TomTom55

As I implied it is necessary to check the OP's previous posts where s/he quite openly admits to abusing drugs/alcohol

And that matters how? Because somebody has used alcohol or substances means they are not capable of leading a normal life, using their skills to start a business and never leave that type of life style behind? lol Thaivisa is full of bitter 'know it-alls', yes there are a few decent members but daily I lurk and see many bitter old man talking about the same old thing. That bitterness and opinionated jumped up, old fartiness has carried over to this thread. Moderators, you can close it if you will, I have the advice I need and contacts from a couple of decent people to PM.

I really don't understand why they make it so difficult, I mean if they loosened the laws a little but not too extreme, find a middle way (like most of the Buddhas teachings suggest, a middle way), then the majority of the money produced by new businesses would come back into their economy. Owel, what will be will be :/

In what way would you like the laws loosensed ?...and why is it so difficult ?...and how will the majority of the money come back into the Thai ecomony ?

I would suggest that you do not need to employ 4 Thai people, I would also lower the cost of 2million baht and make the process easier in general. However, it needs to be middle wayed and not a situation where you can just arrive and work at the drop of a hat. This is my opinion anyway.

It is difficult because people like me with talent and who are dedicated do not always have 2 million baht lying around, I am only 25..I have enough money to live comfortably but I cannot chuck 2million baht at such a thing at this point in my life.

The vast majority of the money would come back to the economy because my clients would be overseas, so their money would end up in mhy pocket, my money then gets spent on food, rent, social activities etc, AKA the economy...

"Graphic Designers" are 10 a penny ! -- It is one of those soft "qualifications" like "Media Studies" which mean FA and are certainly no guarantee of employment in the real world !

Have you ever been employed as a "graphic designer" ? Or are you living in a make believe world ?

Failing to make a career in the West is a certain guarantee of failure in the East !

My advice is to stop dreaming. go home and WORK ----

Slopping around in Thailand thinking you can earn living whilst existing on an Ed Visa marks you out -----Work permits are not available to people on Ed visas !

You , I suspect are one of many who attempt to circumvent the Thai authorities "rules" to your own advantage -----hence your comment about the country being "backward" because the rules do not fit your purpose.

I have been employed at a printing agency as a designer under the boss here for 3 months until he got worried about work permits. I have made a living from freelancing for a long time so yes I have been employed, in factas I type this I am doing research for a logo design for somebody .

You are a somewhat brash person and even if I have a lot to learn, I have come a long way and made a decent life for myself at a young age. So how about you get off of my case? I do not need your input as I have had decent advice from other people on this board and in PMs. Just a hunch, but you come across as a grumpy old man trying to give some wisdom to a little lost boy, I am not lost, I have made it here for several years and will continue to do so. I have explained that my comment about Thailand being backwards was worded wrongly and in the wrong context, it is 'backwards' in the sense it is a different system and culture to the west, in a good aspects and bad aspects.

I did not fail in the West, I just wanted to leave because I did not like the society, culture, weather, economy etc.

Could a Thai or Cambodian national walk into the UK and ask for a work permit for their Online Business? Nope.

And this is the problem, it's not just a Thai problem, but as far as I know a global problem. The world has changed; jobs have changed and the governing bodies have not been fair or have come up with smart ideas to help people in the situation you find yourself in. Some solution needs to be found as soon I will face this same problem. How is an online business starting up going to find 2 million baht capital and what would you need 4 Thai workers for? It isn't realistic. We live in the internet and social media world now and countries need to take this into account for businesses.

However, you have to see it from their view too; can you imagine if Thailand said, yes, people have who have an online business are free to get a work permit; you then open yourself up to any odd loser with a laptop trying to get a work permit.

What you need, is a bit of common sense (yes, I know that's sincerely lacking in the world and at the heads of this country at the moment, but....) and some kind of screening for online businesses that can bring in a certain revenue that benefit Thailand for tax and that can pass for a work permit. I can't see why this couldn't be a sensible and fair way forward.

So unfortunately, you will probably go down the route many others have to and find other ways to stay in Thailand, may not be exactly legal, but thousands do it. You will get the odd moan from people on here saying well you will just have to go home, but you sound like someone who does want to go the professional route, so you need to be cut some slack and hey, why can't these moaners just live their retirement or go and work at home instead. It's better we have foreigners here willing to work than layabouts who drink Chang all day or embarrass other foreigners with their antics in Pattaya and Nana.

Best thing if you do go down that route is keep it to yourself, don't be a dcik and don't make comments such as "backwards" (that will lose you sympathy and proper help on here). So, good luck on what you start up.

