Can I obtain a work permit with a Thai Spouse visa, or do I need to switch to a Non-B visa?

Thai Spouse Visa Work Permit Non-B Visa Visa Rules Immigration Employment in Thailand

Jan 11, 2024

10 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey, just confirming – with a Thai Spouse visa, I can easily obtain a working permit, am I right? Why would a company ask me to switch it to Non B to work legally? I stated that I would be needing only a working permit.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

If you hold a Thai Spouse visa (Non-O), you can indeed obtain a work permit without needing to switch to a Non-B visa. The requirement to switch may stem from employers wanting more control over their employees, as a Non-B visa ties your residency status to your job. However, it is not necessary to change your visa; you can inform your employer that you can remain on the Non-O visa while still securing a work permit.

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Jyrki *********

Are The rules to get wp same with nonO marriage and b visa?

10 months ago

Mark ******

Yes

10 months ago

Pertti *************

Just give your visa etc them and they apply wp to you. I have non o too and only go b if i divorce and then i get my own company reason for b visa and can still stay country if i get fired from my second job..

10 months ago

Neil ********

Just tell them you have taken advise and want to keep your visa as it and it’s perfectly okay to have a work permit

10 months ago

Kool *******

Most say that simply because they've never dealt with it before, and rather than learn how to do it they say type B.

10 months ago

Royce ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Seems a bit much for control. Good thing I have this basic knowledge, and they should be aware of it too.

Thanks a lot

10 months ago

Faye *********

@Royce **********

or they just don't know and haven't come across it before. Hopefully it is not for control.

10 months ago

Reply to

Faye *********

Chris *******

Simply you do not have to work to remain in Thailand and only require a work permit.

As has been said, control of your visa status.

10 months ago

Brandon ************

The main reason is because they want to be able to threaten you. If your permission to stay in Thailand is associated with your job on a non-B visa, then they can say "Do this or we'll fire you and then you have to leave Thailand immediately."

If you have a work permit but are still on your marriage visa/extension them firing you will not force you to leave Thailand, and they will lose that leverage on you.

There is no reason for you to change your visa to work visa. Tell them you will not change your visa, they can just apply for your work permit.

10 months ago

Steve **********

You are right. I did it. I had the non O based on marriage to a Thai and a work permit.

No idea why they would do that. They must not know the truth. My company did not as well and I had to literally teach them. In the end they consulted with an agent and found out I was right.

10 months ago

Wylie *******

There is no reason other than they have more control over you. I'd question any business that says they need you to switch.

10 months ago

Reply to

Wylie *******

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