Q1351. What is the difference between a Non-B visa and a Work Permit in Thailand?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation team

They are separate documents issued by different authorities, and you need both: (1) The Non-Immigrant B visa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thai embassies/consulates) or converted in-country at Immigration — it is permission to enter and stay in Thailand for the purpose of work. (2) The Work Permit is issued by the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labour — it is permission to actually work, and it specifies the employer, position, and workplace. Holding a Non-B visa alone does not allow you to work; the Work Permit must be obtained before starting. Conversely, a Work Permit is only valid while your visa and stay permit remain valid — if the visa lapses, the Work Permit ends with it. Cautions: renewals of both must be planned together because each side's documents support the other, and 90-day reporting is a separate ongoing obligation. This is general guidance; requirements and fees change — always verify with the district office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai Immigration, or the Department of Employment before proceeding.