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Exploring Thailand's Limitations on Specific Professions, Sabotaged for Foreign Nationals

Despite a generally permissive approach towards foreign workers in Thailand, certain jobs remain exclusively reserved for Thai citizens. Individuals lacking specific exemptions are legally barred from practicing these professions.

Insight into Thailand's 40 Professions Exclusively Reserved for Citizens of Thai Descent
Insight into Thailand's 40 Professions Exclusively Reserved for Citizens of Thai Descent

Exploring Thailand's Limitations on Specific Professions, Sabotaged for Foreign Nationals

In Thailand, foreign nationals are allowed to work in certain occupations, subject to specific conditions and employment. It's important to note that 27 occupations are strictly prohibited to non-Thai nationals, while another 40 professions are reserved for Thai citizens, unless specific exemptions are granted.

The 27 restricted occupations include diamond cutting or polishing, Thai doll making, clerical work, gold or silver making, driving certain vehicles, silk reeling, umbrella making, auctioning, reed or bamboo crafts, alms bowl making, cloth weaving, peddling goods, Thai musical instrument making, wood carving, Buddha image making, silk product making, Thai massage, lacquerware making, cigarette rolling, tour guiding, stone inlay craftsmanship, legal services in proceedings (except arbitration or non-Thai law), brokerage or agency work (except for international trade or investment), mulberry paper making, nielloware making, and haircutting, hairdressing or beauty treatments.

On the other hand, foreigners can engage in a variety of occupations, given certain conditions. These include labour work, garment making, agriculture work, shoe making, bricklaying, carpentry, or construction work, and pottery making. However, these jobs can only be done when employed under an official Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) or under specific conditions.

Additionally, there are three occupations - engineering, accounting, and architecture - that are allowed for foreigners under certain conditions like treaties, agreements, or international obligations.

Shop-front sales work is another job that foreigners can do, but only when employed under an official MOU or under certain restrictions. Driving motor vehicles is restricted, except for driving international aircraft or forklifts.

For more information on jobs in Thailand, foreign nationals can visit the Department of Employment's website at https://e-service.doe.go.th/. It's always essential to ensure compliance with the local labour laws and regulations to maintain a legal working status in the country.

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