List of Prohibited Jobs for westerners in Thailand

Now that's a statement that I can readily sink my teeth into. I totally agree with you, but a revision to the law, re: SEO (over the internet) will not be revised, anytime in the near future. It's all about Big Brother being in control, and getting his monthly 4% income-tax, slice of the pie, plus the corporate registration fees. Good luck.
-@jana611

Thai authorities don't like digital nomads working for companies abroad and not paying taxes. I don't think that's to hard to understand. Try

doing this in for example the US and see what happens. You won't even get a long term visa without having an official job. Same in Australia.

are these jobs prohibited for westerners only or all foreigners?

what if its someone who is from east of Thailand?
Easterners Okay?

Duh !
-@Saybill

It doesn't matter where you come from. You're  either a foreigner or a Thai. People from neighboring countries can work as guest workers but only in specified professions,like construction.

@unoquis2  Mate, you are not allowed to 'work' in Thailand without a work permit, and even then not in certain occupations. I think arts and craft making is one of those work roles barred to foreigners.  You should ask a professional for advice if that is what you really want to do.  I strongly advise against you just doing it and staying under the radar.  How 99% of the foreigners are caught, is because of being reported by a Thai person (like those recent Chinese selling food in Chinatown).  The big downside is that it is not just a fine - it can be deportation and blacklisting. 

Talk to an expert - it may be an option to have the Thai wife own a company/employ you - I have heard that can be done - but I am no expert.

@unoquis2 Mate, you are not allowed to 'work' in Thailand without a work permit, and even then not in certain occupations. I think arts and craft making is one of those work roles barred to foreigners. You should ask a professional for advice if that is what you really want to do. I strongly advise against you just doing it and staying under the radar. How 99% of the foreigners are caught, is because of being reported by a Thai person (like those recent Chinese selling food in Chinatown). The big downside is that it is not just a fine - it can be deportation and blacklisting.
Talk to an expert - it may be an option to have the Thai wife own a company/employ you - I have heard that can be done - but I am no expert.
-@AussieBob99

AussieBob99:

A piece of advise, when you're replying to a specific post, don't click on "Reply", click on "Quote".

Dear All,

I get the message, however as a retirery and as hobby that envolves lampwork i.e. flame worked glass NOT working what is there to stop me. How is it any different then painting or drawing? I will seek legal advise as I am determined to spend the last of my days married to a Thai and doing my art . What say you all as what I have found in Thailand is commercial lampwork shops producing nick naks and that is not my objective.

Thanks all for your input cheers.

@unoquis2 Mate, you are not allowed to 'work' in Thailand without a work permit, and even then not in certain occupations. I think arts and craft making is one of those work roles barred to foreigners. You should ask a professional for advice if that is what you really want to do. I strongly advise against you just doing it and staying under the radar. How 99% of the foreigners are caught, is because of being reported by a Thai person (like those recent Chinese selling food in Chinatown). The big downside is that it is not just a fine - it can be deportation and blacklisting.
Talk to an expert - it may be an option to have the Thai wife own a company/employ you - I have heard that can be done - but I am no expert.
-@AussieBob99
AussieBob99:
A piece of advise, when you're replying to a specific post, don't click on "Reply", click on "Quote".
-@Leeds forever!

Thanks

Dear All,
I get the message, however as a retirery and as hobby that envolves lampwork i.e. flame worked glass NOT working what is there to stop me. How is it any different then painting or drawing? I will seek legal advise as I am determined to spend the last of my days married to a Thai and doing my art . What say you all as what I have found in Thailand is commercial lampwork shops producing nick naks and that is not my objective.

Thanks all for your input cheers.
-@unoquis2

All good mate - but dont sell what you make and be very careful and keep it quiet.  If you make it for your own house, then that might be OK. But if you sell it, or the Thai wive does, and someone complains, you could be in deep poo.  I know a bloke in Udon Thani that was fixing up his house (a bit of a rebuild) and he was reported by a local Thai.  The Immigration Police visited and warned him to stop - he had to hire a Thai to do any 'construction' work.  He paid a small 'fine' and they agreed to let it go with the 'fine' and a warning. But it shows what can happen and does happen in Thailand.  What he then did was hire a local Thai 'builder' and he then 'helped/guided' him to do the work - he was a tradie himself and was far more experienced (and qualified) than the Thai guy - but that is how it works - TiT.

If the legalization is about the opportunities for locals I wonder it is allowed for "aliens" to work in the Thai sex industry?

