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Can I get a volunteer visa to help my Thai friend's restaurant with English teaching?

Thai Visa Regulations Work Permits in Thailand Volunteer Visa Teaching English in Thailand Expatriate Work Laws

Mar 15, 2024

8 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, 

I would like to know what options are available... I have been offered to help out at my Thai friend's shop/restaurant and help the staff there with their English. Is it possible to get a volunteer visa for this kind of work?  Or do I need a proper work permit? Is it possible to do this work legally? 

Thanks in advance🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The conversation emphasizes that the user will need a work permit to assist at their friend's shop, as a volunteer visa is not advisable. Users strongly caution against attempting to work without the proper visa, warning of potential deportation and future visa issues. One user mentions that while a work permit is extant, it involves complexities such as minimum wage requirements, suggesting it might be impractical for the friend’s small business.

Steve *******

No it is not

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Michael ***********

If ur not collecting a salary your not taking a Thai job? But this is Thailand.

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Gary *****

Nope

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David **********

Just "help your friends learn english" that is not working.

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Michael ********

Your friend could get you a work permit for this but there is a minimum wage he would have to pay you depending upon your nationality and all associated taxes etc.

If its fairly small operation it really wouldnt be worth his while as they would need full set of accounts etc etc

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Really...i don’t want to take any risk to get banned from Thailand💔

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Us *****

555, we all have been offerred to help teach English at a restaurant. Nice try on trying to get a visa

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Andrew ***********

stupid comment.

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Us *****

@Andrew **********

none of you guys have a sense of humor

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

บ่ เป็น หยัง❤️

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Us *****

kun kian paasaa tai daai krap?

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Andrew ***********

we do but your comment wasn't funny haha

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

Sorry, but your comment didn't come across as humorous at all. Except your 555🤷🏼‍♀️🙏

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Cloudy *****

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Mick ********

No we haven’t all been offered to help teach English at a restaurant, to get a visa …….

Wow what a statement

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

there is no reason to laugh at me for that! It was a simple question! And the teaching thing was not the only reason I'd got this offer! Mai pen rai🙏

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Cloudy *****

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Michael **********

as the other guys already warned you, no no no. Don't even ask or try to apply for a visa, it'll be rejected and that might give u issues in the future. Don't do that illegally, the thai businesses around your friend's will call the police within hours

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Michael *********

don't worry! I don't apply for this kind of visa if it's not a legal work for a foreigner! And I don’t do this work illegally! I just want to know if there is any possibilty🙏

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Cloudy *****

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Aake **********

No, dont do it

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Aake *********

I only would do it, if there is a legal way☮️🙏

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Aake **********

its not legal, sorry

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Aake **********

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Malcolm *******

Definately require a work permit , which they would not give you as not a preferred occupation for foreigners as a Thai could do that job . Also I would strongly advise not to even consider a volunteer visa , as it will create problems down the road when you apply for other types of visas . I you decide to help out there anyway and get caught it would mean deportation and a ban . This is Thailand I'm afraid .

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Michael ********

@Malcolm ******

teaching staff english is not a prohibited job for foriegners

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Malcolm *******

@Michael *******

Without a work permit it is as Thais can do the same . Don't give out false information ffs .

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Michael ********

@Malcolm ******

yes you need a work permit FFS of course. You said it was a prohibited job which teaching english is not a prohibited Job. Working in restaurant is prohibited please stop giving out false information numpty

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Malcolm *******

@Michael *******

Teaching English in a School with a work permit is a recognised job , but teaching English to people in a Restaurant or Bar would not be allowed you dick head .

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Michael ********

@Malcolm ******

I know people who are employed by hotels and restaurants to teach staff English these are obviously not mom and pop operations. You dont know what you are talking about and giving bad advice

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Michael ********

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Malcolm ******

so there is no legal way to do this kind of job?🥺

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Malcolm *******

Not really , it would be impossible to get a work visa and a huge risk doing it without . Just needs one disgruntled person to report it and you are in serious trouble .

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Malcolm ******

I'm aware of this! Thank you❤️ I'll don't do it without a proper work permit☮️

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Cloudy *****

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Steven ***************

. Yes.. a work visa and work permit.. but the situation you mentioned has zero chance of obtaining them.

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Steven ***************

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Malcolm ******

this is why I'm asking! I don’t want to take the risk for deportation and a ban! Thank you🙏

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Wayne ******

Don't do it ...I was asked.to teach English in my Village school...asked by the area education boss....but his best friend was the Police chief ...who kindly advised me that I would be arrested and deported ....

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I think it's not a problem if you have a proper work permit and a working visa to do this?! I know many people, which teached legally in schools. But in my case it's not a school🥺🤷🏼‍♀️ I'll don't do it, if there is no legal possibility!

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Wayne ******

you just have to remember that Thais are soooo jealous ...and will inform the Police if they think you are working.

You can obviously get a Teaching job and get the correct Visa ...but when I asked my Village school if they would get me the visa they said " oh no problem...you can work in the Village no problem"

But I would NEVER trust their word

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm aware of this! I don't trust this "no problem stuff" at all! This is why I'm asking here for any legal way☮️🙏

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Wayne ******

you have done the right thing by asking ...and it's the right page for good advice

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Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know! Thank you🙏

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Cloudy *****

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Jay *****

100%you will need a work permit.

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Jay *****

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