What can business owners do without a work permit in Thailand?

Thailand business regulations Work permits Visa types Foreigners in Thailand Corporate governance Business ownership rules

Mar 1, 2024

10 months ago

Ian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi, this comes under the everything else.

I am searching for advice regarding what I can and can’t do while being a business owner in Thailand. I understand I cannot work if I don’t have a work permit, but what about administration, directing, managing and also the financial side of the business.

If there is anyone that can advise it would be appreciated.

I will be seeking legal advice but would like first hand experiences.

Cheers

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The discussion focuses on what activities a foreign business owner in Thailand can legally engage in without a work permit. Key points include that any management or administrative activities are considered work, which requires obtaining a work permit. Contributions to financial management also necessitate compliance with Thai regulations, as accounting tasks must be handled by licensed Thai accountants. Many comments emphasize the necessity for legal clarity, with specific restrictions on ownership percentages and roles in a Thai company.

Nigel **************

All those activites are work! Even to volunteer in Thailand u need a 'work' permit.

10 months ago

Ian ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Have a retirement, girlfriend is going to run everything but was seeing if legally I can do anything without applying for B and then WP

We will be setting up a company with me as an investor.

Initial stages.

10 months ago

Phil ******

@Ian *******

firstly what visa do you have?

If retirement then no

If b then yes with work permit

If tourist or Visa Exempt its a no again.

10 months ago

Neil ********

Limited

You can set up a Thai company as an investor in the business but you cannot have more than 49 percent share. The other 51 percent must be a Thai national. From this position you can advise. If the company is profitable you can take a dividend but not a salary and you can not represent the company.

10 months ago

Dave **********

@Neil *******

or better still, 3 thai nationals you trust, but 17% each

10 months ago

Reply to

Dave **********

Paul ********

The way it was explained to me is you can’t do anything that a Thai can do

10 months ago

Kool *******

Concerning the financials, be fully aware you must have a Thai licensed accountant, as accounting is a restricted occupation for Thais only. The only exception to this is for random internal audits. Lots of regular documents you must file have to be signed off by a licensed accountant. There is no way around this. Also, work is work, no matter how you define it. Even volunteering for no wages is classed as work, and needs a work permit. There are a few exceptions to this in the Tradeshow business, but very limited

10 months ago

Christopher *************

Maybe things have changed since I had bars but I was not able to go behind the bar or change as little a thing as a light bulb. As for Admin etc I would consult a legal person to be on the safe side.

10 months ago

Jacob ********

Good that at least you are asking how to do it correctly without causing problems with immigration. It seems like many just jump on the plane and land here expecting a job.

10 months ago

David ******

Unless your Thai Wife is actually giving the instructions…??? A bit of a grey area, but many foreigners do this

10 months ago

Terary **********

I always knew bosses don't actually "work", thank you for confirming for me.

10 months ago

John ********

Work is work. Managing and doing the finances etc is all work.

10 months ago

Reply to

John ********