What long-term visa options are available for internships in agricultural science and cannabis in Thailand?

Long Term Visa Thailand Visa Rules Medical Cannabis Agricultural Internship Consulting in Agriculture DTV Visa Startup Visa Amity Agreement Permaculture Soil Health

Oct 19, 2024

6 days ago

Eirik *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

Any suggestions for a Long Term Visa internship working in agriculture science and/or medical cannabis ?

I am an American (West Coast) entrepreneur in the regenerative cannabis and Permaculture movements with a university science degree who turned into a soil biology nerd and studied Korean Natural Farming (KNF) for the last 20 years from a laboratory.

In Thailand (on and off) for almost a year now, traveling all around this great country and as an ecologist and agriculturalist, it's too perfect. I don't want to leave, much to learn.

Starting to think about creative ways to learn and share in return for a Long Term Visa.

Medical Cannabis (endocannabinoid system and the entourage effect) is one of my specialties.

There is obviously a market for it….

"Strain Hunters: Thailand Expedition"

[[members only])

I have taken the time to research the modern “political scene” of Thailand specifically with regards to cannabis.

I understand there is a strong desire for this plant to remain medicine and not to be abused in any way.

I agree and it would be a dream to be able to work with that blessed plant in this great country.

Farming, Soil Health and Agroforestry in Thailand would be amazing too.

Any ideas?

Thanks for your time

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TLDR : Answer Summary

An American entrepreneur with a background in agriculture science and medical cannabis seeks suggestions for securing a long-term visa in Thailand to pursue internships or work opportunities in these fields. The discussion highlights challenges related to working in agriculture due to restrictions on foreigners, the viability of the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) for such activities, and potential alternative visa routes such as the Smart 'S' Startup visa and the Amity Agreement for Americans. Community responses offer insights into the current job market and regulatory landscape for foreign professionals in cannabis and agriculture in Thailand.

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Chris ****

Started off well and then I lost all idea of your intended message.

6 days ago

Eirik *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Chris ***

Understandable

wasn't sure how to ask such a layered question.

6 days ago

Reply to

Eirik *************

Kool *******

Be fully aware that every agriculture job is a restricted occupation for Thais only, except in some cases as a consultant only in any commercial for sale operation, and cannabis is an agriculture product. You can't even show someone how to use a shovel, or how to apply nutrients. You can only verbally consult legally. Also understand that some of the best, and most experienced growers, and plant science specialists, from all over the world came here to grow when it became legal. Ideally you've got the right idea, you're simply two years too late though. There are growers here supplying the medical cannabis market in places like Spain, and Germany, that is heavily tested, and controlled by their governments when they buy Thai products. Like I said, you're about two years too late.

6 days ago

Kool *******

@Jeff *********

you've definitely been living in the past. Thailand does not keep technology, and modern science from the masses. That is a pure misunderstanding on your part. Thailand is number one in the world in lots of agricultural sectors. They are the number one exporters in the world of fresh, and frozen chicken. The number one exporters of pineapple. They were number one in rice exports, until Thaksin and his sister's government screwed that up. They've got patents on the top quality rice strain in the world, with their hom mali, fragrant jasmine rice. There are others too, like the number one exporters of latex rubber, longan fruit, durian, and a few others. They are actually the leaders in modern science in lots of areas, and not keeping technology from the masses. Although lots of foreign people are fed an image of a farmer plowing his fields with a water buffalo, that hasn't existed for over 2 decades in Thailand. It might be a good idea for you to modernize your thinking about how advanced Thailand really is. It is not some oppressed backwards third world country, that seems to be your impression. Thailand is very advanced, and the world leader in many areas, including agriculture, and pride themselves in this fact. Thailand has government programs that promote innovation, design, and modernization, at every education level. Most foreigners don't even know these programs exist, and at a wide scale. In Bangkok alone there are 52 universities, and that's not counting the trade schools. Thailand's economy is very modern actually, contrary to what you believe.

6 days ago

Angelo ***********

@Kool ******

No patents on rice, though. The rest is more or less correct.

5 days ago

Kool *******

@Angelo **********

sorry I got the strain wrong, but Thailand does hold the patent on a variety developed from the hom mali strain.

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5 days ago

Angelo ***********

@Kool ******

Yes, in the US. In the rest of the world: you can not patent fruits/grains.

5 days ago

Kool *******

@Angelo **********

you do understand that the US is the largest importer of all Thai exports, including agricultural products, so this is an important patent

5 days ago

Angelo ***********

@Kool ******

No. Thailand exports most of its stuff to ASEAN countries. And a patent doe not matter at all. It would matter if one wants to grow the relevant fruits in USA.

5 days ago

Kool *******

@Angelo **********

try again. The US is number one.

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5 days ago

Eirik *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

❤️🇺🇸❤️🇹🇭❤️

5 days ago

Reply to

Eirik *************

Jeff **********

I do not see Thailand as third world or behind times. You made up that narrative. I see one of the fastest internets in the world opening up huge doors for innovation and advancement.

Globally, in the best case scenarios internet infrastructure is 5-10 years behind these improvements in speed and stability. Technically, if I wanted to modernize a farms internet of things capabilities to track everything financial and logistics I would be working in agriculture. Which has far too much paperwork to stay competitive by attracting foreign talent. The red tape is often what holds back innovation.

6 days ago

Kool *******

@Jeff *********

actually Thai home internet speed, and usage is rated 4th in the world, with an 85% usage rate. Thailand's internet, and usage availability is very advanced, and not 5-10 years behind as you think. This data is easy to find with simple searches. As a side note, percentage wise, more people in Thailand use Facebook than any other country in the world. Thailand's internet is very modern, and used.

5 days ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Eirik *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

That was inspiring and educational

The Consultant route was my original idea.

Two years late, the only way I can think to catch up is to network with as many of them as possible.

6 days ago

Kool *******

@Eirik ************

your best opportunity for that is in the Chaeng Mai area, and the small growers, as the big commercial growers don't network. Thailand let's free market work, and the industry now is very competitive, and extremely saturated, but good luck. Just remember one important thing about Thailand. It is not a training ground. Only the best make it here, and survive.

6 days ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Deepak *******

Not with a DTV visa, which is meant for remote work outside Thailand while living on the Thai soil.

6 days ago

Greg ********

Well yiu cannot do it on a DTV :-) Look at the Smart "S" Startup visas to see if it falls in one of the priority areas. Healthcare certainly does. With that Visa you set up your own company but do not need 4 Thais to get a Work Permit. As an American there is also the Amity Agreement route to owning a company. Google it

6 days ago

Eirik *************

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Greg *******

Thanks, I am learning the key provisions of the Thailand Amity Agreement now.

6 days ago

Greg ********

@Eirik ************

As a non-American I have never really looked into it but I hear it has advantages for US citizens

6 days ago

Reply to

Greg ********