Can a foreigner find work in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand?

Moving to Ubon Ratchathani, or nearby Warin Chamrap, with a Thai partner is common. Here is what to know about work.

You need a work permit. The Department of Employment publishes an English copy of the Foreigners' Working Management Emergency Decree B.E. 2560 (2017). It says no one may take a foreigner into work when the foreigner has no work permit. Working without one can get both you and the employer in trouble.

Some jobs are closed to foreigners. The Ministry of Labour lists jobs foreigners may not do, from a Royal Decree of B.E. 2522 (1979). The list includes jobs such as labouring, farming, construction work, handicrafts and selling. Our restricted jobs guide has the full list.

Pick the right visa:

• If you marry a Thai citizen, a Royal Thai Consulate-General checklist shows a Non-Immigrant O visa for the foreign spouse of a Thai citizen. It starts at 90 days and can be extended to 1 year at immigration.
• The retirement visa is for people aged 50 or over "without the intention of working." So at 50 or over you are old enough for it, but it is not a work visa.
• Rules and money amounts can differ by embassy, so check with the Thai embassy that covers you.

What jobs to look at: we could not find official numbers on jobs for foreigners in Ubon Ratchathani. The city has universities and a few international and bilingual schools, so teaching is one place to start. Our teaching English guide explains what schools usually ask for.

What to do next:

• Ask any employer if they will apply for your work permit.
• Ask the employment office or immigration office in Ubon Ratchathani.
• Check with immigration or a lawyer for your case.