Planning a workation in Phuket? Or a business trip to Bangkok? Learn the essential information you and your employees need to work safely and compliantly while traveling in Thailand, including working conditions, safety and health regulations, tax treaties, social security, and more.
Capital city
Bangkok
Telephone code
+66
Official language
Thai
Currency
Thai Baht
Time zone
UTC+7
Social security compliance
When working remotely abroad, your employees may become subject to the social security scheme of the destination country, which means you, as an employer, would need to pay social security premiums accordingly. Thailand has social security agreements with several countries to prevent the payment of double social security premiums or non-insurance.
To ensure your employees remain compliant with these treaties, they must possess a valid Certificate of Coverage (CoC) obtained from the relevant local authorities. For WorkFlex users, the CoC is issued automatically after a trip request is submitted. Discover our solution for efficient social security risk mitigation here.
Tax compliance
Thailand has signed bilateral tax treaties with numerous countries, available here, that specify the steps to take to avoid double taxation. These treaties generally follow international standards and provide guidelines for various types of income, including employment income.
Despite the existence of tax treaties, the issue of Permanent Establishment remains a significant compliance concern for employers with employees temporarily working in Thailand. If a traveling employee is deemed to constitute a Permanent Establishment in Thailand, the employer may be required to:
- Register the company locally
- Allocate profits to the local business (branch)
- File corporate taxes
- Comply with various local regulations
To avoid this scenario, follow the guidelines mentioned in the "Do's and Don'ts to avoid tax risks" section above.
Overriding local employment provisions
Employees traveling to Thailand are expected to comply with some basic local employment provisions that may be qualified as overriding, such as minimum salary standards. Please find the recent information about minimum salary in Thailand here.
Visa
To work legally while in another country, employees generally need a valid work title. It's important to keep in mind that the consequences of entering without the proper documentation can be significant for both the employee and the employer.
For those planning work-from-anywhere trips to Thailand, here's a quick overview:
- E-Visa: Available for many nationalities through the official e-visa portal.
- ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): To be introduced; all foreigners looking to travel to Thailand under the visa exemption scheme will be required to enroll in it from June 2025 onwards.
- Visa on Arrival: Available to many nationalities for short stays.
- Standard Visa: Required for nationalities not eligible for e-visa or visa on arrival, obtained through Thai diplomatic missions.
- Visa-Free Entrance: Many nationalities can enter Thailand without a visa for short stays.
- Digital Nomad Visa: Thailand offers a Digital Nomad Visa (Long-Term Resident Visa - LTR) designed for remote workers and digital professionals who wish to work while residing in Thailand.
For a trip-specific visa information, check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
For those planning a business trip to Thailand, here's what you need to know:
- E-Visa Option: Business e-visas are available for eligible nationalities.
- Visa-Free Entry: Several nationalities can conduct business visits under visa exemption rules.
- Business Visa: Required for activities not covered by e-visa or visa-free entry.
- Visa on Arrival: Available to many nationalities for short business visits.
For a trip-specific visa information, check out WorkFlex Visa Navigator.
Working hours
Most employees in Thailand work from Monday to Friday, with a standard workweek consisting of 48 hours. The workday typically runs from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a lunch break of 1 hour in between.
To remain compliant during your trip abroad, here are some suggestions to follow:
- Avoid working overtime: Regulations regarding overtime can differ significantly and may be much stricter compared to those in your home country.
- Refrain from working outside regular hours: The rules surrounding working outside regular hours may vary and could be stricter than in your home country.
- Do not work on weekends: If the weekend days differ from those in your home country, please avoid working on both your regular weekend days and the local weekend days.
Public holidays
National holidays:
- January 1: New Year's Day
- April 13-15: Songkran (Thai New Year)
- May 1: Labor Day
- June 3: Queen's Birthday
- July 28: King's Birthday
- August 12: Mother's Day
- October 13: King Bhumibol Memorial Day
- December 5: Father's Day
- December 10: Constitution Day
- December 31: New Year's Eve
Buddhist holidays (dates vary):
- Makha Bucha
- Visakha Bucha
- Asahna Bucha
Depending on the region you're visiting, there may be additional region-specific public holidays. For more information about these holidays, please check here.
To comply with labor laws, please refrain from working on national or regional holidays during your trip. These days hold significant importance for locals and provide a great opportunity for you to blend in and celebrate with the community.
Working activities
When considering travel for work purposes—whether for a workation or a business trip—it is crucial to understand the implications of Permanent Establishment (PE) and associated tax risks. PE is a significant compliance concern for companies and can become costly due to the administrative burden if the compliance requirements for employees working abroad are not properly managed. To help mitigate these risks, here are a few guidelines to follow.
If you are traveling for a workation, please:
- Refrain from negotiating or signing sales contracts during your trip.
- Avoid visiting clients or any office, including your employer's local office in the destination country.
Following these guidelines will help mitigate the important compliance risks related to Permanent Establishment for your employer.
If you are a business traveler, it may be difficult to avoid the activities mentioned above. In this case, please ensure you inform your employer's compliance department about this matter. If you and your organization are WorkFlex users, this topic is addressed through the WorkFlex platform.
Data protection
Data protection is fundamentally about keeping our information safe from unauthorized access, breaches, theft, or damage. This responsibility is important for everyone, regardless of where they are working.
When employees work temporarily from abroad, data protection involves ensuring continued coverage and compliance with the data protection regulations of both, the home country and the destination country. Thailand has implemented the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) in 2022. Its level of regulation and enforcement is characterized as robust. That means, in Thailand data protection laws are well-established with strong safeguards and regulatory mechanisms. While comprehensive, enforcement may be less stringent in certain areas compared to "heavy" regimes. Learn more about it here.
