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Is it legal for me to work on my Thai partner's farm during harvest season without a work permit?

Thai Visa LawsWork PermitsExpatriate RegulationsAgricultural WorkNon-O VisaVolunteering in ThailandSpouse Work Restrictions
Nov 30, 2024
2 months ago
Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have a Thai partner with her own farm. Is it legal for me to work on the farm, say in harvest season?

I suspect it isn’t as I would need a work

Permit.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The legality of working on a Thai partner's farm is complex. While some claim you can help informally without pay, Thai law generally prohibits foreigners from engaging in agricultural work unless they have a work permit. The consensus is that if you're married and it is indeed your wife's farm, you may help, but doing so can be risky, especially if you are seen as taking a job away from a local Thai worker. Additionally, even unpaid volunteer work can require proper permits. Therefore, it's recommended to proceed with caution and understand the legal implications.
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Marc ********
No
2 months ago
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Mark **********
The question is can you legally work her farm. Notice how many do not answer that question? Notice how many ignore the legality? I wonder how many decry foreigners in their home country violating the law? What are the odds Melania Trump will be one of the first to be prosecuted and deporyed? Rules for thee not for me.
2 months ago
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Don ******
@Mark *********
Again with this?

Dude…

This group isn’t for US politics!

I seriously think u have a problem, not being sarcastic.

Let it go or keep it to urself and let it eat u, no one here wants to hear that crap.
2 months ago
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Mark **********
My post has nothing to do with politics Dude. It has to do with working legally in foreign countries depending on your citizenship. If you can't connect the dots that's on you. Who elected you the www sheriff? You speak for yourself. If you don't like my comment don't reply, triggered snowflake.
2 months ago
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Don ******
@Mark *********
Snowflake?

🤣

I’m not the one trying to make everything about President Trump.

I merely said u should keep it to urself in a group about Thailand.

No one wants to hear u whine about any of that 💩, they want to enjoy Thailand and get rid of stress.

I bet ur great at parties.

If u want to obsess about things like this, u should go back/stay in Washington state.

Thai ppl don’t favor ur liberal ideals.
2 months ago
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Don ******
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Lawrence *******
@Mark *********
 Melania Trump has been a US citizen since July 28, 2006.
2 months ago
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Mark **********
@Lawrence ******
 Correct and she refuses to disclose her Green Card and US Citizenship applications possibly because as evidence indicates it would prove she violated the law in failing to report she worked in
******
as has been proven against Tourist Visa restrictions. Which if accurate makes her a criminal if the government chooses to prosecute her. Which we all know The Donald would not allow. Given her participation of the Obama birther conspiracy, her behavior is egregious. Of course, Trump supporters could care less if that particular law & order is important as they support brown people being deported.
2 months ago
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Mark **********
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Mark **********
Typo- deported
2 months ago
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Mark **********
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Roy *********
You are allowed to help your wife
2 months ago
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Bucky ********
if you get paid yes
2 months ago
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Jessa *****************
Its up to you, you ruined my peace 😂😂😂😂
2 months ago
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Stuart ***********
Are you talking about 'paid work', or 'carrying out tasks'? If the latter - like repairing / servicing your own vehicle - then it's very unlikely to be considered to be 'work' and, therefore not restricted activity. It that way, if you help out on your wife's farm and do not receive compensation (money or 'payment in kind', such as free access to something others would usually pay for) then it's unlikely to be viewed that you are carrying out a restricted activity.
2 months ago
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Jacob ********
NO!
2 months ago
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Gary ********
If you're not accepting money you can. There's a number of places tourists can pay to go plant rice for example. I imagine the farm needs permits for this. But if you're not getting paid and they take no money....
2 months ago
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Dave ********
You can do anything you like on your wife's land, you can't do it on her family's land or anybody else's land, but you can help you wife as much as you want on her land.

