We will be staying in Thailand for about two months as tourists, visa-exempt (from US).
Is it illegal to also volunteer while on a tourist visa? My understanding is some countries don’t want foreign tourists volunteering while they are on a tourist visa.
I’m interested in possibly volunteering in an orphanage or local school. I have several years of experience teaching EFL & I’m also a Speech-Language Pathologist. We’ll be traveling with my young daughter and she struggles with interactions with peers and I was thinking it might be beneficial to do something like this with her while we are there (both benefiting local kids and her at the same time). Possibly an hour or two a day or at least a couple times a week. Im not looking for paid work.
I read about the volunteer visa, but I don’t think it applies, as volunteering is not our main purpose. Can anyone provide insight and/or point me in the right direction for info about volunteering while on a tourist visa?
TIA!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the legality of volunteering while on a tourist visa in Thailand. The consensus from the comments is that volunteering is legally considered work, which requires a proper visa and work permit, thus making it illegal for tourists. Some comments note that while many people do volunteer informally, it poses legal risks. Suggestions include obtaining a volunteer visa or collaborating with organizations that could sponsor such a visa.
