Can I legally host an in-person event in Thailand with a DTV Visa if my clients are primarily foreigners?

Dec 13, 2024
5 days ago
DTV Nuanced question.

I understand that I’m allowed to work remotely in Thailand with clients from outside the country but not to work with Thai clients or be directly involved in Thai businesses.

But, how about in-person events held in Thailand, organised by DTV holders who target foreign clients?

From my experience, I’ve seen some businesses in Thailand (for example organized events, or retreat centers) who invite foreign guest teachers for short-term events while the teachers are on tourist visas (short term business), and nothing wrong or ilegal seems to happen.

With a DTV Visa, would I be able to legally:

- Held an in-person event in Thailand at a venue that regularly hosts other foreign guest teachers for similar in-person events?

Clients attending such events would mostly be foreigners.

Do you have any advice on this?

Is there someone else you recommend I consult? (Currently consulting a Thai accountant).

Thank you so much for your help!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation addresses whether a holder of a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) can legally organize in-person events in Thailand targeting foreign clients. Responses indicate that while working remotely for foreign clients is permitted, actively organizing events would likely violate DTV rules and could be considered unauthorized work, requiring a work permit. Participants stress that generating income or working directly in Thailand as an event organizer is not allowed under the DTV. Various comments suggest caution and encourage consulting a legal advisor for clarification.
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Jeremy *********
It's people like you that are going to end up getting this visas rules changed a ton soon🤦‍♂️
Greg ********
@Jeremy ********
It is just a matter of time before somebody gets done for working on the DTV in Thailand doing business here. People are already doing it in certain industries like Real Estate and targeting nationals from their home countries hoping it will not be noticed.
Jeremy *********
@Greg *******
yep 😵‍💫🤦‍♂️

Not to mention gov officials watching these groups and taking notes.

I see major changes happening to this visa due to these type sadly
Greg ********
@Jeremy ********
Yes, it has happened in the past ie visa rules changing or tightening up.
Jeremy *********
@Greg *******
exactly and it only takes a few bad actors to get those changes
Dom ********
There’s definitely a way to get this going. Just have to tread carefully around what’s considered work and what’s not. Attending events is absolutely fine, maybe if the ‘host’ is technically a Thai person / entity this would be ok
Luit *****************
@Dom *******
attending might be OK, but as soon as it can be seen as work it is strictly forbidden.
Greg ********
@Dom *******
, yes, the DTV allows attending events. Making money off them is another factor, though. A one-off would be OK but a regular gig? The people speaking, training you bring in should have temporary WP's too just like DJ's and other entertainers obtain (Although most training/seminar events never bother). You would just need a rival or enemy dobbing you in over it! If it is that good a business, then why not go legit, i.e., open a limited company or try for something like a BOI "S" Visa?
Kool *******
There is one area that you might be able to do that, but not as you only. The trade show industry does not require foreign sellers to get a business license in Thailand in order to be part of the trade show as a foreign seller targeting foreign buyers in the particular industry, renting space for your display.
Anonymous ******************
By doing so, you are generating income in Thailand, which could be seen as taking opportunities away from Thai citizens—something that is not permitted by the DTV. You would need to apply for a work permit at the very least. However, I’m not certain if this activity would fall under the permitted job categories; it might be allowed as a speaker, but not necessarily as an organizer.
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 380 You can organise these if you have a local company etc and you are employed by them. I know of training and coaching organisations do this. He would need a company or be employed by one to apply for a WP.
Anonymous ******************
@Greg *******
Good to know 👍
Greg ********
Anonymous participant 380 Of course the Thai staff arrange everything and book venues. I just turned up to present/ train! :-)
Greg ********
Pushing the envelope a bit there. You will have to deal with Thai Entities like venues etc.Outside the DTV remit.
John **********
You would be able to attend events organised by others as a guest but not organise events yourself. That's working in Thailand which is not allowed on the DTV
Will ************
Not a chance .
James ********
Absolutely NO 👎 you are seeking to use the DTV Visa as substitute for getting a Thai work permit with a registered Thai business.

Nice try though 😛