Can I run a medical tourism business in Thailand on a DTV visa?

Question

Hi everyone, hope you're having a good day.

I have some questions about the DTV visa and running a business on it in Thailand.

I'm in the process of starting a business, and my thought was to run it from Thailand on a DTV visa (with the business registered in the EU).

However, I'm a bit concerned about certain aspects of the broad interpretation of "work" in Thailand.

My business is, simply put, for medical tourism, connecting non-Thai individuals with Thai hospitals and clinics for various procedures.

Even though my business operates entirely remotely, there's still communication between it and Thai businesses — is that a dealbreaker?

If I hire a Thai consultant (as needed for bookings) who handles all communication with the hospitals and clinics, would that be a solution?

Unfortunately, this business plan doesn't fit the requirements for the Smart S visa or any of BOI's sponsored activities, and I don't have the capital to apply for "bigger" business visas yet.

I'd be grateful if someone could shed some light on this or share their own experiences.

Thank you so much!

Best regards,

Ask Thailand · Answer

A user is inquiring about the legality of running a medical tourism business from Thailand while on a DTV visa. They express concerns about communication with Thai hospitals and clinics, and whether hiring a Thai consultant could mitigate any legal issues. Responses indicate that running a business directly related to Thai stakeholders is generally not permitted under DTV regulations, and it is recommended to consult with a qualified professional rather than relying on informal advice. Engaging with Thai businesses appears to introduce complications regarding labor and tax laws.

Positive******** · Answer

Not possible. This involves direct dealings with Thai stakeholders, which aren’t permitted under the DTV regulations. It may work if you’re not staying in Thailand but you may also need licenses as medical tourism and tourism are highly regulated here. Your Thai middleman remains subject to Thai labor and tax laws and if he acts as your company’s agent in Thailand, your company could be considered to be operating here which is where the issues start. Clearly not the right time to jump into such project with the ongoing crackdown.

Greg ******** · Answer

Cannot do it on DTV I was told by a consultant who asked her lawyer. I enquired about similar and was looking at the BOI Smart route too. Talk to someone qualified about this and do not rely in Facebook answers. It is pretty clear running medical tourism in Thailand is running a business here and dealing with Thai companies ie the hospitals and clinics. Even hiring the Thai middleman you are engaging with that Thai middleman (Who hire the Thai? Your EU company? How does that work with Social Security and other legalities?)) I looked at this whole thing with a good friend and ex-colleague from Big Pharma. He can offer consultancy & advisory here to Oncology Professors and Dr's but not on  a DTV. Company is Singapore based He can accompany concierge patients to appointments and consultations but not on a DTV based here. I asked about him doing it on Retirement Visa instead and the lawyer would not give a definitive answer but thstcwqs for online consultations from Thailand to people outside Thailand

DTV_Be******* · Answer

Yes

Can I run a medical tourism business in Thailand on a DTV visa?

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