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What are my options for staying in Thailand while teaching online after moving to a village?

Thailand Visa Non-O Visa Online Work Visa Thai Spouse Visa Immigration Rules Teaching in Thailand Expat Life in Thailand

Mar 28, 2024

9 months ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

I am currently working full time in Thailand, I have a Thai wife and I have a WP and, a visa obtained through my school. However I'm considering permanently moving to a village up North and teaching online. If I do this what are, my options? I don't have the savings for a retirement visa.

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The individual is seeking options for remaining in Thailand while transitioning from a full-time job to online teaching after relocating to a rural area. Comments highlight that the current regulations on online work are outdated, and opting for a Thai spouse visa may be the best choice, although it requires some savings. Suggestions include keeping funds in a Thai bank to meet the financial requirement and leveraging the spouse's account for income. The community also advises caution regarding immigration checks and recommends consulting a good agent for assistance.

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Colleen *******

I have a non B and work online up north (Chiang Rai) . A good agent can help you out. There's always ways to get things done in Thailand. Immigration and the ministry of labour have been to my house to check. They do make sure people are toeing the line so best to do it properly.

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Colin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Colleen ******

what did you need? Just your wife's ID and marriage certificate?

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Graham ******

The requirements for the initial Non-O is basically the same as for the 12 month extension (except for the seasoned funds in most Offices). The general requirements are here but they can differ fron Office to Office.

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Colleen *******

I can't answer that sorry. I'm not married to a Thai.

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Colleen *******

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Phil ******

try an agent in Pattaya as they may help with your deposit. Also make sure your earnings go into your wife's account. As others have said there's a crackdown atm

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Terary **********

I have been an remote employee for years. The Immigration Police do not come to bust down your door. However, it has no advantages for visas. I am have been using tourist visa for years.. Your marriage will help with the visa.

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David **********

@Terary *********

they might now as they monitor these sites. There is an increased enforcement in this area at the moment more so than the usual annual one at end of season.

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Terary **********

@David *********

Never use your real name on these sites

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Terary **********

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Colin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Terary *********

is that the yearly visa with the border bounce every 3 months?

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Terary **********

Currently I am on a METV. I have had a few different visas. I have a wife and could get a wife visa but the METV is just easier.

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Andreas *********

you weren't required to show a financial proof holding a Non-B visa during the period you thaught at a school. However if you are now without the work permit, the visa options will shrink to only a few that can be used for a longstay. There is the 90-days Non-Imm-O family visa, which you can change into a 1-year extension of stay based on being married to a Thai wife. For this you need to do the financial proof, which is either 400,000.- THB in a bank account or an affidavit of income over monthly minimum of 40,000 THB

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Colin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Andreas ********

I'm actually still in full time employment with a WP and visa, but just looking at my opinions moving forward and possibly semi retiring to teach online.

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Colin ********

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Andreas *********

yes, you could get a multi entry 365-days Non-Imm-O family visa in Savannakhet, based on being married to a Thai wife, but you will need to show 400,000.- THB in your Thai bank account

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Andreas *********

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Bart **************

The laws on online work are not really adjusted to this century yet, so the way to go would be just do it and stay low. Visa wise you'll then have to go for the spouse option, which does also require savings, but less than retirement. See if you could get 400,000 in a Thai bank for a couple months.

Agents can get you around that requirement but that would make it a recurrent problem. Maybe you prefer to save that money to improve your odds of being self-sustained next year. Maybe a family member could borrow you some?

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Steve *******

@Bart *************

a CPA living in thailand i have known for 40+ years told me as long as you do not employ thai nationals and you shut up - and just work on line - nothing to worry about. Basically what you said Bart.

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David **********

@Bart *************

yes and there is currently a crack down on people working online. Even posting a few YouTube videos can be considered work now its quite mad.

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Bart **************

@David *********

yeah it's really hard to tell what they really want then because it's not that you can reasonably do those things legally. I mean hiring 4 Thais, erm... 🤔

So indeed staying low is important. It must be low enough.

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Bart **************

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Colin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

would the yearly O visa be a viable option?

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Colin ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Bart *************

I was thinking similar

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Colin ********

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