What should I do if I need a work permit for my unpaid internship visa extension in Thailand?

Question

Hi all, I need your help with my visa extension!
I'm currently in Thailand for an internship, and before coming here I issues a non- immigrant ED visa which as I was told I can extend upon my arrival in Thailand. Now here is the thing, for the past few days I've been in contact with the immigration office help desk to help finalise the required paperwork to extend my educational visa, but they require a work permit as well. I tried to explain to them many times, that it's for education purposes not work and my internship is unpaid but their response is the same, that they still require a valid work permit. I have searched on the internet, asked around, contacted my internship agency and all are unfamiliar with this situation, therefore my question to this group, has anyone faced the same issue and how were you able to solve the problem? Thank you !

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user is experiencing challenges in extending their non-immigrant ED visa for an unpaid internship in Thailand, as the immigration office is insisting on a work permit despite it being for educational purposes. Various comments suggest that obtaining a work permit is a standard requirement for internships in Thailand, regardless of payment. Some participants recommend seeking assistance at a different immigration office, indicating that returning to the home country for a visa run may be necessary. The original poster shares frustration, stating they were advised by the Thai embassy in their home country that a work permit was not needed for educational purposes, leading to confusion about the requirements.

Ronit **** · Answer

Hi

Jeremy ******** · Answer

You let the cat out of the bag by saying internship…you have now  entered a space that no one will help you because it will give away their deception of the rules they have been playing…first red flag should have been the ed visa instead of a work visa…your only course of action is to depart country and come back

Felix ******* · Answer

Border run. Or visa run.

John ********** · Answer

AFAIK any work requires a work permit whether paid or not.

Will ************ · Answer

You need a work permit

Jarika *********************** · Answer

It's a normal practice for the intern in Bangkok when do the visa extension with the immigration. The ministry of Labour will indicate on your work permit that you are an intern.

Michael ******** · Answer

Seen it on embassies websites, internships whether paid or not require a work permit

Gary ********* · Answer

Try a different immigration office.

What should I do if I need a work permit for my unpaid internship visa extension in Thailand?

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