Jobs Foreigners Cannot Do in Thailand: 39 Restricted Occupations

Understanding Restricted Occupations

Thailand maintains a list of occupations that are reserved exclusively for Thai nationals. These restrictions exist independently of the work permit system. While a work permit authorizes a foreigner to work in Thailand, it cannot authorize work in any of the 39 restricted occupations.

This distinction is important: you may have a perfectly valid work permit and non-immigrant visa, but if you perform any work falling under the restricted list, you are committing a criminal offense. The work permit does not provide immunity from these occupation restrictions.

The current list of 39 restricted occupations has evolved over time. Originally, Thailand restricted over 50 occupations to Thai nationals. Amendments in 1979, 2004, and subsequent years have gradually reduced the list as Thailand has opened certain sectors to foreign participation. However, the remaining 39 occupations remain strictly protected.

The Legal Basis

The authority to restrict certain occupations to Thai nationals comes from the Working of Aliens Act B.E. 2551 (2008), Section 7, which states:

"The work prescribed in the Royal Decree as being prohibited for aliens cannot be performed by aliens regardless of any permission granted."

The specific occupations are listed in the Royal Decree Prescribing Work and Occupations Prohibited to Aliens B.E. 2522 (1979), as amended. This Royal Decree carries the force of law and is issued under the authority of the King on the advice of the Cabinet.

Complete List of 39 Restricted Jobs

The following occupations are reserved for Thai nationals. Foreigners are prohibited from performing these jobs regardless of work permit status.

Manual Labor and Skilled Trades (1-13)

1

Manual Labor

General manual work excluding specialized skills requiring expertise that Thais do not possess
2

Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Forestry, Fishery

Excluding work requiring specialized expertise, farm supervision, or marine fishery
3

Bricklaying, Carpentry, Construction Work

All construction trades including masonry and woodworking
4

Wood Carving

Traditional wood carving and sculpture work
5

Driving Motor Vehicles and Non-Motorized Vehicles

Excludes piloting international aircraft and driving for domestic personal use
6

Shop Attendant Work

Working as shop staff, sales clerks, or retail assistants
7

Auctioneering

Conducting auctions for Thai domestic trade (excludes international auctions)
8

Supervising, Auditing, Providing Services in Accountancy

Excludes occasional internal auditing; Thai CPA license required for public practice
9

Cutting or Polishing Gems

Gemstone processing and jewelry crafting
10

Haircutting, Hairdressing, Beautician Work

Barbering, hair styling, and beauty services
11

Cloth Weaving by Hand

Traditional handloom textile production
12

Making Mats or Utensils from Reed, Rattan, Hemp, Straw

Traditional handicraft production
13

Making Rice Paper by Hand

Traditional paper-making methods

Cultural and Artistic Work (14-19)

14

Making Lacquerware

Traditional lacquer crafts and production
15

Making Thai Musical Instruments

Crafting traditional Thai instruments
16

Making Nielloware (Silver or Gold Inlay)

Traditional metal inlay craftsmanship
17

Making Gold, Silver, or Gold-Alloy Ware

Precious metal craftsmanship and jewelry making
18

Making Bronzeware

Bronze casting and crafting
19

Making Thai Dolls

Traditional Thai doll crafting

Service and Administrative Work (20-32)

20

Making Mattresses and Quilts by Hand

Traditional bedding production
21

Making Alms Bowls

Crafting traditional Buddhist alms bowls
22

Making Silk Products by Hand

Traditional silk weaving and production
23

Making Buddha Images

Crafting religious statues and images
24

Making Knives

Traditional knife and blade crafting
25

Making Paper or Cloth Umbrellas

Traditional umbrella crafting (notably Chiang Mai style)
26

Making Shoes

Shoemaking and cobbling work
27

Making Hats

Hat making and millinery
28

Brokerage or Agency Work

Excludes brokerage in international trade
29

Engineering Work in Civil Engineering

Excludes specialized work requiring expertise; requires Thai PE license for direct practice
30

Architectural Work

Excludes specialized design; requires Thai architect license for direct practice
31

Dressmaking

Tailoring and clothing production
32

Pottery and Ceramics Making

Traditional ceramics and pottery production

Professional and Specialized Work (33-39)

33

Making Cigarettes by Hand

Traditional hand-rolled tobacco products
34

Guide Services or Conducting Tours

Tour guide work; one of the most commonly violated restrictions
35

Hawking of Goods

Street vending and peddling
36

Thai Language Typesetting

Traditional typesetting for Thai script
37

Reeling and Twisting Silk by Hand

Traditional silk thread processing
38

Clerical and Secretarial Work

Administrative support roles
39

Legal Services

Practicing Thai law; excludes advice on foreign law, international arbitration

Why Are These Jobs Protected?

