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Get clear guidance on prohibited occupations, legal opportunities, and tips to thrive in the Land of Smiles.
Hey there, fellow Indians!
If you are dreaming of moving to Thailand for work, whether it is the vibrant cities, stunning beaches, delicious street food, or exciting career prospects, this post is exactly what you need.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we regularly guide professionals from India on international opportunities, and Thailand is one of the top destinations we hear about.
Thousands of Indians are already working happily there in tech, teaching, hospitality, and more.
However, before you book that flight, there is one important thing to understand: Thailand has strict rules about specific jobs.
Some occupations are entirely reserved for Thai citizens to protect local livelihoods and preserve cultural traditions.
These rules apply to all foreigners, including us Indians, no exceptions, even with a work permit.
The great news? The list was significantly shortened in 2022 from 39 to just 20 prohibited occupations, opening up many more opportunities for skilled workers like you.
As of 2026, this list remains unchanged according to the latest updates from Thailand’s Department of Employment.
Why Does Thailand Have These Restrictions?
Thailand’s government wants to balance welcoming foreign talent with protecting jobs for its citizens, especially in traditional and basic sectors.
These rules come under the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree.
Violating them can mean hefty fines (up to 100,000 baht), deportation, or even a ban on re-entry to the country.
Employers can also get into serious trouble.
So, it is always smarter to stay informed and go the legal route.
The Full List Of 20 Prohibited Occupations In Thailand
Here is the current official list of jobs that Indians and all other foreigners cannot do legally in Thailand:
| No. | Prohibited |
|---|---|
| 1 | Rice farming or basic crop planting |
| 2 | Natural-forest timber work |
| 3 | Inland-water fishery (non-specialised) |
| 4 | Traditional Thai massage |
| 5 | Street or market vending |
| 6 | Auctioneering of local goods |
| 7 | Tour guide or tour conductor |
| 8 | Thai-language clerical or secretarial work |
| 9 | Legal or lawsuit services |
| 10 | Traditional Thai musical performance |
| 11 | Buddha-image casting |
| 12 | Alms-bowl casting |
| 13 | Gold, silver, niello, or bronze crafts |
| 14 | Lacquerware making |
| 15 | Umbrella painting (Saa paper or wood) |
| 16 | Thai doll making |
| 17 | Mat weaving (reed, rattan, etc.) |
| 18 | Hand-weaving Thai silk or cotton |
| 19 | Knife forging |
| 20 | Thai musical-instrument making |
These mainly cover traditional crafts, cultural services, and simple manual or sales roles that are deeply tied to Thai heritage.
Great News: Plenty Of Jobs Indians Can Do Legally
Do not let this list put you off.
Thailand has tons of opportunities for skilled Indian professionals!
Popular fields include:
- IT and software development (Bangkok is a growing tech hub)
- Engineering and project management
- Teaching English or specialised subjects
- Hospitality management in hotels and resorts
- Finance, marketing, and business consulting.Bad
- Healthcare roles in international hospitals
Many Indians secure jobs through company sponsorship, especially in BOI-promoted industries, making it much easier to obtain a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit.
Practical Tips For Indians Wanting To Work In Thailand
- Secure a job offer first: Most work permits need employer sponsorship.
- Get the correct visa: Start with a Non-Immigrant B visa; never work on a tourist visa.
- Prepare documents early: Degrees, experience certificates, and police clearance help.
- Join Indian communities: Groups in Bangkok, Phuket, and Pattaya offer invaluable advice and networking.
- Stay updated: Rules can evolve, so check official sources or consult experts.
Remote work for foreign clients while on a tourist visa is a grey area; it is better to obtain proper authorisation if you plan an extended stay.
Trivia
Did you know that being a tour guide is one of the most strictly enforced prohibited jobs? Thai authorities sometimes run undercover operations to catch unlicensed foreign guides, all to ensure tourists get accurate cultural insights from locals. It shows how seriously Thailand protects its heritage!
Working in Thailand can be an incredible adventure filled with professional growth and unforgettable experiences.
Just make sure you follow the rules, and you will have a fantastic time.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are passionate about helping Indians explore global careers.
Check out our other articles on visa guides, job hunting abroad, and life in popular destinations.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments, we love hearing from you!
Safe travels and best of luck with your Thailand plans!
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