Answered6 years ago
What are the drawbacks of living on a Non O Volunteer visa in Thailand?
Are there any drawbacks of living on a Non O Volunteer visa?
Answer summary
Living on a Non O Volunteer visa in Thailand has specific drawbacks. Primarily, individuals on this visa are not allowed to be paid for their work. There are also legal risks, as concerns arise regarding the legitimacy of the visa—especially if it is fraudulently obtained or if one is not genuinely volunteering. Community members express the stress of potentially being caught if living with what might be considered a 'dodgy' visa. Furthermore, there are warnings about the scrutiny around volunteer visas issued by certain agents, which could lead to audits and possible deportation.
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Kool *******
Just imagine what the main ChaingWattana immigration, and the ministry of foreign affairs, are thinking with how many volunteer visas have been issued by the same immigration agent, for the same company. What are your chances of being deported when they contact all those people he issued visas for when they audit him, and suspend him, and at some point it will happen.
Steve *******
There are only drawbacks if your visa/extention was fraudulently obtained, ie you're not volunteering and probably obtained by an agent.
Oliver ********
Yes, working for free.
Tania ********
As long as you’re actually volunteering it’s all good. We bought the Elite Visas.
Stuart *********
As Bobby mentioned above there are no odds on getting caught with a dodgy visa. Many here live with one for years. But you need to ask yourself if you could really be happy staying here with the thought that any day now someone could come knocking and ask for your visa credentials. Probably a wiser choice to opt for a legal visa option and not have that worry in the back of your mind daily.
Alwyne ********
And now you know what the penalty is 5 years jail and 200 hundred thousand Bart good luck
Mark ********
@Stuart ********
Hi I was volunteering every year at hope for strays foundation in pattaya , they were happy to send the appropriate letters to the embassies but said that wouldn't be enough to gain me entry to Thailand , is that the case ? any info much appreciated
Stuart *********
@Mark *******
at this moment in time volunteer visa holders are not permitted entry to Thailand. May change tomorrow or next year. No one knows. Mark ********
@Stuart ********
thanks for the info 
Paul *********
You do know immigration are on these pages right?
Dianne *****
I think it is OK if you have no assets like vehicles or property here. Or no commitments like pets or a Thai spouse/children. If everything you own fits into a suitcase or can be sold quickly and easily if you are deported, it may be worth the risk. For most expats it is not, as they have too much to lose
Terary **********
@Stuart ********
I content with it. Perhaps I will regret it one day... But that isn't this day. I have been on dodgy visa for the past 6 years - glad of it too.
Alan *********
@Terary *********
and you are happy to advertise it on here !
Oliver *************
@Stuart ********
Correct Oliver *************
Knock Knock No Good at All
Bobby ********
Legal visa or illegal visa?
Terary **********
Just saying. WhatKayo Turner. Pretty much on the ball with that one! I'm very anti-agent because I've witnessed first hand the were these people doing when they got caught? I think if you are respectful, try not to cause hassle, avoid stupid - you probably will never get questioned.
Bobby ********
@Terary *********
. There's competition between IOs and different agents. One formal complaint has to be investigated. That was my cousin's undoing. Nothing to do with him. He was collateral damage. He still whines about it because he can't get back for a long time, but I told him to suck it up because he knew it wasn't legit.Bobby ********
Kayo Turner. Yes, once they've got you, they'll bleed you dry. I need to sleep peacefully at night. I don't want to get that knock on the door. They came for my cousin 10.00 at night!
Bobby ********
Kayo Turner. Pretty much on the ball with that one! I'm very anti-agent because I've witnessed first hand the fall out from a dodgy visa. My cousin got caught out and was arrested, thrown in the IDC, 20,000 baht in "overstay" fines, deported and five year ban. The agent got a 5000 baht fine and three months suspension! Already back operating sucking more fools into the net!
Brighton ********
OPI see. What are the odds of getting caught?
Bobby ********
@Brighton *******
. I don't think you can get odds on that one! However, if you're caught the odds on deportation and ban are pretty good! 🤣Brighton ********
OP@Bobby *******
Im guessing illegal?Bobby ********
@Brighton *******
. If it's illegal you don't have to volunteer. You just pay a stack of money to a dodgy agent who will pass a chunk of your money as a bribe to an immigration officer. Everything is good, unless you get caught. Then it's painful! 🤣
Rich *****
You don’t get paid!
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