Howrver, you can't fix a neighbours machine/equipment or a family members machine on your wife's land.
2 months ago
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Carlos *********
You can hire thais to work on your friends farm, but you can't get caught doing it.
2 months ago
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Phil *******
It is not legal so the question comes down to will you be reported to the authorities or will you be observed by officials.

Farm work is strenuous and the weather even in the cool season is still hotter than most farang would want to work in.

Probably better to pay a local minimum wage for the odd days work .
2 months ago
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Paul ********
Depends on the people working with you to be true. If they think you’re taking the place of a friend or just a Thai I suspect they will inform immigration. Is it worth the risk?
2 months ago
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Danny *******
Are you working for free or is she paying you a salary?
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Danny ******
 doesn't matter
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
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Benjamin ********
So how do you get work here legally with work permit it pisses me off alittle as I look around and ask and can’t find anything that would help the only thing that’s seems ok is remote working ? Any help would be great I’m ready for the silly commmet aswell 🙏🏼peace and love
2 months ago
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Benjamin ********
Maybe I’m not looking hard enough 🤷🏻‍♂️🙏🏼
2 months ago
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Benjamin ********
Unfortunately that is my skill building work diy tiling paint decorate etc maintance on properties. My uk job was a

Site manager at primary schools . Over 18 years
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Benjamin *******
 you have to have a job first. Then your employer gives you the paperwork to get the work visa and they apply for your work permit. No job, no work permit. It's not something you can do.
2 months ago
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Benjamin ********
@Brandon ***********
 thanks for the info but you can’t do any jobs here! Well that’s what’s being said ! So how do you work here!
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Benjamin *******
 there are hundreds of thousands of foreigners working here. You need to be doing skilled jobs not labor.
2 months ago
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Zeca **********
@Brandon ***********
 so if I was a tradie can I do work around the house like changing locks , changing windows, and painting . I’m I allowed to do this type of work.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Zeca *********
 I do all sorts of stuff like that, without thinking. Probably shouldn’t.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Glenn *********
That's Wen you say I got a bad back ..noooo
2 months ago
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Robert **********
Be careful. Some people are very spiteful. All it takes is some crazy neighbour to dob you in, and you could be in deep s**t
2 months ago
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David *********
THIS IS THE ANSWER... RIGHT HERE^^^
2 months ago
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David *********
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Sly *******
You can’t. Because I will call the police on you if I see you. Also, I don’t know who tf you is.
2 months ago
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Michael ********
No you cannot we actually had this checked out with my wifes friend and her lawyer companions at her wedding.

We have small holding (4 rai) but as its not a commercial its fine for me to work on. But in your circumstance no its illegal as your wife presumanly sell the produce.
2 months ago
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ALi *****
Why ask. Your helping not working. Youre not getting paid xx
2 months ago
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Stephen *******
@ALi ****
 but a thai person could be doing that work and being paid for it . It takes a job off the market.
2 months ago
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Jo **********
@Stephen ******
 if because she would not pay for someone else then it’s ok
2 months ago
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Jo **********
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John ***************
Who will see you on a farm,is it in the middle of a city
2 months ago
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Christian ***********
so this is just my opinion, if you’re working on the farm, but not getting paid, assuming you’re not getting paid, then it should not be an issue. I may be wrong, but just trying to give food for thought.
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Christian **********
 pay has nothing to do with the work restrictions in Thailand. Work is work regardless of pay. You can be arrested and deported even for volunteering without a work permit.
2 months ago
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Daniel **********
@Brandon ***********
 rubbish no one take any up in the. Country
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Daniel *********
 It’s not about how well it’s policed it’s about the legality of that action.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Christian ***********
@Brandon ***********
 I understand. I should have preface that this was an opinion based loosely on my own beliefs with little or no understanding of how the law is both written and applied.

