How to legally work abroad: What methods are available?

For Thais choosing to work abroad, there are many different reasons depending on each person’s situation and personal goals. Whether it is to create better earning opportunities and experience, develop skills and expertise, or pursue dreams and a fresh start overseas, working abroad is a choice many Thais make to advance their lives and fulfill various needs. However, it is necessary to go legally, both in Thailand and in the destination country, to ensure access to benefits and comprehensive protections. Without legal compliance, there may be safety issues, labor exploitation, or employment terms not as agreed. What details should be noted? FDI will clarify these questions in this article. 

Legally working abroad can be done in five ways: 

1. Sent to work abroad by the Department of Employment

In this case, it is a government service that sends job seekers to work abroad without service fees, except for necessary personal expenses such as airfare, visa fees, taxes, pre-departure accommodation, fund membership fees, and other minor expenses. 

2. The recruitment company is the one who delivers. 

You can contact recruitment companies registered with the Department of Employment. They must charge fees according to the law and issue a receipt. Fees can be collected no more than 30 days before departure. If the worker is not sent as scheduled, the money must be refunded immediately. They also send workers for skill testing at designated locations. For more details, contact 1506, Department of Employment. 

3. Traveling to work independently (on your own)

Job seekers contact foreign employers themselves, or workers who have completed their contract can renew their employment contract. Upon returning to Thailand, if they wish to work abroad again, they must notify the Department of Employment at least 15 days before departure. 

4. Employers in Thailand send their employees to work abroad.

In the case of Thai employers sending employees to work at affiliated companies abroad, bidding for projects overseas, or assigning employees to work abroad, they must notify and obtain permission from the Department of Employment by submitting the required documents and applying for approval properly each time. 

5. Employers in Thailand send employees for internships abroad. 

It is divided into 2 cases: 

1. In the case of not more than 45 days 

2. In the case of more than 45 days 

If you are interested in working abroad, you can check the countries currently open for recruitment and the details here. https://www.doe.go.th/overseas

Which projects and countries are included in government-sponsored programs?

1. Direct employment project, Taiwan

2. IM Project, Japan 

3. EPS Project, Republic of Korea

4. TIC Project, Israel 

Short-term work abroad programs

Short-term work abroad programs for Thais include various initiatives that allow people to work overseas for a limited period. Generally, these programs focus on training, cultural exchange, or special projects lasting no more than 1–2 years.

1. Cultural Exchange Programs

These programs often aim for international cultural exchange, involving work in customer service at hotels, resorts, or tourist attractions, as well as farm and agricultural work in some countries. Examples include Work and Travel USA, Au Pair, or the J-1 Visa program, which are popular in the United States.

• Work and Travel USA: This program allows students to work during school breaks at places such as hotels, restaurants, or amusement parks, with a work period of approximately 3–4 months.
• Au Pair: This program allows students or young adults to work as child caregivers abroad while simultaneously learning the local culture and language.

2. Overseas Internship Program

Internships abroad are programs that allow Thais to gain short-term work experience (6 months – 1 year) in foreign companies. Participants can work in various fields such as business, technology, finance, marketing, and more. In addition to gaining work experience, they can also develop foreign language communication skills.

3. Farm Work Programs

Some countries offer programs that allow people to work on farms or in the agricultural industry, such as the Working Holiday Visa. This program permits Thais to travel and work in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, generally on farms or in agricultural gardens, for a period of about 6 months to 1 year.

4. Humanitarian assistance projects (Volunteering)

Working abroad for humanitarian purposes is another short-term option, such as participating in the WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) program, which offers opportunities to work on organic farms in exchange for accommodation and meals, or joining community development projects in various countries.

5. Hotel/Resort Work Programs

There are programs that allow Thais to work in hotels or resorts abroad in various positions, such as receptionists, waitstaff, or housekeeping staff, usually for a period of about 3–6 months.

6. Special research or training projects

If you are interested in research or specialized fields such as biotechnology, science, or education, you can participate in training or research programs abroad, typically lasting several months up to 1 year, depending on the program.

Participating in short-term work abroad programs is a great opportunity to gain new experiences, develop skills, and build professional networks. If you are interested in these programs, you should carefully study the details from the responsible agencies or organizations offering the programs before making a decision. Best wishes from FDI.

If you are not going through government-arranged work programs, how can you verify information to avoid being scammed?

1. Verify the credibility of the recruitment company by requesting to see their work permit.

2. Verify the company’s work permit with the Department of Employment, Ministry of Labor.

3. Choose a company with a clear address, long-standing experience, a tax identification number, and check its corporate income tax filings and financial statements to ensure the company is still actively operating. 

4. Do not pay any recruitment fees before knowing the travel schedule. By law, recruitment fees must be charged according to regulations with a receipt issued to the worker. Fees can be collected no more than 30 days before departure, and if the worker is not sent as scheduled, the money must be refunded immediately.

5. Every time a payment is made, a receipt must be requested to serve as proof.

6. After making the required payment, if you have not departed within one month, you must immediately notify the Department of Employment.

If you need consultation on visa applications, work permits, or investment in Thailand, 

FDI is pleased to provide consulting and advice from experts with specialized experience!

We have extensive experience in providing professional consultation and guidance to foreign nationals through experts with in-depth knowledge. Our services include meticulous assistance with document preparation, ensuring clients submit accurate and complete supporting materials. We pride ourselves on fast, attentive service with careful attention to every detail, which has earned us the continuous trust of our clients. We offer advisory services to foreign clients who wish to work or invest in Thailand, as well as to Thai nationals seeking visas to work abroad.

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• We offer additional services in coordination, communication, and translation in four languages: English, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese. 
• We ensure that each case complies with the requirements set by government authorities and adhere to legal regulations. Our services are provided at a reasonable and appropriate fee.
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