thailand
Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What do I need to know about performing as a singer in Thailand for a year?

Thai visa ruleswork permitsmusic scenesoul musicperforming in Thailandexpat lifeimmigrationblack music scene
Jul 30, 2025
3 days ago
Pam *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank 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
3,731
views
6
likes
77
all likes
29
replies
2
images
18
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the challenges of performing as a soul singer in Thailand, particularly focusing on the necessity of obtaining a work visa, which can be quite difficult to secure. Various locations in Thailand are mentioned where music, especially soul, R&B, and hip-hop, can be found, including Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket. Participants share personal experiences and advice on navigating the local music scene while highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles related to work permits for foreign artists.
Pelle Eriksson
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...
recently on Facebook
Luca G.
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...
recently on Google
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
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.
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Alice ********
White people like soul music as well! I am one of them ❣️
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Madz ******
@Alice *******
 any recs for venues please? Or what the music scene offers where you are based 🙏🏽
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Alice ********
@Madz *****
 right now Florida..next year Hau Hin ❣️
19 hours ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alice ********
Reply
Gary ********
@Natalies **********
 in Pattaya, I'll buy you a drink there at the end of August.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
James **************
Culture café
3 days ago
Like
Reply
James **************
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
James **************
Reply
James **************
We love techno Bangkok
3 days ago
Like
Reply
James **************
Sing sing theatre bkk
3 days ago
Like
Reply
James **************
Mustache bkk
3 days ago
Like
Reply
James **************
Revolution club pattaya
3 days ago
Like
Reply
James **************
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Pam *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *************
 thank you so much for all your help. I really appreciate it
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply 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
3 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Kim *******
Most of the blacks here in Thailand are from the African countries, and a lot of them are hard core.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Si ********
@Kim ******
 Check her FB. That's exactly her sweet spot.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Si ********
Reply
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.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
There is a lady in Phuket has been performing in Thailand for many years cannot recall her name at moment
@Stuart ********
 may know
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Stuart *********
@Michael *******
 Sorry. No clue.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
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 consul
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Jeffrey ****************
Good luck, you can do karaoke but if you're thinking about gigging for money forget about it, you need a work permit.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Eric *******
@Brian ********
 so disappointing. I would love for her to join our band. Ha ha.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Brian *********
@Eric ******
 would be cool but rules is rules. 🙄

I understand not taking away income from locals but shesh, playing for free? 🙁
2 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brian *********
Reply
Si ********
Head on down to Sukhumvit road of BKK. Plenty of Black Africans in that area. Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
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.
3 days ago
Like
Reply
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
3 days ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Can an expat pastry chef find work in Thailand with the help of an agent?
27 comments
a month ago
What are the best options for transporting equipment to Thailand for work with a DTV visa?
30 comments
2 months ago
Is there a short term work permit for foreign musicians to perform freelance gigs in Thailand?
14 comments
4 months ago
What is the best way for self-employed musicians to obtain a DTV in Thailand?
6 comments
4 months ago
What are the important considerations for obtaining a visa to live in Thailand?
52 comments
4 months ago
Can a professional musician qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand while primarily earning from international tours?
7 comments
5 months ago
Can a musician apply for a DTV visa in Thailand?
7 comments
7 months ago
Do Thai people accept black women, and are there Americans in Thailand?
95 comments
8 months ago
What visa options are available for moving to Thailand and starting a business?
252 comments
10 months ago
How can I obtain a Performer’s ‘O’ type visa in Thailand as a touring DJ and actress?
27 comments
10 months ago
What are the visa options for foreign filmmakers working in Thailand?
15 comments
a year ago
What guidance can expats provide for moving from the UK to Thailand?
25 comments
a year ago
What is the dating situation like for Black American expats in Thailand?
25 comments
a year ago
What do I need to know about getting an English teaching job in Thailand with a tourist visa?
15 comments
a year ago
What job opportunities exist for Westerners wanting to move to Thailand who are not retirees?
47 comments
2 years ago
What are the challenges of teaching English in Thailand as a foreigner?
309 comments
2 years ago
What do I need to know about teaching English and getting a work visa in Thailand?
12 comments
2 years ago
What are the options for expats wanting to work in Bangkok and how does the visa process work?
93 comments
2 years ago
What are the experiences of fitness trainers working in Thailand?
16 comments
2 years ago
What job advice or remote work opportunities are available in Bangkok for music production, and what visa options might be suitable?
9 comments
3 years ago
What are the legal ways for Americans to work as freelancers in Thailand?
17 comments
5 years ago
What type of visa should I choose for a 6-12 month stay in Thailand for leisure and potential side work as a musician?
17 comments
6 years ago
What are the visa options for working as an actress and trainer in Thailand as a Romanian citizen?
22 comments
6 years ago
What are the visa requirements for self-employed musicians in Thailand?
8 comments
6 years ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Bangkok?
7 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best cannabis dispensary in Chon Buri?
9 comments
a month ago
What are the best dispensaries in Phuket?
21 comments
a month ago
What is the best cannabis dispensary in Surat Thani?
16 comments
a month ago
Where can I find the best weed in Chiang Mai?
8 comments
a month ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.