Thailand business visa, work permit and hotel invoice (VAT)

For a Thailand business visa, the basic rule is simple: attending a meeting or a fair is one thing; working (being paid locally, delivering a service) is another and needs a Non-Immigrant B visa and a work permit. Since 15 September 2026 the visa exemption is 30 days for many nationalities, and it is tied to tourism. Rules depend on your nationality and change: confirm them with the embassy or the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs (information read on 29 October 2026).

Meeting, fair or work?

Situation	What to know
Tourist stay	30-day exemption since 15 September 2026, depending on nationality
Meeting, fair, prospecting	Have the embassy confirm for your case
Work on site	Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit, processed with the Thai employer
Arrival card	TDAC online, free, before arrival

Visa, work permit and arrival card

For the details of the 30 days and the extension, see visa and entry to Thailand. The digital arrival card is explained in TDAC arrival card. The work permit is requested by the employer or host company from the Thai authorities: do not work before you hold it.

Hotel invoice and expense claims

Hotel rates are often shown before tax and service ("++"): Thai VAT is 7%. For an expense claim, ask at check-in for a full tax invoice in your company's name, with its address and tax number; it is harder to correct after you leave. The tourist VAT refund applies to goods, not services: see VAT refund in Bangkok. Ask your accountant what is deductible at home.

Stay and connection

To sleep near offices, compare Sukhumvit hotels on Booking.com. A Thailand eSIM (Airalo) keeps your messaging number reachable: see eSIM and SIM cards in Bangkok.

FAQ

Do I need a business visa for a meeting in Bangkok?

It depends on your nationality and the activity; confirm with the embassy before you leave.

Can I work on the tourist visa exemption?

No, working needs a suitable visa and a work permit.

How do I get a hotel invoice in my company's name?

Ask the front desk at check-in, giving the company name, address and tax number.

La rédaction Bangkok Authority, information read on 29 October 2026.