There is an entire list of jobs that are reserved only for Thai people. No foreigner’s can perform these jobs though many foreigners do and break the law.
An Austrian man was recently arrested on Koh Phangan operating as a tour guide (job reserved for Thai’s only) with no work permit.
Officials charged him with “operating a tour business without permission, being a foreigner working as a tour guide without permission, and being a foreigner working without a work permit.” He was then handed over to the investigating officers at Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.
If you cannot afford to live in Thailand and be here legally, why are you here?
Getting arrested and deported simply isn’t worth it.
Category 1: 27 Occupations Completely Restricted for Foreigners
- Wood carving
- Driving mechanically propelled carried or driving non-mechanically vehicle, excluding international aircraft piloting
- Auction
- Gem cutting/polishing
- Hairdressing/beauty salon services
- Hand-weaving fabrics
- Loom weaving or manufacturing using straw, bamboo, chicken feathers, yarn, etc.
- Handmade paper production
- Traditional lacquer making
- Thai traditional musical instrument making
- Thai niello making
- Gold/silver/platinum smithing
- Stone carving
- Thai doll making
- Alms bowl making
- Hand-woven silk fabric production
- Buddha statue making
- Paper/fabric umbrella making
- Agent/broker services
- Thai massage
- Cigarette rolling
- Guide services
- Street selling
- Thai alphabets arranging services
- Silk thread spinning
- Secretarial services
- Legal services
Category 2: Occupations Allowed for Foreigners as per Agreements with Specific Countries
Foreigners may work in certain occupations governed by agreements between Thailand and certain countries and subject to the provisions of Thai laws. There are 3 professions in this category: 1. profession of accountant, 2. profession of engineer, 3. profession of architect.
Category 3: Skilled or Semi-Skilled Work with Conditions for Foreigners
Foreigners can only work in skilled or semi-skilled occupations if they are employed by the employer. There are 8 occupations in this category: 1. agriculture, 2. masonry/carpentry/construction, 3. mattress making, 4. knife making, 5. shoe making, 6. hat making work, 7. costume making work, and 8. pottery sculpture.
Category 4: Skilled Work Allowed for Foreigners with Employer Authorization and Entry as per MOU
Foreigners can work in skilled occupations with the approval of the employer and enter the Kingdom of Thailand under the Agreement between the Government of Thailand and Foreign Governments (MoU) on the Admission of Foreign Workers under the Immigration Laws. There are 2 occupations in this category: 1. sculptor, 2. retail salesperson.
Penalties for Violations
The Ministry of Labor urges employers and foreign workers to strictly comply with the law. If violations are found, employers who hire foreign workers without work permits or use them for unauthorized work face fines of between 10,000 and 100,000 baht per foreign worker employed.