Can I legally do freelance remote work in Thailand with my current work permit?

Oct 21, 2024
a month ago
Ron ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello. I'm working at a school in BKK and have a work permit, and the tax id. I'd like to do part-time remote work as a freelancer (non-teaching) and get paid to my thai bank account from clients overseas. Would it be fine? I'd like to do it legally, I'm willing to declare my income and pay tax. Can you suggest the way to do it? Normally, one would need to open a company and sponsor his work permit. But I do have a wp and don't think you can possess two. Any ideas appreciated. Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The original poster inquires about the legality of engaging in part-time remote freelance work while holding a teaching work permit in Thailand. They express willingness to declare income and pay taxes. Various commenters provide insights, with some suggesting that a second company could be added to the existing work permit, while others assert that the type of work and visa conditions complicate the issue, pointing out that individuals on a different visa (DTV) may not require a work permit for certain freelance work. Confusion exists regarding the necessity of setting up a company, acquiring a new work permit, and the implications of working for clients outside Thailand.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Ron ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
Just to make clear: I don't have a bank acc in another country, including my home country and it would be difficult to do so bcs I'd have to travel back home. Hence my options are a thai bank acc for now at least
Divya **********
I would suggest you to consult a business lawyer. As far as I know, if you want to legally do freelancing, then that would require you to setup your own company and add the new company onto your existing work permit. You don't need to have two work permits. Once you have setup the company and all, just go to the labor office with required documents, pay the fees and they'll add the second company onto your existing work permit, allowing you to work legally for your own company and pay taxes on it.
Radost **************************
@Divya *********
why you spread nonsense and lies? As far as you know means you are stupid and know nothing. There is no work permit for working for companies outside Thailand. This is the reason why there is a dtv visa as it proves for this kind of work you don't need any work permit and in fact there is no work permit in no country in the world. Just don't post if you know nothing about law
Divya **********
@Radost *************************
How high are you? I want to know where you get your stuff from just so I know to avoid purchasing anything from there. I clearly said that he needs to setup his own Thai company to be able to work legally with a work permit (even if that is just doing freelancing).
Chris *******
@Radost *************************
how to apply when you already have non B visa and work permit in thailand...

You are the stupid one who are argue with nonsence...
Radost **************************
@Chris ******
apply for what? You don't have to apply for anything. You can work online on any visa what exist. Get a cognitive test and you will be disappointed for sure
John *******
Individuals on a DTV (glorified tourist visa) are allowed to conduct remote work without a work permit, not sure why this would be different.
Andi ***********
@John ******
Work permit is very different with conditions dependent upon the Thai employer consent.
John *******
@Andi **********
so you would need government approval for the same work someone on a DTV is doing, who doesn’t need approval?
Andi ***********
@John ******
Do you have a work permit in Thailand?
John *******
@Andi **********
No, I am on a DTV
Chris *******
A second company can be added to the work permit, as long as the 1st company agrees.
Chris *******
You get a work permit for your job as teacher only.

You cannot work as remote worker without a work permit for another part time job.. mean you need to create a company, and all process to get a work permit
Radost **************************
@Chris ******
don't spread lies, when you work for companies outside Thailand you need nothing, and even legally no country can issue a work permit for working in another country. You know nothing about law but you spread wrong information
Chris *******
@Radost *************************
he is talking about a 2nd part job as remote worker ... receving income on his thai bank account...

He lives and work in Thailand !...

So.. please read well before ..
Ron ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Chris ******
so if I do this, I'll have 2 work permits. Does the labor office allow holding 2 work permits?
Chris *******
@Ron ***
sorry.. but i don't know if possible to use 2 works permit (i am in retirement visa 😊)..
Rene ********
Shhhhhhh
Ron ****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I was on a Non-B visa, now extension of stay based on work, organized by the school.
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