Answereda year ago

What are my visa options as a managing director of a Thai company while living abroad?

Thai Visa Options Non-B Visa Work Permit Managing Director Status Company Ownership in Thailand Immigration Rules

Dan *******

asked Jul 18, 2025

1.1k

views

replies

likes

I co-own a Thai company and I am registered as one of the managing directors. 

I used to live in Thailand full-time so it made sense to have the yearly non-B visas and extend them every year at the immigration, but I recently moved abroad and only come to work in Thailand for a max of 3 months a year. We also no longer need the 4 employees and would like to scale down to 1 or 2.

What are my options now visa-wise? Ideally I would like to remain as one of the managing directors.

Thanks in advance!

Answer summary

The user, a managing director of a Thai company, was previously living in Thailand full-time with yearly non-B visas but has since moved abroad, only visiting Thailand for a maximum of three months per year. They are looking for visa options while possibly scaling down their workforce. Responses indicate that the user would still need a B visa and work permit, even for short stays, and maintaining director status is possible without a work permit, but they cannot work in Thailand without it.

6 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Parichat ********

You agent can give you more information for that. More staff more expenses I understand but for setting up the company and processing for work permit I think it is necessary.

a year ago

Stephen ********

You can still be listed as a director, but without the work permit you cannot work.

a year ago

Dan *******

@Stephen *******

so I could still sign company documents digitally as a director when I'm abroad? Also, when I do come to Thailand, could I oversee operations, visit the company, talk to employees, etc. on a visa exemption?

a year ago

Stephen ********

@Dan ******

BUT, I was able to set up a company, sign the papers etc while on visa exempt

a year ago

Stephen ********

@Dan ******

on these points, I'd definitely seek advice from a thai lawyer as I honestly cannot say.

a year ago

Bradford ******

Even for 3 months, still need a B Visa and Work Permit. Need to meet the minimum hiring of Thai people for each foreigner work permit.

a year ago