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Do I need a work permit to create YouTube videos in Thailand if I am monetized on the platform?
YouTube monetizationWork permit requirementsThailand visa regulationsExpat living in ThailandTaxation for foreigners in ThailandDigital nomad lifestyleContent creation in Thailand
Jan 8, 2025
a year ago
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTERHi , I would like to ask if I need a work permit if I am monetised on YouTube and I intend to live In Thailand making YouTube films ,
TLDR : Answer Summary
If you plan to live in Thailand and earn income from YouTube, you will generally need a work permit. While some commenters suggest that as long as your payments come from a foreign source, such as an American company (YouTube), you might not require a permit, creating content in Thailand complicates the situation. It is widely believed that if your work involves making videos in Thailand, even if it's for a foreign audience, this may be classified as work, thus requiring the appropriate visa and work permit. It is recommended to consult the Thai labor department or an immigration expert for accurate guidance.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
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Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
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Lucas **********
Real original hey , join the other million wannabes ...
Wayne *****
So many pretend Thai tax experts spreading so much bullshit. Why the hell would you make important decisions based on Facebook advice FFS.
Eric **********************
No I did it for 5 years
Michael *********
Wow another great idea. 🤣🤣
Chris ******
Gig worker in Thailand! Stop in Dubai! Setup a company! All foreign revenu is tax free
The Dubai company Invoices your gig work !
Get a Banking Debit card issued in Dubai!
Live in Thailand with a Dubai debit/credit card!
Draw down your cash requirements at ATMs in Thailand.
If your a résident in Thailand more than 183 days your are liable for the income you declare!
The cash you take from the ATM is cash! It does not reflect you personally as its money from another legal entity! Non résident in Thailand!
Then you decide how much to deposit in your Thai bank account which become taxable!
However, the acculmated wealth resident in your Dubai company/trust not taxable as it is a Dubai résident!
The above is the main reason so many gig workers choose Dubai!
If you ask an accountant in Thai for advice they’ll snitch you out!
Tax attorney opinion must be secure in a round about way!
Ask the questions hypothetically, never identifying the entities involved!
There is a final line between Asset Management and Money Laundering!
Which more and mote is being policed by all countries result of Usa extraterritorial money laundering laws which bear on all banks worldwide which most have USA banking licenses to do business in the USA
The majority of DUBAI banks do not have USA residency therefore therefore the are beyond the reach of usa enforcement!
This is an aged old proven strategy!
However less and less options exist due to the USA!
Even Thai has complied in the past few years to this reality
The Dubai company Invoices your gig work !
Get a Banking Debit card issued in Dubai!
Live in Thailand with a Dubai debit/credit card!
Draw down your cash requirements at ATMs in Thailand.
If your a résident in Thailand more than 183 days your are liable for the income you declare!
The cash you take from the ATM is cash! It does not reflect you personally as its money from another legal entity! Non résident in Thailand!
Then you decide how much to deposit in your Thai bank account which become taxable!
However, the acculmated wealth resident in your Dubai company/trust not taxable as it is a Dubai résident!
The above is the main reason so many gig workers choose Dubai!
If you ask an accountant in Thai for advice they’ll snitch you out!
Tax attorney opinion must be secure in a round about way!
Ask the questions hypothetically, never identifying the entities involved!
There is a final line between Asset Management and Money Laundering!
Which more and mote is being policed by all countries result of Usa extraterritorial money laundering laws which bear on all banks worldwide which most have USA banking licenses to do business in the USA
The majority of DUBAI banks do not have USA residency therefore therefore the are beyond the reach of usa enforcement!
This is an aged old proven strategy!
However less and less options exist due to the USA!
Even Thai has complied in the past few years to this reality
Randy ******
What about having an Only Fans account with Thai shot content?
