What visa options are available for long-term paid employment at a Thai nonprofit?

May 1, 2018
6 years ago
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Does anyone have experience being a paid long-term employee at a Thai nonprofit? Would love any tips and advice on visa options!

There are a couple of local nonprofits in Thailand who would be interested in hiring me, not as a volunteer but paid staff, for extended periods of time (beyond the volunteer visa length).

I've read that the usual requirements for issuing foreigner work permits can be modified / waived a bit if a nonprofit is applying for the permit. I'd love to get as much info as possible so we can be prepared :)

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Khup koon kha!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The process of securing a paid long-term position at a Thai nonprofit involves navigating specific visa and work permit requirements. It is suggested that potential employees consult with the nonprofit's HR department to gather necessary documentation from the labor office. This may include a letter of authorization for hiring a foreign staff member, which is crucial for obtaining the appropriate non-B visa or diplomatic visa, depending on whether the NGO is government-sponsored. It’s also advised to disregard generic information found online and directly inquire at the Ministry of Labor for a comprehensive list of requirements.
Dave **********
Working as a paid employee for a non-profit is about the same as any other legal work for wages when it comes to getting a visa and work permit.

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Have the HRM person from the Non-profit go to the labor office and find out what the labor office want specifically for the letter of authorization to allow the non-profit to hire you as a paid employee. Requirements will vary depending on the nature of the NGO and their sponsorship / authorization to operate.

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Once you have the letter then it is off to get your non-B (you are a paid employee) or diplomatic visa (if it is a government sponsored NGO).

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Once you come back you get your Work Permit and visa extension.
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
thank you :)
Robert *******
Best advice I can give you: Forget this link and what you read there. Visit the Ministry of Labor in your area, ask if you can apply for the WP and they will hand out a list with requirements and application form.
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Awesome. Thank you :)
Robert *******
Nasty part of Social Media. Every one can write something, even that officials are changing rules on a daily basis. In fact the Ministry of Labor is working very good and friendly towards foreigners. You ask, they provide. You copy the needed documents, fill in the application forms and apply. When all papers are there, job done and wait normally 1 week for the work permit.
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sounds good! I just know that often official documents say one thing, official themselves say another thing, and then in this group i hear so many "Well...they said this but you may be able to do this, if you do this or in this case...and by the way this office tends to be friendlier" lol Trying to be prepared even if it ends up being some info that isn't as relevant...
Robert *******
I used to have work permits, last one was working at my wife's company but we had never had quite a bit of cash. So what do you mean with that?
Victoria *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Actually, I was going to provide you with a link but I found a better one which half answers my question...so I'm going to modify my original question a bit

Everywhere I've read has said something like:

"The permit may be granted to a foreigner who is employed in Thailand and;

-The company (employer) must have a fully paid-up registered capital of 2 million Baht to hire one foreigner, plus one person for every additional 2 million Baht (to a maximum of 10 people).

If the registered capital of the company is less than 2 million the company can hire one foreigner if its total corporate income tax payment had been at least 5 million Baht for the past three years. The company can hire one foreigner for every 5 million Baht paid in tax.

-The employer has engaged in export which has brought into Thailand revenue of 3 million Baht in the previous fiscal year.

-The employer can hire one foreigner for every additional 3 million Baht up to a maximum of 3 people.

-The employer has at least 50 Thai employees per foreign employee up to a maximum of 5 foreign employees."

But actually on this particular site it said some exceptions can be granted in the case of nonprofits and a few other cases....guess I spoke too soon!

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