Can I get a B visa to stay in Thailand if I buy a bar but don’t want a work permit?

was in udon a few weeks back..140 bhat lady drink....bars are empty...

Speaking from experience, I've lived here going on 2 decades and have owned pool & sports bars and restaurants in Bangkok...it is not for the faint of heart. Depending on where you are located Up Country and what you decide to offer, I would keep it very simple. The more entertainment available: pool table, tv's, food and drinks, music, darts....etc the more permits and licenses you will be required to show. I didn't even mention "girls" and ladies drinks. Most guys that I know who have bought a tiny "Bar Beer" for their G/F's (often a bar girl herself) have never seen the money returned or a satang of profit. But as has already been mentioned, you never know until you try, keep things simple and the costs under control and it just might work out. ;-)

bang your head against the wall repeat...dont buy a barnever ever to many problems

May be

Get married

I believe it is possible to just get the Business Visa without the work permit (since you probably will not have 4 staff)

BUT be aware your business as a company as opposed to your gf owning it 100% as a sole trader is going to have a shitload more paperwork, headaches and tax. If it is a small business that you are not expecting to personally earn baht a month then don't form a company. Let the Thai run it as a sole proprietor and find a cheaper visa option

Apart from the wishful thinking of getting a Business Visa (possible but going to incur so much extra costs almost certainly not worth it). The biggest mistake westerners make is thinking they need a company and do it all official. They forget or never know that if the shit hits the fan, they only deposited 10% of the 2 million baht required. The rest is due when the company is closed or legal action is taken. Unless you are paying more than 2 million for the bar. It is not worth it.

So to answer your question, yes you probably will be able to get the Business Visa, but unless your paying close to or more than 500,000 for the bar you are buying. Getting the Business Visa will end up costing your business so much more than what you will save.

For small purchases to keep the gf or wife happy it is better to consider it a gift and salary (and sick buffalo) all in one and up front gesture (as opposed to a monthly allowance). And if things go south to consider it a gift. Probably nothing you do not already know after living here 10 years.

The poster did not ask for opinions on whether to invest in a bar or not.

Firstly, whatever is said on this topic you should go to a lawyer and other specialists

"I am looking to buy a bar in north of the country"

To get a non-B visa, you will need a Thai company. I'm assuming you're attempting to buy an operating business, in which case you've got that box ticked however you will want to speak with a lawyer before purchasing as other rules will apply depending on your level of investment etc (Thai directors and Thai employees etc)

You won't have to apply for a work permit, it would be recommended that you DID. With just the visa you would not be allowed to "help" at the bar in any way what so ever (legally).

I think the only option you have is to be a director of the company that owns, or runs the bar. The company wound need to be properly set up, have registered capital, and registration documents. Then you might be able to generate all the necessary paperwork to get the visa you want. I say might, because I’m only familiar with how that works when the person wants a work permit, and you say you don’t. You most likely wouldn’t get one for running a bar anyway.

I’m not sure if you’d get a years non b though. You might just get 90 days.

You’d need a law firm to set the company up so you could ask them for more details. But I think setting up a company is the way to achieve what you want.

It's a lifestyle choice. Drink with friends until... :-)

Running a bar in Thailand can be very rewarding but seldom is.

If you’ve lived in Thailand since you were 28 . What visa have you been on ?