How can I obtain a tourist visa or volunteer visa in Thailand without frequent visa runs?

Question

Hi! I am currently in Phuket. I arrived from America, left after 30 days and went to KL. So, I would LOVE to have a tourist visa (I volunteer, not work). Any suggestions so I can stop doing these visa runs just as I get my kids starting to learn I have to leave! 
Best, cotie

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user, currently in Phuket, is seeking advice on how to obtain a tourist visa, as they are experiencing difficulties with frequent visa runs for volunteering purposes. The responses highlight that under Thai law, individuals cannot legally volunteer on a 30-day visa-exempt entry or a 60-day tourist visa. To engage in volunteering, one needs to obtain either a Non-O or Non-B visa and a work permit, even if the work is unpaid. Suggestions include liaising with the volunteer organization to secure the necessary visa documentation and work permit.

Tod ********* · Answer

and I believe on that final comment from [mention redacted] we're done.

To give you a quick recap [mention redacted], you CANNOT legally volunteer (paid or unpaid) on 30 day visa exempt entries OR 60 day tourist visas :/

To volunteer you need the correct visa (either a Non-O or a Non-B) AND a work permit.

Good Luck in your endeavors.

Robert ******* · Answer

I understand all your feelings, but I guess after 7 comments it is clear that volunteers need a a work permit and the non immigrant o visa. Please contribute to this topic if you have anything to add.

Steve ******* · Answer

Volunteering is WORKING !

Tod ********* · Answer

You're not allowed to volunteer on a 30 day visa exempt entry OR a tourist visa entry. SO as Benjamin suggested you get your employer to give you the documentation so you can indeed hold the correct visa (and get a work permit <- because you need that even if you're unpaid because you are WORKING) .

Otherwise you're going to be visa running for single entry tourist visas AND working (volunteering) illegally.

Otherwise you're going to be visa running for single entry tourist visas AND working (volunteering) illegally.

Benjamin ****** · Answer

It's easy to get a volunteer visa. You ask for it from your employer, they would give you papers to take to an embassy, and you'll get a Non-O visa. From there, they would take you to the local employment office, and they'll give you a work permit. The company you're volunteering with should know how to do it. If they want you to work as a tourist, run!

Tanya ********* · Answer

You can’t work on a tourist visa; even unpaid work

Lisa *************** · Answer

Volunteers have to have a work permit or you are working illegally regardless if you are being paid or not

Robert ******* · Answer

You volunteer, ask the place where you volunteer to apply for the work permit as volunteer and apply for the Non Immigrant O visa based on being a volunteer in Thailand.

How can I obtain a tourist visa or volunteer visa in Thailand without frequent visa runs?

Activity

Related

Resources