My Thai girlfriend
comes from the Isan area. She has just inherited a house that she wants to remodel.
Can I do this job, without getting into trouble with the authorities?
Also, when it comes to
electricity and water, is this something one can do oneself? I've seen a lot of
questionable electrical wiring in Thailand. I’m an electrician and would like
to do this work myself, instead of relying on the locals.
Regards Steinar
Answer:
Thailands Tidende printed
January 1st 2011 an interview with Pol. Lt. Maj. Ruangchai Ruongpaison of the
Immigration Office in Pattaya. He downplayed the most negative rumors about the
need for a work permit in Thailand for even the smallest things. He stated:
- You are allowed to
do private work without breaking the law. You can paint and redecorate your
house, you can fix the car, mow the lawn and so on, as long as it’s private
work without income. Furthermore, it’s also allowed to help a friend when they
ask for help. For this assistance, you are permitted to receive a gift in
appreciation for your help, but not regular wages.
The question then is,
whether this house in Isan can be regarded as “your house”. I would say that if
it’s well known in the village that you two live together, and that you have
spent time in this house, then you can consider this a Common Law marriage, and
it’s then “your house” as well as hers.
The fact that you’re unlikely
to get in trouble with the Immigration authorities does not mean you can relax
completely. There are village chiefs and local police, and if they see fit,
they can certainly find reasons to make trouble for you. In my experience, this
happens rarely in rural Isan, but you should be aware of the possibility,
especially if you or your partner have made enemies there for some reason.
You should definitely oversee
the work on electricity and plumbing. There are rules about who can do this in
Thailand, but as you have noticed, they are not always observed in private
homes.
(From Thailands Tidende
Issue 4/2012)
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