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

Question

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

Ask Thailand · Answer

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 ************** · Answer

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

Ian ******** · Answer

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.

Phil ****** · Answer

[mention redacted] 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.

Neil ******** · Answer

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.

Paul ******** · Answer

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

Kool ******* · Answer

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

Christopher ************* · Answer

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.

Jacob ******** · Answer

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.

David ****** · Answer

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

Terary ********** · Answer

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

John ******** · Answer

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

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

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