It depends on the country, in Canada you don't need it. And even though there is now a centralised visa website, I believe individual countries are still processing their own applicants as before.

@James *******

ya I did, 2 weeks ago.....still waiting for response LOL

@Thomas *********

Canadian embassy?

@Stuart ********

thanks, I'm really not concerned about the airline denying me boarding. If they do, I would say fine, sell me a fully refundable one way return ticket which of course I would cancel as soon as I land in Thailand.

@Bobby *******

The OP asked "if you can do it" and "is there going to be serious punishment", not whether it is legal. The practical answer is "yes you can" and "no risk of punishment". Whether its technically legal is not the issue, but rather how do they enforce the law. BTW prostitution is also illegal in Thailand.

@Michael *******

ok but my point is there is no risk of "working from home" from Thailand. Not something you advertise, but the chances of getting nailed are zero. Technically making a phone call back to your office is a violation.

@Stuart ********

that is the literal interpretation of a law that pre-dates the digital era/internet. There is no practical issue if you are doing your usual foreign job but you happen to be physically in Thailand ie. working from "home". In fact the Thai government is actively contemplating officially condoning the digital nomad concept as a means to boost tourism.

Thanks! 😊

Or you could buy an expensive ticket - one that is fully refundable. Book it, obtain COE and then cancel it.

@Kev ***