Thread: Where does working online stand in the work permit department?

Hello everyone!
Glad to be here, I was looking for an introduce yourself thread before I made a post but cant seem to find it . Anyways, I have been living in LOS for a tad over 6 months and have been thoroughly enjoying it. While I have enough savings to keep me going for a while, I have been approached for working online. Now I know technically this is working for a living so I wanted to know if I need a work permit for this? I am confused as I am not working for any local company so will I be needing a work permit for this sort of work? If yes then how is that supposed to be arranged, especially as the company is situated in USA.

Thanks!

Technically, you need a permit.
Practically, how would they ever know..

You can do anything in Thailand, just don't get caught.

Joking aside, I do know that there are individuals in Thailand making money working on line (eBay) and making some money. I think you would need to give more details of what kind of work you are talking about.

Legally, it is considered working and would require a work permit.

Legally, yes. Practically - keep your mouth shut, don't tell anyone and don't piss anyone off.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

Technically black and white but in reality a bit of a grey area. How would you be paid? Into a US or overseas bank account? Then there is no income in Thailand. Technically it is still work, but if you keep your head down.

Visa becomes another problem?

As has been said only a problem if you break the 11th commandment "Thou shall not get caught"

As for telling us what it is. NO keep it to yourself.

Thanks! Yes, if I opt for this, I will be paid in to my bank account in the states, however I also created a Paypal account and have a Bangkok Bank account here which I managed to link with it, so that could be another option. I think I know how this could work now however are there any legal proceedings for registering for this kind of work? I mean has the Thai govt even considered adding a line to their legal code for work of this nature?

Thanks again!

^ The less contact you have with Thai government departments, the better. Why on Earth would you want to register anything? Just do your work, get paid and keep your mouth shut.

Originally Posted by carlspencer

however are there any legal proceedings for registering for this kind of work? I mean has the Thai govt even considered adding a line to their legal code for work of this nature?

Someone I know did it by setting up a company (legally) and working through that (for visa etc). Minefield though.

Originally Posted by carlspencer

I mean has the Thai govt even considered adding a line to their legal code for work of this nature?

Yes. It's illegal. If you get investigated, and caught, you'll probably get booted out after a few nights in the BKK Hilton.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Someone I know did it by setting up a company (legally) and working through that (for visa etc). Minefield though.

Yes it costs quite a bit and you have to keep renewing shit, be a Company LTD, employ x amount of Thai staff etc.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Originally Posted by carlspencer

however are there any legal proceedings for registering for this kind of work? I mean has the Thai govt even considered adding a line to their legal code for work of this nature?

Someone I know did it by setting up a company (legally) and working through that (for visa etc). Minefield though.

Hmm thats just too much trouble for the kind of work I had in mind, oh well, I guess its just better if I kept it to myself .

Lots of jealous farangs and Thais out and about that take grat joy in grassing a guy up, so You are not working here. Never admit it to anyone. Never talk to the Thai government about anything and ask no questions.

In Thailand - to do it right is wrong. If you try to follow all the laws regarding company set ups, work, Visas etc you are going to be worse off than if you just did your little thing and kept your mouth shut. You are better off being underground - it is much better!

Originally Posted by carlspencer

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

Technically black and white but in reality a bit of a grey area. How would you be paid? Into a US or overseas bank account? Then there is no income in Thailand. Technically it is still work, but if you keep your head down.

Visa becomes another problem?

As has been said only a problem if you break the 11th commandment "Thou shall not get caught"

As for telling us what it is. NO keep it to yourself.

Thanks! Yes, if I opt for this, I will be paid in to my bank account in the states, however I also created a Paypal account and have a Bangkok Bank account here which I managed to link with it, so that could be another option. I think I know how this could work now however are there any legal proceedings for registering for this kind of work? I mean has the Thai govt even considered adding a line to their legal code for work of this nature?

Thanks again!

Sure as has been said you could set up a company. Have 3-5 employees depending on current regulations, 5 directors, pay tax on min. 50,000 baht a month, pay the employees, Pay their social fund, etc. etc.
Sounds like you are from the US so you can own 100% of the company but the paperwork will still be at least 1' tall.

