Answered2 years ago

What type of visa does my friend need for casual business meetings in Thailand?

Thailand Visa Business Visa Work Permit Tourist Visa Non-Immigrant Visa Visa Regulations

Marcin *******

asked Feb 21, 2025

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Business meeting - visa type

Since I was few times in Thailand as an employee (with non-imm visa + workpermit) and as a tourist as well, my friend asked for my advice about what visa type he really needs for a casual business meetings in Thailand. I checked the latest immigration rules, I believe made in July 2024, but honestly Im a bit lost in this matter. 

He does not own a business, he is a regular blue collar worker who was requested by his employer to meet some clients in Thailand from time to time. 

Previously when I was applying for a job I got non-immigrant Visa + workpermit but I was literally hired by a company in Thailand. In his case he does not want to start a business nor being hired there, just a meeting once a month. 

What I have read is that you can do some casual business activities on a tourist stamp on arrival but this seems a bit inconsistent between Thai Embassies in different countries (different explanations on their webpages). 

So the questions is...does he need to apply for business visa or business visa + work permit or can use 60days stamp on arrival as a tourist? Getting invitation letter from Thai company is not an issue for him. 

Basically he wants enter the Kingdom fully legally with all the proper paper work done but the current rules seems a bit unclear. 

PS. He asked visa agency but they gave him some "outdated" answer I would say. 

Appreciate your help in this matter.

Answer summary

A blue-collar worker planning to attend casual business meetings in Thailand can potentially use a tourist visa or a recent 'Work ad hoc' visa introduced in July 2024 for visits of less than 15 days. While some agree that a tourist stamp is sufficient, others suggest applying for a business visa, particularly if regular meetings will occur. The advice varies, so it's recommended to confirm the latest regulations and obtain any necessary documentation, like an invitation letter from a Thai company.

14 repliesnewest first

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Nongnuch ********

@Marcin ******

if his business meetings are within less than 15 days, he can apply for the "Work ad hoc" entry, he does NOT need a 90-days Non-Imm-B visa and a work permit for a business meeting of less than 15 days . . . . . regardless what some old men in this group are claiming . . the "work ad hoc" option got introduced by July 15th, 2024 and many people are not aware of it

2 years ago

Paul ***********

If flying in and flying out strictly speaking one should be on a Business visa ie a Non-imm B... If he is doing this on a regular basis basis this is grounds to be issued a multiple entry Non Imm B

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

he can apply for "work ad hoc"

2 years ago

Paul ***********

@Nongnuch *******

not correct for business meetings.. That's for actual work... Aka an emergency work permit.. Limited to 14 days.. We use them in oil and gas in Thailand to fly in technical equipment specialists at short notice to fix equipment.. One still needs a Non-imm B visa from an embassy with that temporary WP

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Paul **********

and "organizing and setting up conferences" is not referring to a business meeting ? Wow! If his business meetings are within less than 15 days, he can apply for the "Work ad hoc" entry, he does NOT need a 90-days Non-Imm-B visa and a work permit for a business meeting of less than 15 days . . . . . regardless what you are claiming . . the "work ad hoc" option got introduced by July 15th, 2024 and maybe you were are not aware of it

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Paul **********

it is directly connected to the 60-days visa exempt entry, introduced by July 15, 2024. It's where the picture is from

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Paul **********

no, it doesn't require a Non-B visa. It only requires a short time work permit. He can enter visa-exempt and get a work permit for 14 days

2 years ago

Paul ***********

@Nongnuch *******

as I say that emergency work permit "ad hoc" has been in place for years and regularly used in the industry I am in, in Thailand and have direct experience into it.. 14 days max (yes you get the letter in a day) but still requires a Non Imm B with it 👍

2 years ago

Nongnuch ********

@Paul **********

and that is exactly what this "work ad hoc" option was designed for, as a part of the 60-days visa-exempt entry for citizens of 93 countries, in July last year. He does not need a Non-imm-B visa for work or business meeting under 15 days. Strictly speaking, your info is WRONG if he is staying for less than 15 days

2 years ago

Paul ***********

@Nongnuch *******

no that would is event planning.. 😁... Not a business meeting...

Business meeting eg Representative from say SG company travels to Thailand attempting to get project work from Thai based MNC.. Meets in BKK to discuss bid or present services (No work permit) ..

Thai company awards contract to SG company ..Same person comes to Thailand to set up project and oversee Thai project office...

Now working... Needs work permit... Subtle but distinct differences 😁

2 years ago

Jim ******

He can apply for the business visa. Single or multiple entry. I just got a multiple entry one. UK passport holder.

2 years ago

Davis ******

@Jim *****

he can, but doesn’t need to. Visa exempt is fine

2 years ago

Kool *******

He does not need any special visa. This comes under the same situation as going to a trade show in Bangkok, meeting clients, buyers, or sellers, then leaving after the show ends, having made sales, or purchase orders.

2 years ago