Never seen any European there as workforce.

If the legalization is about the opportunities for locals I wonder it is allowed for "aliens" to work in the Thai sex industry?
Never seen any European there as workforce.
-@sjbabilon5

There are loads of Russian girls in for example Phuket and Pattaya.

If the legalization is about the opportunities for locals I wonder it is allowed for "aliens" to work in the Thai sex industry?
Never seen any European there as workforce.
-@sjbabilon5
There are loads of Russian girls in for example Phuket and Pattaya.
-@Leeds forever!

In Phuket can you tell me where? I've been here 3 years and haven't

seen any but I've certainly not been to every bar or massage parlour.

-@unoquis2
All good mate - but dont sell what you make and be very careful and keep it quiet. If you make it for your own house, then that might be OK. But if you sell it, or the Thai wive does, and someone complains, you could be in deep poo. I know a bloke in Udon Thani that was fixing up his house (a bit of a rebuild) and he was reported by a local Thai. The Immigration Police visited and warned him to stop - he had to hire a Thai to do any 'construction' work. He paid a small 'fine' and they agreed to let it go with the 'fine' and a warning. But it shows what can happen and does happen in Thailand. What he then did was hire a local Thai 'builder' and he then 'helped/guided' him to do the work - he was a tradie himself and was far more experienced (and qualified) than the Thai guy - but that is how it works - TiT.
-@AussieBob99

You mean to tell me that if I tile my own floor or paint a room

I could get in trouble?

Sheesh I better be careful

-@unoquis2
All good mate - but dont sell what you make and be very careful and keep it quiet. If you make it for your own house, then that might be OK. But if you sell it, or the Thai wive does, and someone complains, you could be in deep poo. I know a bloke in Udon Thani that was fixing up his house (a bit of a rebuild) and he was reported by a local Thai. The Immigration Police visited and warned him to stop - he had to hire a Thai to do any 'construction' work. He paid a small 'fine' and they agreed to let it go with the 'fine' and a warning. But it shows what can happen and does happen in Thailand. What he then did was hire a local Thai 'builder' and he then 'helped/guided' him to do the work - he was a tradie himself and was far more experienced (and qualified) than the Thai guy - but that is how it works - TiT.
-@AussieBob99
You mean to tell me that if I tile my own floor or paint a room
I could get in trouble?

Sheesh I better be careful
-@scbrock

You can do anything you want in your own home. But tiling a floor for a friend isn't officially allowed.

If the legalization is about the opportunities for locals I wonder it is allowed for "aliens" to work in the Thai sex industry?
Never seen any European there as workforce.
-@sjbabilon5
There are loads of Russian girls in for example Phuket and Pattaya.
-@Leeds forever!
In Phuket can you tell me where? I've been here 3 years and haven't
seen any but I've certainly not been to every bar or massage parlour.
-@scbrock

If you haven't seen Russian girls in Patong then you haven't been anywhere.

You can do anything you want in your own home. But tiling a floor for a friend isn't officially allowed.
-@Leeds forever!

Thanks, good to know!

If you haven't seen Russian girls in Patong then you haven't been anywhere. They don't work officially.
-@Leeds forever!

I live in Patong. If they are here they are probably around Bangla Rd.

Although they have really good live music venues there I avoid going

to that area during high season no shortage of drunks and police.

Not really my thing.

If the legalization is about the opportunities for locals I wonder it is allowed for "aliens" to work in the Thai sex industry?
Never seen any European there as workforce.
-@sjbabilon5
There are loads of Russian girls in for example Phuket and Pattaya.
-@Leeds forever!
In Phuket can you tell me where? I've been here 3 years and haven't
seen any but I've certainly not been to every bar or massage parlour.
-@scbrock

Probably the confusion is around the definition.

Most likely the girls who are from the FSU countries are primary guests.

Like do a film in an exotic-tropical (cheap) place, or attend on certain parties as pre-selected.

For example when a foreign porn studio rents out a place in Budapest and do a film with guests who just travel here for a couple of days I do not consider that as Hungarian sex industry.

Anyway as for Russians on average they are the worst in the sex industry: picky, demanding, and try to command what should be done even for directors, studios and actors.

So actually hardly be a competition for Thai girls who are often: submissive, and there to serve and do their chosen job as the costumer wishes (not as she wishes).

