Work Permit FAQ
Questions are taken from QuickWiki visa categories. Factual claims follow the wiki text and official-source baseline; mission and Immigration-office lists can differ.
What is a Work Permit?
A Work Permit is labour authorisation. It is not the same document as a visa. Thai law on managing the work of aliens treats “work” broadly: using physical effort or knowledge in an occupation, with or without pay, unless an activity is specifically exempted.
Is Non-B enough to start work?
No. Non-B is the usual immigration ground for employment, but Non-B alone is not permission to work. The visa/stay process and the Work Permit process go to different authorities.
Can the employer let me work while the permit is pending?
An employer must not allow a foreigner to work without the required permit. The foreigner must not do prohibited work or work without that permit.
Who needs a work permit in Thailand?
Any foreigner who performs 'work' as defined by Thai law — physical effort or knowledge applied in an occupation, paid or unpaid, unless the activity is specifically exempted — needs a work permit. This covers employed foreigners and, in many cases, business owners, directors and volunteers. Exemptions are narrow and listed in the law.
Is a work permit the same as a visa?
No. A visa controls entry and length of stay; a work permit authorises employment. They are issued by different authorities — the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration for visas, and the Ministry of Labour for work permits. A Non-B visa is the usual immigration ground for employment but does not itself allow working.
Sources
Question themes: QuickWiki visa knowledge base; used to identify user questions, not as legal authority.