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Answered8 years ago

Can I start working in Thailand while my work permit is being processed?

Milos *****
asked Sep 10, 2018
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Hi guys,

If my company decide to relocate me to their office in Thailand, can I start working for it and then to get the work permit resolved on the go or the work permit first needs to be issued and then I can start working?

Ta
Answer summary
In Thailand, it's required by law to have a work permit before starting work. However, some experiences shared indicate that it's common for employees to begin working while their work permits are being finalized. Typically, companies will apply for the work permit while you are still abroad. Once approved, you can then apply for a Non Immigrant B visa. Upon entering Thailand, you can pick up your work permit and officially start working. There’s a noted lack of an official grace period, but informal practices may allow for some leeway during the paperwork process.
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Robert *******
Robert *******
The company applies for the work permit while you still work abroad. With the papers from company and application approved you apply abroad for the Non Immigrant B visa. When you enter Thailand, you pick up your work permit and can start working.
Milos *****
Milos *****
OP
@Robert ******
Thank you Rob
Robert *******
Robert *******
Yes, it is called the Work Permit application method 3, where the foreigner is abroad. Company applies, if application is good, company get a so called WP3 form and a letter from Ministry of Labor. They send these two papers to you with some more company papers and you can apply for the Non Immigrant B visa.
Milos *****
Milos *****
OP
Robert Lagas so you are saying that my company can apply for my work permit and having it issued without me being in Thailand but working abroad?
Milos *****
Milos *****
OP
Sounds reasonable. Ta.
Milos *****
Milos *****
OP
I think they do everything officially. Ta
Milos *****
Milos *****
OP
Yep. No breaking the law but following the official rules
Maurice *******
Maurice *******
Official
Terary **********
Terary **********
How strict is the company you work for? Do they already have Thai operations? When I had a work permit (2 years ago), I was working while sorting out the paperwork. Some if the time was illegal. And, of course I never recommend breaking the law, but its fairly common practice.
Maurice *******
Maurice *******
As per Thai law, you must brandish a Work permit first, but most at times, there can be a grace period (not official) to enable you acquire one while you move on with your job normally.
Robert *******
Robert *******
there is no grace period. You can start working with the correct Visa and the Work Permit.
Maurice *******
Maurice *******
@Milos ****
: Its not official, but note that if you're on Tourist Visa, you need to convert it to Non B, before it expire then its only from then that you can pursue a work permit. But I'm sure since you have been sent by a company, you will likely have Non imm B. It expires in 3 months and you need to have made your Work permit and do a one year extension. All these process may required a time frame of 2 weeks to a month depending on the circumstances. Note that most principles are not same in different "ChangWat" (Provinces).
Milos *****
Milos *****
OP
Ta. Do you maybe know how long the grace period is?

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