Every year, many people make the decision to travel to the Kingdom of Thailand in order to see the beautiful beaches, nightlife and exotic scenery. For some, the trip is short, but for others a long term vacation awaits. If one wishes to remain in the Kingdom of Thailand for a continuous period of more than 15 to 30 days, a Thai visa is likely required to maintain lawful status. Those who obtain long term Thai visas are initially taken aback by some of the notations on the visa.
For instance, some Thai visas to are imprinted with a notation which says: “Employment Prohibited.” Angst is sometimes created because the visa holder thinks this means that he or she cannot get a job at any time. In reality, this simply means that employment is not authorized based solely upon this travel document. The Thai government has bifurcated the right to work and the right to remain in the Kingdom of Thailand. Much like a US business visa (B1), the bearer is only allowed to travel and enter the country for business related reasons which do not constitute employment in the USA. This same issue is often experienced by those in Thailand on a Thai business visa. Many are under the mistaken impression that a business visa alone is enough to work legally in Thailand. In point of fact, only a Thai work permit entitles a foreigner to work in the Kingdom. Even with regard to a work permit, one’s employment must remain within the scope of activities listed in the permit itself. However, a Thailand “B” visa with an “Employment Prohibited” stamp could still be used as a foundation for a Thai work permit application if all of the other legal criteria are met.
Another common notation that throws some would-be expats off guard is the one which states: “Extension of Stay Not Permitted.” This is a truly disconcerting notation because many believe that it is impossible to extend their visa past the initial validity. This is not necessarily the case. A clearer staement would read: “Extension of Stay Not Permitted Without Re-Adjudication.” One could extend a Thailand business visa, but an extension is not a right. Instead, an entirely new extension application must be submitted and approved before one will be permitted to remain in lawful status past the visa’s expiration. This seems to be intended as a notation to be used internally by Thai government officers employed at either the Royal Thai immigration Police, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Thai Ministry of Labour. Many foreigners are relieved to know that these notations rarely have a detrimental impact upon their long term plans.
(Thailand’s Immigration rules and regulations are very fluid. As a result, extensive research may be needed in order to obtain a visa. It is advisable to contact a legal professional for more individualized information.)
Related Reading:
Tags: Thai Business Visas, Thai Visa, Thai Visas, Thailand Business Visas, Thailand Immigration, Thailand Visa, Travel to Thailand