Written by the Thai Legal & Immigration legal team · Last reviewed · Editorial policy
Before any application, three questions decide the outcome: is the occupation open to foreigners, does the employer meet the capital requirement, and does it employ enough Thai staff? Certain occupations are reserved for Thai nationals under the Foreign Workers Management Emergency Decree and related notifications.
As a guideline, non-BOI employers are commonly expected to have registered capital of two million baht and four Thai employees for each foreign work permit, with lower thresholds for some cases such as a foreigner married to a Thai national. Offices apply these guidelines with some variation, so we confirm local practice.
What we handle
- Occupation check against the reserved list.
- Capital and headcount review.
- Corrective planning: capital increase, hiring timeline.
- Written eligibility opinion before filing.
How the process works
Step 1
Role analysis
Job description compared with reserved occupations.
Step 2
Company review
Capital and social security headcount checked.
Step 3
Gap plan
Steps to meet thresholds outlined.
Step 4
Go / no-go
Recommendation before you apply.
Not sure this route fits you?
Get a Free Preliminary Eligibility Review from our licensed team.
Why are applications refused, and how do we prepare?
| Common refusal reason | How we prepare |
|---|---|
| Applying before checking eligibility | We give a written eligibility review before you commit. |
Counsel's note
A job title that sounds harmless can overlap a reserved occupation. We rewrite descriptions accurately rather than cosmetically.
Frequently asked
Is the 4:1 ratio a law?
Which jobs are reserved for Thais?
Advice by nationality
Why clients choose us
Six licensed Thai attorneys
Including Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
77 provinces covered
Offices in Bangkok and Khon Kaen with field representatives nationwide.
Your passport stays with you
We work from copies and only handle originals for filings you approve.
Honest assessment first
A Free Preliminary Eligibility Review tells you your options before any engagement.
Sources & references
- Department of Employment — checked 2026-11-03
General information only, not legal advice. Immigration decisions rest with the Thai authorities. See our disclaimer.