Interested in moving to thailand and working in thailand..don't really want to work for somebody..more like work with

dannyboyo wrote:Ofcourse there are always loopholes in the land of smiles
so don't let that list above scare you

If you really must weave baskets or cut hair, just teach how to do it and you will be just fine. Or become a manager of any of the above business.

Yes, their are loopholes everywhere. However, teaching of any kind is working. If you are working without a work permit and you are caught, you will be fined and/or deported. You're not going to get a work permit for teaching how to cut hair or weave baskets, not a chance.

Also, "become a manager?" Please...it's one thing if you OWN the company or your wife owns the company, it's a different matter to be the manager.

There are plenty of bar managers working illegally and who just pay off the cops, but I have one rule I live by here:

Never put yourself in a position where the Thai police or Thai immigration has something over you. That is, don't put yourself in a precarious position.

Getting a work permit is much more difficult than in the past and there are reasons for this, one being that far too many foreigners try to skirt the system. If you have a legitimate reason to work here, you can get a work permit and the appropriate visa and you'll have no problem. If you don't, you might just end up paying a fine or being blackballed.

It always gets me that so many foreigners think they can come to Thailand and work however they want to be able to stay here. As someone who goes thru the visa and work permit process and who has been living here legally for nearly 20 years, I have no problem with the Thais setting strict guidelines.
-@scottmallon

Best free advice i may have ever gotten about Thailand other than never invest more than you can afford to lose.

What is your impression of some blokes wanting to work on a home for themselves?

Like if a guy buys (leasehold) some land, or rather he has use of someone;s land for 30 years and wants to build a house.

Can he do anything towards building a personal residence?

What about washing up dishes from his GF's food selling business?

Wouldn't that technically be work?

Work for which he could be deportedm fined or jailed.

Where is the line in the sand on this stuff?

Thailand looking less and less desireable every day.

Wenduine, (I guess) dress making is OK, but not selling. Just make sure there is no money involved.

Guys,
"Doing something" and "getting something natura" in return (anything but money) that would be OK, right? Exchanging means is what I mean.
-@Soy

Apparently not.

Any work, whether for money or other "benefits" is prohibited and can be used to deport, fine, and/or imprison.

And let me tell you there are definitely some Thai @@@@@@ that would love to do just that to you.

Sorry buttercup, just visit, spend baht and leave is the message.

-@unoquis2
All good mate - but dont sell what you make and be very careful and keep it quiet. If you make it for your own house, then that might be OK. But if you sell it, or the Thai wive does, and someone complains, you could be in deep poo. I know a bloke in Udon Thani that was fixing up his house (a bit of a rebuild) and he was reported by a local Thai. The Immigration Police visited and warned him to stop - he had to hire a Thai to do any 'construction' work. He paid a small 'fine' and they agreed to let it go with the 'fine' and a warning. But it shows what can happen and does happen in Thailand. What he then did was hire a local Thai 'builder' and he then 'helped/guided' him to do the work - he was a tradie himself and was far more experienced (and qualified) than the Thai guy - but that is how it works - TiT.
-@AussieBob99
You mean to tell me that if I tile my own floor or paint a room
I could get in trouble?

Sheesh I better be careful
-@scbrock
You can do anything you want in your own home. But tiling a floor for a friend isn't officially allowed.
-@Leeds forever!

Dear All,

    I get the message, however as a retiree and as hobby that envolves lampwork i.e. flame worked glass NOT working what is there to stop me. How is it any different then painting or drawing? I will seek legal advise as I am determined to spend the last of my days married to a Thai and doing my art . What say you all as what I have found in Thailand is commercial lampwork shops producing nick naks and that is not my objective.

    Thanks all for your input cheers.

    -@unoquis2

    All good mate - but dont sell what you make and be very careful and keep it quiet. If you make it for your own house, then that might be OK. But if you sell it, or the Thai wive does, and someone complains, you could be in deep poo.I know a bloke in Udon Thani that was fixing up his house (a bit of a rebuild) and he was reported by a local Thai. The Immigration Police visited and warned him to stop - he had to hire a Thai to do any 'construction' work. He paid a small 'fine' 1f601.svg and they agreed to let it go with the 'fine' and a warning. But it shows what can happen and does happen in Thailand. What he then did was hire a local Thai 'builder' and he then 'helped/guided' him to do the work - he was a tradie himself and was far more experienced (and qualified) than the Thai guy - but that is how it works - TiT.

    -@Guest8552

So which is it?

Work in your own home at your own peril hoping Immigration police aren't called on you?

