Answered8 years ago
What are the visa and immigration requirements for expats living and working in Thailand?
Hello there, fairly new to Thailand and unsure of visa laws.
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A friend and I came to Thailand in September on a tourist visa. We have been doing extensions and visa runs (just came back from one last night). A friend who lives here said there would be no problems, that it's quite easy to switch visas and get work and housing, etc., but I'm quickly learning she was omitting a lot of important details that we're not sure how to handle at all, but we are stuck here for now at least until we get a bit more money.
First, housing: we signed a 1 year contract for a house in October. I didn't know the landlord or I had to report to immigration the address. What should I do about this?
Second, employment: we both just got offers at different schools. Mine has said paperwork takes about a month (they should have started last week, but I'm not sure how they are handling it since they tell me nothing) more. They aren't being very clear about anything else, so I'm not sure what to expect, especially considering my housing situation.
Third, switching work visas: assuming the job isn't to my liking, what course should one take, visa-wise, if they want to change jobs?
Any info/help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
.
.
.
A friend and I came to Thailand in September on a tourist visa. We have been doing extensions and visa runs (just came back from one last night). A friend who lives here said there would be no problems, that it's quite easy to switch visas and get work and housing, etc., but I'm quickly learning she was omitting a lot of important details that we're not sure how to handle at all, but we are stuck here for now at least until we get a bit more money.
First, housing: we signed a 1 year contract for a house in October. I didn't know the landlord or I had to report to immigration the address. What should I do about this?
Second, employment: we both just got offers at different schools. Mine has said paperwork takes about a month (they should have started last week, but I'm not sure how they are handling it since they tell me nothing) more. They aren't being very clear about anything else, so I'm not sure what to expect, especially considering my housing situation.
Third, switching work visas: assuming the job isn't to my liking, what course should one take, visa-wise, if they want to change jobs?
Any info/help is appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Answer summary
A newcomer to Thailand is seeking guidance on several immigration and visa-related issues after arriving on a tourist visa. They are concerned about their housing situation, as they signed a long-term rental agreement without notifying immigration of their address, which is required. They are also looking for clarity on their employment status, specifically regarding obtaining work permits for teaching positions and what to do if they wish to change jobs. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding local immigration laws, especially the TM30 reporting requirement, and the potential risks of working without proper documentation.
24 repliesnewest first
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David ************
To get the paperwork back from MOE does take about a month.
Sammy *******
Robert, you and others are such a great fountain of information. i just remain that some people travel to another country for a long term stay, and some to actually work in that country, without seeming to have done the slightest bit of research on any rules or regs governing these things. Yes, I have lived in Thailand a long time and do realize that even with research things are still often confusing, but it still would be nice that some would not simply expect you or others to do some of the most basic research that they should have done before they ever boarded a plane for Thailand.
Benjamin ******
@Robert ******
I do too... but we also got to remember to separate "culture" from "individual quarks"Robert *******
@Benjamin *****
Living here 15 years and still get shocked if I see new things in their culture.Benjamin ******
@Robert ******
I'm stunned by that as well. Moving to a new country shouldn't be one of those things that are done on the spur of the moment. Extensive research should be performed - especially when it comes to the culture and preventing culture shock.Robert *******
It is amazing that people can suddenly change from short holiday into long stays in a foreign country and they are even able to make that life changing decision between two sips of coffee in the morning.
Robert *******
Seeing that you live in Phuket, you hit the jackpot. Phuket is know as the Immigration Office with the toughest rules on the TM30, as you both are late with reporting face a fine of 2.000 Thb each. These are the requirements to file this form:
Completely filled in proof of residence application form.
Copies from following passport pages:
Detail page
Current visa/extension (if applicable)
Last entry stamp
TM6 departure card
Signed Copy of Land owner ID card/passport
Signed copy of house book
Signed copy of rental agreement or land owner company paper if applicable.
Power of Attorney letter with 10 Baht tax stamp attached in case the foreigner does the address registration himself without the landlord.
Completely filled in proof of residence application form.
Copies from following passport pages:
Detail page
Current visa/extension (if applicable)
Last entry stamp
TM6 departure card
Signed Copy of Land owner ID card/passport
Signed copy of house book
Signed copy of rental agreement or land owner company paper if applicable.
Power of Attorney letter with 10 Baht tax stamp attached in case the foreigner does the address registration himself without the landlord.
Robert *******
@Tony *******
No, the foreigner gets fines when he/she shows up at immigration for not having the address registration and the landlord is getting fined when he/she shows up at immigration for not filing the address of his foreign guests, Fine for foreigner is max 2.000 Thb, fine for landlord is max 10.000 Thb a person.Tony ********
@Robert ******
so they just fine the first person they encounter, not both?Robert *******
Tony Dadson If the landlord visit Immigration he will get fined, or in the rare cases of police raids.
Tony ********
@Robert ******
and they fine the landlord too? For the same offence?Robert *******
That you have to discuss with your land lord. If you walk in Phuket Immigration without an address filled you will get fined. If your land lord is willing to pay this, I can not tell you.
Tony ********
@Robert ******
the landlord pays a fine for not filling a tm30! The tenant will also have to pay?James ********
Stephanie Cwalinski I suspect you have been teaching since the October new school term. If your employer...school or agency has not yet given you your work permits you are being scammed IMHO. Check it out. Thai Immigration nationwide are inspecting schools looking for teachers without work permits. Its being reported in Bangkok Post weekly. Be careful. Protect yourself. There are many fine schools employing teachers who do it legally. Ajarn.com is a great resource forum for teachers.
Stefcia ***********
OP@Robert ******
, can I PM you?Robert *******
We like to keep the discussion in the group, but for personal questions with personal details you may send me a PM. I will inform the group what we discussed without these details.
James ********
BTW...both of you need to file TM30 if your local immigration office is enforcing it.
Robert *******
You can only start working in Thailand when you have the Non Immigrant B visa and a Work Permit. As long as your employer tells you the paperwork is not ready, do not work. If you do, there is a chance that the paperwork will never be finished.
Robert *******
If the person is willing to work illegal, why should a company invest time and effort to get the documents needed to get them working legal. Company only get a small fine, employee face court, fines, blacklist and deportation.
James ********
@Robert ******
very good advice. Some employers never deliver the work permit.Robert *******
Your land lord or yourself should report you within 24 hours after arriving at the private address. Here you find all the information:
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5/James ********
Where are you in Thailand ? Some immigration offices are requiring the TM30 be filed within 24 hours of arrival per law.
James ********
@Stephanie **********
Phuket will require it. They are fining those who have not. Be prepared when you go to get a change in your visa...Robert Lagas may have helpful info regarding the changeStefcia ***********
OP@James *******
Phuket. And it's been over 2 months, so I have no idea what immigration will say.Activity
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