Ian **********
@Randy *****
Only Fans is illegal in Thailand. There have been Thai ppl tracked down and prosecuted, although that doesn't stop 1000s of ppl doing it. :DRandy ******
@Ian *********
DAMN… I really wanted to show the world my talent!Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Randy *****
is that what they call it these daysReply to
Chris *********
Reply
Paul *****************
Just what we need another wannabe U tuber making inane videos …
Ming ****
The tax policy is truly complicated. Most info available online are false and mixed with truth. If you stay in Thailand for less than 6 months, there is no need to declare for tax.
Ricky ******
A youtuber who has just moved out there said he got a retirement visa y'day. An odd thing to put out I thought.
Danny *******
YouTube is an American subsidiary of Google. You are being paid according to US employment laws - not Thai ones. Complete with W9 and all that jazz.
Cris ******
From my understanding no. If you are not monetized in Thailand or thai youtube account. Technically you are not making money in Thailand. Say you have an American youtube account but post travel videos. You are Technically monetized as an American youtuber. If that was the case. There would not be any Thailand content creators or youtube videos.
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cris *****
if you move to Thailand and your content is about Thailand every day and you build up 50,000 + subscribers, then you will be monetised and collecting a few thousand dollars every month and YouTubers who are monetised become part of the partner program which means they are effectively employed by YouTube and must adhere to YouTube rules .Just because head office is in the states doesn’t mean you are exempt from paying tax In the country you live in.
Example. I worked in the U.K. for a cosmetic company and the head office was in the states but I still had to pay 30% income tax in the U.K. and national insurance
Cris ******
@Chris ********
so yes. Your example i agree with. I'm going to just go ask a few "influencers" here. Haha.Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Cris *****
Most of them are up their own backsides , they love themselves and are a law to themselves. They spend a few weeks in a country and think they know more then the inhabitants of that country, they criticise and disrespect the countries they visit , the bigger their channels and the more famous they become they present themselves as royalty
Cris ******
@Chris ********
oh I 100% agree with you. Haha. There's very few "Thailand influencers" which are legit.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
Janelle *****
I doubt it. I got my dtv literally by proving I am a YouTuber and live streamer
Kai ******
These people wanna be more Catholic than the Pope.
Janelle *****
@Kai *****
bruh LOLReply to
Janelle *****
Reply
Michael ********
@Janelle ****
yes correct these numpties who say noJanelle *****
@Michael *******
ya idk what they’re onReply to
Janelle *****
Reply
Paul ********
Not if you keep is a secret 🕶
John ********
@Paul *******
Brilliant!Paul ********
I have a PhD in common sense 🕶
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Greg ******
Apply for a work permit and find out.
Jim ********
In Thailand, individuals who stay 180 days or more in a calendar year are considered tax residents and are taxed on all income earned in Thailand, as well as foreign income brought into Thailand in the same year it is earned. Non-residents are taxed only on income earned in Thailand.
Edward ******
@Jim *******
unless that foreign income is taxed already and there is a double taxation treaty.Jim ********
@Edward *****
and on a LTR(P) Visa.Reply to
Jim ********
Reply
Leroy *******
I wouldn't ask on FB bro
Dragan **********
If you live in Thailand and making money of course you need a work permit .
If a foreigner going on holidays and doing YouTube then no … Thailand is not paying you
If a foreigner going on holidays and doing YouTube then no … Thailand is not paying you
Danny *******
@Dragan *********
YouTube is not a Thailand company, it's an American one (Google). He is not working for a Thai company or taking employment away from a Thai.Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Dragan *********
Where is it written that YouTubers need a work permit and where does it say that my YouTube revenue is taxable in Thailand?Reply to
Chris *********
Reply
Nigel **************
Go the DTV route to be safe
Hovvard ******
1st rule, don't talk about it on Facebook. Second rule...
