Answered4 months ago
Do famous English rock bands need a work permit to perform in Thailand?
Maybe a strange question, but suppose a famous English rock band comes to give a number of concerts in Thailand. I understand that all band members, including the technical crew, need a visa, but do they also need a work permit? The question is purely out of interest.
Answer summary
Yes, all members of a famous English rock band, including their technical crew, need a work permit to perform in Thailand. They typically obtain a Non-Immigrant Type B visa prior to arriving, and the application process is often managed by a local promoter. Musicians and crew can apply for short-term work permits, and this process is generally streamlined through the entertainment sector of the Thai government. The local promoter plays a key role in facilitating all necessary permits and documentation to ensure compliance with local regulations.
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Thai *****
If only Rush would come, that would be amazing! I've just seen them in LA, and they still rock 100%
Jeff ************
The buyers aren't there. It's the way it's always been. Big groups require big money American $. Convert that money into Thai baht and you can't sell tickets
Claes **********
Yes they have to have a work permit. But usually the local promotor takes care of everything. I am working in the entertainment business and we solve in every country that we send our artists to. We have to receive an invitation from a local promotor and then we go from there.
Dave ******
Claes Lagelius Doesn't the particular visa application cover the work permit side of things?
Claes **********
Dave Owen bigger artists can get excemption from work permit in some countries because they are big artists. I am not sure about that in Thailand to be honest.
AC *****
That’s why bands have solicitors to do there paperwork
Surya *********
Been reports of musicians having trouble for just playing in bars. If your taking money or they see it as working you need a permit.
Andrew ***********
David Byrne from Talking Heads is playing here in August I think.
Surya *********
Don't get too excited you would hsve expected someone managing or promoting a big band to know info like this.
Dennis **********
If its the Architects them I'm coming
Nik ********
The website states the there are no dates in Thailand for their upcoming 2026 tour. Sorry. 😢 I have seen them nine times between the states and Europe. I plan on coming to Asia soon and would definitely want to see them again.
Phil ******
Peter Crama yes and there's many that have been here
Paul ********************
Yes they get performer work permits sponsored by the promoter in Thailand and believe they also have to pay 15% withholding tax, not sure how that structured exactly
Mick *****
You can't just come here and put on a show, administratively it would be a nightmare and illegal without the right paperwork. Members of a band would require a Non-Immigrant "B" visa and a Thai Work Permit before entering the country, regardless of how famous they are. These things would be organised by the bands management in conjunction with a local promoter who would ensure the band members and any others have the required permits, venues are booked, local staff are organised and paid, tickets sold, the event is marketed, etc. Not unsurprisingly this is the way it would be done in any other country, touring bands would nearly always if not always have a local company helping them with local requirements.
Nicknam*******
Yes they do get short term work visa for a few days
Paul ********************
Nickname
We use them in Thai offshore oil and gas to bring in technical specialists for work less than 15 days
The limitation is it's quite hard to get more than a single temporary permit issued per year for a specfic person
*****
3 Thailand has work permit which is free and good for no more than 15 days which I suspect is what they get, they are required to get a non Imm B visa issued outside Thailand and apply for the temporary work permit... It's normally issued within 24 hours of application, it's basically just a letter from the DOLWe use them in Thai offshore oil and gas to bring in technical specialists for work less than 15 days
The limitation is it's quite hard to get more than a single temporary permit issued per year for a specfic person
Peter ***********
Tour manager gets b visa.
But using a thai support band or bands prior obviously would be the way to link application quickly
But using a thai support band or bands prior obviously would be the way to link application quickly
Cris ******
I believe if you reach out to the "Entertainment" sector of the government, they will help with the entire process. I forgot the actual name because i have not looked them up in a while, but they do film permits etc, they are very helpful.
Nick *******
There are visa categories for artists and road crews
Jon ********
I’d think a touring famous band would probably get a waiver.
Swifty ******
Jon Warner a famous band would still need work permits for everyone in that period they preform. But I'm sure the approval process is far easier for world recognised group
Jon ********
Swifty Matt of course
Paul ********************
Jon Warner no they have a work permit and actually pay tax as well
Bryan ***********
Jon Warner why would you think that?
Jon ********
Bryan Kilvinski because they are not going to Laos to get a B visa and then apply for a work permit for 1 gig. The government will assist I am sure in expediting the process.
