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

Visa Extension Non-Immigrant ED Visa Internship Work Permit Thai Immigration Rules

Dec 8, 2022

2 years ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

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 !

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TLDR : Answer Summary

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 ****

2 years ago

Jeremy ********

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

2 years ago

Afafe *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

When I applied for visa, they told me that I should apply for ED visa and presented the documents that were required at the Thai embassy in The Netherlands. The agency that introduced me to the internship company advised me to go for a tourist visa but the embassy declined so I was pretty much forced to choose the Education visa. Even my supervisor who had multiple interns nor the interns that came before me, have encountered similar case. And most importantly I was informed by the Thai embassy in The Netherlands, that I do not need a work permit if it's for education purpose. 🥲

2 years ago

Jeremy ********

@Afafe ******

they trucked you and now everyone is covering their tracks…

2 years ago

Reply to

Jeremy ********

Felix *******

Border run. Or visa run.

2 years ago

John **********

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

2 years ago

Will ************

You need a work permit

2 years ago

Jarika ***********************

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.

2 years ago

Michael ********

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

2 years ago

Gary *********

Try a different immigration office.

2 years ago

Reply to

Gary *********

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