555 you better be wayyyyy out in the boondocks lol.

Or a Farang can work peacefully on and in his own home, which he can own, but not the land it sits on?

Where is the Law about working at your own home?

Lots of good advice on forums with little to no Legal ground to stand on which is definitely what Farang need.

I hate this.

What about online remote working?

@swim0200

that's fine

Is cutting the lawn on "my own" house considered work? My wife says not but I prefer to open a cold can and watch the indigenous cut the grass.

Anything you do on or around your house or land is not considered work.

You do not have a contract and you are not being paid which are the cornerstones of 'work'

I was working on our new house when immi came to check if I lived there, make photo's etc

They did not blink an eye

That wasnot the answer I was hoping for!   

    Anything you do on or around your house or land is not considered work.
You do not have a contract and you are not being paid which are the cornerstones of 'work'
I was working on our new house when immi came to check if I lived there, make photo's etc
They did not blink an eye
   

    -@martinoo2002

@ThaiTimGardening , repairs , maintenance, painting,  on house or car is not considered as work .

@unoquis2You can participate in any hobby you want  as long as there is no profit to be made

Surely in Thai immigration legislation there's a distinction made

between งาน (Link), and งานบ้าน(Link), no?

There's certainly a distinction between the two in the Thai language.

UNDER THAI LAW, FOREIGNERS ARE PROHIBITED

FROM ENGAGING IN THE FOLLOWING OCCUPATIONS

    Manual work

    Work in agriculture, animal husbandry, forestry, or fishery, excluding specialized work or farm supervision

    Bricklaying, carpentry, or other construction works

    Wood carving

    Driving mechanically propelled vehicles or non-mechanically propelled vehicles, excluding international aircraft piloting

    Shop attendance

    Auction

    Supervising, auditing, or providing services in accountancy, excluding internal auditing on occasions

    Cutting or polishing jewelry

    Haircutting, hairdressing, or beauty treatment

    Cloth weaving by hand

    Weaving of mats or making products from reeds, rattan, hemp, straw, or bamboo pellicle

    Making Sa paper by hand

    Lacquerware making

    Making Thai musical instruments

    Niello ware making

    Making products from gold, silver, or gold-copper alloy

    Bronze ware making

    Making Thai dolls

    Making mattresses or quilt blankets

    Alms bowls casting

    Making silk products by hand

    Casting Buddha images

    Knife making

    Making paper or cloth umbrellas

    Shoemaking

    Hat making

    Brokerage or agency, excluding international trade business

    Engineering work in civil engineering branches concerning designing, calculation, organization, research, planning, testing, construction supervision, or advising, excluding specialized work

    Architectural work concerning designing, drawing plans, estimating, construction directing, or advising

    Garment making

    Pottery or ceramic ware making

    Handmade cigarette making

    Guide or conducting sightseeing tours

    Street vending

    Typesetting of Thai characters by hand

    Drawing and twisting silk thread by hand

    Office or secretarial work

    Legal or lawsuit services

SOURCE: Visa Service Phuket (link)

Further information at Foreign Workers Administration Office (link, doe.go.th)

Yeah, I would just follow the actual FBA on the web from the Thai government.. some jobs prohibited in the above link are not mentioned in the government information

    Yeah, I would just follow the actual FBA on the web from the Thai government.. some jobs prohibited in the above link are not mentioned in the government information
   

    -@martinoo2002

Yeah, agreed.

My thinking was that if a visa agent can't get you (and, of course, charge you for) a work visa for a given occupation, very good chance it'll be because it is a prohibited employment position. I've not met a visa agent who'll turn away a paying customer.

@Aidan in HCMC

I do one better, I have never met a visa agent

If you meet the requirements, which are quite acceptable, there is no need for an agent

I have worked and headed up 3 companies in Thailand for the past 15 years. Thai888 Law, Abroad Funerals and Thai888 Foundation. All involve a lot of legal work and I have an approved visa, work permit and pay taxes.

@blackjack2010

Rumors must be try; Blackjack did it again..😀🎼

Anyway did you do it yourself??

@blackjack2010
Rumors must be try; Blackjack did it again..😀🎼
Anyway did you do it yourself?? - @martinoo2002

Seems that almost all of member blackjack2010 's posts include a plug for their commercial interests.

This is an old list and not updated. Labour department made a new list of 27 prohibited jobs.

Information can be seen online here with a link at the end: https://thailawonline.com/prohibited-jobs-for-foreigners-in-thailand/