How can I work with the Thailand Government or a major university in agriculture, and what are my visa options?

Mar 11, 2024
8 months ago
Rebel ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
How possible is it to work with the Thailand Government, specifically the Agriculture Dept.,

or work with a major Thailand University?

work visa or education visa in exchange

I am thinking of just going to the Embassy and starting a conversation to ask these questions but start here to get more ideas and information.

My specialty is ecological agriculture science, industrial hemp agronomy, and all things related to the cannabis market.

An international team just got a grant from the Thailand Government to grow Industrial Hemp for Biofuels and they want me a part of it but i want to get a visa out of the deal but that will be all on me to make happen, if at all possible.

Considering that Cannabis Farms and dispensaries are a serious market now, wonder if I could start a consulting business and have a business visa by working for myself, is it that easy?

Not sure how to promote ecological agriculture and regenerative farming here in Thailand but it seems to me they would want my help here.

any thoughts?

thank you for your time
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The possibility of working with the Thailand Government, particularly in the Agriculture Department, or with a major university in your specialized field of ecological agriculture and industrial hemp, can depend on various factors such as your qualifications and the type of visa you seek. You might consider a work visa sponsored by an employer, which requires proper documentation from the hiring entity. Universities often require advanced degrees, typically a PhD, for hiring in specialized fields. Additionally, starting a consulting business would entail having a minimum registered capital of 2 million baht and hiring Thai employees, while also adhering to regulations that restrict physical agricultural work to Thai citizens alone. Engaging with universities such as Mae Jo in Chiang Mai, known for their focus on agriculture, could present good opportunities, while the cannabis market is marketed with noted competition and potential future instability.
CANNABIS/WEED RESOURCES / SERVICES
Steve *******
Cannabis market will be dead here soon, wake up
Rebel ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
why do you say that?
Jo **********
A good pathway is to look at working with University. They are looking for people in this area. Mae Jo university in Chiang Mai is focused on agriculture
Paul ********
@Jo *********
is cannabis agriculture?
Jo **********
@Paul *******
yes very much so
Rebel ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
industrial hemp is agriculture

also medicinal cannabis is being taken seriously in the University

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Jo **********
Rebel Lion thanks very true
Kool *******
The actual company that wants you has to supply all the documentation to hire you in order for you to apply for the type B visa extension in order to work, and get the work permit. As far as universities go they will only hire you in that field if you have a PhD, and extensive experience. Something else to remember, when the government legalized hemp, and CBD first, they taught the farmers how to grow it, and supplied seedlings. There is a Thai hemp growers association. As far as starting your own consulting company you will need at least bt2million in registered capital, hire 4 Thai employees in order to get one work permit, and can only own 49%of your business, with Thai partners owning the rest. There are a few ways around this last part, but no way around the required minimum of bt2million in registered capital in order to get the required work permit. As a side note, any physical agriculture work is restricted to Thais only, so all you can do is consult, no matter who you work for. You can't even pick up a shovel and use it, or cut a plant down. There are a number of professional foreign growers here, so you do have extensive competition. I currently consult with growers, and extraction pros from Nepal, the US, and Iran. Now working on a contract to supply hemp utility clothing to the military, and CBD oil to the Spanish government. You do have lots of professional competition.
Rebel ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
that crushes most my dreams and plans

thanks Kool Breez

i need the reality check
Brandon ************
If you're in a country where the Thai embassy has switched to the evisa system, you cannot just go to the embassy. They no longer allow anyone but Thai citizens inside as all other visa matters are handled through the evisa system online.
Rebel ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
right, as I understand an appointment is necessary.

is it complicated?

assumed that it was an email at the most.
Brandon ************
@Rebel *****
it was my understanding that it's not an option at all. As a foreigner you will not be allowed into the gates. You must do everything online.
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