We've had legal and tax consultation on this topic, and always been told that officially work done in Thailand is work in Thailand, no matter where the employer is or the salary is paid. But my understanding is that if a foreigner is here for a shorter period of time - say on vacation or a business trip, there should be no problem with working online, sending emails, etc.
However, for longer periods - say more than 183 days in a calendar year - a work permit is in fact required by law. In that case it wouldn't matter that the work is done online or that the employer is overseas.
Be happy if any legal or tax adviser could jump on and clarify.
We've had legal and tax consultation on this topic, and always been told that officially work done in Thailand is work in Thailand, no matter where the employer is or the salary is paid. But my understanding is that if a foreigner is here for a shorter period of time - say on vacation or a business trip, there should be no problem with working online, sending emails, etc. However, for longer periods - say more than 183 days in a calendar year - a work permit is in fact required by law. In that case it wouldn't matter that the work is done online or that the employer is overseas. Be happy if any legal or tax adviser could jump on and clarify.