| Thailand Immigration can be a confusing maze of | | | | being said, a Thai business visa with an |
| seeming incongruous rules, regulations, and | | | | "Employment Prohibited" notation could still be |
| instructions. The layperson often first comes into | | | | utilized as a basis for a work permit application |
| contact with the Thai Immigration system during | | | | provided all of the other legal requirements are |
| the visa application process. Assuming the visa is | | | | met. |
| approved, the applicant will receive a visa stamp in | | | | Another common notation that throws some |
| their passport. Often there are many stamps and | | | | would-be expats off guard is the one which |
| the different notations can cause confusion. | | | | states: "Extension of Stay Not Permitted." This is |
| For example, some visas to Thailand are stamped | | | | a truly disconcerting notation because many |
| with a notation which states: "Employment | | | | believe that it is impossible to extend their visa |
| Prohibited." Dismay is had because the visa holder | | | | past the initial validity. This is not the case. |
| believes this means that they cannot receive | | | | Instead, this phrase should really read: "Extension |
| employment authorization at any time. In reality, | | | | of Stay is not allowed without re-authorization." |
| this simply means that employment is not | | | | One may extend a Thai business visa, but it is |
| authorized based solely upon this travel document. | | | | not a matter of right. Instead, an entirely new |
| The Thai authorities have split the right to work | | | | extension application must be submitted and |
| from the right to reside in Thailand. Much like a US | | | | approved before one will be permitted to remain |
| business visa (B1), the bearer is only allowed to | | | | in lawful status past the visa's expiration. This |
| travel and enter the country for business related | | | | seems to be intended as a notation to be used |
| reasons which do not constitute employment in | | | | internally by Thai government officers employed |
| the USA. This same issue is often experienced by | | | | at either the Royal Thai immigration Police, the |
| those in Thailand on a Thai business visa. Many | | | | Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or the Thai |
| labor under the incorrect belief that a Thai | | | | Ministry of Labour. Many foreigners are relieved to |
| business visa entitles the bearer to work | | | | know that these notations rarely have a |
| authorization in the Kingdom of Thailand. As a | | | | detrimental impact upon their long term plans. |
| matter of fact, a Thai work permit is the only | | | | Thailand's Immigration regulations are always |
| document that permits a foreign national to | | | | changing. Thus, detailed research might be |
| engage in employment in the Kingdom. Even with | | | | required in order to ultimately acquire a valid visa. |
| a work permit, one's employment must be within | | | | If possible, contact a legal professional for more |
| the scope of activities listed in the permit. That | | | | information. |