you would think that it would be the same as a family member helping out on their family farm, but I guess that’s not the case if you are a Farang.
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Christian **********
 nothing is the same for us lowly foreigners
2 months ago
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Christian ***********
@Brandon ***********
 yes, but when you look at some of these other countries around the world, including the US that don’t take strict measures to maintain control of their country, you’ll see where people are coming in from other countries, such as China, Russia, or what have you and buying up property. If you look at Puerto Rico, they’ve purchased so much of Puerto Rico that actual Puerto Rican natives or even people of Puerto Rican descent can’t afford to live in Puerto Rico because they’ve driven the costs of living and the cost to purchase or rent places to live sky high and out of the reach of the average Puerto Rican native.

similar to what’s happening in Hawaii and I’m sure many other places. There are quite a few people that have decided to move out of the United States and relocate to places like Thailand or the Philippines or wherever because the cost of living has just become ridiculous in their home countries. so I get why they do what they do in Thailand. If you move to another country, you should be cognizant that you are a guest and should respect their traditions and ways of life and assimilate or move on to somewhere else. 
2 months ago
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Christian ***********
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James **********
@Brandon ***********
 my landlord won't let me do anything around the place
2 months ago
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Jack ****************
@Brandon ***********
 I wave to the local police when I work in my yard and they drive by. Unless you are getting shaken down I can't imagine someone getting busted for playing in the garden. I suspect any anecdotal stuff about volunteering has more to do with visa abusers and shady organizations.
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Jack ***************
 working in your yard isn't the same as working on a farm
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
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Mem *****
Work means with pay, what if you are just helping your wife without pay.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mem ****
 No it doesn’t. Voluntary work is work.
2 months ago
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Leigh ************
@Mem ****
 your not even allowed to do charity work without a permit
2 months ago
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Ron ******
@Leigh ***********
 What about washing the dishes? Seriously though that’s how ridiculous some of this sounds 😂
2 months ago
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Mem *****
@Stephen ******
How crazy is this law.
2 months ago
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Mem *****
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Brandon ************
@Mem ****
 that's not true at all. Pay has nothing to do with the Thai definition of work. You can be arrested and deported even for volunteering without a work permit.
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
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เต๋อ *****
as long as you dont make a living of from it.

let just say, you grow what you grow and you don't grow it to sale, does that call a "JOB"? or you do just to follow order of your wife or to kill time?
2 months ago
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Sven ********
@เต๋อ ****
 he can "work" help his wife on her farm. But he can't touch or accept/handle the money when someone buy vegetables in front of their farm etc. The wife can only touch the money and also the money from the farm can not be transferred to his bank account.
2 months ago
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เต๋อ *****
@Sven *******
 I do understand, Thailand is the land of cash.
2 months ago
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Mem *****
@Sven *******
Never heard of such a stupid law. Her money her husband, does that mean he can’t eat the food she pays with that money.
2 months ago
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Sven ********
@Mem ****
 the law say that he can not be a "cashier" because that is only for Thai people. The law say nothing about cooking food for her husband.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Sven *******
 Also says farang can’t be a farm labourer.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Mem ****
 Of course he can. He’s just not allowed to work as it replaces a Thai person that could have been employee.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Jo **********
of course you can and I have for 8 years. i planted these trees, take care of them and harvest them.
2 months ago
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Mark **********
@Jo *********
 Theres a reason why most people study the law to learn it. Its not a case of "of course". What somebody does and what is legal are not necessarily the same thing. Its amazing how few understand the idea of "anecdotal evidence" To wit: America's Buffoon-in Chief Donald Trump.
2 months ago
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Scott *********
@Mark *********
 you do realize Thailand does not want liberal ideals there don't you? I see it everywhere. Most thais would vote Trump if they could. Your media obviously kept you from seeing coverage of all of the SE Asia Trump rallies, including in China.

Your concerns with Trump keep you from living a normal, adjusted life. Notice how any social media allies you thought you had disappeared immediately after the Kamala loss, and payments for the propaganda stopped. Zuckerberg just met with Trump and spent a day at Maralago. Liberals are losing another platform due to the hate and lies.
2 months ago
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Wes *************
@Scott ********
 #10=Frump
2 months ago
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Wes *************
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Robert *******
@Mark *********
 this comment about our president is uncalled for. Stay under your rock where you belong.
2 months ago
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Wes *************
@Robert ******
 Biden is “our” president until January.
2 months ago
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Don ******
@Wes ************
Your right, it is pitiful.