Bryan ***********
Jon Warner Why are you talking about Laos? There are embassies in their own country. To legally perform in Thailand, an English rock band would follow a strict three-step administrative process managed jointly by their tour management and a locally registered Thai promoter.
First, the local promoter must apply for an official Work Permit Pre-Approval Letter (WP.3) through the Thai Ministry of Labour by submitting the performance contract, venue details, and company credentials.
Second, using this WP.3 approval letter alongside an official invitation from the promoter, every musician and crew member must apply for a Non-Immigrant Type B (Business) Visa via the Thailand E-Visa portal or at a Royal Thai Embassy before departing the United Kingdom. There is no need to go to Laos.
Finally, upon arrival in Thailand, the physical or digital work permits must be officially issued and validated through the Department of Employment. This authorization is strictly limited to the specific dates and venues listed in the application, and the documents must be accessible at the venue on the day of the performance to ensure compliance with potential local labor inspections. This is a well-documented process that is freely available for you to look up online. Hope this helps 👍
First, the local promoter must apply for an official Work Permit Pre-Approval Letter (WP.3) through the Thai Ministry of Labour by submitting the performance contract, venue details, and company credentials.
Second, using this WP.3 approval letter alongside an official invitation from the promoter, every musician and crew member must apply for a Non-Immigrant Type B (Business) Visa via the Thailand E-Visa portal or at a Royal Thai Embassy before departing the United Kingdom. There is no need to go to Laos.
Finally, upon arrival in Thailand, the physical or digital work permits must be officially issued and validated through the Department of Employment. This authorization is strictly limited to the specific dates and venues listed in the application, and the documents must be accessible at the venue on the day of the performance to ensure compliance with potential local labor inspections. This is a well-documented process that is freely available for you to look up online. Hope this helps 👍
Marike **************
Jon Warner they have special shory term work permits for musicians, artists & speakers etc
Marike **************
Jon Warner wrong.
Jon ********
Marike Van Breugel so the band members and road crew all need to stop in Laos and get a B visa and the apply for a work permit? I don’t think so. I’m sure the process used bypasses this. Whatever process that may be.
Nick ********
Please tell me you’ve heard a rumour that Iron Maiden are planning a concert (or three) in Bangkok 🤞🏼🤘
Peter *******
OPNick Cooper no sorry
Will ************
Nick Cooper if they do it won’t be until 2028. No more dates being added to the ‘’ Run For Your Lives’’ tour and they are not touring in 2027
Michael ********
Nick Cooper you want me to ask, nephew works at Bruces plane place in Wales. I will ask him anyway
Tom *******
Nick Cooper Be more like rusty spinster now.
Nick ********
Tom Found Saw them last year at London Stadium and that comment couldn’t be further from the truth……it was quite funny though 😂
Matt **********
Nick Cooper if that happens, I am so there!!!
Marike **************
Short term work permits for bands, event speakers etc have always been available & relatively easy to get.
Bob **********
No different than any special event (fireworks) it’s all done by the promoter
Sandy *******
They would all need a work permit
Mikkel *******
@Sandy ******
indeed. Like many other places. My brother is in a band that tours the world. They went to give some concerts in Canada and the US. For the US he needed a green card just for that. Was a lengthy process to get.
Paul ********
From what I know yes as they are taking a job away from a Thai band
Kadeem ********
Paul Durkan that’s such a silly thing to say..
The answer is yes. But they are providing jobs for hundreds of Thais by putting on the event and creating millions of baht worth of stimulus around the event too..
Hotels.
Restaurants.
Taxis.
Trains.
Police.
Grab drivers.
And all staff directly linked to the event..
The answer is yes. But they are providing jobs for hundreds of Thais by putting on the event and creating millions of baht worth of stimulus around the event too..
Hotels.
Restaurants.
Taxis.
Trains.
Police.
Grab drivers.
And all staff directly linked to the event..
Paul ********
Kadeem Mayson what 🐂 💩
Surya *********
Paul Durkan you seriously think events don't benefit the national and local economy,?
David ********
Paul Durkan 🤣 No they aren't. Have you ever heard a Thai sing English songs? It is never very good, and usually with mispronounced words throughout.
Paul ********
David Adcock when I had a work permit I was told as long as a Thai can’t do the job it’s permitted. I could not even change a light bulb.
Rick ********
That would usually involve the local promoter to start the process with the bands management.
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