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

What is the process to obtain a work permit for Thailand as an expat?

May 16, 2025
a year ago
Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello !! I am hrishikesh from india

I would like to work in thailand ! I dont know whats the process!! I visited thailand many time but not stays more than 6 weeks so i am planning to stay and work in Thailand ( phuket ) ! Is here anyone to explain what work permit cost and how to apply !!
1,944
views
42
all likes
26
replies
15
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking guidance on how to work legally in Thailand, specifically in Phuket. Comments suggest that the user cannot apply for a work permit directly; instead, their employer must initiate the application process. It is emphasized that finding a job is crucial first, as certain positions are reserved for Thai citizens. Various commenters mention that the job market may be challenging, with suggestions for teaching English or working in Indian restaurants as potential options.
Janine *******
No chance
Like
Reply
Dan *******
You can not work in Thailand
Like
Reply
Tommy ********
Get lost you fuckin jeet get OUT
Like
Reply
Bill **********
Teaching English is probably your only option .
Like
Reply
Nimish ***********
You can get a DTV visa. Mala message kar me sangto
Like
Reply
Frank **********
Find an Indian restaurant. There is like 8 million of them in Pattaya and Bangkok. Ask them for a job.
Like
Reply
Braulio *********
It is not going to happen
Like
Reply
Simon *********
Depends if you special skills
Like
Reply
Ernesto ********
@Simon ********
he’s a toilet manager. Its specialized
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ernesto ********
Reply
David ******
Forget it Pajeet.
Like
Reply
Bent *************
Forget it!
Like
Reply
Steven *******
On every Thai Embassy website, there’s a list of jobs reserved for Thais. Start there. If all of the jobs you’re qualified to do are on that list, it may be difficult for you to work in Thailand.
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
You can't apply for a work permit. Your employer does that.

The first thing you need to find is a job. Your employer can then give you paperwork to apply for a work visa and they will apply for work permit.
Like
Reply
Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
that means less chances to get job in Thailand in this field??
Like
Reply
Von ***********
@Hrishikesh ******
housekeepers and managers assistance are a dime a dozen, you won’t be getting a work permit visa in that field of operation, back to the drawing board.
Like
Reply
Nongnuch ********
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
Like
Reply
Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Abey *********
@Brandon ***********
When an employer applies for work permit for a foreign national, can the Thai immigration say there are thousands of Thai nationals who can full fill that job and refuse the application?
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Abey ********
immigration has nothing to do with the work permit. That's the labor department. And they have a lot of rules and regulations.
Like
Reply
John **********
@Abey ********
yes of course. A number of jobs are reserved for Thai people
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
but after i can find job whats the cost for work permit??
Like
Reply
Kool *******
@Hrishikesh ******
the work permit itself, once you have a job, and the paperwork from the company, is bt3800. But understand that if you aren't fluent in speaking and understanding Thai, Laotian, and Burmese, you aren't qualified.
Like
Reply
Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thank you so much !!
Like
Reply
Brandon ************
@Hrishikesh ******
Shouldn't cost you anything. It's part of the job.
Like
Reply
Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
but sir thai peoples first priority is like Myanmar’s people because they dont have to pay tax !! Is that true ?? Its hard to get job in thailand !!

I have 5 years experience in housekeeping manager and assistant
Like
Reply
Nairit *******
@Hrishikesh ******
some jobs are reserved for Thai people and cannot be applied for a work permit in that category of work
Like
Reply
Reply to
Nairit *******
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
The ask: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.