Working in Thailand
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Thailand
1,849
Terminology
In
Thailand
, the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as Yes, the term "occupational therapist" can be referred to in different ways depending on the country and language.
Main language(s) spoken in Thailand
Thai
Other languages commonly spoken in Thailand
English
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Not Required
It is compulsory to join the Occupational Therapists Association of Thailand (OTAT) in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Thai
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
Applying for a license to practice as an occupational therapist.
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Especially in the Ministry of Public Health, occupational therapists are considered a shortage profession.
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
• General job search websites.
• Specialized healthcare and OTAT website.
• Government agencies and Ministries of Public Health in country.
• Professional networking and professional conferences/seminars.
• Specialized healthcare and OTAT website.
• Government agencies and Ministries of Public Health in country.
• Professional networking and professional conferences/seminars.
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
• https://www.thaievisa.go.th/ (External) ↗
• https://www.mfa.go.th/en/publicservice/5d5bcc2615e39c306000a31a (External) ↗
• https://www.immigration.go.th/ (External) ↗
• https://www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html (External) ↗
Specific Requirements for Occupational Therapists
• Professional Registration
• Credential Recognition
• Thai language Proficiency
• https://www.mfa.go.th/en/publicservice/5d5bcc2615e39c306000a31a (External) ↗
• https://www.immigration.go.th/ (External) ↗
• https://www.doe.go.th/workpermit/index.html (External) ↗
Specific Requirements for Occupational Therapists
• Professional Registration
• Credential Recognition
• Thai language Proficiency
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Thailand
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Occupational Therapists Association of Thailand (OTAT) and was last updated on 14th July 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Thailand
Occupational Therapists Association of Thailand (OTAT)'s definition of occupational therapy in own language
กิจกรรมบำบด (Occupational Therapy) หมายความว่า การกระทำเกี่ยวกับความสามารถของบคคลที่มีความบกพร่องทางด้านร่างกาย จิตใจ การเรียนรู้และการพัฒนาเกี่ยวกับเด็ก โดยกระบวนการตรวจ ประเมิน ส่งเสริมป้องกัน บำบัด ฟื้นฟูสมรรถภาพ ให้สามารถทำกิจกรรมต่างๆ ได้ เพื่อให้บุคคลดำเนินชีวิตได้ตามศักยภาพ โดยการนำกิจกรรม วิธีการ และอุปกรณ์ที่เหมาะสมมาเป็นวิธีการในการบำบัด
Occupational Therapists Association of Thailand (OTAT)'s definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational Therapy is an intervention concern with performance of individuals who has physical disabilities, mental disabilities, learning disability and developmental disabilities. The process compose of examination evaluation promotion prevention provide therapy and rehabilitation so they can be able to live with their full potential. The mean for therapy is using meaningful activities, appropriate method and instruments.
Definition date: April 2017
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Thailand
2