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Unless you are a member of a diplomatic mission, if you plan to stay and live in Thailand for longer than 30 days you will need to do so on some form of visa status.

Non-Immigrant Visa

Almost all persons living and working in Thailand do so on what is called a Non-immigrant visa. Non-immigrant visas come in different categories, depending on the nature of your stay, as follows:

- 'B': for work or business
- 'M': if you are a journalist or working in television
- 'F': to perform official duties
- 'IM': if you invest in Thailand and have the approval of the Thai Government
- 'IB': if you have Investment Promotion privileges
- 'ED': If you are studying in Thailand, which includes wishing to study to become a Buddhist monk
- 'R': if you are a missionary with permission to carry-on your mission in Thailand
- 'RS': if you are a scientist researching, teaching or training
- 'EX': if you are designated an 'expert' or 'specialist'
- 'OA' - for retirees living in Thailand
- 'O': all other activities.

In nearly all cases, those who work in Thailand are on 'Non-immigrant B' visas, while dependents (wife, husband, children and parents of Non-immigrant B visa holders) are on 'Non-immigrant O' status.

Note: it is illegal to work in Thailand, even carrying out charitable work, if you are on a 'Non-immigrant O' status.