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Do I need a work permit for facilitating a non-profit group meeting in Thailand?

Work PermitNon-Profit ActivitiesExpats in ThailandVolunteer OrganizationsCommunity Groups
Sep 14, 2024
2 months ago
Thomas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
This falls under “everything else.”

If I’m part of a group that meets regularly (like a parent/play/school group) and provides a service, but isn’t paid or for-profit, does it require a work permit for the person facilitating it? *Edit: * I’m just part of the group — not actually providing any service.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The question of whether a work permit is required when facilitating a non-profit group meeting in Thailand is complex. While officially a work permit may be needed if services are provided, many expats suggest that strictly social gatherings without formal services may not incur penalties. However, if any money is exchanged or if the activities could be viewed as work (especially if they displace a Thai worker), this could attract legal scrutiny. Participants emphasize caution and recommend ensuring activities remain informal to avoid complications.
Henrik *****
If someone can make living of doing, what you want to do, then it needs a work permit.
2 months ago
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Bob **********
If your volunteering yes you need a WP
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
 volunteering implies working for a foundation, but that’s not relevant because we aren’t 👍🏼
2 months ago
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Bob **********
@Thomas *******
 good luck
2 months ago
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Bob **********
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Chris *******
A casual group meeting gathering no problem.

Any "services", instruction, performance, class etc.

Could be construed as work and require proper visa.

You may not have a problem but a single complaint could lead to deportation.

Almost all illegal workers are caught by complaints.

Very rarely is it a random check.
2 months ago
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Michael ********
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2/pattaya-police-army-bust-32-foreigners-for-playing-bridge
2 months ago
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Michael ********
If there is money changing hands or its advertised somewhere its risky.

If they want to they can bust you. Google bridge playing pensioners pattaya. Was just a meeting playing bridge they got busted under gaming act. Had a friend who was legally working here as dive instructor and used to be part of a sunday night jamming session they got busted for passing the hat around for drinks for the band. Admititly one of the band members had upset a local pokiceman, but they got arrested and i think two of them deported.
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 that’s WILD
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
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Tony ********
My belief is that if you keep these as social gatherings, then there is no need. If they become formalized, then legaly yes a WP is required. The requirement would probably more about the 'services', as these could be deemed as requiring WP especially if the provided 'sevice' displaces the need for a Thai worker.
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *******
 where would you define the line between “social gathering” and “services”?
2 months ago
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Tony ********
@Thomas *******
 groups of people can meet and discuss issues, etc informally aka social gathering. But, the services i assume can be the physical output of the meeting, but i have no idea what services you had in mind. But running a play group, or after hours school group came to mind.
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tony *******
 we aren’t personally facilitating or anything — just part of a structured play group (and I don’t think the facilitator has a WP).

Curious because we’ve wanted to get people together in an informal way in order to provide a similar kind of support for parents in a group setting, but wasn’t sure if that would constitute need for a WP or not.
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
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Julian *******
Legally yes. And I advise you not to do it without the permit required.
2 months ago
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Jo **********
@Julian ******
 that ridiculous it’s a group of people have a meeting. So your saying that you need to have permit to have a discussion.
2 months ago
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Julian *******
@Jo *********
 you need a permit to volunteer in Thailand. The fact you think it’s ridiculous is immaterial. It’s the law.
2 months ago
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Jo **********
@Julian ******
 no this is a discussion group. The law says it needs to be a volunteer organization. wife is Thai and and an immigration lawyer here so I will follow the law.
2 months ago
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Julian *******
@Jo *********
 did you read the post. It’s about the person facilitating it. The group provides a service. My daughter is a lawyer here in Thailand, she said it’s down to the IO and they determine it. Thomas should seek advice from the immigration department
2 months ago
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Julian *******
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Thomas ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
 no, it has more to do with any kind of service involved. If someone’s offering a service, free or otherwise, it’s likely in need of a work permit.
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
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Iñigo ************
Officially yes, but who is going to enforce it? Just don't make anyone angry
2 months ago
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Iñigo ************
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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