What Do I Need to Know About Getting a Volunteer Visa for Thailand?

Question

Hi all ,

Hope you can help re volunteer visa . Ive scrolled through previous posts and I’m so confused. It’s my first visit to Thailand so it’s all new to me and also I’ve never had to do a boarder / visa run before.

I entered the country on a tourist 60 day visa , now on 30 day Extentions which expires 1st Jan 2020 . So 90 days total.

I’ve been offered a volunteer placement for 3 months at an animal rescue centre starting mid to end of December. Im not sure if I will stay longer yet.

So I’m just checking my understanding of this.

I’m currently in Chaing Mia , so need to leave Chaing Mia soon / next week and go into Loas.

Pre book appointment at Vientiane ASAP ( can I go anywhere else ?) I’m travelling solo .

Take printed copies of my UK bank statements .

I don’t have a Thia account does this matter ?

Re the paperwork , I’m not sure the rescue is up to date with the current procedures, they don’t get many volunteers.

I don’t want to get there and the paperwork is wrong or outdated as it seems the rules are constantly changing . Also just checking my age isn’t an issue for volunteer visa. I’m 48.

I’m supposed to be starting the placement around 20th December.

Thank you so much 🙏

Ask Thailand · Answer

The post discusses the requirements and processes for obtaining a volunteer visa in Thailand. The person plans to volunteer at an animal rescue center after initially entering Thailand on a tourist visa and extending it. They express concerns about documentation, travel plans, and the need for a work permit. Comments provide additional insights on necessary paperwork, the importance of coordination with the organization, and implications of leaving the volunteer role early.

James ******** · Answer

Pardon me but it appears that you USED the Volunteer service organization to get you the Non O Volunteer Visa....then you bag it without volunteering.

Commenting closed 😡😡😡

Sarah ********* · Answer

Hey guys ! Sooo I got my visa Non Immigrant O for volunteering. Thanks for helping and info before . I entered back into Thailand today with 90 day stamp. I understand that I now need to get the work permit but my question is this: if I stay only a few weeks rather than the full 90 days volunteering do I have to change my visa ? Can I travel on the Non Imm O? What happens when / if I leave the rescue ?

Wayne ********** · Answer

It mat just be my pessimism, but it seems that Thail NPG's are jumping onto the bandwagon offering volunteer positions which are "work".

Robert ******* · Answer

Slots available in Vientiane to apply almost every day. Needed"

4.3 To participate in voluntary services in Thailand

• A recommendation letter from an employer, a foundation, or an organization addressed to the Royal Thai Embassy, Vientiane

• A copy of Registration Certificate of an employer, a foundation, or an organization

• A copy of previous/current work permit (if applicable)

• A copy of employment contract (if applicable)

Ron ******* · Answer

What about the work permit. How does that effect getting the visa. Is that applied for before the visa is issued or after?

Benjamin ****** · Answer

Here's my opinion:

1. Your organization would be the expert on the paperwork. You should NOT be the first foreigner they hired.

2. I believe a letter is required from the organization, written to the specific consulate, requesting the visa. If they want you to go to Vientiane, then you'll go to Vientiane.

3. It's ok for you not to have a Thai bank account. Very few people on visa exempts/ tourist visas have Thai bank accounts.

4. To my knowledge, age doesn't matter.

5. What papers are they wanting you to send to Vientiane?

What Do I Need to Know About Getting a Volunteer Visa for Thailand?

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