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Can I work part-time on a Retirement Visa in Thailand?
Retirement VisaWork PermitRemote WorkImmigration RulesExpats in ThailandLegal Work OptionsIncome for Retirees
Jun 19, 2025
10 months ago
Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI am a 67 yo from the USA who has been here for almost five months on my initial 15 month Retirement Visa. Is there any way to get a part-time job other than thru online digital employment? I do not have a work permit and believe I would be unable to get one on a Retirement Visa. I realize that if I try to work for some company or individual, even under the table, I risk severe consequences including deportation, and have zero desire to break or even bend the law. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance… 🙏
TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster, a 67-year-old expat on a Retirement Visa in Thailand, seeks advice about obtaining a part-time job outside of digital employment. Several community members clarify that working on a Retirement Visa is illegal and could lead to severe consequences like deportation. They emphasize the importance of adhering to Thai laws regarding work permits and suggest that remote work for foreign companies might be the only feasible option. The discussion also includes various opinions on how retirees can engage in activities without legal issues.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Sei *****
even as a married man had to take care of wife and stepdaughter and no work permit. money finished in 4 years and kicked out of wife
Dianne ********
Do volunteer work - help out the community free of charge
Jorge ****
@Dianne *******
illegal in LOS without a work permit, and quite impossible as the visa sticker clearly says "employment prohibited" (even if unpaid). Their rules, not ours.Dianne ********
@Jorge ***
volunteering is not working. Volunteering means helping in a charity for free.Jorge ****
@Dianne *******
the local authorities see it as working. Their country, their rules. Not even my opinion.Dianne ********
@Jorge ***
good to know.Reply to
Dianne ********
Reply
Jorge ****
Work for a few baht while already retired in LOS? Nah, life is short.
Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jo***
: work for a western company paying western wages for remote online work?Jorge ****
@Bruce *******
ideal situation, but not likely.Reply to
Jorge ****
Reply
Fletcher *****
Ya 67 mate …. Have a wank and relax !
Diane ********
These comments are brutal 😎😎
Nitzan *****
You've answered yourself: you can't get a work permit on retirement visa. While still technically illegal, you could offer online fitness and nutrition coaching. One way to market yourself would be creating free content (reels, YouTube) - you won't make (much) money from doing that, but people who find it helpful may be interested in coaching later. (probably best to avoid Thailand-based clients though)
Dwayne ********
Digital aside as it means zero in Thailand. Either upper management skills in logistics with connections or fold to that as a teacher provided you have an upper degree with transcripts.
Clare *******
Work at 67 lol seek a Dr at Bangkok Hospital give you something to do in your spare time tell him your story
Sammy *****
Didn't you think of your financial ability five months ago?
Kevin ******
Not even supposed to volunteer
Jennifer ******
It's says on your Visa that you are not allowed employment. Open your passport and have a look. It's there.
Michael ********
Unfortunately No. But i believe Thai goverment is missing out on great opportunity there are many people here who have retired and have a particular skill set that could benifit Thai companies by acting as consultants. A part time retirement work permit would be good for this. Unfortunately unlikely to happen as powers to be dont think of country first.
Tony ***********
I think that guys in Thailand may buy shares in businesses.. like quarter partnerships
Jason ***********
You're too old to work. Enjoy your retirement
Kerry *********
If there’s a multinational company that wants to hire you and they have a good HR department in Thailand they could probably get you the correct visa and work permit; if you’re trying to find a job with a Thai company with whom you have no prior relationship, then probably it’s a pipe dream.
Andy ************
Many people would love to have a retirement visa in Thailand so count yourself lucky and don't fuck it up by doing something illegal 🙄
Peter ********
@Andy ***********
that advice is worth gold... I hope he doesn't bugger up.Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI have zero desire to skirt any laws while here so no worries, just looking for options.
Reply to
Bruce ********
Reply
Gustavo *********
@Andy ***********
That's it ✅Reply to
Gustavo *********
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Anna *********
Simple answer is No
William *********
I believe if you own a business with Thai employees, you can be a manager.
Us *****
You're 67, it's time to enjoy your retirement. If you're bored, find a leisure activity.
Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIm a former fitness professional, I play golf, tennis, workout at the gym, enjoy long walks, meeting people, bars, music and even table tennis. I’ve made many friends including one special one. My hobbies are covered. That’s never been an issue. This was merely to add add’l income.
Us *****
@Bruce *******
if you have to worry about income at 67 then you didn't plan out your finances correctly. Message me directly if you need help figuring it out. I'll find a way for you to max out living on SS.Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTERNot interested in having my life’s financial planning history explained nor judged. I am able to maximize my budget of my current retirement benefits just fine and also have a lot of outside interests & hobbies to keep me busy & content. Just having a hard time convincing many here that all I want is a small income to make my nest egg last longer. Plus, to do it legally within the boundaries of Thai law, which means most likely online remote work.
Reply to
Bruce ********
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Andrew *******
@Bruce *******
find a hobby ...no need to worry about workingReply to
Andrew *******
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Glenn *****
Not unless you are Russian, Chinese or Indian 55
Bob **********
No you can’t work if your short of funds head back home this in no place to live skint 😎😎😎
Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTERIm not short on funds, I just would like to have a small regular income for many other opportunities as well as the worrisome ones…
Dwayne ********
@Bruce *******
i understand keeping busy but haven’t figured it out yet. All foreigner businesses are at best not including a western franchise, a break even business. Those foreigners do it to stay busy or have lots sex with young girls. Best just retire and find a hobby.Bob **********
@Bruce *******
get a job and a work permitBruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPretty sure I cannot get a work permit on my Retirement Visa
Reply to
Bruce ********
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Ian ********
Do many people work remotely - if so do they use their Thai bank account or external to receive their salary
Dwayne ********
@Ian *******
remote is rather dead unless you a high skillset with lots of clients.Ian ********
Ian ********
@Dwayne *******
thanks for your reply - we’re still a year or so away from making the move and was just wondering if it’s possibleDwayne ********
@Ian *******
depends your industry, i messed up awhile ago getting detached from my entertainment industry. Though my friend, a visual effects artist is still fully employed & 100% remote, another is a system programmer for banks, also full-time & fully remote. Most like if already with a western company and connected via applications & server, remote should be possible.Reply to
Dwayne ********
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Bob **********
@Ian *******
if you did break the law and work your salary would go to your home countries bank then you would transfer it over toReply to
Bob **********
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Chris ****
Hi Bruce. It seems you are saying that the cost of Thailand are higher than expected? And now you’re stressed about your budget enough to take any random job? May I suggest you try a province where the costs are much lower than the more popular/populated areas? It’s not as lonely as it sounds - the provinces are rural but unlike the west there are plenty of generations staying together and create a community you can join. You’ll find a tremendous savings.
Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks for the advice regardless. My retirement fund is able to provide for me here & while I plan to travel, I really enjoy my current situation. I worked hard most of my life and while I wish I could say I’m wealthy enough to do what I want when I want, I’m just not at this point, although a ln inheritance is in my future. That said, I would like to have a small regular income to create that buffer we all know would be great in case something comes up, both good & bad. That’s merely it, but don’t want to break any laws.
Tony **********
@Bruce *******
you could investigate a remote customer service job with a USA company (phone support). But that job certainly isn't going to give you additional peace of mind.Bruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@To**
: I’m good in the ‘peace of mind’ category, not sure why anyone would question my happiness level, as all I originally asked was if anyone know of some sort of legal way to work part time while living here and yes, I’ve been looking for remote online work with a US preferred company.Reply to
Bruce ********
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Andrew *******
@Bruce *******
not worth it ...just save until you are sure you can be self sufficient ...then settle in ThailandBruce ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@And***
: Perhaps not to you but it clearly is to me, as I’m here and loving life regardless.Reply to
Bruce ********
Reply
Gregg *******
Thanks for raising this
@Bruce *******
. It appears that I'm 5 years behind you and this is the reason that I've decided to delay my retirement for another year, possibly 2. I've been coming to Thailand as a FIFO worker for over 7 years, usually 4 weeks working in Oz and 12 nights Thailand... I've been here this time almost 4 months and I've had no income for 10 months. It's been a great time, but if I wish to continue this lifestyle then a slightly larger nest egg is required.Christopher ******
@Gregg ******
yes i was a FIFO international worker, spending most of my time in SEA either working or resting It's a lifestyle not easy to reign in. 😆Reply to
Christopher ******
Reply
Richard ********
@Chris ***
That's not what he's saying, nor is it implied.James ********
@Richard *******
But it's a very sound , practical and helpfull reply.Richard ********
@James *******
It's off topic.The op was asking about working, this reply shot off on a tangent about how to live more cheaply and promoting the "rural" life.
