I had a question about getting a working visa to live in Thailand if you have an online business outside of the country?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the challenges faced by individuals wanting to work in Thailand while operating an online business based outside the country. It highlights the necessity of having a local company for obtaining a work permit, even for remote work, and examines the perceptions around legality and permits for online workers in Thailand.
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I've always been curious why do they consider it illegal if you have your own business online out of the country, but are in Thailand, or any other country for that matter, and work on it from your laptop? Really you could be doing it anywhere in the world. I follow many genuine tourists on social media that have jobs like this where they get paid online for whatever they do, blogging or online consulting, but travel the world, residing in many different countries at a time, and they don't need work permits in every country they go to while they're working from their laptop.
Robert *******
Just to get a different view: You are working in Thailand, using Thai internet providers, Thai servers to connect to other countries, power from Thai Government and so on without paying taxes to the Thai Government, without the Work Permit and on a Visa that is stamped: Working Prohibited. You even signed an official form that your stay in Thailand is just for pleasure and that you shall not engage in any job or occupation. But it should be okay and you can do all in the nomad eyes, because I only use a laptop, it sound like a very dumb excuse.
Robert ********
Sorry Lopez but I do not agree. You are using back-to-back tourist visas to remain here long term (and were already red-stamped) despite really being an expat. As others have stated before, just because some are doing this, does not make it safe or legal.
Thanks I'll look into that. However, as far as "Employment Prohibited" don't you agree that means located in Thailand? Many people who come to Thailand, are employed in their home country, or have their own business online in which they can monitor online while in Thailand, so if they do work for their business located in another country, I would think that would be fine as you are not conducting any business or working for a local Thai company or getting hired by Thai company
Robert ********
Lopez, the terms of your tourist state very clearly "Employment Prohibited", but if that definition falls into a grey area, then out of an abundance of caution perhaps the visa holder should not do it. Just because some allege online that they still do this type of work without any problems, does not mean it is without risk and the consequences if caught. Measure the Risk VS Reward. If you are truly a digital nomad, perhaps you should give thought to
************
Whatever you decide I wish you luck!
Jason ******
Robert A. Piccus It just triggers my curiosity. I'm not working while in Thailand, but I follow many people on social media that do but no one seems to have a definitive answer. I just thought physically working was illegal, but thats why I asked "what if people get paid on paypal" but the responses all said that it was illegal too... so that's why I wondered... what about genuine tourists who travel, on visa exemption, and just get paid while they blog online or ads or if they post youtube videos and they get a $100 in their paypal or something... I just don't understand. For example: you upload a Youtube video and you fly to Hong Kong and film vlogs there, and upload it and get paid for it, then go to thailand, same, you're getting paid by uploading videos while being a genuine tourist, but why is that considered illegal?
Robert ********
Hi Lopez, You are very clever and fortunate to be able to do your digital nomad work from anywhere (provided you have good wifi) but you don't seem to understand the spirit of the employment laws in Thailand as they apply to foreigners, even though you have asked numerous times and the group has replied. Perhaps you should speak with an immigration lawyer for a better explanation, the first consultation is always free. I hope that would help.
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Robert ********
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เดวิด **********
I went through the process about 2 years ago and sent you my $.02 in a PM as well.
Reiner *********
Well, If u work Here , u Need a Company for The Workpermit .....easy to Open, as a dependence from your outside one..or If u want to spend them above a Lot of Money Chose them