What are the visa regulations for foreigners attending meetings in Thailand?

@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.

I still disagree

@Rob***

, Sorry

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.

@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.

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.

I think it is just ambiguous

@Rob***

and open to personal interpretation.

Within the article

@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".

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.