What are the rules for remote workers in Thailand working for a foreign company?

In Thailand, all foreign nationals working must possess a valid Work Permit and a relevant visa that allows them to work, which typically requires their foreign employer to establish a branch in Thailand. Thai nationals, however, do not require a work permit to work within the country. Casual work such as checking emails while on holiday is generally not considered employment, but once one starts residing in Thailand, it falls under different regulations. Recent changes have relaxed some work permit laws, yet foreigners are still barred from freelancing unless properly authorized. For remote workers, it is crucial to ensure that one’s employer is officially recognized to hire foreign workers to avoid legal issues.