LazyYogi

For those who work here online and want to avoid any gray area, the one solution that I know of is to do your invoicing through an umbrella company, who then pays your taxes for you and gets you a work permit.

Malaysia has a very attractive option for an offshore company setup using their federal territory Labuan.

A foreigner can set up a company with only a minimum of 1 shareholder and 1 share needed.

So you can essentially set the share price at 1 dollar and have basically no upfront capitalization costs to show.

The set-up time is very quick, and there is a low corporate tax rate.

For more details: http://siamstartup.com/news/thailand-boi-company-vs-malaysia-labuan-international-company/

It's also possible to get a renewable 2-year business visa easily after starting a Labuan Company.

It sounds great from a business perspective, although I'm not necessarily keen on living in Labuan or anywhere else in Malaysia.

Penang is OK enough for short visits, but don't know if I'd want to live there.

So I was wondering if there is a practical way to establish a company using this offshore structure, and yet be able to stay long-term in Thailand.

What kind of visa can you get?

Do you have to establish some sort of Thai branch office to get a work permit?

I've heard of others registering their businesses in HK and running them from Thailand. What setup would work for that?

And what advantage does HK have over Labuan?

Sorry for so many questions.

I was quite surprised to find out about the Board of Investment promotion advantages that some companies can get.

For example, majority ownership by a foreigner and 0% corporate tax for the first 8 years of running the business are possible:

http://siamstartup.com/boi-company-thailand/

Why don't more people try to get a BOI certificate for their company?

And why do so many think that the 4 Thai workers and 51% Thai ownership are set-in-stone rules?

I guess if you're going to open a restaurant with your wife, then it wouldn't apply. But for someone with a good business idea it seems worth investigating.

Are these new rules really targeting Farang from western countries so much?

How many European/American/Australian/etc. overstayers are there?

I thought maybe they are making these rules to target Burmese, Laotians, Cambodians, mostly.

Thailand really should try to make it easier to set up a company. They're going to end up losing a lot to the other countries in the region.

Compare, for example, how much simpler it is to set up a company in Malaysia using the Labuan federal territory: http://siamstartup.com/news/thailand-boi-company-vs-malaysia-labuan-international-company/

Even many Thai-owned homegrown startups chose to incorporate the company in another country due to the way Thailand's ownership restrictions limit the potential for attracting foreign venture capitalists, as reported here: http://www.techinasia.com/successful-startup-settle-thailand-register-company/

This is a good thing.

Get a work permit and work visa. Pay your bloody taxes. Then you'll have no problem.

This visa run thing has gone on long enough. One of the good things that will come out of this is we will have less 'teachers' now. We really don't need all this riff raff 'teachers' whose only qualification is speaking the language and being white. High time this country hired real English teachers.

Easier said than done mate. Unfortunately, it's not as black and white as that - not every foreigner who works here is, or aspires to be a teacher. How do you propose freelance programmers, for example, or YouTubers who work alone get a work permit? I'm sure there are many people who work online, and get contracts from abroad, want to work legally and pay taxes, but are simply unable to due to the archaic labour laws which don't have a place in the digital age. What about the jeweller, the designer, the artist, the entrepreneur or any other of the myriad freelance professions that require a currently unobtainable work permit, for whom starting a company (which they can't even fully own), renting an office and employing several Thai staff before they can employ themselves is just not a viable option? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

Here's hoping, as the article suggests, that the immigration laws will swing the other way too, and make it much simpler for these guys. It'll not only benefit them, but Thailand too.

At least for freelance programers, I'm aware of a work-around, where a local company hires them and pays out a salary based on how much they bring in from their clients, who the company invoices instead of the freelancer directly. For example: http:/iglu.in.th/work

The taxman is happy, immigration is happy, and the BOI is happy since the company also hires a number of young Thai programmers who are getting valuable experience.

The jeweler, on the other hand, might be SOL.

 

 

 

So start a contract under a BOI registered umbrella company.. End of problem. 

 

They take 30% of your turnover for income taxes, social security, vat processing, accounting, corporation taxes, lawyers fees and visa processing.. Bargain no ??? 

 

I mean, your more than happy to pay to be legal right ?? 

 

 

Finally someones come up with an option that sounds feasable if that provides me with a legitimate way to secure a long term visa then yes I would pay 30%, I'd like to get more information on this.

 

 

i think the link in my earlier post might be want you want: http://iglu.in.th/work/

Of course I decide to work as a freelancer in Thailand when they start to crackdown! Wondering if anyone can give me advice on my personal situation...

I first moved to Bangkok with my bf in January. We came in on a single-entry tourist visa on January 15. We left on February 27 before our initial 60 days was up for a 2 month stint through Cambodia and Vietnam. I came back into the country to meet a friend and travel around the islands on a visa on arrival on April 14 and went on a visa run to Laos on the 6th of May. I obtained a double-entry visa, which I just recently extended to receive the additional 30 days from the initial 60.

