In some countries, a worke visa and work permit may be considered the same, but that is different in Thailand. Many Foreigners may need clarification and assume that a work visa allows them to start work immediately, which is inaccurate. To work in Thailand legally, foreigners must have both a work visa and a work permit, as these two are different.

     A work visa is required for all non-Thai citizens who intend to work in Thailand and should be applied for at the Thai Embassy in their home countries. Various types of visas, such as the Non-Immigrant B visa and Thai marriage visas, allow foreign nationals to later apply for a work permit upon entering Thailand.

     Once foreigners have entered Thailand with a proper work visa, they must obtain a work permit. This legal document, issued by the Ministry of Labor, outlines the foreign employee’s occupation, position, and hiring company. It permits non-Thai citizens to work or start business legally in Thailand.