But have no fear, January isn’t too far away.

😊👍🏻
2 months ago
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Don ******
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Dave ********
@Mark *********
 idiotic comment
2 months ago
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Don ******
@Mark *********
How odd.

Why would u bring up US politics in a question about Thailand?

And why would u let someone u dislike so much live rent free in your head?

Just let all that crap go and enjoy Thailand for goodness sake!

✌🏻
2 months ago
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Mark **********
@Don *****
 I did not bring up politics. Referencing a known fool who is the face of the inability to understand anecdotal evidence has as much to do with politics as fishing does to eating potatoes. "I love the uneducated"- Trump.
2 months ago
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Don ******
@Mark *********
Why r u filled with so much hate?

Let it go, u will live longer.
2 months ago
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Andy *******
@Mark *********
 A 'known fool' who is going to make your life miserable shortly when he goes after all the freeloaders and welfare abusers like yourself. I bet you have less than 10 Facebook friends and probably from a slum of a city.
2 months ago
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Andy *******
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Jo **********
@Mark *********
 sure there fires in my wife’s jungle land where I live. I helped put out the fire then some typical expat said you need a volunteer permit to do that. Ok next time I will let the fire burn 🔥 and burn my house so my family has no place to live- brilliant
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jo *********
 I agree, but technically that’s the law. But I know what I would do in the circumstance.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Ron *************
If you're married then yes you can but it has to be her farm. If you're not then the answer is no.
2 months ago
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Us *****
Bro, have you ever done hard labor before. Just try it for one day and she would tell you to stay in the shade and stop complaining.
2 months ago
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Paul *********
Can you say you are just helping with maintenance around the home🤷‍♂️
2 months ago
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Leigh ************
@Paul ********
 no . Thai government see it as taking work away from the local thai people
2 months ago
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Doug *********
@Le***
 True. Even though it’s ludicrous, the Thai government will not see it that way. And it provides local officials with leverage to extract bribes. Thai officialdom does not understand or pretends to not understand the connection between corruption and nonsensical rules and laws. Expect indignation when the connection is made.
2 months ago
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Doug *********
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Jim ********
Who’s going to know? Crack on………
2 months ago
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Leigh ************
@Jim *******
 if he is caught he will be thrown out and not allowed back in to thailand . Not worth the risk
2 months ago
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Damien ********
@Leigh ***********
 total bullshit !! You share one case of someone being deported from here for doing a bit of farm work

