LEGALBackground
Foreigners can work without permit in limited cases
Thailand allows limited work permit exemptions for SMART-S startup founders, diplomats, short-term specialists, and some remote workers, but most foreign employees still require a standard work permit. Holding a visa does not permit work; a separate work permit is needed. The Smart Visa programme was narrowed in February 2025, with only SMART-S and SMART-O categories now available to new applicants.
Context — no action needed.