Did you think that there was a list for working in Thailand? The list of authorized professions for “foreigners” in Thailand is governed by law because the monarchy protects itself. This country is a dream destination for Europeans due to a low cost of living and an exotic environmental setting, conducive to well-being. The installation arrangements in this Asian Eldorado are, however, very complex. The labor sector in particular presents drastic restrictions for foreigners. The access of foreigners (called “foreigners” in Thai) to the labor market is subject to significant regulations. I’m not trying to discourage you, just to warn you. Your project must comply with the country to avoid depression on site.
Conditions of access to work for foreigners in Thailand
Finding a paid professional activity represents the crucial step in being able to settle in a foreign country. Having a legal profession is also an essential condition for carrying out the other necessary steps to take up residence in Thailand, in particular to find accommodation, obtain a driving license, enroll your child in school, open a bank account.
A foreigner who is looking for a job in Thailand must comply with the regulations established in the country and follow strict administrative and legal procedures. The candidate must only apply for positions that are authorized for them. Once he or she has found work that meets the standards that govern foreign employment in Thailand, the “farang” (foreigner) must apply for a non-immigrant visa for work. The Thai employer must support him in this process.
After obtaining their worker visa, the foreigner must then complete the procedures to obtain a work permit. This document represents an official authorization allowing the foreigner to legally exercise a paid professional activity on Thai territory. Obtaining this important document results from an in-depth study of the personal and professional situation of the candidate and the characteristics of the Thai structure which wishes to hire them. Standards have been established by the Thai government and the slightest inconsistency at the applicant or company level immediately results in a refusal to grant a work permit.
Compliance with legislation on access to work for foreigners is important. The restriction of access to professions provided for this purpose represents one of the fundamental regulations in the country. This must be taken into account to obtain the Work Permit. Thus, it is essential to know the complete list of professions prohibited to foreigners in Thailand and to identify the professions accessible to “foreigners”.
Professions prohibited for “foreigners” to work in Thailand
A Royal decree dating from 1979 and still in force to this day, establishes a ban on the access of foreign workers to a list of 39 professions mainly from the craft and legal sectors.
A little further down find the list of professions authorized for foreigners in Thailand but here is the complete list of professions prohibited for foreign workers in Thailand:
- Manual labor
- Profession in the field of agriculture, fishing and forestry
- Jobs in the construction industry
- Wood sculptor
- Vehicle driver
- Vendors on the streets
- Careers in the auction industry
- Jobs in the field of accounting
- Working with precious and semi-precious stones
- Hairdressing and aesthetics
- Hand weaver
- Working with straw, bamboo, rattan and reed
- Rice paper manufacturer (manual technique)
- Lacquerer
- Manufacturing of Thai musical instruments
- Niellage and niellure in goldsmithing
- Goldsmith
- All stone works
- Making Thai dolls
- Quilter and upholsterer
- Making alms bowls
- Making silk products (manual technique)
- Making Buddhas
- Cutler
- Make umbrellas using paper or fabric
- Shoemaker
- Hat maker
- Broker
- Engineer profession in the field of civil engineering
- All architectural professions
- Clothing manufacturing
- Making ceramic pots
- Cigarette manufacturer
- Tourist guide or tour operator
- Peddling goods
- Thai composition (manual technique)
- Silk work (weaving)
- Secretary or clerical professions
- Professions and services in the legal field
The restrictions are due to the fact that European culture presents a significant gap compared to Thai culture. Also, the government considers that artisanal and manual trades and those whose exercise must meet standards relating to Thai customs, traditional know-how and the uses of society are not suitable for foreigners.
Furthermore, this ban also aims to preserve the order and organization of the country for working in Thailand. It is also about countering globalization which represents a real enemy for Asian culture.
Link to the Thai Ministry of Labor website but use Google translate to understand because everything is in Thai
Authorized professions for foreigners in Thailand
The professions authorized for foreigners in Thailand, i.e. foreigners and in particular Europeans, are professions requiring specific skills and knowledge.
These include professions in the following sectors:
- Import/export trade
- Sales and marketing
- Industry
- Electronic
- High technology
- Jewelry
- Textile
- Cosmetic
- Education
- Restoration
- Hospitality
- Medical
To work in Thailand, French people who have a brilliant background and a specialist diploma are the most sought after. French people established in Thailand occupy the positions of: sales specialists specialized in international markets (import/export), engineers graduated from major French (or European) schools, managers in the administrative field, teachers – teachers, chefs and kitchen assistants.
For professions authorized for foreigners in Thailand, I invite you to consult the offers in the employment area of the site.