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Can I work with a Bronze Elite Visa while owning 49% of a Thai company in Thailand?

Sep 23, 2025
15 days ago
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All,

I am about to move to Samui and have a Bronze Elite Visa and looking to buy a Villa that has a Thai Company as part of the sale.

Am I able to work if I have this Visy and have 49% of a Thai Company.

Thanks in Advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The community consensus indicates that having a Bronze Elite Visa does not permit you to work in Thailand, even if you own 49% of a Thai company. Additionally, there are serious legal concerns with purchasing property through a Thai company, especially if it's perceived as a shell company to circumvent laws. The Thai government is cracking down on illegal practices related to property ownership and visa regulations.
Sasi ************
Elite category is almost guaranteed no work, period.
Robert *********
You do know that is completely illegal.,right?
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Robert ********
certainly do
Rob **********
No you can’t
Daniel ******
Try to get a 10 year LTR Visa if you can afford. No more 90 days BS!
Michael ********
@Daniel *****
just dont do it and pay extra 2000 baht end of year
Jack ********
Ask people on Facebook, that is always the best strategy or sort through the entrails of a dead jackal for a sign either method works.
Erik *******
Buying a house using a fake company with thaï nominees to circumvent the law is a very bad idea nowadays : thaï government is starting a crackdown on fake nominees nationwide . If you get caught : your house will be seized , you will be sent to tribunal , your visa cancelled.

And don’t listen to the many people who profit illegally from this shady system : they all will tell you: “don’t worry : it’s always worked like this in Thailand “ etc… the same guys who were saying few weeks ago that thai banks would never ever freeze/close bank accounts of foreigners …

Thailand is changing. Fast. You better not go against the wind …
Michael ********
No cannot work on elite visa.

Work have to give more detail need company with x amount of Thai workers
Ken *********
@Michael *******
you can work if it's not in Thailand...
Michael ********
@Ken ********
he was asking about work permit for Thailand.
Ken *********
@Michael *******
I see that..wages will be low in Thailand. Be hard to make a decent livinh...
Magnus ******************
@Michael *******
Like nomad from your home country you can work with this visa but not in Thailand.
Michael ********
@Magnus *****************
he was on about work permit, which you cannot get on elite, i was referring to his question
Pete *******
Bronze Elite Visa - Bad choice.

Trying to buy property through a shell company - Bad choice.

Trying to work without the correct visa and work permit - Bad choice.

Do a little more research and make some good choices.
Joe *****
Wow hahahahahahahaha shot answer

. No
Peter **********
@Pete ******
It’s a bit shortsighted to value or condemn someone’s actions while being unaware of his background…

I would rather be careful with making such absolute statements.
Pete *******
@Peter *********
regardless of background I generally advise against illegal activities.
Peter **********
@Pete ******
How is a Bronze Elite Visa illegal?
Pete *******
@Peter *********
the OP wants to work on a Bronze Elite Visa, that’s illegal.
Magnus ******************
@Pete ******
Bronze Elite Visa its my best choice. Its depends how old you are. How much money you have. 650 000 its nothing for some people.
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Magnus *****************
thanks yes already paid for it and I think it’s a great choice. The company part was really my question in case I get bored and want to work.
Joshua *******
@Magnus *****************
bronze looks like a good option. Don’t have to leave the country a bunch of times. Seems like a good option honestly
Pete *******
@Magnus *****************
the DTV made the whole Elite programme obsolete. Sure some people throw their money away. Zero value in this visa.
Magnus ******************
@Pete ******
You can not have bank account and you cant have 5 years drive License on DTV. You need to leave every 6 months and you must do 90 report self or pay someone...
Judy *******
Thai company purchases linked to house sales are illegal unless they can prove legitimate tax payments etc
John **********
No
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