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

Work PermitVisa ProcessJob Application in ThailandThailand Work VisaEmployment for ExpatsNon-O VisaPhuketJob Market in Thailand
May 16, 2025
20 hours 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 !!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks information on how to obtain a work permit to work in Thailand, particularly in Phuket, but receives mixed responses from the community. Key points include the necessity of finding an employer first, as they are responsible for applying for the work permit, and caution about the limited job opportunities for foreigners due to restrictions on certain jobs reserved for Thai citizens.
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Braulio *********
It is not going to happen
14 hours ago
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Simon *********
Depends if you special skills
16 hours ago
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David ******
Forget it Pajeet.
17 hours ago
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Bent *************
Forget it!
18 hours ago
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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.
19 hours ago
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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.
20 hours ago
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Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 that means less chances to get job in Thailand in this field??
19 hours ago
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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.
15 hours ago
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Nongnuch ********
@Hrishikesh ******
19 hours ago
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Brandon ************
@Hrishikesh ******
 yes
19 hours ago
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Brandon ************
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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?
19 hours ago
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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.
19 hours ago
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John **********
@Abey ********
 yes of course. A number of jobs are reserved for Thai people
19 hours ago
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John **********
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Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
 but after i can find job whats the cost for work permit??
19 hours ago
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Hrishikesh *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok thank you so much !!
19 hours ago
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Brandon ************
@Hrishikesh ******
 Shouldn't cost you anything. It's part of the job.
19 hours ago
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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
19 hours ago
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Nairit *******
@Hrishikesh ******
 some jobs are reserved for Thai people and cannot be applied for a work permit in that category of work
16 hours ago
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Nairit *******
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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