For WorkFlex users, a comprehensive list of data protection activities is available in the profile, but here are some general data protection guidelines to keep your data safe:
- Adhere to Your Company's Internal Data Policies: Familiarize yourself with and follow your organization’s specific data protection protocols.
- Use Secure Network Connections: Always connect through secure networks, especially when accessing sensitive information.
- Be Aware of Phishing: Stay vigilant against phishing attempts by verifying the authenticity of emails and messages before clicking on any links.
- Utilize Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication: Create complex passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
- Keep Your Devices in a Secure Location: Always store your devices in safe places to prevent unauthorized access.
- Lock Your Screen Whenever Applicable: Ensure your screen is locked when you're away from your device to protect your information.
Local emergency phone
1669 (Medical), 191 (Police)
Vaccination
Guidelines
Drinking potable water
Not recommended
Travel health insurance
When traveling to Thailand for work—whether for a short business trip or an extended workation—it's essential to have comprehensive health insurance coverage to ensure access to medical care.
For business trips, the employer typically arranges the employee's travel health insurance. However, for workations, these responsibilities can be less clear. WorkFlex takes care of travel health insurance for trips worldwide to ensure there are no costly consequences for either the employee or the employer if accidents occur while working abroad.
For travelers using WorkFlex
If you’re traveling with WorkFlex, comprehensive health insurance is automatically included if your employer has activated this feature. For more details, please refer to your trip request on the WorkFlex platform.
For other travelers
Ensure you have travel health insurance with worldwide coverage, whether for a workation or business trip, so that you can receive adequate medical treatment in case of an emergency.
Urgent safety information
For travelers using WorkFlex:
Please refer to your trip's risk assessment under the "Health and Security" dimension to review any urgent security information relevant to your travel.
For other travelers:
Please visit official authority websites to check for any current threats or urgent security advisories:
Terrorism
The global threat of terrorist attacks and kidnappings persists, and incidents cannot be ruled out in Thailand, including tourist areas.
In the provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani, as well as parts of Songkhla near the Malaysian border, clashes between separatist groups and security forces and terrorist attacks are common, sometimes targeting locations popular with foreigners. Emergency laws are enforced in these areas, and nighttime curfews may be imposed at short notice in certain districts.
- Stay vigilant in crowded areas and during special events.
- Follow the instructions of security forces, especially in southern provinces, including adherence to nighttime curfews.
- Consult the global security advisory for updates.
Domestic political situation
Public gatherings and demonstrations can occur across the country, sometimes leading to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The risk is particularly higher in southern provinces.
- Freedom of expression is restricted. Criticizing the government, king, or royal family, particularly online, can lead to criminal charges.
- Be aware of strict lèse-majesté laws (insulting the monarchy).
- Stay informed via local and international media.
- Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings.
- Follow local security instructions closely.
Crime
Crime rates in Thailand are on the rise, encompassing theft, fraud, and violent crimes, such as rape and armed robberies, sometimes involving drugged drinks in bars and clubs. These incidents have been reported in popular tourist areas like Phuket, Koh Samui, Koh Tao, and Pattaya.
- Women should be especially cautious about their personal safety, dress modestly, and avoid isolated or poorly lit areas at night.
- Be aware of scams involving rented items and false accusations to extort money, especially in tourist areas like Patong Beach.
- Exercise caution with taxi and tuk-tuk drivers to avoid scams.
- In remote border regions with Cambodia and Myanmar, armed gang attacks are possible.
Safety tips:
- Do not accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended.
- Use licensed taxis or tuk-tuks, ensuring the driver approaches you.
- Plan and conduct trekking tours with experienced guides.
- Verify safety and rescue facilities on ferries and excursion boats.
- Do not use your passport as a deposit for rentals.
- Keep money and important documents secure; consider saving electronic copies.
- Prefer cashless payments and carry minimal cash.
- Stay vigilant in crowded areas, like airports and stations.
- Be cautious with suspicious communications, such as emails or calls, and avoid sharing personal data without verifying authenticity.
Thailand has a tropical climate with distinct seasonal patterns:
Hot Season (March to May):
- Very hot and humid (32°C to 40°C/90°F to 104°F)
- Occasional thunderstorms
- Peak temperatures in April
Rainy Season (June to October):
- Regular rainfall
- High humidity
- Temperatures 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F)
- Possible flooding in some areas
Cool Season (November to February):
- Most pleasant temperatures
- Lower humidity
- Temperatures 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F)
- Best time for travel
Airports
Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK)
- Location: Bangkok
- When to use: Main international hub, excellent connections worldwide
Don Mueang International Airport (DMK)
- Location: Bangkok
- When to use: Budget airlines, domestic flights
Phuket International Airport (HKT)
- Location: Phuket
- When to use: Southern Thailand access, international flights
Train stations
Hua Lamphong Station
- Main connections: National rail network
- Routes: Major cities across Thailand
Bang Sue Grand Station
- Main connections: New central hub
- Routes: High-speed rail development
Ride-hailing services
- Grab
- Bolt
- InDriver
Public transportation
BTS Skytrain (Bangkok)
- Elevated rail system
- Covers central business districts
- Modern and efficient
MRT (Bangkok)
- Underground system
- Connects with BTS
- Expanding network
Buses
- Public buses
- Private operators
- Inter-city coaches