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What paperwork do I need to volunteer in Thailand on a retirement visa?

Retirement visa Volunteer visa Non-O visa Volunteer work in Thailand Visa requirements Work permits

Jul 6, 2025

8 days ago

Robert ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Question;  I plan on applying for a retirement visa using an agent blah blah blah....  I have always worked with non profits in my life usually helping to feed the hungry because I am a retired chef.  What special paperwork do I need to be able to simply volunteer my time in Thailand?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To legally volunteer in Thailand, you cannot use a retirement visa. Instead, you will need to apply for a Non-Immigrant O visa specifically for volunteering, which requires a work permit from the organization you plan to volunteer with. Many commenters noted that volunteering is considered the same as working, so proper documentation is necessary.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
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Henrik *****

Volunteering in Thailand is the same as working, so you need a workpermit, which you will not get, when it will take jobs away from Thai citizens.

8 days ago

Robert **********

Hello Robert.

I am planning to teach English to children in Thailand. Doing a TEFL course at the moment (online, in the Netherlands).

I got my info from Siam Legal International.

Key requirements include:

An invitation letter from the Thai school, stating the position (volunteer English teacher) and duration

School registration documents

A copy of the director’s Thai ID

Possibly your TEFL certificate (once completed) and your CV

Proof of residence in the Netherlands

Health insurance covering your stay in Thailand

Completed the visa application form and paid of visa fee

8 days ago

Michael ********

Based in Bangkok, bangkok community help maybe speak to

@Greg ******

8 days ago

Fiona *********

I've pm'd you.

8 days ago

Robert ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Fiona ********

thank you. I read and understand.

8 days ago

Reply to

Robert ********

Judy *******

To volunteer in Thailand for longer than 30 days, you'll need a Non-Immigrant O visa (Volunteer). You can't legally volunteer on a retirement visa

8 days ago

Peter *******

You need to apply for a volunteer visa

8 days ago

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

You cannot legally volunteer on a retirement visa. In order to legally volunteer you need to be on a visa that is not work restricted (like a non-B work visa or a non-O volunteer visa) and have a work permit from the organization you'll be volunteering for. That's basically unheard of nowadays.

So your most likely options are to not volunteer to stay legal, or to volunteer illegally like many do.

8 days ago

Robert ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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

thank you. That's how I understood it from my googling but was hoping it wasn't so complicated. I just want to help people.

8 days ago

Kool *******

@Robert *******

so just help people, but keep in mind that if anyone files a complaint against you, and it happens quite regularly, you will be in serious trouble.

8 days ago

Robert ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Kool ******

sounds amazing. Maybe I'll just stick to snorkeling and changs.

8 days ago

Kool *******

@Robert *******

in the past there were too many incidences of scamming the volunteer visa to stay here long term, and businesses charging people to volunteer. The government after awhile took a dim view to this charging tourists to volunteer.

8 days ago

Reply to

Kool *******

Jeremy ********

Volunteer Visa non-o

8 days ago

Reply to

Jeremy ********

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