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How can I obtain a work permit in Thailand as a freelance Wim Hof Method coach without a Thai employer?

Work Permit Thailand Visa Freelancing in Thailand Non-Immigrant B Visa Wim Hof Method Thai Company Ownership Work Permit Sponsorship

Dec 24, 2025

4 months ago

Stevo ******

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hey guys, I just want to ask about obtaining a work permit.  I am a certified Wim Hof Method and breath work coach. My hope is to not work for a company directly but to organise my own workshops at multiple venues, I guess on a sub contractor basis. Is it possible to do this in Thailand 🇹🇭 or do you need to have a Thai employer to do so?

Many thanks in advance 🙏

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To obtain a work permit in Thailand for conducting workshops, you must be sponsored by a Thai employer or have a Thai company. Freelancing is not permissible under current regulations. Legal options include forming a Thai company with 51% Thai ownership, being employed by a Thai company, or hiring a Thai agency to sponsor your work permit. The work permit requires meeting specific local employment criteria, including hiring Thai staff.

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Joe ******

As John already mentioned, nothing changed since you asked that question the last time and most likely will not change in the next few years either

But just a short recap. In Thailand, you can’t work or volunteer without a work permit, which must be tied to a Thai legal entity and approved location(s). So there are only four legal options for you:

- Start your own Thai company (high cost, Thai staff requirements)

- Be employed by a Thai company that sponsors your work permit

- Pay a Thai company/agency to sponsor a work permit for you

- Work in your home country, save money, stay legal, enjoy your holiday in Thailand.

4 months ago

John **********

You asked a similar question 7 or 8 months ago and the answer remains the same. Open a legitimate company, which means 51% Thai ownership (no nominee directors), get the paperwork from the company for a Non-B visa, employ 4 Thai workers and pay appropriately then apply for a work permit through the company. The concept of freelance work doesn't exist for you.

4 months ago

Deslea ********

You would need a Thai employer. If you don’t want to set up a Thai company for it and hire four locals per work permit, there are outsourcing (employer of record or EOR) services that will hire you at your expense, for a service fee on top of payroll outgoings. But it isn’t cheap, VAT is payable on top of the entire price (ie including your salary), and it isn’t compatible with DTV. You would need to switch to a Non-Immigrant B visa. You would only do it if your business is genuinely quite lucrative. However, it does open a pathway to permanent residency.

4 months ago

Brandon ************

The ONLY way to get a work permit is to be sponsored by a company. Whether that's someone else's company or your own, it requires a company. For each foreigner they want to employ, they must have 4 Thai employees.

4 months ago

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Brandon ************

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