Thailand's restricted occupation list reflects several policy goals:

Employment Protection

The primary purpose is to protect job opportunities for Thai nationals. Occupations requiring basic skills that Thai workers can easily perform are reserved for citizens. This prevents foreign labor from displacing Thai workers in entry-level and semi-skilled positions.

Cultural Preservation

Many restricted occupations involve traditional Thai crafts and cultural heritage. By reserving these for Thai nationals, the government aims to preserve traditional knowledge and skills within the Thai population. Examples include making Thai musical instruments, Buddha images, and traditional textiles.

Professional Standards

Certain professions like law, architecture, and engineering are restricted partly to ensure that practitioners meet Thai professional standards and licensing requirements. These professions affect public safety and require understanding of Thai legal and regulatory frameworks.

Historical Context

Some restrictions date back to when Thailand was more protectionist. While the list has been reduced over time as Thailand has liberalized its economy, many restrictions remain as legacy provisions.

Exceptions and Qualifications

Several restricted occupations include important exceptions:

Common Exceptions

Specialized expertise: If an occupation requires specialized knowledge that Thai nationals do not possess, foreigners may be permitted. This must be demonstrated through qualifications and experience.

International work: Some restrictions apply only to domestic work. For example, brokerage for international trade is permitted.

Supervisory roles: In some trades, foreigners may supervise work performed by Thai workers.

Treaty provisions: Bilateral treaties may provide exceptions for nationals of specific countries.

The "Specialized Expertise" Loophole

The Working of Aliens Act allows exceptions for work requiring "specialized expertise" that Thai nationals cannot provide. However, this exception is interpreted narrowly. You must demonstrate:

Unique qualifications or training not available in Thailand
No Thai national can perform the specific work required
The work is necessary for a specific purpose or project

This exception is granted on a case-by-case basis and typically requires supporting documentation from professional bodies or government agencies.

Penalties for Violations

Performing a restricted occupation carries the same penalties as working without a work permit:

Violation	Penalty
Foreigner performing restricted work	Imprisonment up to 5 years and/or fine up to THB 100,000
Employer allowing restricted work	Fine THB 10,000-100,000 per offense
Additional consequences	Deportation, re-entry ban (1-10 years), work permit revocation

Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: "My work permit covers me"

False. A work permit authorizes you to work for your employer, but it cannot authorize restricted occupations. If your work permit lists a restricted occupation by mistake, you are still committing an offense by performing that work.

Misconception 2: "I'm self-employed, so it doesn't apply"

False. The restrictions apply to all work, whether employed or self-employed. A foreigner cannot become a street vendor or tour guide just because they work for themselves.

Misconception 3: "I'm doing it for free, so it's not work"

Potentially false. The definition of "work" under Thai law includes activities performed without pay. Volunteer work in restricted occupations may still violate the law.

Misconception 4: "Foreigners teach English, so teaching isn't restricted"

Partially true. Teaching is NOT on the restricted list, which is why many foreigners can obtain teaching work permits. However, teachers must still obtain proper work permits and visas.

Enforcement Reality

Enforcement of restricted occupation rules varies by location and occupation:

High-Risk Occupations

Tour guides: Regular police and tourism authority checkpoints target unlicensed guides, especially at tourist sites
Hawking/street vending: Visible violations that are easy for police to spot
Driving for hire: Taxi and delivery drivers without proper authorization
Shop attendants: Retail work in tourist areas receives scrutiny

Lower-Risk but Still Illegal

Traditional crafts (less visible, fewer complaints)
Clerical work (often ignored if within a legal company)
Some skilled trades (enforcement depends on complaints)

Enforcement often begins with complaints from Thai competitors or disgruntled employees. Immigration raids on businesses may also uncover violations. Tourist areas with high concentrations of foreign workers receive more attention.

Jobs Foreigners Cannot Do in Thailand: Restricted Occupations

Restricted Regardless of Work Permit