If you're not just a tourist, It is quite annoying to get(or extend) a visa in Thailand. Even if you don't get paid,say if you are to be a long term volunteer in Thailand, you have to obtain both non immigrant visa and a work permit.
Due to the lack of information of explanation on the website and unfriendly attitude of officer,I've found information on volunteer visa (or Non immigrant "O"visa) by myself.
- Volunteer Visa:
"To carry out voluntary work in Thailand you require a Non-Immigrant O visa(volunteer Visa) and a work permit."
"a) Sponsor Letter from volunteer/charity organisation which must be registered in Thailand.
Only a single entry visa can be granted in these circumstances. Applicant will need to arrange Extension of Stay as necessary. Please check with volunteer/charity organisation for what extra documentation may be required by Thai Immigration to extend stay.
"Although you will work as a volunteer, you do need a Non-Immigrant visa as well as the Work Permit. The NGO must be legally registered with the Thai authority, and that you need a recommendation letter from the NGO for your visa application and the Work Permit."
- Answers from Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thailand
" An NGO in Thailand has invited me to go there and work for them as a volunteer for 45 days during my school break. I will not earn any money in Thailand. I am a Belgian college student in Brussels. I understand that I do not need a visa, do I?
- Although you will work as a volunteer, you do need a Non-Immigrant visa as well as the Work Permit. The NGO must be legally registered with the Thai authority,
and you need a recommendation letter from the NGO for your visa application and the Work Permit. "
http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15380-Questions-&-Answers-on-Thai-Visa.html
- Information from Royal Thai Consulate-General Los Angeles
"To visit as a volunteer for an NGO (non-government organization) - NO mulitple-entry visas
- Signed letter on the organization's letterhead stating duration of stay, duties, etc. along with a copy of the organization's registration. Single-entry Non-Immigrant "O" visa will be issued for the purpose of volunteering only (no multiple-entry visas)."
http://www.thaiconsulatela.org/service_detail.aspx?link_id=34
To sum, to be a long term volunteer in Thailand, you have to apply for Non immigrant "O"visa. Along with the application form, you're required to submit a letter of recommendation from the organization (which should be the one officially registered in Thai government) and information of the term of volunteering. But some embassies or consulates also require a copy of the organization's registration.
Also, you have to get a work permit to stay longer than 90 days in Thailand.
