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Is it legal for me to pick up rubbish on the side of the road in Thailand without a work permit?

rubbish collection work permits volunteering legal implications in Thailand expat activities environmental contribution

Dec 1, 2025

2 days ago

Michael **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I'm on holiday at the moment. My question is: Can I pick up Rubbish on the side of the road using a pale or bag and not get in trouble? Do I need a work permit to do so?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The consensus in the comments suggests that picking up rubbish on the side of the road in Thailand is generally acceptable and does not require a work permit, as it is viewed as a community service rather than employment. Many expatriates, referred to as 'Farang', engage in this activity as a form of contribution to local cleanliness without legal repercussions. However, there is a caution against taking recyclables since it could impact local livelihoods.

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Shawn ********

You can not !!

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Johnie *********

Your not volunteering!

Say it again.

Ok, now say, "I'm not working".

Say it again so you don't forget.

Now say, " I'm exercising ".

Good job.

Now go play and have a marvelous day, your safe. 555...

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Jake ****************

No problem.

By some people’s reckoning on here you would need a work permit to clean your own home…as that is doing work and potentially taking a job away from a Thai cleaner! 😆

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Eric **********

Pick it up.. it’s not illegal or taking a job from a Thai

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Graham ******

@Eric *********

but technically it is

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Martin *******

@Eric *********

its beneath a thai to pick up someone else's rubbish

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Martin *******

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Kate *******

If it’s not a part of an organised effort or group volunteering event etc, just an individual act, I can’t see how it would fall foul of any legal implication as you’re not taking a job or role away from a local as no such job or role existed in the first place.

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Greg ***********

it should be okay

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Sylvia ********

I read and see foreigners doing this, helping the community. Just don't keep anything that could be recycled, plastic/bottles etc as locals do that as a living

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Doug ********

I say pick it up , I do too. Not looking for permission as the locals don’t seem worried about it.

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Martin *******

its most of the locals who cause the garbage

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Doug ********

definitely !!

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Doug ********

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Russell ******

Yes you can! It's looked upon as a self sacrifice for the benefit of others. Big karma points. Many Farang do it every morning on Thai beaches.

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Brandon ************

That doesn't make it legal.

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Brandon ************

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Nigel *******

You cannot take work of any description away from a thai

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Nigel *******

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