Hi everyone.
We are a couple from France and we would like to move to Thaïland but my boyfriend is a physiotherapist. Is it allowed to practice un thaïland with his diploma ?
Thank you in advance for your answer 
Physiotherapist ??
Lauramartin
29 May 2022 15:03:38
2
JacktheLawyer
29 May 2022 15:13:38
50
Besides getting a regular work permit, your husband would also need to get a medical license to practice in Thailand.
He can't just set up shop, throw his diploma on the wall, and start practicing physical therapy with his French diploma.
Vero
05 June 2022 10:41:07
9005
Hi Laura,
Welcome to expat.com! 
The very first thing that I would suggest you do is to read the freshly updated Living in Thailand guide, packed with information about this beautiful country. From visas to where the safest neighborhoods are, you will find everything you need to know about settling down in Thailand!
If you have more questions, then feel free to post them on the Thailand forum.
All the best,
Vero
Expat.com team
Leeds forever!
05 June 2022 12:37:01
1610
Hi everyone.We are a couple from France and we would like to move to Thaïland but my boyfriend is a physiotherapist. Is it allowed to practice un thaïland with his diploma ?Thank you in advance for your answer- @Lauramartin
In my opinion,he can totally forget about working legally as a physiotherapist in Thailand with his French diploma. The Thai government is talking about permitting western doctors/specialists to work at private hospitals,but that's in the future. No one knows when.
JacktheLawyer
05 June 2022 16:19:05
50
He may be able to set up as a private consultant for training local physical therapists...but it would have to be done legally if he wanted to ttain at private clinics or hospitals.
But I would l look at the private consulting and private patient route for older farang. There are LOTS of retired farang here with all sorts of physical issues. I'm one!
Try advertising through Facebook and direct the ads to English speaking men 50-65+. He might be able to get some patients. And it would all be cash, too, which is nice.
Most of the Thai insurance does not cover physical therapy, or only covers a small piece. If he went to patients' homes, he could compete with cost and they'd prefer an English speaking farang physical therapists, anyway. I know I would.
Because unlike other treatment from other doctors, a lot of communication between the therapist and patient is required in physical therapy.
Also, Thai doctors and therapists don't like to be questioned!
He should try an off-the-books private practice.
Leeds forever!
05 June 2022 18:07:29
1610
He may be able to set up as a private consultant for training local physical therapists...but it would have to be done legally if he wanted to ttain at private clinics or hospitals.But I would l look at the private consulting and private patient route for older farang. There are LOTS of retired farang here with all sorts of physical issues. I'm one!Try advertising through Facebook and direct the ads to English speaking men 50-65+. He might be able to get some patients. And it would all be cash, too, which is nice.Most of the Thai insurance does not cover physical therapy, or only covers a small piece. If he went to patients' homes, he could compete with cost and they'd prefer an English speaking farang physical therapists, anyway. I know I would.Because unlike other treatment from other doctors, a lot of communication between the therapist and patient is required in physical therapy.Also, Thai doctors and therapists don't like to be questioned!He should try an off-the-books private practice.- @JacktheLawyer
His diploma isn't valid in Thailand. He can never work legally. Illegally,maybe,but is it worth it?
jmazzola
06 June 2022 10:38:18
6
Is what worth it?
Do you think that the Thai police or the Thai revenue department or the Thai immigration department is going to give a flying fu## about some guy doing physical therapy at the home of his patients?
I don't see what the risk is here.
The answer is no they're not going to care. Also, how would they ever find out? And what would they find out, exactly? The police aren't going to care. The revenue department's not going to care. The immigration department's not going to care. Nobody's going to care.
He'll be fine doing at home physical therapy his patient's houses. I've been a lawyer here for 20 years.
aquoid
06 August 2022 10:13:36
1
Hello from more than 20 years I tried to work like physiotherapist in Thailand I speak read and write thai language fluently .And I don't know any farang getting the permit to work as physiotherapist.
Better is to open a physiotherapist clinic giving work to Thai physiotherapist and work as physiotherapist yourself.
It could be nice to contact eachother .
jmazzola are you lawyer in Thailand? what is your specialty ?
taekyoungkang
23 December 2022 06:29:24
4
HELLO.
I also used to think about the same way.
What if he works as a different name like 'Rehab Therapist' 'Manual Therapist' 'Pain Therapist' opening his own clinic since his license is not valid in Thailand.
For example, clinic name might can be Pain & Rehab, Fit forever, 4fit, Pain stop, Pain free and else.
As long as he is not telling that " I am a physical therapist " by himself( on the website and business card)
Treating patients itself is not illegal. So it should be no problem. But sure he can not work at hospital or can not be hired as a physical therapist.
Please advise. 🙏
taekyoungkang
23 December 2022 06:32:44
4
@aquoid it is a good idea. Open a clinic hiring a thai PT might the best option.
You mentioned that you have been working like a PT. I am considering to move to Thailand sooner or later. If you do not mind, would please share your email or any contact information? I would like to ask some advise. Thank you in advance.
Cheryl
23 December 2022 07:23:29
10713
Hello taekyoungkang,
Feel free to start a new thread on the Thailand forum to ask your questions.
Cheers,
Cheryl
Expat.com team
GuestPoster0623
23 December 2022 10:48:02
0
@taekyoungkang. I am a manual therapist and had this idea as well. Will think over as I am there soon.
Feel free to ask for advise at PM regarding orthopedic issues.
Bye
Simon
taekyoungkang
24 December 2022 13:16:49
4
@Simon_PT Thank you so much. Do you have a plan to visit Thailand? Just visit or to live?
GuestPoster0623
24 December 2022 13:45:39
0
Hi, your welcome.
Yes get there in some weeks. I am planing to live and work, but seems to be not easy to get work permission, visa etc. ..
taekyoungkang
16 September 2023 05:14:28
4
@Simon_PT
Hello. Did you visit to Thailand in the mean time?
I visited to Chiang Mai until Jan 10 and came back to the US.
Me and My wife decided to move this Summer. Hopefully meeting and having a chance to talk to you if you live in not far from Chiang Mai.
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