Can I work while on a one-year Muay Thai training visa in Thailand?

Muay Thai Training Visa Thailand Education Visa Work Restrictions in Thailand Immigration and Work Permits Expat Life in Thailand

Jan 24, 2023

2 years ago

Keith *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm not sure if this has been covered but I'll ask away. Got back from a 2 week Bangkok Phuket vacation and I'm debating on getting a one year muay thai training visa as well as learning thai language as well. 

Am I allowed to work at some level doing odd jobs? I have an HVAC company in US so I have some skills but not sure if I could help out in some aspect.  TIA

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user inquires about the possibility of working while on a one-year Muay Thai training visa in Thailand. Responses clarify that individuals holding education visas (ED) cannot legally engage in any work, including volunteering, without a proper work permit. While some suggest alternative pathways such as co-owning a business with a Thai partner, they emphasize the challenges and legal restrictions regarding employment for foreigners in Thailand.

Keith *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Wow. Nic has alot of useless advice to give

2 years ago

Terary **********

Officially, no foreigner should be working a job that a Thai can do. However, they seem pretty ok with foreigners teaching English and/or teaching SCUBA, owning bars or providing visa services, so there is always a way.

Co own a company with a Thai partner would be one way to do HVAC. However, central air is uncommon and very little need for heating.

2 years ago

Edna *******

Bottom line; virtually impossible, even as a volunteer for a much needed cause. Jobs in Thailand are even difficult for their own average people. If Thais are over fifty and seek work impossible. Even when somewhat skilled.

2 years ago

Alistair **********

Not legally. I doubt the pay you'd get would be worth it for you anyways. If you befriended a foreigner who owned a company in that sector you might be able to get some supervisor type work, as they like foreigners for that sort of oversight roles. But it would likely be a cash / illegal job, unless you get a work permit.

2 years ago

Will ************

If you want a Muay Thai. Education visa you will be expected to attend the course full time and extend the visa every 3 months at immigration subject to a satisfactory report from the school to immigration. They will check don’t think they won’t

2 years ago

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

No, you are not allowed to do even free volunteer work without a work permit and a visa that is not work restricted. ED visas are work restricted.

2 years ago

Keith *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

OK. So could I obtain a work permit somewhere 1st and maybe just train on my own?

2 years ago

Sam *********

@Keith ******

as Brandon said. You obtain the job first and then the WP. It isn’t a situation where you get the permit and then go looking for work…

2 years ago

John **********

@Keith ******

if you can get a job (which is unlikely given you can't take jobs Thais could do) your employer can get you a visa and work permit

2 years ago

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

@Keith ******

you cannot get a work permit until you have already found a job and have a company to sponsor you for that work permit. Foreigners also must make a minimum monthly salary based on what country they are from.

2 years ago

Keith *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

any guidance as to were I could search for a company willing to sponsor?

Darren *******

Gabriel ********

lots and lots of foreign qualified blue collar types work in Thailand doing specialists jobs…the caveat and reason for this is that foreigners w these types of skills AND Thai language ability are needed as trainers and liaisons to the Thai workforce

2 years ago

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

@Keith ******

no clue. I don't know any foreigners that work in Thailand so don't have anyone to ask how they found their job. But unless you have some special skill that Thai people don't have, it's not going to be easy since a company can pay a Thai person a lot less.

2 years ago

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

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