William ******
@Hovvard *****
very wise.Reply to
William ******
Reply
Michael ********
Thats what DTV visa is designed for as long as not being paid by any Thai companies
Duncan *******
@Michael *******
DTV allows people to work externally for foreign companies - op is making YouTube videos in Thailand, does that sound like foreign work to you?Michael ********
@Duncan ******
Lots more in ThaiDuncan *******
@Michael *******
filmed in Thailand = working in Thailand and the DTV was never designed for that.Michael ********
@Duncan ******
You tube is not Thai owned hence is in compliance with the regulations in the DTV visa.Michael ********
@Duncan ******
Read the Thai goverment website about the workcation DTV clearly says you can work in Thailand but not for Thai Employer. The guys who applied for this type of visa had to submit portfolios online links to you tube channels etc.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Michael ********
@Duncan ******
Here is one news story in English with National parks inviting them to make videos***************************************************************
*****
508Michael ********
@Duncan ******
Well one of reasons DTV came out was after the popularity of the videos by Cullen a korean guy and his mate who visit all national parks and other offbeat locations around Thailand and they were even mentioned by authorities as likely canditates for this type of visa. They make the videos in Thailand.Reply to
Michael ********
Reply
Charles ********
There are several factors here to consider.
The letter of the law, no. Any work, which could including sweeping your kitchen floor under the thai legal definition, requires a work permit. In practice though, it depends. This law is in place to protect jobs for thai people and is typically only applied if you are taking a job from a thai or do something wrong.
Will the youtube income be paid to which country is an important element. If you have a US business and it is paid to ther, that is good. If you are being Thailand that enters more legal concerning area.
Content of your youtube channel is really important. If it is about Thailand, then you need a work permit. They generally allow travel vloggers to make videos if they part of a larger journey. People living in Thailand full time making videos about it takes a job away from a thai person.
If your content is completely unrelated to Thailand and Thailand is not focused or centered, or ideally even mentioned then you are probably fine.
If you do something wrong in Thailand, they will 'throw the book at you' and charge you with everything possible. Don't do or say anything negative about Thailand, break laws, especially scams.
The letter of the law, no. Any work, which could including sweeping your kitchen floor under the thai legal definition, requires a work permit. In practice though, it depends. This law is in place to protect jobs for thai people and is typically only applied if you are taking a job from a thai or do something wrong.
Will the youtube income be paid to which country is an important element. If you have a US business and it is paid to ther, that is good. If you are being Thailand that enters more legal concerning area.
Content of your youtube channel is really important. If it is about Thailand, then you need a work permit. They generally allow travel vloggers to make videos if they part of a larger journey. People living in Thailand full time making videos about it takes a job away from a thai person.
If your content is completely unrelated to Thailand and Thailand is not focused or centered, or ideally even mentioned then you are probably fine.
If you do something wrong in Thailand, they will 'throw the book at you' and charge you with everything possible. Don't do or say anything negative about Thailand, break laws, especially scams.
Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Charles *******
If I am say living in Pattaya and YouTube revenue I receive £3000 a month into my British account but I obviously use it to pay rent ,bills ,food and all expenses. How am I taking away a job from a Thai person?There are many Thais who also work for YouTube.
All my money is being spent in Thailand so I am therefore contributing to the local Thai economy and I am promoting Thailand and businesses in Thailand
Danny *******
@Chris ********
just out of curiosity, how long did it take you to get to the 3000 a month point? Do you have a link to your channel?Charles ********
@Chris ********
if you are making content about Thailand in Thailand, that could be done by a Thai person. That is how you could be taking away a thai job. It's the same with any job, if you sell coffee on the street its the same effect. If you are planning on promoting Thai business and Thailand, you need to start a company and get a work permit. Not doing so would likely land you in trouble.
If you make content about UK football, then it's still illegal under the letter of the law but no one would really care and it's unlikely you would ever get introuble.
Regarding contribution to economy, no one cares your 3k pounds.
