they get a finders fee

You can be a shareholder. But if you are a director who needs to sign on behalf of the company (other than setting up) then you need a work permit. You could setup the company so that any director can authorise company documents and have your partner as a director also. But if you need to sign then Technically you need a work permit if you sign the documents within Thailand.

Also depending on the location be wary of doing anything that could be considered work. Motorcycle taxis in Pattaya go around photographing known foreign owners of small businesses just so the immigration police can come and fine you later.

@JB ******

you shouldn’t be a director. A foreign director of a Thai company requires a work permit officially to be able to sign documents on behalf of the company if you are in Thailand. You could claim the documents were signed while you were outside Thailand. The likelihood of someone pulling you up for this is slim however. Work permit related matters usually is only if you are on the premises pulling a pint or making a coffee for example.

Well I went there and their was translators on hand but getting it done in time to still get the priority fast track queue wasn’t possible.

However I was told by staff at the application office that I don’t need my document translated for use to apply for a visa at Chaeng Wattana Immigration but other offices may differ. So I am able to collect my document later today.

Thanks biff. However I am already on the extension period. That’s why the timeline is so tricky.