Ask question

Does having a volunteer visa cause issues when applying for other types of visas in Thailand?

Volunteer Visa Visa Issues Immigration Problems Thai Visa Regulations Non-O Visa COVID-19 Impact on Visas Marriage Visa Tourist Visa

Oct 28, 2023

a year ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I’ve heard people say that the volunteer visa causes problems getting other visas later is this correct ?

520

views

2

likes

22

all likes

17

replies

0

images

5

users

TLDR : Answer Summary

Yes, having a volunteer visa can lead to complications when applying for other visas in Thailand. Many volunteer visas issued were questionable, and this has caused issues for applicants, including denials for entry and difficulties obtaining visas like the Elite visa. It's reported that immigration has scrutinized these visas more strictly post-COVID. While some individuals may not face immediate problems, the overall consensus is that a volunteer visa can impact future visa applications.

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.

Bob **********

Yes so does shoddy ED visas

Like

Reply

Terary **********

When Covid first hit, many of us got Volunteer visas. Towards the end of covid immigration scrutinized those with volunteer visas more so than other people (so I heard).

I have a volunteer visa in my passport. I have since gotten a couple of marriage visas and maybe a tourist visa... I am not sure but nobody has said anything about it.

There may also be a difference between a legit volunteer visa and a early-covid volunteer visa.

Like

Reply

Kool *******

If you don't have the normal 90 day extensions in your passport a volunteer visa requires, you will have problems.

Like

Reply

Steve ********

Totally. Many volunteer visas were bogus and issued through agencies with no volunteer foundation involved. Unfortunately even those who had genuine visas have got caught up in the outfall. Many people are denied entry and it's impossible to get an Elite visa.

Like

Reply

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for that Steve. So even if it is a totally legitimate project I’d still be doomed later you think ?

Like

Reply

Steve ********

If you meet all the requirements of the visa, which as

points out is having the 90 day extensions and a letter from the foundation which details when you were working and what your duties involved, and most importantly a copy of your Work Permit, and you carry these with you for the next few you should (and I emphasise "should") be ok

Like

Reply

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

what are the 90 day extensions ? The program is 8 weeks twice a year that I will be helping with as a volunteer

Like

Reply

Steve ********

When you enter Thailand on a volunteer visa you are stamped in for 90 days. If the foundation wishes you to extend your stay they will give you the necessary paperwork which you take to immigration and get an extension of stay for another 90 days. The bogus visas apparently were for 12 months stay

Like

Reply

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

ok I see. Is it worth going to a lawyer or agent or is that where the trouble arises ?

Like

Reply

Steve ********

Probably about the worst thing you could do. Have you already been on a volunteer visa or is it something you're planning?

Like

Reply

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

no I haven’t done it before. A group ( legitimate ) has asked me to run a volunteer course twice a year.

Like

Reply

Steve ********

They would be the best people to talk to. Are they a registered foundation and will they be assisting with your work permit?

Like

Reply

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

they are registered . And they will organize the wp

Like

Reply

Steve ********

In that case you'll be fine

Like

Reply

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

even coming back again?

Like

Reply

Steve ********

Yes just ensure you keep all the relevant documents or copies of it

Like

Reply

Steve ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks Steve

Like

Reply

Reply to

Steve ********

Reply

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

... members · 60% approval rate

The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

View the Conversation

Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else

What is the process for obtaining a volunteer or working visa for Thailand?

6 comments

2 months ago

Are there issues switching from a DTV Visa to an Elite Visa in Thailand?

17 comments

4 months ago

Which Thai embassies do not require the new volunteer letter for a volunteer visa?

11 comments

9 months ago

What issues might arise when processing dependents' visas at the Thai Consulate in Vientiane for a volunteer visa application?

3 comments

a year ago

Can someone with a history of Education (ED) visa in the last 3 years apply for the Thailand Elite visa?

26 comments

a year ago

What should someone with a Volunteer Visa in Thailand do as it approaches expiration?

21 comments

2 years ago

Will dependents be allowed for volunteer visas in Thailand?

8 comments

2 years ago

Will applying for a retirement visa be problematic with a history of a Volunteer NON-O visa?

5 comments

2 years ago

What are the administrative requirements for obtaining a volunteer visa in Thailand for an expat organization?

7 comments

2 years ago

What challenges do former holders of the Thai Volunteer Visa face when applying for other visas like the Elite Visa?

38 comments

2 years ago

What should I know before returning to Thailand after leaving on an expired volunteer visa?

40 comments

3 years ago

Can I leave Thailand on a volunteer visa and re-enter after applying for a tourist visa in Cambodia?

19 comments

3 years ago

Will I be refused entry to Thailand if I travel to a third country while on a COVID visa after having a volunteer visa?

15 comments

3 years ago

What should I consider before leaving Thailand on a volunteer visa given recent immigration changes?

38 comments

3 years ago

Is it still possible to obtain a volunteer visa in Thailand during the current visa situation?

13 comments

3 years ago

Where can I apply for a volunteer visa in Thailand now that many agencies are paused?

11 comments

3 years ago

What are the pros and cons of getting a volunteer visa in Thailand?

26 comments

3 years ago

What are the drawbacks of living on a Non O Volunteer visa in Thailand?

25 comments

4 years ago

Can I travel to another country on a Thai volunteer visa?

31 comments

4 years ago

What do I need to know about obtaining a volunteer visa in Thailand after my education visa expires?

7 comments

4 years ago

What experiences do people have with the Volunteer Visa in Thailand?

36 comments

4 years ago

What is the process for obtaining a Volunteer Visa in Thailand and are there any associated risks?

86 comments

4 years ago

What Are the Experiences of Expats on a Thai Volunteer Visa?

7 comments

5 years ago

What Precautions Should I Take When Changing from an ED Visa to a Volunteer Visa in Thailand?

4 comments

5 years ago

What are the challenges in applying for a second Non-Immigrant O visa for volunteering from Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam?

3 comments

6 years ago

Data protection policy Terms and conditions Disclaimer Privacy policy Refund policy

The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.