Can my Lao wife, a US citizen, work in Thailand with a work permit?

Work Permit Lao Citizenship US Citizenship Thai Immigration Expats in Thailand Retirement in Thailand

Jul 22, 2024

5 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Was wondering if my Lao wife can work in Thailand with a work permit. She was born in Laos. Shes been in the US over 40 years. We've been married over 20 years. She has her US citizenship. So technically she is a US citizen and probably doesn't fall into the agreement between Lao and Thailand. We are planning on retiring in Thailand but she said she may get bored amd want to work somewhere.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion addresses whether a Lao woman, who is now a US citizen and has lived in the US for over 40 years, can work in Thailand. While she generally would need a work permit, several comments suggest that her Lao background might offer some pathways, such as potentially obtaining a Lao passport. The conversation highlights nuances based on her citizenship status, possible dual citizenship, and the types of employment she is looking for, noting that it's often easier for citizens of neighboring countries to secure permits compared to Western citizens.

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Vincent *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for all of the comments and suggestions. We are really looking to retire but you know sometimes you get bored.

5 months ago

Ben *****

Unless she teaches, a US citizens salary must be a minimum of 50k baht a month. I don't know what your wife's skills are, but it'll likely be extremely difficult at her age to get a job. Also coming from the US would she even want to make such comparatively low wages?

5 months ago

Carrie ******

From what I understand, I think that it's actually easier for people from surrounding countries of Thailand - Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos to get work permit as they seem to be allowed to do more than actual western foreigners. I'm not sure with her having us citizenship how that would work, but I wish you the best of luck!

5 months ago

KruPat *****

It depends on what kind of job she is looking for? If she just wants to do a freelance job (private tutoring or hosting a yoga class) then it’s easy

5 months ago

Kool *******

If she has Lao ID then she can fall under the guest workers program in Thailand. If she doesn't then she would follow the same requirements to work as you would.

5 months ago

Dave **********

@Vincent ********

with a work permit even you may work. Who would hire your wife, what skills does she have, as her wages would be much higher then a Thai?

5 months ago

Charlie ******

@Dave *********

good answer 👌i

5 months ago

Reply to

Charlie ******

Bob ********

This might be a long bow, but lots of Lao are Isaan and live in Northern Thailand with Thai ID. If she has Blood related family, she may be able to claim Thai heritage by family, during the Vietnam war, when Laos was closed, lots of Lao settled with family in Isaan. Thailand does a DNA test to prove the relationship, It's a long shot, but I have friends in Australia, originally from Lao, whose children (born in Australia) have gotten Thai ID through uncles and Aunts living in Thailand.

5 months ago

Vincent *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bob *******

this is very interesting. I wonder how to start the process of getting the DNA test. Do we just go to a hospital in Thailand and ask to get a DNA test. She actually does have Thai blood from her grandfather

5 months ago

Bob ********

@Vincent ********

not sure, go to the Thaicitizenship.com page, there will be an article on it there I am sure. It will be arranged by the Thai authorities as part of the process of applying.

5 months ago

Reply to

Bob ********

Aaron *******

Does she have Dual Citizenship? Lao/USA? Did she renounce her Lao's Citizenship? Can she get a Lao passport? If so, go home to Lao, get a Lao Passport. Enter Thailand with Lao Passport.

5 months ago

Manuel *********

I don’t see why not if she get the propper work permits it shouldn’t be an issue.

5 months ago

Vincent *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Manuel ********

asking because most people say it is near impossible for foreigners to work in Thailand. Just wondering if it's any easier for her because she is Lao. She does read and speak Thai which helps

5 months ago

Manuel *********

@Vincent ********

it’s not impossible to work in Thailand it’s hard but it’s very doable for sure I would say half of my company are foreigner’s super mix Europeans / Americans / Myanmar / Laos / Indians as long as she find a place that can provide a work permit with the right visa type your good 👍🏻

5 months ago

Reply to

Manuel *********

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