Answered3 years ago

What are the visa and work permit options for a 68-year-old expat in Thailand looking to teach?

Non-O Visa Education Visa Work Permit Retirement Visa Marriage Visa Teaching in Thailand

Neal *******

asked Jun 16, 2023

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My original visa is a Non-O based on having a Thai wife issued in the US 2020. I am currently on my third extension of stay based on retirement. I anticipate being considered for a teaching position in the very near future. I know that my extension will need to be based on marriage in order to obtain a work permit. There seems to be conflicting information about obtaining a work permit at my age, 68. I say that I can get it, but not eligible to make social security contributions. A school that I interviewed with said no because I am over 60. Any thoughts here? Thanks in advance. BTW I am currently in the US, holding a re-entry permit.

Answer summary

The user holds a Non-O visa tied to marriage and is currently extending their stay based on retirement. They are exploring teaching opportunities but face conflicting information regarding age restrictions for work permits. Commenters suggest that while state schools may impose age limits, private institutions generally do not. The applicant must also secure a work permit, which requires a certified university degree. Age might impact employability, especially in the public sector.

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Kartika *******

@Neal ******

I just Dm you

3 years ago

Kool *******

Be fully aware that no matter what visa you hold, you still must have a work permit, and the basic requirement to get a work permit to teach is that you have a certified as being real university degree, at least a BA. No matter what the school you'd work for says, the department of Labour, that issues work permits, requires that you have a university degree. No exceptions if you don't have a long history of teaching, and at your age that might be difficult to come up with, if you did graduate university in your younger days. Be very aware of this requirement. They insist it be certified as being real so people can no longer just buy one on KhaoSan Road.

3 years ago

Dimitri ********

@Kool ******

That sounds all interesting. But I know someone who works for a government school, he teaches English, and he has no university degree and English is not his native language. Honestly... His English sucks and he is only allowed to teach to children in the first 2 years.

3 years ago

Kool *******

@Dimitri *******

how long has he been there, as Thailand usually grandfather's in those affected when laws change in the requirements, as long as they have no break in what they are doing. There are some I've known by Udon that are still on retirement visa extensions when the financial requirement was just bt20,000. As long as there is no break in their extension it stays that way.

3 years ago

Neal *******

@Kool ******

You are right. In process of getting a replacement diploma. I have had meetings with two schools in Chonburi that were set up by my stepson. Getting the diploma is my first priority now that I am in the US, or somehow locating the original. Thank you Kool Breeze!

3 years ago

Kool *******

@Neal ******

if you can get your transcript from the university you graduated from that also works, as it should say "graduated" at the end of your transcript, and then with the university seal stamped, and signed affixed to it

3 years ago

Neal *******

@Kool ******

Thanks again. I will re-contact the registrar!

3 years ago

Cary ******

Might want to look at language schools as well. Yes you would need to do the Non O marriage to a Thai and you have the option to add a WP or a Non B which can affect your stay in Thailand as you lose the visa extension if you quit/get let go but the same would happen on a marriage visa if you quit or were let go by the wife.

3 years ago

Neal *******

@Cary *****

Thanks. Mostly concerned about work permit eligibility. I appreciate the responses!

3 years ago

Steve *******

I believe the limit is 60 for state schools and universities but no limit for private schools. I've heard conflicting reports so I guess it's going to be up to the school. There's no age limit for a work permit afaik.

3 years ago