Most Thais wouldn’t care if a husband helped his Thai wife on the farm

Your a fearmonger

Sure it’s technically illegal but so is jaywalking!!
2 months ago
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Damien ********
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Bernard *****
@Jim *******
 Jealous Neighbours
2 months ago
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Richard ********
@Bernard ****
 Jealous neighbours in Thailand? Never 😂😂😂
2 months ago
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Richard ********
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Steve *******
You are however allowed to sit on the veranda with a cold beer and watch.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
 Yes, I was forced to do that.
2 months ago
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Steve *******
@Ralph ******
 brutal. Thanks for taking one for the team.
2 months ago
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Steve *******
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Coilean *********
@Steve ******
 I like your style brother.
2 months ago
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Steve *******
@Coilean ********
 it is the custom of my tribe.
2 months ago
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Steve *******
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Jessa *****************
@Steve ******
 thats a good idea i agree😆
2 months ago
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Braulio *********
@Steve ******
 So helpful
2 months ago
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Braulio *********
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Alan *********
If it's a family farm and only family there who would know !
2 months ago
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Blade ********
@Al**
 racism is big in SEA.
2 months ago
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Kim *********
@Alan ********
 all the hired help would know
2 months ago
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Travis **********
@Alan ********
 exactly
2 months ago
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Kim *********
@Travis *********
 absolutely not - many if not all hire help when it's time to harvest
2 months ago
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Travis **********
@Kim ********
 I’d just go to work no one really gives a rats ass …. I’m guilty of
2 months ago
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Kim *********
@Travis *********
 the punishment is hard if working without a work permit - 1 or 2 or all three of these depending on the severity : fine - prison - deportation
2 months ago
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Kim *********
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Graham ******
@Alan ********
 until you upset a neighbour and he reports you
2 months ago
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Martin *******
@Alan ********
 So many concerned citizens in Thailand
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
@Martin ******
 only if you've pissed them off for some reason.
2 months ago
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Thomas ********
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Goudoune ************
It depends on the activity you promote on the land....for example people doing woofing are actually tourist operators and it allows foreigners to conduct agricultural activities....with certain conditions and regulations
2 months ago
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Andy ************
@Goudoune ***********
 woofing???
2 months ago
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JP *******
@Andy ***********
 it took him two sarcastic posts to give 1 easy answer. Typical FB expat 😂 I love those guys!
2 months ago
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Wes *************
@Andy ***********
 try Google
2 months ago
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Andy ************
@Wes ************
 I did it came as a tech company in the USA 😁
2 months ago
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Wes *************
@Andy ***********
 Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (1st Google hit)
2 months ago
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Wes *************
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Sri **********
Your cab watch Just sit and enjoy coconut 😂
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
You are fine
2 months ago
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Will *********
@Nigel *************
No, foreigners are generally prohibited from working in agriculture in Thailand, including on their spouse's farm:

Even volunteer work requires visa and permit.
2 months ago
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Alex ********
@Nigel *************
 when you dont know something, dont assume or make up crap.
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Alex *******
 I worked for Immigration
2 months ago
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Alex ********
@Nigel *************
 no you didnt.

As i said, stop making shit up.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 In Thailand?
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Ralph ******
 of course Royal Thai Government
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 And was that your area of expertise - work permits?
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Ralph ******
 immigration Investigations
2 months ago
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Alex ********
@Nigel *************
 if you worked "investigations" you would know at minimum, yoi would rrquite a Non-O Volunteer visa to do even unpaid work in Thailand.
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Alex *******
 Nam Jai Khrup
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 Yeah. I worked for The Bank of England but I’m no expert on national finance.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Rudolf *******
@Nigel *************
 nnnnbnnn in
2 months ago
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Willem ****
@Rudolf ******
He means "you are fined" lol
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Willem ***
 its on your own land
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Nigel *************
 Hers, actually. I don’t own any and can’t.
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
You won't have a problem
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Ralph ******
 you are hers also
2 months ago
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Willem ****
Nigel David Wells

Its a commercial activity.

