Exemption from Work Permit is referred to as "Urgent and Essential Work".

Exemption from Work Permit requirements is granted to aliens who enter the Kingdom temporarily, but in accordance with the immigration law, to perform any work of any "urgent and essential nature" for a period not exceeding 15 days. However, such aliens may engage in work only after a written notification on form Tor Thor 11, signed by the alien and endorsed by his employer (authorized director of the Thai juristic identity),  which has been submitted to and accepted by the Director-General or his designee. 

Aliens entitled to this treatment may enter Thailand with any kind of visa, including a transit visa or tourist visa exemption stamp. It will only take 1 day to apply. Our professional fee is 1,600 Baht. No government fee is charged. Nowadays, there is no restriction on the job description. The applicant will require:
1.       The Application Form (Tor Thor 11)
2.       Company’s affidavit
3.       Company’s shareholders list
4.       Copy of Passport and (Work Permit of Company’s Director, if not Thai)
5.       Copy of the applicant’s Passport (+ original) – they do not take the visa category (that means that this Short Term Work Permit could be issued to any passport holder).
 
Foreign citizens who enter the kingdom to work on a temporary basis at a local convention or exhibition are also exempted from work permit requirements. For this exception to apply, however, an alien can only stay in Thailand for a period less than 30 days. The Labor Department must also be informed of the situation before the seminar or exhibition convenes, unless a government entity is a co-sponsor.

What if you are looking to buy or negotiate outside a convention or exhibition In Bangkok? If your intention is to hold meetings with many Thai manufacturers in Bangkok or other areas outside Pattaya, it’s best at the minimum to get an invitation from a Thai company and get the business visa. If you go the visa route, this business visa can be obtained from any Thai Embassy or Consulate outside of the Kingdom.  One of the Thai companies that you intend to meet with will be able to facilitate your business visa by providing you with a set of company documentation to support your application.  The company will also be able to issue a sponsor letter (stating that you require a business visa for the purpose of exploring investment opportunities), which will need to be submitted along with the company paperwork.  Depending upon which Thai Consulate or Embassy you visit to make the application, you will receive either a one year or a 90 day Non-Immigrant B (business) visa. 
 
In Pattaya, because of the current crackdown. If a vendor agrees to be your employer as you will be meeting with them to negotiate, you can ask them to help you obtain a 15 day work permit and no visa will be required. Most vendors will not be aware of this 15 day work permit and will be hesitant to help you obtain the criteria you need. Best is to have a Thai speaking lawyer explain the procedure to them.

Still have a question? ask the experts at Sunbelt Asia here.

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26th Floor Fortune Town
CP Tower 2, 1 Ratchadaphisek Rd
Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400
(Phra Ram 9 MRT Station Exit 1)

Tel: 02-642-0213
Fax: 02-641-1995
Website: www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com

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