Thank you very much for your understanding but blunt comment. I am not a typical young expat or holiday maker, I stay away from most of the islands and do not frequent gogo bars. I am only 25 and my partner of 2 and a half years is 35 lol, Thai. I studied graphic design and photography for 2 years so it is my passion and I would love to start a business here, yet I am finding it to be a lot more complicated and difficult than I could imagine. I am not going to be able to find 2 million baht any time soon either, so I will have to see what the future brings.

I am still studying Thai as I said I am pretty much fluent but now on the reading and writing courses. I can stay here for up to 5 years with this one school I am with at the moment, and I can always switch to a different school after that. However, as we all know things can change here like the wind with regards to laws and such. When I said 'backwards' I did not mean it in an offensive way or in a context of putting down Thailand, I worded that sentence pretty poorly. I meant that it is quite different to 'home' with a lot of respects and I am lost in what to do about tax, visa etc. But now I know, the hard part will be the doing.

@IMA_FARANG thank you for this interesting bit of information. So technically I could have a business as the Thais did not look forward to the future of technology and set in place laws for up and coming business etc? I really don't understand why they make it so difficult, I mean if they loosened the laws a little but not too extreme, find a middle way (like most of the Buddhas teachings suggest, a middle way), then the majority of the money produced by new businesses would come back into their economy. Owel, what will be will be :/

If the answer is yes, how the hell would that work in this backwards country?

I am curious to know why the OP thinks Thailand is backwards because as a non-national of Thailand they want him:

1. to get an appropriate visa/WP to operate a Thai business

2. Pay taxes in Thailand for operating a business from Thailand

does the UK allow a non-national (lets say a Thai national for the purposes of this example) just set up a business in UK, not require a work visa and not have to pay taxes, if said Thai national is doing business from the UK with Thailand only ?

Dont think so...therefore the UK must be backwards as well

BTW if you have been freelancing from Thailand to this point..you have been working illegally already and in contravention of the conditions of your currrent Ed visa.

I have not been freelancing no, that would be somewhat silly wouldn't it

I sense a little hostility, I did not mean this particular aspect of the country was backwards, I merely referred to it in general. It is backwards for some good reasons and for some bad.

Anyway, back to the topic of starting a business online. If I could have some advice that is not too sarcy that would be great. I literally do not know where to begin with regards to informing who, where and how to pay taxes, what I would need to meet requirements for this B visa. I have heard different things from different people as well which is annoying, so I have come here. I want to do this legit and get it up and running within 6 months if possible.

-Tom

Hello all, hope you are enjoying the hottest hot season in a long while!

I have been living here for several years now and currently am on an ED visa. I am pretty much fluent in Thai but my reading and writing skills are nowhere near as good. Anyway, this is besides the point. I am a graphic designer and have been freelancing for sometime now on the net, I am setting the wheels in motion to start my own business up which would include a website, business cards etc. My clients will all be overseas and these are my questions if I could have some help and advice:

1. Would I need a business visa for this? Surely it is the same as freelancing but just with my own website?

2. Would I need to pay taxes?

3. If the answer is yes, how the hell would that work in this backwards country? I mean I am a British national who would have an online business with overseas clients

Any help is greatly appreciated,
-Tom.

geez come on please, I plan to leave 2moro from

I heard the casino buses to Poipet would be a good idea but cannot find any decent time tables or times?

Hello all, I have been in Thailand for 4 years now and would really like to leave for Songkran. I do not live far from Bangkok so the train journey there is not too long (not Pattaya)! Can people please provide the best routes and prices for a journey there and across the border. I would not mind a train or coach, no minivans or tuktuks or taxis. I have done some research yet have not found what I am looking for, thank in advance,
-Tom

Hardly the injuries of a road accident. No doubt the victim of a crime but of course would need a huge amount of investigation on that and chances are - will never happen.

No, broken legs and a broken spine don't sound like a traffic accident or being run over at all... Black eyes can be caused by getting ran over as well you know, it all depends how he may have been hit and how he landed etc. The fact nothing was stolen does not suggest a robbery or anything of what you may be suggesting IMO.

Talk about overreaction..

Couple of days before New Year, I read a post on some forum somewhere.. some guy said he won't go 'outside' during the celebration, because last time some Thai kids where throwing some firecrackers around him and his wife.

That was the most absurd thing I ever read in my life, and this Songkran topic.. (although It's understandable to take some logical precautions, like being careful on a motorbike and such) is almost the same.

I'm wondering at what time having some fun with water became a day when you not go outside or you leave the country.

No wonder people are <deleted> in the head.

