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What are the visa regulations for foreigners attending meetings in Thailand?
Oct 18, 2018
8 years ago
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSomebody asked a question about WP and Visa for attending meetings etc. I answered, but I found even more information about the Visa regulations. I can't find the question anymore. so here the Visa regulations for foreigners who enter Thailand occasionally to: organize or attend meetings; give opinions, lecture, or present in a meeting; participate in training sessions, tour, seminar, art or cultural exhibitions, sports competition, or any other activities as prescribed by the Cabinet;
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post provides crucial information about visa regulations for foreigners entering Thailand to organize or attend meetings, lecture, participate in training sessions, or engage in cultural or sporting events. It includes discussions on official directives, ambiguous legislation, and the respectful adherence to rules as guests in Thailand.
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Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI close the commenting, Feel free to follow advice givin on this page. But also feel free to do otherwise. We as admins and mod give advice following the rules and regulations set by Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. We are guests in this country and do respect their rules. You are free to dis agree with the rules, discuss the rules, but this kind of discussion will come to an end as it is not Visa related any more. The rules are the rules and we as guests have no influance in changing this rules.
Adrien ******
Actually you do not need to do anything as The Government has issued a Directive and being the higher Legislature it is that what counts. If you were in the unlikely event arrested a good Lawyer referencing the Governments Directive will quickly be able to resolve the issue.
Unfortunatly the issue here is, is with all Laws in Thailand. Legislative Drafters write the Law to encompass Ambiguity so that you can move around within the Legislation and the Judge can interpret it how he sees fit.
This article is not true and is encroaching on causing issues for the Thai Government.
Unfortunatly the issue here is, is with all Laws in Thailand. Legislative Drafters write the Law to encompass Ambiguity so that you can move around within the Legislation and the Judge can interpret it how he sees fit.
This article is not true and is encroaching on causing issues for the Thai Government.
Liam *****
@Robert ******
Sure. The problem is that when the government's guidance is so unclear, it's hard to advise. The soundest advice to someone from a visa exempt country who is visiting for a meeting or conference is 'go ahead without a visa'. You may not advise that, but the vast majority of companies and international organisations will continue to advise their staff to enter without a visa (or prohibit them from getting one) until the government's position becomes clearer.Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERNo problem as said before, it is your choice to follow advice or not.
Adrien ******
I still disagree
The Ministry of Labour is a Government Department. Immigration is not. Its one of many facets reporting to the head of the Royal Thai Police. The Government Department is a higher authority and we should listen to that. If there is an issue we can always instruct a Lawyer.
@Rob***
, SorryThe Ministry of Labour is a Government Department. Immigration is not. Its one of many facets reporting to the head of the Royal Thai Police. The Government Department is a higher authority and we should listen to that. If there is an issue we can always instruct a Lawyer.
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERTwo different Government agencies, see it as the butcher in the shopping mall is lowering the prices, so you want lower prices at the bakery. Sue the bakery if he does not give discount, because his shop is in the same mall.
Liam *****
@Robert ******
you have to admit it's pretty ambiguous and contradictory. In effect, the Ministry of Labour defines meetings as not requiring a work permit, and thus you can participate in them on any visa. Immigration sees them as work and thus you need a Non-B (or F, in the government sector).I can tell you that few international companies and organisations sponsor/allow their staff to get visas for short business trips to attend meetings. In fact, the large organisation that I work for more or less has an official policy that it will not sponsor visas for people from visa exempt countries on short business trips to Thailand.
Adrien ******
Absolutely.....If there was clear un-ambiguous Legislation/Directives I would agree with you and offer that advice too.....However, their isn't, so I don't I'm afraid.
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERMinistry of Labor can change what they like, but they do not control the rules and regulations of the Royal Thai Immigration Bureau. These are two total different offices. But I would say, you're free to do what you want, follow the rules as a guest in the country or don't follow them and face when it happens the consequenses. Good night.
Adrien ******
I think it is just ambiguous
@Rob***
and open to personal interpretation.Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSo there is no change in Immigration law as is mentioned in the article: "Attending business meetings remains work or business, and therefore the business visa is always required.". , but for those with a different agenda somehow it reads different.
Adrien ******
Within the article
"Unfortunatly the issue here is, is with all Laws in Thailand. Legislative Drafters write the Law to encompass Ambiguity so that you can move around within the Legislation and the Judge can interpret it how he sees fit".
@Robert ******
.....It just depends on your personal interpretation. However, I feel this article has just been written to capitalise on Political advantages to be honest. As I said......"Unfortunatly the issue here is, is with all Laws in Thailand. Legislative Drafters write the Law to encompass Ambiguity so that you can move around within the Legislation and the Judge can interpret it how he sees fit".
Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Adrien *****
Okay, where can we find this Directive?Adrien ******
Of course not
@Rob***
. It was with regards to your attachment not to your comments within the Post. I am merely explaining the fact that you do not need to obtain Business Visa's for going to Business Meetings in Thailand as the Government has already issued a Directive on this issue.Robert *******
ORIGINAL POSTERNot really understand this. So you mean you don't have to follow any law inside Thailand?
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Robert *******
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