Voluntary work in Thailand

[buksida]

Let us know how you get on and if work permits are an issue.

Had a meeting with the manager of the Prachuab project yesterday, we're trying to get a beach/ocean clean-up day added to the itinerary. Work permits not an issue for such a short stay, the problem is that the lead-up to the event is too short for marketing purposes which is a huge oversight by TAT. This should have been launched in January to take place in June, it should also be marketed overseas where the target audience is.

I may start a new thread on it to increase some awareness of our local project.

[LolaBeltran]

I wrote to them to see what they would say
Here is their reply . ..it seems like they are only geared up for the two-week tourist . . .but the laws still apply.
I wouldnt take the risk even as a two-week tourist without some kind of exemption document from immigration.
You would think that TAT could consult with Immigration and obtain such a letter. Hard to imagine that TAT are simply ignorant of the visa laws . . .but TAT/TIT.
________________________________________________________________
Thank you very much for contacting us.

As per your inquiry, we would like to inform you that you just have to
apply for tourist visa (no need to apply for work permit) since you
are entering the contest and travel to Thailand as one of the tourist.
We will provide you the letter or any document required by the embassy
(if you are the winner and needed extra document to apply for visa).

So no worry, normal tourist visa is just fine for this campaign.

For further inquiry, please feel free to contact us.We wish to see
your entry and welcoming you here in Thailand.

Have a good luck

Best Regards
Support Team,
www.TheLittleBigProjectThailand.com


> Thank you so much support team!
> It is a wonderful project however . . .
>
> Have you seen Thai law on the subject: (Thai Law BE2522)
>
> "The official definition of “work” in Thailand is "to engage in work by
> exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of
> wages or other benefits" (Source: Thai Ministry of Labour).
> Punishments for those defying the law include fines, imprisonment,
> deportation and possible blacklisting thus preventing return to
> Thailand. Any employer ignoring this law can also be imprisoned and/or
> fined. It should be noted that the law does not simply define work as
> doing something in return for financial reward (thus volunteers in
> Thailand need proper Visas and Work Permits to even volunteer in
> Thailand without pay). All foreigners who get offered jobs in Thailand
> must still have the proper Visa and a valid Work Permit to be legally
> employed in Thailand.
>
> If I apply, will you take care of getting me the work permit?
> Otherwise I am liable for fines and imprisonment!
>
> Thank you so much.
>
> I have long dreamed of volunteering in Thailand . . .but unless the
> Thai government gives me official assurance that I wont be arrested,
> I can not take the chance!
>
> Thank you for your attention.
>