There are plenty of people who I know and have seen saying over the years and this year that they do not wish to take part in the festival. They either wish to find somewhere peaceful and quiet or leave the country and take a short vacation, what is wrong with that? Everyone has their opinion and what they like or don't like. I do not wish to be around drunken people throwing water on me if I need to go to the store or bank for whatever reason, I would like some peace and quiet, so I either go and find that or I remind indoors, it is not a difficult task as I work from home anyway.. You may be surprised, aalek at ho wmany people would like to leave for the duration of Songkran.

everybody told me is shoudlnt ride during songkran. Once i did it was pretty nice cause not much traffic espcially BKK can be a nice playground during songkran if you avoid water splashing areas. But in genreal during these days less traffic than usual so espcially on country road or highways it should be fine.

Or you are prepared to get wet

Not much traffic? Maybe wherever you are but here in Hua Hin the roads get jammed with cars and people in general. There is a lot of water throwing but it does seem to stop when dusk arrives, and it only goes on for 2-3 days. On my first year here during Songkran I fell onto a glass bottle and ended up cutting my hand open in 9 places, I had shards of glass in it. So I had to get to the hospital and after a one of the people I was with at the time, a Thai girl decided to pour beer over my wounds I was on a motorbike heading for the hospital with blood pouring out of my hand. I had to raise it up and show everyone that I was bleeding and they were not to throw water on us, but still some people did.

This year I planned to leave as I have come to dislike the entire festival, but like last year that plan has failed. I may get a plane to Nongkai or quickly hop over to Cambodia if I can, but I am not going outside for 3 days if I stay in HH.

I don't drink anymore, only on special occasions like somebodies birthday or whatever, but it would not be hard to stock up on drinks now and then just get drunk before you go out.. Even after you have gone out, it wouldn't be hard to find a place selling it, I guess it depends where you live. Where I do there is a 7/11 that sells alcohol all day every day and has done for the last 3 years. Family marts don't give a rats ass and they are called, 'Family Mart' hehehe. There are going to be some restaurants and bars serving without a doubt, this is just another way for the government to try and look good and them in fact being totally unrealistic.

Can you elaborate a bit OP please? Could I hop over to Malaysia and get myself a working visa just like that? Would I then be able to apply for jobs or start my own business, mainly within graphic design?

Cheers

Below is a link to the lsit of required documents to apply for a One Year Multiple Entry Non Immigrant Category 'B' Visa - you must be already employed with a valid Work Permit to apply at for such a visa in SE Asia;

Penang is one of the very few SE Asia Consulates currently reported to be issuing non 'B' Multiple Entry Visas and it may be they will only do so if the applicant is ineligible to extend on the basis of employment within the Kingdom of Thailand..

http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/services/123/15388-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22B%22-(for-Business-and.html

Thanks for the link, I don't have a B visa as it is, I only have an ED visa and yes I can speak Thai and do not abuse it. I guess I could go to Cambodia as they hand out work visas easily if I am not mistaken. That is when I feel Thailand has become too touristy for me, I already will not go to places like Phuket or Pattaya anymore, if my town/city I live in gets even worse (which it will), I will probably move to Cambodia in a few years time.

Can you elaborate a bit OP please? Could I hop over to Malaysia and get myself a working visa just like that? Would I then be able to apply for jobs or start my own business, mainly within graphic design?
Cheers

Not exactly difficult to stock up on alcohol from now until then is it.. And yea Ko San Rd is just full of backpackers walking around unless you get me on enough alcohol then I will go down there on a motorbike.

Busses in the south are shockers,I caught one a few years ago from Surat Thani to phuket ,never again.bus was near three hours late ,then there about ten of us had to sit on the floor in the aisle all the way ,even though we all had paid for a seat on air con bus.I was lucky and got to sit on the hot motor for hours wedged between the seat armrests .some of those busses should not be allowed on the road .best wishes to the injured and I hope this might cause a shake up of the industry and get some safety checks put in place.i heard Nakhon chai air wanted to start up down there too but they wouldn't let them , they would have got all the business ,there safe ,well maintained and change drivers every few hours and drive at the speed limit .

Remember, you do live in a developing country, things aren't always going to be like they are back home, fezman,

Another 'tourist' finding his demise in sin city. I guess it makes headlines... Lucky I suppose one of the bar fly's did not end up the same way. Who knows what went down, it's all speculation - could simply be he didn't pay for a girl and she returned with her Thai pimp/boyfriend who exacted revenge. Was there no balcony?

may be there was a balcony, but he was not drunk to "jump"

one thing in the OP i find little strange is that he was bleeding from eyes, strangled people do not bleed from eyes

Do you even strangle...? Yes it does happen often when it is pretty damn brutal. If you don't believe me go and try it for yourself, takes at least 90 seconds often 2-3 minutes though,

do i even strangle? no sorry i do not go around strangling people

I do not believe you, you want to go strangle myself and see how exactly? from heaven?

