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Americans can enter Thailand without a visa for visits up
to 30 days. Permission to work in Thailand for longer periods
can be granted in two different forms:
- Non-Immigrant ‘B’ Visas - If entering
Thailand for business purposes, the Immigration Department
requires a non-immigrant Business or ‘B’ visa.
Application for this visa must be made outside of Thailand.
The application should be accompanied by two passport-size
photos, and a letter from a sponsoring company indicating
the length and purpose of visit. The visa will be valid
for 90 days for a single entry visa or 180 days for multiple
entry, and may be sufficient for conducting business initially.
- Work Permit - The Alien Occupation Law requires
that non-Thais obtain a work permit prior to working in
Thailand. Certain occupations are proscribed, and they are
listed in Note 1. A prospective employer or sponsor must
file the application for the work permit with the Ministry
of Labor, and a non-immigrant visa must be obtained from
a Thai Embassy before the work permit application is filed.
Currently, the sponsoring Thai company is usually required
to show proof of a minimum registered capital of about Bt3
million.
The procedures for obtaining visas, visa extensions and work
permits are complicated and the penalties for lack of proper
documentation can be onerous. Legal or other assistance may
be advisable.
Contact Information :
Immigration Department
The Royal Thai Police Department
507 Soi Suan Phlu, S. Sathorn Rd.
Bangkok 10120
Tel: (662) 287-3101/10,
Fax: 287-1310
Ministry of Labor
Fuang Nakhon Road, Bangkok 10200
Tel: (662) 221-5140/4,
223-4912/4
Fax: (662) 226-2890
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