Work permits and visas for working on Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

Any foreign national working in Thailand needs a work permit, issued by the Department of Employment (Ministry of Labour). "Work" is broad: it includes unpaid and volunteer work, and working for yourself.

The permit names the employer, the job and the workplace. Doing a different job, or working for someone else, needs the permit changed.

The usual route is a Non-Immigrant B (business) visa, then a work permit applied for by the employer at the Provincial Employment Office — for the islands that's Surat Thani province. The employer provides company documents; the employee provides a passport, photos, qualifications and a medical certificate.

In practice employers are generally expected to have a minimum registered capital and a number of Thai employees for each foreign employee (commonly cited as 2 million baht and four Thai staff per foreigner for the visa extension). Exact requirements vary by case — check with the Employment Office or a licensed adviser.

Once working, the visa can be extended year by year at Immigration while the job continues.

Some occupations are reserved for Thai nationals, and some are open to foreigners only under conditions. Tour guiding is one reserved job that comes up often on the islands; several handicraft, trade and service occupations are also on the list.

Many island jobs — dive instructor, chef, hotel manager, teacher, marketing — can be done by foreigners with a permit. The Department of Employment publishes the current list.

The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is for remote workers employed by or freelancing for clients outside Thailand. It allows long stays per entry and requires proof of funds. It is not permission to work for a Thai employer or Thai clients.

The Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa has a work-from-Thailand category for well-paid remote professionals, and LTR holders can get a digital work permit.

Visa rules are set by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and change often — check the official sites before you apply.

Working without a permit can mean a fine and deportation for the worker, and fines per worker for the employer, plus a possible ban from re-entering Thailand. Raids happen in tourist areas, including the islands.

Job seekers: a real employer never asks you to pay a fee for a job on KOHlist. If an ad asks for money or your passport up front, report it.

If you stay in Thailand on a long-stay visa, you report your address to Immigration every 90 days (online, by post or in person). Your landlord or hotel reports you on arrival with a TM30 form; keep proof, as Immigration and other offices may ask for it.

Immigration on Koh Samui handles extensions and 90-day reports for the islands; check current arrangements for Koh Phangan and Koh Tao before you travel.