I was being sarcastic, also your bottom line of text made no sense to me.. :/ But no people do often have blood vessels bursting in their eyeballs after a strangulation if it is brutal enough, in this case it would seem whoever did it really was pissed off and wanted this guy dead no two ways about it.

Another 'tourist' finding his demise in sin city. I guess it makes headlines... Lucky I suppose one of the bar fly's did not end up the same way. Who knows what went down, it's all speculation - could simply be he didn't pay for a girl and she returned with her Thai pimp/boyfriend who exacted revenge. Was there no balcony?

may be there was a balcony, but he was not drunk to "jump"

one thing in the OP i find little strange is that he was bleeding from eyes, strangled people do not bleed from eyes

Do you even strangle...? Yes it does happen often when it is pretty damn brutal. If you don't believe me go and try it for yourself, takes at least 90 seconds often 2-3 minutes though,

Do I read this right - you need a NEW certificate each time you carry out a transaction requiring one (vehicle reg, license application etc)?? Can't a single certificate be re-used?

Yes new each time as they need to keep the original

lol that is why my bike is in my partners name, but I am second guessing if I should get the ninja in my name or not, maybe more hassle but then again anything could happen between us down the line..

So how easy is the bike test for the license? That one never really got answered. What kind of things do you have to do and how much will everything cost as an estimate, license insurance etc?

Been here 3years and currently on a n ED visa... I lost my British License which is a shame, but I can turn up on any bike I want right?

1st Question, as to buying the 2013 or older it is up to you & your financing.

If buying new of course you go about it by going to the dealer.

No discounts here unlike other countries but they give you a few free things

As for the 300 Ninja? That is not available in Thailand neither is the ABS version

as far as I know? It may be available on the green version later.. not sure & have

not noticed. I did buy a new 2013 Ninja 250R & like it. This is the first good sized

revision they have done to the bike so I am partial to the 2013 over older models

If you want to buy older you can get a deal perhaps 100-130k for a 1 or 2 year older model.

Best way to go about that is the ad's on places like here on Thaivisa or Baht & Sold, or Mocyc website

The new model was 158,700 baht at December but I believe it is now 162,500 baht

2nd Question, Thai drivers license? Do It period

It is not but a few baht & you need it if your going to insure the bike etc.

Not to mention not having it will bite you one day same as in any other country

Lastly fuel....You do not mix anything as these are not 2 stroke bikes with fuel & oil mixed

they are 4 stoke engines same as a car

I am running 95 Gasohol in my Ninja & have no complaints

Thanks a lot for your reply, the 250 may be the way to go then, I am not going to complain about 50cc.. I always use 95 as apposed to 91 even on my bike I have at the moment, seems smoother and better overall.

I want to get the license but what bike do you have to take the test on, your own, manual, semi or auto? Or does it even matter...

Moved to the BIkes in Thailand forum.

Cheers, didn't see this forum, thanks for the notice after moving the thread.

Hello all, hope your weekend kicks off to be a good one. I have some questions here for you guys if you may be able to help?

Brief background info, I have been living in Thailand now for 3 and a bit years, I am in my mid 20s, a male and have been with a Thai girl for 2 years (she's 37 though). Yea I know, I could have technically gone with the vast majority of Thai women considering the way things are here plus my age, but I wanted something real and not a business deal. She's a great girl.

Anyway direct back to OT. At present I have a 4 speed motorbike, no clutch of course but I raced motoX when I was young, from the age of maybe 6-10. I want to get a Kawasaki Ninja, the 300cc ABS model. I am not sure if I should get the 2013 model or an older one and I want to buy it out right. What do you personally think would be the best way to go about this here in Thailand?

Second question, I have been riding bikes for most of my life like I said, I ride my bike with a helmet around my town and I do ride pretty 'insane' if I am on my own, but I have a good instinct and reactions and have had no serious incidents over the years. However, I have no Thai license. How much does it cost to get a bike license here and what type of bike do they test you on when you take the test? What is the test like? Whenever I have been pulled here I can speak Thai so I normally get away with saying I lost my wallet or my wallet was stolen in Thai and they just let me go on my way.

Last question, petrol, gasoline, whatever you want to call it. I have never owned a bike of this CC, the highest was a 125 motoX bike and you have to mix the fuel yourself. What would I need to for kind of bike. I assume 91 or 95 isn't going to do the trick? Any feedback is well appreciated, thanks in advance,
-Tom