Can I earn online income while on a retirement visa in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Income from Foreign Clients Thai Work Regulations Remote Work Visa Limitations

Jun 27, 2024

6 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Retirement visa doesn't allow employment. What about online income from clients who live outside of Thailand? any personal experience (yours or others) is greatly appreciated. great day for you all.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion revolves around the regulations concerning earning income while holding a retirement visa in Thailand. It is clarified that while direct employment within Thailand is not permitted, earning income from clients outside Thailand may be acceptable as long as no goods or services are provided on Thai soil. Participants share personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of not interacting with Thai businesses and being cautious of local enforcement.

NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES

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Brook ********

Work in Thailand is defined as, “expending any effort”.

You can work in Thailand, especially if you keep quiet about it, until you get caught.

Usually people get caught when they make an ex, a neighbor, or a competitor angry and they make a phone call to the Ministry of Labor or Immigration.

Then, you can be fined and jailed until you can pay the fines and buy a ticket home, at which point you are banned from reentry.

6 months ago

Nigel *********

If you're in Thailand and working, then you're working. There's no grey area. It's not enforced until they want to enforce it. Like a lot of things in Thailand.

6 months ago

Terary **********

I work for a client in the US. I work remotely and live in Thailand on tourist visas. I am sure you can work similarly on a retirement visa. Where you will have problems is if you're taking jobs from Thais or working with groups of immigrate labors (building houses and what not).. Hence, not motor cycle taxi jobs for you, no construction jobs, no food vending, etc.

6 months ago

Michael ******

This is how it seems to work. Not an expert by any means but If no services or goods provided on thai soil and no money is going to or from a foreign or thai buisness account to or from a thai bank account you are in the clear.

Again not an expert but never heard of anyone following this criteria having issue and have heard of those not following this criteria having issues.

Good luck 🤠

6 months ago

Brandon ************

It means you cannot work in Thailand or get a work permit for a Thai company. But foreign income is generally okay. Remote work is a grey area.

6 months ago

Einat *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Brandon ***********

does "foreign income" only equal own savings...?

6 months ago

Frank **********

@Einat ******

no it the Thai Revenue Department gets it's way it would mean your worldwide income.