Andy ************
Richard Parker Another one Isaan-bound? 😂
James ********
@Andy ***********
Way to go !!Richard ********
@Andy ***********
Not me, been there, more than a bit boring after the first 30 minutes.I'm sure it might suit some guys.
Andy ************
@Richard *******
I know what you mean! Isaan doesn't do it for me either.James ********
@Richard *******
And it was refreshing , not like some people.Reply to
James ********
Reply
Andy ************
No such thing as a 15-month retirement visa
Todd *********
@Andy ***********
you never used an agent :)Andy ************
@Todd ********
Of course not. But it's still not a 15-month visa. It's a 90-day visa with a 12-month extension of stayTodd *********
@Andy ***********
absolutely correct. But some agents tend to package it simply as a 15 month ‘visa’. Which to a first timer, is exactly what they perceive. And want. All understandableAndy ************
@Todd ********
Yes I'm aware many expats do not understand immigration terminologyReply to
Andy ************
Reply
Steve ***********
@Andy ***********
exactlyRobin *******
@Andy ***********
you know what he means, he’s a yank cut him some slackAndy ************
@Robin ******
Actually I don't. I know 90-day, one year, three year and five year.Tony **********
@Andy ***********
90 day non-o plus 12 month extension. If he used an agent or could have been offered it for a price at immigration.Andy ************
@Tony *********
So it's not a 15-month visa. Ok. I knew there wasn't such a thingJohn **********
You can't legally work on a retirement visa at all. There are only 2 visas that legally allow you to work remotely, the DTV and the LTR for Remote Work. People do it, but you need to keep it quiet
John **********
@Alex ******
in total 15 months. 90 day Non-O visa plus 12 months extension of stay. It only happens if you use an agent. Do it yourself and you get 90 days Non-O visa then before that runs out you get the 12 months extension of stayReply to
John **********
Reply
Steve ***********
Initial 15 month retirement visa?? Please explain
Jon ********
@Steve **********
1st 3 months are tourist VisaJesper *******
@Jon *******
1st 3mths is initial nonO 90days then he get 1yr extension that's why it's 15mthsDiane ********
@Jesper ******
I haven’t left yet do I do my airfare for 3 months in the initial stage or wait till I get there? Im coming on a one way ticket then do a run for Vietnam is that wise?Jesper *******
@Diane *******
are u coming in on a nonO visa or visa exempt? If coming in on nonO yes a one way ticket will be enough and once in thailand u can start preparing for the 1yr extensions but if u are coming in on a visa exempt (60days for 93 countries) it's best to have a return or outbound ticketDiane ********
@Jesper ******
no coming Non O and thank you for the info.Reply to
Diane ********
Reply
กะลาสี *****
@Steve **********
pretty sure he's talking about an initial 3 month O visa and a 12 month extension of stay, which combined = 15 months.Reply to
กะลาสี *****
Reply
Bill *********
Part-time or full-time, above table or below table, no way do I want to jeopardize my retirement in Thailand and I don't think you want to either so early in your journey. Besides, I don't have time for a job: there are massages to take, skybars to visit, nightclubs to check out, restaurants to review, new areas to explore etc.
Alex *******
A popular way to make money for retired guys in Thailand is to start a YouTube channel and talk about bar girls. Those channels do well cause old overweight men with blue balls enjoy watching that stuff
Diane ********
@Alex ******
hush🤣🤣Bob **********
@Alex ******
And the revenue department is looking to tax all the YouTubersReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Braulio *********
Best to follow the rules
Jon ********
Enjoy your retirement, you can’t work legally
Frank **********
Yes. Do not work.
Jeremy ********
Nope it’s illegal to work on a retirement visa within the borders of the Kingdom of Thailand
With that being said remote work and YouTube are the grey wild Wild West of income streams
Good luck
With that being said remote work and YouTube are the grey wild Wild West of income streams
Good luck
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
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