Occupations Prohibited or Conditionally Open to Foreigners
Employers and applicants checking whether a role falls on the prohibited or conditional list.
Filing order at a glance
Check the Ministry of Labour notifications → align the job title and scope with permitted work → file the work-permit application.
Conditions you must meet
- Some work is fully reserved for Thai nationals — for example tour guiding and hairdressing — under the applicable notifications.
- Other work is open only under conditions, such as international agreements or sector-specific supervision.
- The job title on the permit must reflect the real duties; officers do conduct workplace inspections.
Documents to prepare
- A clear job description.
- Organisation chart and list of Thai employees in the same unit.
Process
- Check the Ministry of Labour notification applicable to the role.
- If the role is prohibited, restructure the duties or consider another lawful route.
- File the application with a job scope consistent with the law.
Common pitfalls
- Using an easy-to-approve title while performing different duties — a legal risk for both worker and employer.
- Assuming that holding shares in a company removes the need for a permit.
Deciding authority
Ministry of Labour and the Department of Employment.
Talk to our team
Ask about scope, documents and timelines by phone, LINE or email. We cannot guarantee an authority's decision, but we review your file before submission to reduce the risk of rejection.
Contact our teamOfficial sources
Information as of August 2026. Confirm current conditions with the relevant authority before acting.
Other routes
Work Permit with an Ordinary Thai Company (Non-B)BOI Work Permits and the One Stop Service CentreWork Permits for Foreign Teachers and LecturersRepresentative Offices and Regional OfficesSMART Visa and LTR — Routes Replacing the Standard Work PermitRenewals, Changing Employer and Notifying ChangesForeign Documents, Translation and Legalization for Work Permits
More: Work Permit FAQ · All Thai visa types