How to obtain the Thailand journalist visa. If you are considering working as a foreign correspondent in Thailand or as a journalist then you will need a work permit to do this. For journalists it becomes a bit more complicated. The process below is what is required for the work permit and also the press credentials while in Thailand. The Foreign Correspondents Club in Thailand and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Media Online service).
Thailand Journalist Visa
They have listed the process for being a journalist in Thailand and what documents would be needed for working in the Kingdom. The following is a brief breakdown of the process:
The following documents need to be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
- A letter of introduction or assignment issued by the headquarters of the media company;
- Company profile including its background, scope of work, circulation, list of owners;
- A photo of yourself (not more than six months old);
- Copy of your passport;
- At least three pieces of work by yourself (with proper credits given) during the past year;
Documents Needed
If you have a wife or husband or children then you also need to provide copies of their relation to you (birth certificates,
marriage registration) as well as the passports and photos not older than 6 months. Once this has been submitted you will be called for an interview at a Thai Embassy where you are located. Once this is complete you will be issued with a reference number and you can now apply for a Thai Media Visa or Thai “M” visa.
The visa is for 3 months. When you enter Thailand you need to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs again for a letter for Thai Immigration for the visa to be extended for 12 months and also a letter for the Thai Labour Department to have a work permit issued for 12 months. There is also a third letter for the Office of the Prime Minister to issue you with a press card for Thailand.
Likewise the process can be started online or you can contact an immigration attorney in Thailand to complete the process for you. The rules for the media visa does change in Thailand more often than not, so send us an email for any changes to the work permit rules or the Thai Media Visa process. Likewise see also the Thai Teacher’s License.
Do not:
- Do not arrive in Thailand on a Thai Business visa;
- Do not arrive in Thailand before the process has been started at the Embassy;
- Do not apply at the last minute for the visa or for renewal of the visa.
Thai Government Press Division
Public Relations Department of Information 7th floo rMinistry of Foreign Affairs9, Phaholyothin Road Soi 7 (Soi Aree Samphan)Si Ayutthaya Road Phyathai, Bangkok 10400 Phyathai, Bangkok 10400
Tel: 02-6182323 ext. 1713, 1715
Tel: 02-2035000 ext. 22005, 22008
Fax: 02-6183637
Fax: 02-6435106-7 (BTS: Aree Station)
| One-Stop Service Center for Work Permit | The Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand |
| Jamjuree Square Tower, 18th floor | Penthouse, Maneeya Center Building |
| 319, Phayathai Road | 518/5, Ploenchit Road |
| Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 | Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 |
| Tel.: 02-2091100 | Tel: 02-6520580-1 |
| Fax: 02-6520582 | |
| (MRT: Sam Yan Station) | (BTS: Chitlom Station) |
If you have any more questions about working in Thailand as a journalist then search this website for more details and work permits or contact a lawyer in this regard.