How can retirees volunteer in non-profit organizations on a retirement visa in Thailand?

Question

Hi there- I have question for retirees. How can I help a not for profit on a retirement visa? I know volunteering is illegal so I’m hoping there’s a work around. If I donate to the organization can it be considered a tourist attraction or something along those lines? I love to hear about your experiences! Thx!

Ask Thailand · Answer

Retirees on a retirement visa in Thailand have limitations regarding volunteering, as working without a proper permit is illegal. However, they can participate in discussion groups or language clubs without teaching. Donations to non-profit organizations can be made without visa issues. For hands-on volunteering, the organization must assist in obtaining a Non-Immigrant O visa based on volunteer work and a work permit. Organizations like Mercy Centre have volunteering opportunities but must have proper management to support the visa application process.

Gene ********** · Answer

You can be part of discussion groups like an english language group, or english language learning clubs. You cannot teach but you an talk.

Robert ******* · Answer

If you only like to donate money to a volunteer organization, you can do on any visa without any problem If you really want to help them out, like walking the dogs, cleaning and feeding, or teaching English to homeless children, with others words get physically involved the organization have to give you the papers to apply for Non Immigrant O visa based on volunteer and they have to apply for the Volunteer Work Permit for you.

Karen *********** · Answer

This was more of a general question. I’m interested in a number of options- dog rescues, English tutoring, elephant sanctuaries etc. I was hoping someone may have experienced this before.

Yvonne ********* · Answer

Interested to see how it works also

Joe *********** · Answer

The organization you want to volunteer for must have some kind of management and funding.  It seems odd in this day and time that they would not have a staff person or Agent to assist Volunteers to apply for a Nob immigrant O - Volunteer.  It is not that difficult or costly for 90 days.

Glen ********* · Answer

Hi Karen, Mercy Centre have 23 preschools in the slums teaching Thai and English, also 139 children living in their homes (abandoned) and they work very closely with the street children too.  They have been around for 45 years, they always need volunteers and sponsors for the children.  mercycentre.org   I sent you PM

Reiner ********* · Answer

If y live in thailand , what kind of visa u have. It's ilegal to work as a volunteer . But some organisation have some different agreement, only if u get NO money and pay for yourself ...but it's not common ...better ask them before u get a problem

How can retirees volunteer in non-profit organizations on a retirement visa in Thailand?

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