Fancy Working in Bangkok? A Guide for Indians Applying for Thailand’s Work Visa

Thailand, long known as a top tourist destination, is now emerging as an attractive place to work for foreigners, including Indians. To legally work in Thailand, foreign nationals must first secure a Non-Immigrant B Visa and then apply for a work permit, which can be extended annually.

As of April 2023, Thailand had 2.3 million registered foreign workers, with only 156,782 classified as skilled professionals. While some jobs are restricted to Thai nationals, there are opportunities in sectors like IT, tourism, and English language teaching.

Step-by-Step Guide for Indians Applying for a Thailand Work Visa

1. Secure a Job Offer

•You must have a confirmed job offer from a Thai employer before starting the visa process.

•Your employer must assist with necessary documents.

2. Apply for a Non-Immigrant B Visa (Single Entry)

•Submit your application at the Thai Embassy or Consulate in India.

•This visa must be used within three months of issuance.

3. Enter Thailand & Obtain Initial Stay Permit

•Upon arrival, you will receive a 90-day stay permit at the port of entry.

4. Apply for a Temporary Work Permit

•Within 90 days of arrival, apply for a work permit at the Department of Employment in Thailand.

5. Obtain a Re-Entry Permit

•To maintain your employment status while traveling outside Thailand, apply for a Re-Entry Permit at the Immigration Bureau or the airport before departure.

6. Extend Your Stay

•Once employed, you can apply for a stay extension at the Immigration Bureau (up to 1 year per extension).

Thailand Work Visa Requirements for Indians

Required Documents

1.Valid Passport (minimum 6 months validity).

2.Completed Visa Application Form.

3.Recent Passport-Sized Photograph (4×6 cm, taken within the last 6 months).

4.Proof of Financial Stability:

•20,000 THB per person (~ ₹50,000).

•40,000 THB per family (~ ₹1,00,000).

5.Letter of Approval from Thailand’s Ministry of Labour:

•Your employer must submit Form WP3 at the Department of Employment.

6.Work Permit Copy (issued by the Ministry of Labour).

7.Income Tax Documentation.

8.Company Documents of the Hiring Employer in Thailand:

•Must be signed by the Board of Directors or authorized Managing Director.

Applicants should apply for a visa at the Thai Embassy/Consulate in their country of residence.

Thailand Work Visa Costs for Indians

Visa Type Cost in THB Cost in INR (~)

Single Entry Work Visa 2,000 ₹5,000

Multiple Entry Work Visa 5,000 ₹13,000

3-Month Work Permit 750 ₹2,000

6-Month Work Permit 1,500 ₹4,000

1-Year Work Permit 3,000 ₹8,000

Additional Requirements

•A medical check-up and background verification are mandatory before obtaining a work permit.

Validity & Reporting Requirements

•The Non-Immigrant B Visa grants an initial 90-day stay.

•Within this period, applicants must obtain a work permit and apply for a visa extension.

•Work permits can be valid from 3 months to 1 year, depending on the job contract.

•All visa holders must report their presence to the Thailand Immigration Departmentevery 90 days (either in person or via email).

•Failure to report can lead to visa cancellation.

Can Family Members Join?

•Immediate family members (spouse, parents, and unmarried children under 20) can apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa (Category O).

•Family members can stay for 90 days and extend up to 1 year.

Working Conditions in Thailand

•Standard work hours: 8 hours per day, 48 hours per week.

•Employees receive benefits like:

•Pension contributions.

•Health insurance.

•Unemployment & work injury insurance.

•Many international companies offer private health insurance and pension plans for foreign employees.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

•Working without a valid permit can lead to fines ranging from 5,000 to 50,000 THB.

•Additional penalties may include deportation and a 2-year ban on reapplying for a work permit.

Switching from Tourist/Transit Visa to Work Visa

•Foreign nationals on a Tourist Visa (TR) or Transit Visa (TS) who wish to work must convert their visa at the Immigration Bureau Office in Bangkok (www.immigration.go.th).

•However, visa conversion is not guaranteed and is subject to immigration officer discretion.

 

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