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Can I start working in Thailand without a Non-B visa and work permit?

Thailand Work PermitNon-B VisaImmigration RulesExpat Employment in ThailandVisa RegulationsProbation Period Work Permit
May 16, 2018
6 years ago
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I would like to confirm something.

I have been offered a job here in Bangkok and they want me to start straight away,

I Don't have a non b or work permit.

I believe I can't start work until I have the non b and work permit, if I do? Then I am in breach of immigration, is that correct?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the legality of starting work in Thailand without a Non-B visa and work permit. Responses confirm that it is illegal to work without these documents, and while some companies may apply for work permits during probation, it does not make it legal to work beforehand. The consensus among respondents is that working without the proper documentation poses significant risks, including detention and deportation.
Thomas *****
who are you going to tell...
6 years ago
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David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
There was around 130 teachers arrested earlier this year for working without the appropriate paperwork, no one is safe regardless.
6 years ago
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David **********
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Erik ***********
Yes you need a work permit however if the company wants to pay you a salary without you really working if I were you I wouldnt turn that down. Because you would just get a salary/money without doing any real work 😁
6 years ago
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Henri ******
If the company is determined, I got mine within a day....
6 years ago
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Tod *********
Correct, you cannot work legally without the appropriate visa and at least the receipt of having applied for a work permit (even if it didn't come yet).
6 years ago
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Gaudette *************
@David *********
 Totally
6 years ago
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David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jean ****************
 maybe but still running a risk
6 years ago
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Gaudette *************
Yes , grey zone is always illegal . I just wanted to share him that there is a grey zone in Thailand for work . Like prostitution , its a grey zone and I think the whole Thailand is a grey zone actually .
6 years ago
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Ellie *******
David, I totally agree with you and I also don't want to be in a foreign country in any illegal state. I meant the previous comment to Jean, because decent (I'm not sure I can use this word though) companies would prepare proper visa and work permit even if the employees are on probation period. And I know many of that company.
6 years ago
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David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Each to their own
6 years ago
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David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes but no visa is still illegal. And people run the risk of detention and deportation and a ban for 3 years on entering Thailand. Is it worth the risk?
6 years ago
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Ellie *******
Many companies apply work permit for their foreign employees during probation period...
6 years ago
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David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jean ****************
 yes but still illegal, which is something I am not prepared to do.
6 years ago
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Tod *********
@Je**
 that you see it happen doesn't mean it's a grey zone. It's totally against that law, :/
6 years ago
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Gaudette *************
A LOT of foreigner start working here without permit. Some company want a probation period. I see this as a grey zone.

This is base on what I saw from now.
6 years ago
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David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I thought so, thank you Tod
6 years ago
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David **********
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