So if i own a bar i am allowed to work in it? Same same.
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Nigel *************
 the land ownership doesn't have anything to do with it. Nothing in the law says you can break the law if it's on your own land.
2 months ago
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Nigel **************
@Brandon ***********
 Common sense
2 months ago
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Allan ********
@Nigel *************
 common sense - wonder how that would work as a defense in a Thai Court to breaking a Thai law?
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Nigel *************
 funny that you think Thai law and common sense have anything to do with each other.
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
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Shahram ********
Good excuse to avoid helping her👍🏻 😜😅
2 months ago
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Steve *********
@Shahram *******
 sit on the porch drink a beer 🍺 and watch her work. 😝
2 months ago
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Steve *****
@Shahram *******
 I'm lazy. Perfect for me 🤣
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Shahram *******
 Yup😊
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Peter *********
100% No
2 months ago
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Sly *******
@Peter ********
 if he had the balls to post this, he has the balls to believe you. 😂😂
2 months ago
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Diezzy ******
blablabla
2 months ago
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Marc ********
@Sly ******
 But it's true. It's not allowed
2 months ago
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Sly *******
@Marc *******
 yea like us DJ’s who’ve been playing for 10 years+ gonna stop now 😂😅
2 months ago
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Paul ******
@Sly ******
 what people do and what is legal are two different things.
2 months ago
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Paul ******
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Brandon ************
Actually, the work permit isn't the biggest issue. The fact that agricultural work is on the list of Thai only work is more of a problem.
2 months ago
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Jacob ********
@Brandon ***********
 I mean if she doesn't technically "pay" you cause youre partners and its your guys money. I dont see how you could get introuble lol
2 months ago
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Olaf *******
@Jacob *******
 work is work and if you don't get paid it doesn't mean it's legal !
2 months ago
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Jacob ********
@Olaf ******
 naaah for something to be considered a JOB you gotta be paid bud
2 months ago
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Jacob ********
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Brandon ************
@Jacob *******
 some Thai sees it and reports it. What do you mean you don't see how you could get in trouble?
2 months ago
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Jacob ********
@Brandon ***********
 cause it's not a job you're not getting paid🥴. They can't tell you, you cant just do work to help your wife on her property if you do it for free.
2 months ago
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Jacob ********
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Bart **************
@Brandon ***********
 but that's related right? Non-permitted work -> no work permit. No work permit -> not legal to work.
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Bart *************
 I think doing a restricted job without a work permit is worse than doing a non-restrict job without a work permit. Only takes one Thai to see you doing a job they know is only for them and reporting you. They don't have any way of knowing if you have a work permit or not if it's not restricted.
2 months ago
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Bart **************
@Brandon ***********
 ah yes that's true.
2 months ago
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Bart **************
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Michael ********
@Brandon ***********
 Specialists are allowed my friend was here working legally with soy bean production
2 months ago
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Marc ********
@Michael *******
 SPECIALISTS not easy to find amongs thai population
2 months ago
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Michael ********
@Marc *******
 it depends in what to be honest with you. I have met quite a lot of Thais working overseas as specialists
2 months ago
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Marc ********
@Michael *******
 yes I ment only specialist not easy to be found in Thailand will get easy work permit.

Not to say in Thailand are no specialists in specific jobs
2 months ago
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Michael ********
@Marc *******
 my friend was an american working Singapore company and they brought him here for his knowledge of soy bean production. Linkedin easy to find people now. My wife gets regular job offers through that from all over
2 months ago
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Marc ********
@Michael *******
 Yes a specialist. He can get his work permit. But not as ordinary soy bean factory worker
2 months ago
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Michael ********
@Marc *******
 Yes never said anything other than specialist, its in the regulations
2 months ago
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Marc ********
@Michael *******
 Yes I only underlined the word specialists😃
2 months ago
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Marc ********
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Michael ********
@Kim ********
 yes with work permit. Thats why i said legally dont know any other legal way except with WP
2 months ago
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Kim *********
@Michael *******
 but with a work permit of course
2 months ago
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Kim *********
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Leo *******
@Brandon ***********
 same with mechanics, however I serviced my own motorcycle, which technically would not be allowed?
2 months ago
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Bart **************
@Leo ******
 obviously working on your own motorcycle isn't working. Working is when you do that kind of stuff for others.
2 months ago
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Kevin ******
@Leo ******
 it gets blurry, doesn’t it ?
2 months ago
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Leo *******
@Kevin *****
 there needs to be a line. I mean can I cook my own food? Or is that taking work away from a Thai chef.
2 months ago
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Kevin ******
@Leo ******
 there’s so many cases like this. So can I go to a Homepro and get a 100 baht part and fix my toilet?
2 months ago
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Leo *******
@Kevin *****
 can I walk? Or is that putting taxis out the job?
2 months ago
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Kevin ******
@Leo ******
 haha yes 👍
2 months ago
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Kevin ******
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Marc ********
@Leo ******
 If you help your thai wife and fix bikes for her shop it would probably not be allowed.

