Key takeaways
- A foreign employee generally needs both a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit before starting work.
- The standard ratios: 2 million baht in registered capital and 4 Thai employees per work permit — BOI-promoted companies enjoy relaxed quotas.
- Working outside the scope or location stated in the permit is an offence for both employee and employer.
The sequence matters
The most common mistake we see is treating the work permit as paperwork to tidy up after arrival. In practice the visa category, the company’s eligibility, and the permit application form one sequence — get one step wrong and the following steps stall. Plan the timeline before the employee books flights.
What the company must show
Work permit quotas attach to the employing company, not the employee. Registered capital, Thai-to-foreign employee ratios, and tax compliance all come under review. Startups and representative offices face tighter practical limits, while BOI-promoted companies can sponsor foreign specialists on substantially relaxed conditions through the One Stop Service Center.
FAQ
Can a director work in Thailand without a work permit?
Holding a directorship alone is not “work”, but signing documents, attending management meetings, or giving instructions in Thailand generally is. Most active directors need a permit.
What happens if an employee works without a permit?
Fines and potential imprisonment for the employee, fines for the employer, and — often more costly — immigration consequences that follow the individual to future applications.