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Can I operate a dropshipping e-commerce business while on a DTV in Thailand?
Feb 12, 2025
a year ago
Johnny *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi peeps!
I'm interested by the DTV but I was wondering if it's fine to work online with a Dropshipping website from products in Thailand?
For example, I run an e-commerce website, living in Thailand. When a customer order a product, I will buy the product to the store and send it to the customer.
It's a little bit tricky so that's why I ask. I know with the DTV, we can't work in the Kingdom, but is it considered as working?
Thanks!
I'm interested by the DTV but I was wondering if it's fine to work online with a Dropshipping website from products in Thailand?
For example, I run an e-commerce website, living in Thailand. When a customer order a product, I will buy the product to the store and send it to the customer.
It's a little bit tricky so that's why I ask. I know with the DTV, we can't work in the Kingdom, but is it considered as working?
Thanks!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The community debate centers around whether operating a dropshipping business while holding a DTV visa is considered legal work in Thailand. Several comments emphasize that if a business is registered outside Thailand and does not involve Thai entities, it may be permissible. However, most agree that engaging with Thai customers or suppliers is illegal under the DTV regulations. Consulting a legal professional for clear guidance is highly recommended.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
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- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Ellie *******
Technically, your business establishment needs specific license for export/import business in Thailand. May depends on volume though.
Christopher ********
Your customers and suppliers cannot be thai
Amin ************
Theoretically, if your company is registered in another country, not in Thailand, and you’re running an “international business,” it is possible to accept payments in the country where your business is registered. After paying all your taxes, you can take your net income as your salary.
For example, Fashion Nova runs ads in Thailand, makes a sale, accepts the payment, sends the item to the customer from their warehouse (or supplier) in Thailand or another country, and pays taxes in the US - it operates as US company, so it’s legal.
If you’re using a local payment gateway, you will need official Thai business registration.
Anyway, hire a lawyer and get professional consultation. It’s much better than guessing.
For example, Fashion Nova runs ads in Thailand, makes a sale, accepts the payment, sends the item to the customer from their warehouse (or supplier) in Thailand or another country, and pays taxes in the US - it operates as US company, so it’s legal.
If you’re using a local payment gateway, you will need official Thai business registration.
Anyway, hire a lawyer and get professional consultation. It’s much better than guessing.
Johnny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Amin ***********
Interesting. But the things is "buying product from Thailand suppliers" and send it outside of Thailand. In your example, it seems that they have their own stock in Thailand right? Maybe a little bit different than buying from a store in Thailand?Amin ************
Johnny Doerthy I believe I made a mistake when mentioning the warehouse. To have a warehouse in a particular country, you need business registration in that country. However, if you have a supplier operating on a dropshipping model, it’s not necessary to have business registration in that country.
The main point is that if you accept payments in Thailand (as a business), you need to register a business there. If you accept payments in another country, pay taxes there, and operate as an international business, registration in Thailand is not required.
I have my warehouse in the country where I manufacture my products, but I had to register a business there. However, when I worked with suppliers, purchasing goods wholesale and shipping them to another country, I didn’t need business registration.
And I could have had orders from the country where I manufacture my products, but I was accepting payments in another country and shipping the goods from my warehouse.
Please do not take my words as advice or recommendations. This is my personal experience.
The main point is that if you accept payments in Thailand (as a business), you need to register a business there. If you accept payments in another country, pay taxes there, and operate as an international business, registration in Thailand is not required.
I have my warehouse in the country where I manufacture my products, but I had to register a business there. However, when I worked with suppliers, purchasing goods wholesale and shipping them to another country, I didn’t need business registration.
And I could have had orders from the country where I manufacture my products, but I was accepting payments in another country and shipping the goods from my warehouse.
Please do not take my words as advice or recommendations. This is my personal experience.
Johnny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Amin ***********
Ok thank you for the info, and yes of course, it's not a "legal" advice but it's good to have feedbacks from anyone in the same situation 🙂Is it possible to send you a quick private message?
Amin ************
Johnny Doerthy Sure. Feel free to message me.
Reply to
Amin ************
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Johnny *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks for your answers. I was not sure.
Sam ******
Johnny Doerthy if your business is registered in a foreign country, you don't have to provide details of where your products are sourced. You literally just need to show your business registration and your income.
Don't listen to people here who don't know a single thing about e-commerce and are predisposed to telling everyone that they are not eligible.
Don't listen to people here who don't know a single thing about e-commerce and are predisposed to telling everyone that they are not eligible.
Johnny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sam *****
You right. If the company is outside of Thailand, I don't see why it will not work. But if I decide to go with this project, I will ask to a lawyer, just to have the real advice from a real professional.Reply to
Johnny *********
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Sam ******
Johnny Doerthy none of these people are sure either.
Johnny *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sam *****
I know xD that's how FB groups work.Reply to
Johnny *********
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Anonymous ******************
No, "products in Thailand" means dealing with thai entities/thai suppliers. It is illegal under a DTV.
James ********
Anonymous participant 120 correct ✅
Reply to
James ********
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Jeremy *****
Absolutely not
Wannikea *********
If your customers are Thai, or the business/entity you're buying from is Thai, it isn't possible. It must be a foreign company not interacting with Thai commerce.
James ********
@Wannikea ********
correct ✅Reply to
James ********
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Ray *****
No you cannot do that. It would be considered working in Thailand
Christopher ********
@Ray ****
it’s not if the products aren’t shipped from ThailandRay *****
@Christopher *******
he literally said he would be sourcing the products in ThailandChristopher ********
@Ray ****
oh yeah noReply to
Christopher ********
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