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What do I need to know about performing as a singer in Thailand for a year?
Thai visa ruleswork permitssoul musicexpat communitymusic scene in Thailandlive performancesimmigration issuesexpat networking
Jul 30, 2025
9 months ago
Pam *************
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you for allowing me to join your group. I am a soul singer from Philly.i wanted spend one year in Thailand and am interested in the black music scene if any there
TLDR : Answer Summary
A soul singer from Philadelphia expressed interest in the music scene in Thailand, specifically the black music scene and opportunities for performing. Several commenters highlighted the importance of securing a work visa and mentioned that while finding venues that play black American music might be challenging, there are options in places like Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. It's noted that performing without a work permit is not allowed, even for free gigs. The community suggested various clubs and local venues that might appreciate soul, R&B, and hip-hop music.
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Leroy *******
Best part about thailand is nobody cares what color we all are.
Jim ********
African/soul at Bafros on Soi 11
When I was there they were playing British grime -Dave, Stormzy etc. Gr8
If you’re thinking of performing anywhere in Thailand you do need a work visa. I know non thais have gotten busted.
*******************
When I was there they were playing British grime -Dave, Stormzy etc. Gr8
If you’re thinking of performing anywhere in Thailand you do need a work visa. I know non thais have gotten busted.
Alice ********
White people like soul music as well! I am one of them ❣️
Madz ******
@Alice *******
any recs for venues please? Or what the music scene offers where you are based 🙏🏽Alice ********
@Madz *****
right now Florida..next year Hau Hin ❣️Madz ******
@Alice *******
any recs in hua hin then please 👍🏽😊Alice ********
Join the woman's club in Hau Hin
Alice ********
@Madz *****
Recs? Can you spell out the whole word please you could mean many things. Thank youMadz ******
@Alice *******
recommendations for the op topicAlice ********
@Madz *****
Presently I do not have any recommendations.Madz ******
@Alice *******
And they play the music OP is suggesting and soul? Thought that's why you commented - was hoping for your insight from experience if poss 🙏🏽Reply to
Madz ******
Reply
Gary ********
@Natalies **********
in Pattaya, I'll buy you a drink there at the end of August.Mark *************************
Do your thang girl, soul, R&B, hip hop and straight up gangsta rap are appreciated here. And the crowd aint small either. Guess what, most dont know who Eazy E is but they will jam to that shit. Dont listen to all the old farangs, outside of Pattaya and the commercial places, hip hop is gaining traction real fast.
James **************
Culture café
Reply to
James **************
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James **************
We love techno Bangkok
James **************
Sing sing theatre bkk
James **************
Mustache bkk
James **************
Revolution club pattaya
Pam *************
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *************
thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate itReply to
Pam *************
Reply
James **************
Possibly, I once met a guy who was comparing and doing a bit of singing in one of the Pattaya night clubs and he told me they'd got him a work permit! And there's plenty of DJs about who I assume will have work permits! As said Pattaya, BKK, Phuket, Samui maybe....
I guess search for the promoters....
I'll try find a few club nights etc to post
I guess search for the promoters....
I'll try find a few club nights etc to post
Darren ********************
She's a singer back home but doesn't say she wants to work as a singer in Thailand?
I'm not sure about Soul music Pam but there are plenty of RnB/Hip Hop bars/clubs in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket etc. The crowd are usually pretty young though unless it's a tourist club.
I'm not sure about Soul music Pam but there are plenty of RnB/Hip Hop bars/clubs in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket etc. The crowd are usually pretty young though unless it's a tourist club.
Kim *******
Most of the blacks here in Thailand are from the African countries, and a lot of them are hard core.
Si ********
@Kim ******
Check her FB. That's exactly her sweet spot.Reply to
Si ********
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Peter *******
Most of the blacks in Thailand are from Africa or the Middle East so not sure if you will find much in the way of Black American music.
Michael ********
There is a lady in Phuket has been performing in Thailand for many years cannot recall her name at moment
@Stuart ********
may knowStuart *********
@Michael *******
Sorry. No clue.Michael ********
@Stuart ********
Just asked Liam neither of us can remember, I know she was good friends with Kathy the Artist and Helene our old irish honarary consulReply to
Michael ********
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Jeffrey ****************
Good luck, you can do karaoke but if you're thinking about gigging for money forget about it, you need a work permit.
Brian *********
Yeah, it was a disappointment when I realized I couldn't even gig for free on my visa. A lot of local musicians gig here and much more live music on average than in the states.
Eric *******
@Brian ********
so disappointing. I would love for her to join our band. Ha ha.Brian *********
@Eric ******
would be cool but rules is rules. 🙄I understand not taking away income from locals but shesh, playing for free? 🙁
Reply to
Brian *********
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Si ********
Head on down to Sukhumvit road of BKK. Plenty of Black Africans in that area. Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy.
Ēad *******
A work visa is essential.
Like the other guy said … those are very difficult to attain.
I performed only once in Thailand and the visa process was a complicated bureaucratic nightmare.
It was handled by others, thankfully.
Like the other guy said … those are very difficult to attain.
I performed only once in Thailand and the visa process was a complicated bureaucratic nightmare.
It was handled by others, thankfully.
Jeremy ********
Thailand is a big country, so you’re going to find a club or 2 to your liking
But if you’re looking to work as a singer. You will need to find a company with a ฿20 million baht budget that will also sponsor your work permit, and that is more difficult than finding a leprechaun riding a unicorn
Good luck
But if you’re looking to work as a singer. You will need to find a company with a ฿20 million baht budget that will also sponsor your work permit, and that is more difficult than finding a leprechaun riding a unicorn
Good luck
Reply to
Jeremy ********
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