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Is there a short term work permit for foreign musicians to perform freelance gigs in Thailand?

Apr 3, 2025
24 days ago
Graham ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks admin. So here goes my question.

I'm a long term foreign entertainer, musician, solo performer, ex-pat. Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam.

One thing in Thailand I still can't get info on.

Is there a special short term work permit available that I could apply for, without a long term resident visa, which would allow me to organise, and work several freelance gigs throughout Thailand?

I'm under the radar many years now but...

I do know that bigger acts who have passed through have this permit , its allowed.

Someone in immigration suggested to me, if your itinary is fixed and organized, it is possible.

I would only stay for a standard two month visa period.

As long as I declare the venue, pay the tax on each show, and do a show that Thais dont normally do.

Is there an entertainment short term work visa permit set up for professional foreign musicians who don't require the venue to obtain a work permit for me? As long as I follow the special permit restrictions?

So I can possibly freelance gigs throughout the country for that particular registered time?

It's a very Grey area I know, but it's why I joined, and why I ask.

Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry discusses the possibility of obtaining a short-term work permit for foreign musicians to conduct freelance gigs across Thailand without needing a long-term visa. The user expresses uncertainty about regulations and mentions existing permits for larger acts. Responses clarify that while some short-term performance opportunities may exist, freelance performances typically require a proper permit, and there are legal complications involved.
John *********
There is no grey area. What you want to do is not legal in Thailand.
Graham ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ********
are you a musician? singer? Performer?
Ashley ********
is there a MASSIVE cash deposit needed to enter thailand to perform as an entertainer....like $2 million USD ?
Chris *******
@Ashley *******
no and yes.

If you are a massive band bringing your crew and touring, there is serious legal costs involved.

Requiring multiple visas and entities involved.

Movie production companies do it all the time but have setup the necessary infrastructure here.

In the end it is very lucrative for them.

If you are "Bob the guitar guy" and want to set up a mobile music company, to freelance it's different.

There is a minimum investment of 2 million baht and Thai employees, freelance contracts, etc. required to meet regulations.

There are creative lawyer/agent/accountants that can set you up.

Would you be 100% legal... sort of.

You need to do some research to understand the nuances and "workarounds".

Many, many, performers do it for years without being legal and never have an issue....until you do.

And then it's a mess if you can't find a "workaround". $$$
Graham ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
it's also very bad if you get caught.
Michael ********
Yes there are Entertainment agencies that the bigger groups, DJs etc etc use for this type of visa, unfortunately person i know used to do this passed away so dont have any contacts in that space. Suggest google and contact all
Graham ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
thanks. Google wasn't much help for this Grey area. I heard, as an entertainmener you can get one permit for the whole of Thailand, instead of specifically one venue. I'll keep searching.
Michael ********
@Graham *****
Yes there is such a permit correct.
Andy ************
@Graham *****
A work permit ties you to one employer. I know quite a few expats and many Filipinos performing in bars and clubs. They do not have work permits, but providing the venues are paying the required "fee" to the respective police station, there will be no spot checks
Chris *******
A foreigner in Phuket just recently was arrested for this.

Shortterm "acts" with a tour performance contract and schedule yes, can get a visa.

Freelance "I'm just gonna play here and there" NO.

What some have done is setup a mobile music business'.

Djs and Musicians then can apply for nonb visas as an owner/employee of the business, this is not cheap or easy.
Graham ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
OK. What is a nonb? Would that entail a large deposit and a list of places I would be planning to play?
Chris *******
@Graham *****
a nonb is a business visa.

You would need to talk to an agent or lawyer to setup your own company.
Paul *******
Musician is not a protected occupation but you’re gonna need a permit. ‘Entertainment Agent’ maybe.

I am looking to put a tribute band together with Thai musicians I know but it ain’t gonna be easy.

♠️🤘🍺🇹🇭
Brandon ************
Freelance, no, definitely not.
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