Can I Look for a Job in Thailand on a Tourist Visa?

Jan 26, 2020
5 years ago
Buom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Everyone!๐Ÿ‘‹

I'm a new member, I joined this group today.

Only a question:

My intention was to move to Thailand in March with 2months tourists visa and trying to get a job there.

Very chilly.

Of course, I already know it will be pretty difficult.

Anyway, I've heard on a YouTube channel that it's not possible because it'd be against the Law.

That channel said I could only do that asking for a Business Visa in a Thai consulate based on my country.

Is it true?

Which documents should I keep with me for the request?

This is how it works?

Thanks krap๐Ÿ™
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster inquired whether it is legal to look for a job in Thailand while on a 2-month tourist visa, noting they've heard conflicting information online. Responses clarified that it is permissible to seek employment on a tourist visa, but they cannot work until obtaining the appropriate visa, specifically the Non-B visa, with assistance from a prospective employer.
Bryan ********
Im in a similiar position. Im going to Thailand in Feb on 60 day visa and plan on extending for 30 days, and spend that 30 days in April to find a teaching job.
@Benj****
@Rob***
if I do get a job within that 30 day ext. period, will I have to leave the country to obtain the non b visa ??
Bryan ********
Thank you
@T**
Bryan ********
Ok, I wasnt aware of that. Thank you. Are all schools and admin off that week
@Benj****
?
Benjamin ******
In my experience, because Thai government schools hire just about anyone, they almost always send people to Laos or Malaysia. Don't forget that you'd lose a week job searching in April due to Thai New Year.
Tod *********
that is TOTALLY up to your employer and the immigration office that serves the area where you live.

SOME employers can get take their employees to the immigration office and get a conversion from a tourist visa to an in country 90 day Non-B visas BUT some give you documentation to go to a thai consulate in another country nearby and get the 90 day single entry Non-B visa.
Broadway **********
Ellie *******
Just a bit of off topic.. Maybe you want to consider to get METV for that purpose unless you have concrete opportunities of your future job... 60days + 30days extension is not enough to secure your job quite often..
Buom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Ellie ******
METV is?!
Benjamin ******
True, but it depends on the job of course. A teaching job can be found quickly (2 or three weeks). But, other jobs do take longer. Ideally, he should start his job search before coming to Thailand, and ideally get hired before he moves.

Thailand is desperate for good workers, and the pay is extremely high.
Benjamin ******
Ignore YouTube, ignore agents. You can look for a job on a tourist visa/ visa exempt. You can not work on a tourist visa or visa exempt though.
Buom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Ben, I've always done that. But this time he really looked aware..

I know I can not work with Tourist but thank you for your answer.
Buom ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you.

So, you guys are saying that I can come to Thailand with a "simple" tourist visa and leave my CV everywhere I want without being against any laws.

Am I right?
Nigel **************
Robert *******
Not true as most you tube channels with Thai visa information. You can walk around with a Tourist Visa to find a job

As soon as you find a job, your employer should help you to get the Work Permit and a Non Immigrant B visa before you start to work
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