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

Volunteer Visa Non-O Visa Visa Application

Dec 5, 2019

5 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

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I don’t want to get there and the paperwork is wrong or outdated as it seems the rules are constantly changing .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 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

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.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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James ********

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 😡😡😡

5 years ago

Sarah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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 ?

5 years ago

Robert *******

You have the visa and 90 days of stay inside Thailand, As long as you do not have the work permit you can not volunteer at the rescue and are free to go around. If you wish to go around all the 90 days, it seems not nice towards the organization to provide you the documents for this visa, but there is not much they can do against it. If you like to travel abroad and come back within these 90 days and use them again, you need a re-entry permit.

5 years ago

Reply to

Robert *******

Wayne **********

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

5 years ago

Robert *******

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)

5 years ago

Ron *******

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

5 years ago

Sarah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey guys, just a quick question about the above , I’m making my way to Udan Thani this week then will go over to Vientiane, my foundation has said they will scan the letter and certificate I need for my visa is this acceptable ? or do I need the original, any idea how long lists takes in Thailand?!

5 years ago

Robert *******

Sometimes it would be nice if people do know what they can do with their passport and what not. NOT every country has passport recognized the same. Yes, with your Taiwanees passport you have to go back to your country. But did you ask if the OP also has a Taiwanees passport?

5 years ago

Benjamin ******

I understand getting a work permit for a Non-O volunteer is the same as getting a work permit for a Non-B "employment"

5 years ago

Clare ******

I understand. If you're asking about volunteer VISA and work permit , in my experience , I applied volunteer VISA in my home country first , and then applied work permit in Thailand. I'm not sure about her case, but I think work permit is not necessary for her first volunteer VISA.

5 years ago

Clare ******

You can apply volunteer VISA without work permit in your home country. (with below mentioned 1 & 2 documents)

5 years ago

Reply to

Clare ******

Benjamin ******

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?

5 years ago

Sarah *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Benjamin *****

hey thanks for that , I haven’t got any paperwork yet it was only agreed yesterday so all a bit last minute. Do I need posted original paperwork from the foundation or is an email copy sufficient ? Otherwise I have to wait in Chaing Mai for it to arrive as they are not local .

5 years ago

Reply to

Sarah *********

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