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What do I need to know about volunteering in Thailand, especially in schools or for the elderly?

Thailand Visa Regulations Volunteer Work Work Permit Expat Information Immigration Rules Retirement Visa

Apr 28, 2025

23 days ago

Michelle *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Morning all!!

Do any of you volunteer in local schools, hospitals or social groups to assist the elderly?? 

Ps. Thanks for your pharmacy  and medicine info. !!

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Volunteering in Thailand requires awareness of visa regulations. Individuals must hold a non-work restricted visa and obtain a work permit to legally volunteer. This applies to all types of volunteer activities, including work in schools, hospitals, and social organizations. Ignoring this can lead to legal consequences, including deportation, especially if reported. Therefore, it's recommended to confirm requirements with the respective organizations before engaging in volunteer work.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.

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Bill **********

If you have visa for retirement even voluntary work isn't allowed .It's risky to do it .

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Tommy ******

Believe it or not.... you must have work permit to volunteer in schools and hospitals! As dumb as anything I've ever seen. Especially, for retirees who simply want to give of their time and experience.

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Michelle *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

absolutely 💯...

We do here in Australia.. anyway, thankyou you for your understanding..

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Michelle *********

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Carlos *********

Everyone with a volunteer visa for those groups. You cant work or volunteer unless you have the appropriate visa for this, if you do it you are breaking the law.

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Chang ******

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Chang ******

You need volunteers visa to do anything . If immigration find out , they send you back to u r country

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Kool *******

You legally need a work permit, and a number of people do volunteer work without a work permit. Realize that if anyone files a complaint, and people do all the time, at that point the police will investigate and deal with it. If you are not legal they will process you for deportation.

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Henrik *****

Remember even volunteers need a work permit.

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Bill **********

I live in upcountry, Issan; very rural. That said, might visit with village chief to see if you can 'volunteer' without causing 'issues'.

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Ruud ******************

@Bill *********

without causing issues; it’s immigration or the police,

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Bill **********

@Ruud *****************

Greatly depends on what the "volunteer" things are. Like taking a car load of locals to visit a Temple and back. Or partly sponsoring a 4.0 student from a very poor family thru college. Providing transportation to a villager needing a round trip visit to a larger hospital 30 minutes away.

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RobD****

@Ruud *****************

yes but who tells the immigration or police you are working/volunteering.....it's the locals who will dob you in , so yes talking to the chief of the village could combat a report from happening

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J ******************

@Ruud *****************

immigration is police

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Ruud ******************

@J *****************

you have immigration, immigration police, police and tourist police at least; it’s not the same; for example if you are in overstay, you can better deal with immigration than with the police; read the topics about this

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Ruud ******************

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Baz *********

Generally even volunteers require a work permit in Thailand..

You would need to talk to each school individually to check.

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Brandon ************

I'm sure plenty of people volunteer. But you need to be aware that the ONLY way to legally volunteer is to be on a visa that is not work restricted and to have a work permit. This means you're on a work visa or a volunteer visa. Otherwise you're breaking the law and if reported or caught, you'll be deported.

Is that likely, not really. But just want to make sure you are aware. There are lots of people that still volunteer anyways.

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Michelle *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

thankyou for your responses Brandon... they are very thoughtful and balanced...

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Michelle *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

we will be on a retirement visa... just want to help in the community.. do you think they will query??

We love to be involved in this at home.. like to give back..

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John ********

@Michelle ********

you will NOT BE ALLOWED TO ON YOUR RETIREMENT VISA to volunteer I have tried to and was unable to provide any help

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Steve *********

@Michelle ********

it's nice to see farrang with a good heart and self satisfaction. Good luck 🤞

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Brandon ************

@Michelle ********

I'm not sure who "they" is. But most Thai people have no idea what is required for foreigners to work and don't care. It's not them that would be getting in trouble so they don't research it.

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Brandon ************

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