Ask question

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🙏

2,225

views

2

likes

68

all likes

38

replies

0

images

13

users

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

Like

Reply

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

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

Like

Reply

Gary *****

Nope

Like

Reply

David **********

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Like

Reply

Us *****

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

Like

Reply

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

stupid comment.

Like

Reply

Us *****

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

none of you guys have a sense of humor

Like

Reply

Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

บ่ เป็น หยัง❤️

Like

Reply

Us *****

kun kian paasaa tai daai krap?

Like

Reply

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

we do but your comment wasn't funny haha

Like

Reply

Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cloudy *****

Reply

Mick ********

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

Wow what a statement

Like

Reply

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🙏

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cloudy *****

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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🙏

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cloudy *****

Reply

Aake **********

No, dont do it

Like

Reply

Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Aake *********

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

Like

Reply

Aake **********

its not legal, sorry

Like

Reply

Reply to

Aake **********

Reply

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 .

Like

Reply

Michael ********

@Malcolm ******

teaching staff english is not a prohibited job for foriegners

Like

Reply

Malcolm *******

@Michael *******

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

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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 .

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Michael ********

Reply

Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Malcolm ******

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

Like

Reply

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 .

Like

Reply

Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Malcolm ******

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cloudy *****

Reply

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

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

Like

Reply

Reply to

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

Reply

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🙏

Like

Reply

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 ....

Like

Reply

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!

Like

Reply

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

Like

Reply

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☮️🙏

Like

Reply

Wayne ******

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

Like

Reply

Cloudy *****

ORIGINAL POSTER

I know! Thank you🙏

Like

Reply

Reply to

Cloudy *****

Reply

Jay *****

100%you will need a work permit.

Like

Reply

Reply to

Jay *****

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

Is it legal to volunteer on a tourist visa in Thailand?

18 comments

2 months ago

Can I work voluntarily in Thailand without payment?

38 comments

2 months ago

What is the best visa option for Australians planning a 14-week stay in Thailand for volunteer teaching?

19 comments

9 months ago

Can I volunteer while on a one-year Education (ED) visa in Thailand?

8 comments

a year ago

What are the administrative requirements for obtaining a volunteer visa in Thailand for an expat organization?

7 comments

2 years ago

What are the requirements for applying for a Volunteer visa to teach in Chiang Mai's village schools?

7 comments

3 years ago

What are the current options for obtaining a Thailand visa, including for volunteering and homeschooling children?

18 comments

3 years ago

What are the pros and cons of getting a volunteer visa in Thailand?

26 comments

3 years ago

How does a Volunteer Visa work in Thailand, and can I open a bank account or work on it?

19 comments

3 years ago

Is it easy to obtain an education or volunteer visa to extend my stay in Thailand?

26 comments

4 years ago

How can I change my education visa to a non-B teaching visa in Thailand, and can I volunteer as a teacher with a volunteer visa while obtaining a work permit?

2 comments

4 years ago

Can I work on my old work visa while switching to a new job in Thailand?

7 comments

4 years ago

What do I need to know about obtaining a volunteer visa in Thailand after my education visa expires?

7 comments

4 years ago

What type of visa do I need for volunteering in Thailand?

0 comments

6 years ago

What is the best visa option for volunteering to teach English in Thailand: marriage visa or work permit for volunteer work?

0 comments

6 years ago

How can I obtain a tourist visa or volunteer visa in Thailand without frequent visa runs?

9 comments

6 years ago

What are the current regulations on volunteer visas and work permits in Thailand?

25 comments

6 years ago

Do I need a work permit for volunteering in Thailand?

3 comments

6 years ago

Can I do volunteer work in Thailand on a retirement visa?

12 comments

6 years ago

Am I allowed to have conversational talks at a local school in Thailand without a work permit if I have a retirement extension and am married to a Thai national?

36 comments

6 years ago

How can I obtain a 1-year volunteer visa for working in Phuket while also working online?

39 comments

7 years ago

Can I do volunteer work on a tourist visa in Thailand?

38 comments

7 years ago

How can retirees volunteer in non-profit organizations on a retirement visa in Thailand?

7 comments

7 years ago

Can I teach English for one hour a month at the immigration office without a work permit in Thailand?

18 comments

7 years ago

Can I volunteer while on a long-term retirement visa in Thailand?

12 comments

a month ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.