rayong

Wondering if any of you have worked with an NGO or community improvement organization when living in or visiting Bangkok. If so, would welcome feedback on your experiences and any info on restrictions or gov reqs. I have heard that you need a special work visa even if you are not paid for your efforts. Seems odd, but ...... .

Hanuman

Can people from other country just go to your country rayong and volunteer without a "special" work visa? Tourist visa are just that - for touring while if you volunteer then the respective government of the country you're going to will want to know.

simpsonc510

One of our posters from Australia was going to volunteer, along with his family members (including his two boys) when they visited Bangkok in May of this year. Maybe he will see your question and can offer some information.

rayong

Hanuman, I think you can with a tourist visa and do volunteer work as long as you are not paid. is it the same in Thailand? Or is a work visa required even if you are not paid?

Hanuman

A typical tourist visa, I think, is only valid for 30 days in the country. So if you want to come here and holiday, go bar hoping, chase after bar girls while spending a few days "volunteering" to dig a canal or something like that then, IMO, that's fine. However, if you want to spend some time doing real volunteering works, like spending 3 months helping the terminally ill, disabled etc then you will definitely need to apply for the proper visa.

shanek

Carol is correct. Myself and my family did a voluntary placement with Open Minded Projects in May this year.

I was writing a lengthy post that covered our experience with them, which was mostly positive, when my internet crashed last night.

I am happy to supply more details , if would like, but it will need to wait as i am currently typing On a smart Phone which limits me to short posts.

As this NGO is based in Nong Khai and to the best of my knowledge does not facilitate placements near Bangkok, i dont know if i can help with your specific enquiry but will answer what i can.

rayong

Hanuman, you seem a bit negative here. Not sure what got you leaning in that direction. My intent Is to stay for three months at a time in the short term and then move toward a retirement visa in a few years. I think several posters on this forum have indicated the same intent in the past. Thought the subject might benefit myself and others of a like mind.

rayong

Thanks shanek. Would love to hear about your experience.

Hanuman

If that is the case rayong then you have obviously been here many times before and you must know that a typical tourist visa on arrival only last for 30 days. If you want to stay for 3 months then apply for a suitable visa or apply for a retirement visa.

If you want to volunteer for an extended time then put that in your visa application but if you want to volunteer only for a few days then no need IMO.

"Negative"? I wasn't being negative but you had indicated in most of your threads questions or comments about bars hence my presumption that is what you like to do in Bangkok.

rayong

My good fellow, I think you have got it wrong. I do like to have a few drinks and shoot pool, but certainly do not make that the primary focus of my visits. No bar-fly for sure. Too much else to see and do. I will review my previous posts to see where I might have led you astray. If I recall correctly they were a good mix of restaurant, hotel, attraction, and bar posts - fairly standard stuff.

rayong

Goodwill Group is an organization that seeks to empower disadvantaged Thai woman. They have a need for English and computer instructors. Belive they have an office on Soi 16 off of Sukhumvit. On the website, they mentioned not being able to assist potential volunteers with obtaining a work permit/visa.

TravelinFeet

Rayong,

Have you been involved with this group? I'm not easily finding the website, is it just the name? dot com or otherwise? It's not dot org...

many thanks

TravelinFeet

hmmm. Looks like Hanuman may be telling it like it is...

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p...y_requirements

hawaiiantraveler

some just don't know how to handle it......

rayong

TravelinFeet

It is goodwillbangkok.org

Met an older gentleman who had taught Classes there. He introduced me to one of his students who was trying to improve her English and business skills and eventually open a small clothing shop. Her husband had left her with two kids and no finacial support. She had good things to say about the organization.

rayong

The Rotary Club in Hua Hin might also interest some of you. They do a lot of charity work and also environmental projects. I met some of them at the dedication of a new school this summer. Seemed like a Good bunch of folks.