Thai Permanent Residence

The issue of Thai Permanent Residence is a significant one for foreign nationals in the Kingdom of Thailand. This article will briefly discuss the issues surrounding Thai permanent residence.

Each year, the Kingdom of Thailand allows applications for a limited number of Permanent Resident books. Those in the Kingdom with permanent residence are not required to renew visas or make "visa runs" as those with lawful permanent residence are considered to be perpetually lawfully present in the Kingdom. Bearing this in mind, the reader should be aware of the fact that the process of applying for Thai permanent residence can be long and cumbersome. Meanwhile, even once a permanent residence application is submitted there is no guarantee that such an application will receive quick adjudication or approval. This is due to the fact that the backlog of Thai permanent residence petitions reaches back over five (5) years.

One fascinating facet of Thai Permanent Residence which few people take into account is the fact that lawful permanent residence in Thailand does not automatically bequeath the privilege of working within the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Thailand. Unlike many nations which allow permanent residence, Thai law bifurcates the right to remain in Thailand from the right to engage in employment within the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of Thailand. Therefore, those who obtain Thai permanent residence and still wish to work are well advised to either obtain a work permit or maintain a previously issued work permit.

The accoutrement of permanent residence in Thailand are legion. For many, just the ability to remain in the Kingdom without the need of a visa is a significant boon. Concurrently, there might be other, more intangible, benefits. For example, those who have permanent residence in Thailand do not need to be paired with four Thai employees in order to receive a work permit as Thai permanent residents are exempted from such rules.

Those who become Thai Permanent Residents will be recorded in a Thai Household Registration booklet (also referred to as a Tabien Baan). Those foreigners residing in the Kingdom of Thailand without Permanent Residence may be able to be placed in a foreign Tabien Baan (also referred to by the book's actual color as a "Yellow Tabien Baan"). Although, even those alien nationals who have a household census registration booklet cannot be entered into a blue tabiaen baan unless they receive lawful permanent residence in Thailand.

The petition process for permanent residence in Thailand is rather substantial and time intensive. In some instances, there is a substantial amount of documentation as well as evidence which should be provided in support of a well founded request. Due to this, many individuals seeking such benefits retain counsel in order to be provided with insight into the overall process and assistance with necessary paperwork. Those seeking such services are well advised to request the credentials of anyone claiming knowledge in this area in order to ascertain if those involved are licensed to practice law in the Kingdom of Thailand.


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Benjamin W. Hart is an attorney and MD of Integrity Legal (Thailand) Co. Ltd. Contact: 1-877-231-7533, +66 (0)2-266-3698, or info@integrity-legal.com. See: Thailand Permanent Residence &
Thailand Visas
.