Danny *******
@Charles *******
Signing up for a Google (or YouTube) account is non exclusive. Just because he has a channel doesn't preclude anyone else, Thai or otherwise, from creating their own and doing what he is doing. In fact, they could actually support each other by collaborating with their content.Charles ********
@Danny ******
ah, I get it. So you can open a coffee shop here without a permit because you are not stopping thai from also opening a coffee shop 😉Every cup of coffee you sell is taking away a coffee that could have been sold by a Thai person. The same thing applies to views/videos. Every video you make, every ad you display, every sponsored video could have been done by a Thai but instead was taken by someone without work authorization in the kingdom.
The OP even mentioned promotion thai businesses, that called marketing. No matter how one trues to justify it, you are trying to find a way to run a business without following the laws.
I don't make the rules. It doesn't matter your opinion or my opinion on the rule. The law says no. Running a YouTube about Thailand from inside Thailand without a work permit will get you in trouble...which means immigration jail then deportation. Take your chance if you want.
Reply to
Charles ********
Reply
Pete ********
It’s not a problem atall … you could get new dtv visa which would cover you also … your income is coming from out of Thailand so makes no difference
No need for work permit or business visa
No need for work permit or business visa
Duncan *******
@Pete *******
the DTV only allows people to work overseas whereas op is making videos in Thailand - working in Thailand still requires a proper visa and work permit.Reply to
Duncan *******
Reply
Kai ******
The question is who is paying you? A Thailand resident? Or someone from abroad? If youtube is paying you, it is a foreign company registered abroad so Thailand has nothing to do with it.
Tim *********
@Kai *****
If you are making content in Thailand then you are working. But if a tree falls in the woods and nobody hears ......Chris *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kai *****
So i can film temples and royal houses and the poverty and the entertainment areas in Thailand and make money through YouTube and get tax free money , thanksKai ******
@Chris ********
practically yeah. But I wouldn’t go around and talk about it or even announce it on facebook. Keep it to yourself.
Reply to
Kai ******
Reply
Andy **********
@Kai *****
so you are screwed with patreon, if your subscribers are sozzled expats in Pattaya enjoying commentary free but creepy people watching videos on walking street.Reply to
Andy **********
Reply
Paul ***********
Let's answer using this example 👇
How are you any different if you are making content in Thailand ❓
How are you any different if you are making content in Thailand ❓
***********************************************************************************************
%*****
4%20new%20rules%20have,This%20is%20not%20possible%20anymore.Braulio *********
yes
Nigel *********
I would say go and speak to the labor department and see what they say.
Naja ***********
@Nigel ********
immigration department is the one to ask.Reply to
Naja ***********
Reply
Andrew *********
My Facebook expert opinion, with absolutely no research or professional legal training, is that the taxman is probably the one who cares most.
Paul ***********
@Andrew ********
here is an expert opinion***********************************************************************************************
%*****
4%20new%20rules%20have,This%20is%20not%20possible%20anymore.Paul ***********
@Andrew ********
tax mans position is easy.. 180 days in Thailand you are tax resident working or not 👍Steve ********
@Paul **********
Yes, but you don’t have to pay tax unless you actually work here, or remit money from earnings/pension overseas. And even then, with dual taxation agreements, you may not need to pay tax. Good idea to take legal advice rather than rely upon Facebook comments.Paul ***********
@Steve *******
er I suggest you go and read the tax code... 👇👇..As I have said 180 days in Thailand you are tax resident.. DTAs will mitigate what you would be liable to pay on Thailand for sure
Go talk to a lawyer they will tell you same thing I am telling you 🤦 👇
Overeas income as of 1st Jan 2024 is now potentially assessable income.. Including pensions
It's all here just takes the ability to read 👇
***************************************
*****
.htmlReply to
Paul ***********
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Chris *******
It becomes tricky if you are creating content IN Thailand.
Otherwise what you do quietly in your own privacy is your business.
No work in Thailand, no revenue in Thailand.
Otherwise what you do quietly in your own privacy is your business.
No work in Thailand, no revenue in Thailand.
Gary **********
I'd say yes ..
Reply to
Gary **********
Reply
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