What are the options for a foreigner on a Non-O visa to work in a restaurant with a Thai spouse in Thailand?

Just make a partnership co Ltd , it’s very easy and the cheapest way to get your work permit, no Thai staff required.

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The rules in setting up a business with your wife are that you have just 1million baht in registered capital, instead of two million, and that you hire at least two Thai employees, instead of four, and pay Thai social security on them. As an owner you have no minimum wage requirement, but after, I think, three years it must be making a profit.

I think without the additional workers, it’ll be hard for you to get the WP. That being said, I know plenty of foreigners who run restaurants here and many don’t have Work permits, not saying it’s necessarily advisable, but at least you have the long term visa..

I have had this discussion before. You are allowed to help and advise your wife in her business but not actually work. Degree of help allowed is based on inspecting officers decision.

It would be a lot easier and cheaper for your wife and a Thai friend / relative to work there, you maybe work discretely in the background doing the books and collecting supplies from Makro.

Anyone can run a business in Thailand.

But in order to work at the business, you have to have a work permit and a visa that also allows work.

Most businesses require 4 Thai employees with proof of social security payments to be able to provide 1 foreigner a work permit. Each foreigner also has a required minimum salary based on the country they are from.

If you don't have a work permit, and you even so much as pick something up off the floor, you can be found in violation of your visa and deported etc.

I believe the ONLY Non-O that allows you to get a work permit is for Non-O based on marriage to a Thai. Any other reason is work prohibited.

Basically by working at this business you want to start, you are stealing a job from a Thai person if you work. This is why the laws are the way they are.

The minimum salary for a foreigner from the US is 60,000 Baht. So even if you meet all the other requirements, the business would have to pay you as an employee this much each month or you don't even qualify for a work permit.