you do things for private use, like building, upgrading or maintaining your own house it would be no problem. To make a carrier in construction by building and selling it would be very difficult to actually work your self during construction.

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

That's how i want to make my self living in Thailand building and sell depending on my budget. Then things I'm skilled to do i would like to do it my self. Im not say im the best of the best but i want to do it and cut some cost of it .

That's why i ask your opinions to get an idea

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Sebastian ************

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Simon ********

You might be able to set a business up to build your house and put yourself as a manager, not on the tools. With 4 Thai staff to get your work permit. They are on the forbidden job list though so its tricky from then on i would guess.

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Simon ********

There are a fair few more options to work here than that. I know multiple people doing different jobs here.

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

But as i said i want to be able to do some works on the house i want to build with no worries to get fine or jail or interdiction

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

i agree with that . But i trust that girl so im not worry for losing im worried how to allow me to work

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Barry ******

Unfortunately for guys the only options if you don't have savings or not entrepreneurial is as follows:

- Work and have qualifications (degree or 5 years experience) in a highly skilled trade defined by the Thai government. Although you're limited to big cities for this, as that's where those jobs mostly are.

- get a TEFL and Teach English at a school. You earn a salary at least and you get to live in Thailand almost anywhere.

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Simon ********

You can also only own 49% i think meaning you could give your wife 51% but if it goes wrong you dont have a leg to stand on

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Simon ********

There are definately loop holes, they just cost a bit. Many people pay the Thai tax for non existent employees each month, so they get health care but not a wage etc..

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Sebastian ************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you for your answer.

I asked because they are many things i can do by myself and i read on internet that farang can be boss but can not touch the tools .

I consider that stupid or bad .

Means for farang is forbidden to marry thai unless are not rich

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