Just use the US debit card to make ATM withdrawls sure it cost for every withdrawl but cheaper than above. If you open Citibank account both ends it may be cheaper to make a once a year transfer?

Average Joe Thai wouldn't have a clue who to report you to even if they knew you were committing an offense. I've lost count of farang that do work here illegally, either in a shop or on the land. Obviously the police see them but no problem.

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

Originally Posted by carlspencer

Originally Posted by VocalNeal

Technically black and white but in reality a bit of a grey area. How would you be paid? Into a US or overseas bank account? Then there is no income in Thailand. Technically it is still work, but if you keep your head down.

Visa becomes another problem?

As has been said only a problem if you break the 11th commandment "Thou shall not get caught"

As for telling us what it is. NO keep it to yourself.

Thanks! Yes, if I opt for this, I will be paid in to my bank account in the states, however I also created a Paypal account and have a Bangkok Bank account here which I managed to link with it, so that could be another option. I think I know how this could work now however are there any legal proceedings for registering for this kind of work? I mean has the Thai govt even considered adding a line to their legal code for work of this nature?

Thanks again!

Sure as has been said you could set up a company. Have 3-5 employees depending on current regulations, 5 directors, pay tax on min. 50,000 baht a month, pay the employees, Pay their social fund, etc. etc.
Sounds like you are from the US so you can own 100% of the company but the paperwork will still be at least 1' tall.

Just use the US debit card to make ATM withdrawls sure it cost for every withdrawl but cheaper than above. If you open Citibank account both ends it may be cheaper to make a once a year transfer?

Makes sense! I have been here long enough to begin to see how things "actually" work here.

Originally Posted by 9999

Originally Posted by carlspencer

I mean has the Thai govt even considered adding a line to their legal code for work of this nature?

Yes. It's illegal. If you get investigated, and caught, you'll probably get booted out after a few nights in the BKK Hilton.

You mean technically someone could get booted out for answering emails while on vacation?

Originally Posted by carlspencer

You mean technically someone could get booted out for answering emails while on vacation?

obv. not.

But they're not gonna sit by and watch idly as you set up a mechanic garage out in the open either now are they.

Originally Posted by chitown

Lots of jealous farangs and Thais out and about that take grat joy in grassing a guy up, so You are not working here. Never admit it to anyone. Never talk to the Thai government about anything and ask no questions.

Yup. Best idea seems to set up the computer in a room with a good door lock, and spread the story that you surf porn all day and that you are a compulsive masterbater.

Cover story solved...

Originally Posted by carlspencer

You mean technically someone could get booted out for answering emails while on vacation?

There is a thread on here somewhere about a farang who owned a bar.
He was on the customer side of the bar talking to someone.
IIRC He was done for no WP.

Originally Posted by carlspencer

Hello everyone!
Glad to be here, I was looking for an introduce yourself thread before I made a post but cant seem to find it . Anyways, I have been living in LOS for a tad over 6 months and have been thoroughly enjoying it. While I have enough savings to keep me going for a while, I have been approached for working online. Now I know technically this is working for a living so I wanted to know if I need a work permit for this? I am confused as I am not working for any local company so will I be needing a work permit for this sort of work? If yes then how is that supposed to be arranged, especially as the company is situated in USA.

Thanks!

I work online from my own home. Its my own little modest business and nobody bothers me. What 'they ' don't know won't hurt them........or me.

A question like this came up on the Phuket Gazette a while back, some guy asking if he needs a work permit to play the stock market abroad.

The answer was a predictably vague:

Stock investment is not lawfully defined as work. As long as you are not working, you do not need to apply for a work permit.

For example. If you are a shareholder or an executive of a company, but you do not sign documents related to the daily functions of that company, you do not need a work permit.

However, you must pay income tax if you receive a stock dividend.

The only documentation we are authorized to issue to foreigners working here is a work permit. If you do not work, there is no official documentation that can be issued to you.

Noppadol Ployudee, chief of the Phuket Provincial Employment Office.

Phuket Issue and Answer: Do I need a work permit to play the stock