But if you fix your own bike I am certain no thai law forces you to bring your bike to a mechanic if you can fix it yourself😀
2 months ago
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Jean-Maurice ********
@Marc *******
 wouldn’t that simple be trade and licensing which must be everywhere right? especially when it concerns public safety. if you build a boat, it has to be sanctioned by big brother. in order to be sanctioned, it needs inspecting from these nice thai soaps over here, thus employing thai boat shops.

so yeah even bike repairs spark their ability to employ public safety arguments and deport you when you could have just employed thai shops in the first place.

*devils advocate
2 months ago
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Marc ********
@Jean-Maurice *******
 Yes basically it's almost in every country simular.

I cannot go to Australia and get free food and a roof over my head but I cut the yard for the family I stay with
2 months ago
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Marc ********
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Craig *********
@Leo ******
 if its your own boat or your crew then you are able to work on the boat. It get interesting when the boat is on the hard. Then the boat does not require “crew”
2 months ago
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Tyler *******
@Leo ******
 that’s not a job that’s a hobby 😂
2 months ago
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Leo *******
@Tyler ******
 not a hobby since I did not enjoy it. There was a lot of siezed bolts profanity and frustration and a bloody finger lol
2 months ago
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Robert ********
@Leo ******
Hobby or not, it takes away labor from a Thai in a job that’s Thai only.

Of a bad neighbour saw you you’d have had big trouble.
2 months ago
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Leo *******
@Robert *******
 at least I know what parts went into it and all the bolts are torqued to spec. For all I know the village mechanic could have bodge the lot.
2 months ago
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Robert ********
@Leo ******
Of course!

When I look at many details in our house, I must cry 🤣

It’s specially hard bc I’m Swiss. The quality and precision of Swiss products just can’t be compared.

Must live with it.
2 months ago
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Valère *************************
@Tyler ******
 Well, I do remember the case of that one guy who built his own sailing boat back in the garden and got deported (Phuket a decade ago or so) That was also his "hobby" 😉
2 months ago
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Valère *************************
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Brandon ************
@Leo ******
 there's certainly some fine lines
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
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Brandon ************
@Ralph ******
 really depends if it's more like a garden or a farm.
2 months ago
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Tim *********
@Brandon ***********
 I heard you couldn't even mow your own lawn or cut your hedge, legally. Nor presumably wash your own windows? Is that true?
2 months ago
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Andy ******
@Tim ********
 if it's your own home then nobody can do anything as long as it's just that ,I painted the whole of my villa outside 3 years ago and my Thai wife helped me, nobody said anything to me !!
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
@Tim ********
 I'm not a lawyer so I don't know the specifics
2 months ago
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Brandon ************
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 Yes, I suspected so.

It would seem crazy in the case of a married couple.
2 months ago
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Christo *****************
@Ralph ******
 and being a owner is not taking jobs away from
2 months ago
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Lynton ********
@Ralph ******
 one could become a Thai citizen then you could work on the farm otherwise you need to sit by the pool and give moral support
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Lynton *******
 That’s a lot of work getting citizenship! Not many bother.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
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Steve *******
@Steven ******
 Nope. You can apply for a work permit and need to be on the visa/extention based on marriage.
2 months ago
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Ralph *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steven ******
 I don’t think you can work at all on a retirement visa.
2 months ago
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Brian ********
@Steven ******
 I believe you need a marriage visa for that.
2 months ago
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John ********
@Steven ******
 rubbish
2 months ago
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Allan ********
@Steven ******
 can you send the link for where you read that please?
2 months ago
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Tony ********
@Allan *******
 you can get a work permit if married to a Thai, (still have to qualify under all the other requirements), doesn't mean you can just work if married to a Thai, it just drops the visa type 'B' requirement.
2 months ago
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Allan ********
@Tony *******
 not as easy as that. If married to a Thai and you extend your stay based on marriage then you can indeed get a work permit. Not for any of the jobs reserved for Thais though of course

If you extend your stay based on retirement then, married or not you cannot get a work permit.
2 months ago
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Tony ********
@Allan *******
 agree, thats part of the 'other requirements' i mentioned, the answer was more to correct Steven's comment that you can 'work' if married to a Thai.
2 months ago
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Tony ********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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