Udon Thani Thailand Forum - Udon Thani, Thailand

I am looking for some Hobby Guitarists who enjoy Jamming some Rock-N-Roll . I am on a
retirement Visa and No longer risk "Playing Out " at Bars and Restaurants where you can be arrested
or worse .I have a Large Music Room at my home as maybe others do and Safe Venues could be shared.
I play Harmonica Blues / Rock / Country + Vocals . I have a couple of House Guitars plus Amps Mics ect
I would prefer to play practice on a Sat Afternoon . Ideally a Lead Guitarist plus Rhythm and Bass would be
perfect .
E-Mail [email protected]
Mobile 089-943-3942 CHEERS ROD

Hi Seagulls, I’m curious, arrested or worse, what for jamming in a bar with friends? I know they used to meet up at the Tha Naam restaurant a while back I don’t know if they still do but I never heard of anyone getting arrested there, why would they take umbrage at a few friends bashing out a few tunes?

I dont think anyone has been caught out in Udon as yet but certainly farang entertainers in Chiang Mai and Bangkok have been arrested if the Immigration police decide you are working by playing a jam session in a bar even if unpaid they can still get you for it was the same years agi in Pattaya all the golf organisers got warned and they were not making a penny TIT

Oh I see! They assume you're doing it for a living, all becomes clear, thanks for the explanation but I think a shame a few pals can't get together and bash a tune or two out for fun but the law is the law I guess.

Yes MusicalBars you are correct .I was in Chiang Mai recently and Not a single Farang was playing in any of the Bars .
Even the "Guitarman" was closed . I played there the week before the Bust where they arrested the whole band which included a guest Guitarist who had only just arrived on Holiday !! .I played in there with the Late Neal Crenshaw who was visiting me before we moved back to Udon . Ten years ago we all played out at the Bars around Udon including the "Irish Clock" but it seems those days are over . As you say it doesn't matter if you get paid or not ,Playing in a bar or Restaurant is construed as contributing to a place of business and is taxable . And No you cannot get a work Permit to play in a Bar ,
I of course agree that it's a ridiculous law but just not worth the risk as I believe Udon is becoming more like Chiang Mai

Whilst agreeing that its a stupid law seagulls it is not a lot more stupid than one requiring a license to have and use a dart board in a bar.

Playing a bit of "devils advocate" here though, I would be a damned p*ssed off bar owner if I have paid thousands of baht for permission to play recorded music in my bar, and then the guy next door had live music (pro/amateur/jam whatever) and it took trade away from my place .

but its ok to have a Thai band play live music still takes money away from the guy who has paid his music liscence I would love to be able to see more than the usual dross act we see at every party in udon but Thailand seems to wish to kill what the tourist or expat wants

vincemunday wrote: ↑

June 17, 2018, 12:14 pm

Oh I see! They assume you're doing it for a living, all becomes clear, thanks for the explanation but I think a shame a few pals can't get together and bash a tune or two out for fun but the law is the law I guess.

Vince, I'm told that the work permit rules apply regardless of whether you're getting paid or not. Apparently it's the doing work part, not the compensation part that seems to be problematical.

That is correct and and a Musician who I played with here in Udon attempted to somewhat "Circumvent the work permit
Law by using an Atty to obtain a Document which would just cover him as a "Part Time Musician" . Well it didn't work
and he was called in to the Tax office who in turn Grilled him and threatened him with Deportation . Pretty sad really
can you imagine a Thai on Holiday in the UK playing some music in a Bar and being arrested !!! Well certainly not in my
Home Town of Brighton LOL

Udon Map wrote: ↑

June 20, 2018, 3:46 pm

vincemunday wrote: ↑

June 17, 2018, 12:14 pm

Oh I see! They assume you're doing it for a living, all becomes clear, thanks for the explanation but I think a shame a few pals can't get together and bash a tune or two out for fun but the law is the law I guess.

Vince, I'm told that the work permit rules apply regardless of whether you're getting paid or not. Apparently it's the doing work part, not the compensation part that seems to be problematical.

The irony of it all is that while I was visiting a local establishment with the missus, name escapes me, I'd have to say the only ones "working" were those in the audience who had to suffer through the performance.