I leave on August 4th for a month-long trip to the US (where I'm originally from), which is my first time leaving the country on my double-entry visa. I'm worried about being able to come back into the country on September 3rd even though I would simply be activating the second entry on my valid visa.

Does anyone know how this might affect me or if I'll be okay to come back in? Is there any number we can call to speak to someone at immigration?

Thank you!

Amanda

Since you had the 2-month break in Cambodia/Vietnam and will be back to the US for another whole month I would guess you'd have no problem.

But for a longer term solution, depending on what your line of freelancing is, there may be a way for you to do so legally, with a non-B visa and work permit by using a Thai company as a go-between you and your clients. I know one company in Chiang Mai currently doing this with quite a few Europeans/Americans/Australians: http://iglu.in.th/work/

There is one solution for freelance programmers or contract IT folks who want to work here LEGALLY.

You can get hired by an IT company in Thailand that specializes in outsourced work.

The company invoices your client instead of you directly.

The company pays you a salary based on how much you bring in minus some percentage.

They pay taxes out of the portion that was taken out, and you get Thai health insurance.

You get a non-B visa and work permit.

*Extra bonus--> As the visa is tied to a BOI promoted company, you also get to use the fast lane at the airport.

Here is one company that is doing this: http://iglu.in.th/work/

As it is a BOI company, they can get around the 4:1 Thai/foreigner staff ratio, so they're actively looking for more people.

You have to meet the legal requirements to get a visa, which would be a degree in your field or min 5 years experience.

Plus you need to be able to bring in a minimum of $2000 per month from your clients.

For many people that should be no problem.

The company I linked to is in Chiang Mai. But there may be some other companies in Bangkok or other places with a similar setup that I don't know about.

I've been a tourist (or "tourist" for those of you with a time based definition of the word) in SEA (8 countries) for the last 5 years. I do not work. I use saved money from an EU country. I'm not 50 yet.

This is what I have in my current passport:

* TR visa (double entry) issued in May 2013 in Savannakhet, and used for two entries plus two extensions until November 2013, when I entered Malaysia.

* A three day visa exempt visit in Thailand in February 2014, and

* a TR visa (single entry) issued in May 2014 in Penang. It's now active and extended until August 12.

So some of my options are:

* Leave and spend my money elsewhere (which is fine for me).

* Go to Laos on holiday for a few weeks and also get a new tourist visa (and keep touring in Thailand).

* Study Thai and get an ED visa.

* Look for a job and get a work permit + non imm.

I would like to hear from you guys about my chances to do the TR in Laos alternative. Will I have trouble getting back in? How long should I stay in Laos before applying?

If you've got the money saved up to travel around for years on end without working—I envy you

And I can't imagine why you'd want to chose the option of looking for a job and getting a work permit.

The ED visa option might be good if you like staying in Thailand—you an learn a lot about the country by learning the language.

For people who do want to work, but aren't keen on English teaching, I saw that there are some companies that have found a way to legally hire staff to do outsourcing programming work. Here's one example in Chiang Mai. That might be an option for some who have been doing freelancing up until now.

If the furniture is made from good quality teak wood, you really shouldn't apply any oil to the exterior as it already contains within.

Applying extra oil makes it look good for a while, but attracts mold. See here: http://teakpatiofurnitureworld.com/should-you-treat-teak-patio-furniture-with-teak-oil/

Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors.

Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day.

I'm not sure how things are going to change under the new BOI, but under the existing system they did have the power to waive both the 51% ownership and 4:1 worker ratio, as you can read about here.

I know in the company I work for, for example, the company founder from Finland owns over 80% and our worker ratio is closer to 1 Thai for every 4 foreigners. But of course you need to apply for special promotion from the BOI to have them allow exceptions. It would make things much easier if they just relaxed these requirements across the board.

I get the feeling that there would be much more investment if more foreigners were even aware of the benefits and possibilities of BOI promotion.

Most people think that the 51% ownership rule is set in stone and they won't believe you if you tell them otherwise.

"I am wondering if i should jump on a flight at the end of the month?"......... that makes it March

Doi Suthep on a clear day.

Doi Suthep in March

Thanks for reading my blog Uptheos. I'm kind of dreading waking up to look out the window to picture number 2 again soon.

My advice for the OP would be to build up his source of online income for a couple more months and come over in May. The weather is much better.

Plus you'll be more comfortable if you're pulling in closer to $1000 per month.

Unless he really wants to try out the whole Songkran thing, then come in the middle of April, but be very careful with any personal electronic devices during the festival days.

You won't want to take your laptop out of your room until it's over. Keep your phone in a plastic bag, etc.

By the way, the original blog post that the 2 pictures are from is here, if you want to read up about what to expect in March: http://siamandbeyond.com/smoke-pollution-makes-march-the-worst-month-to-visit-chiang-mai-northern-thailand/

The video is in Sipsongpanna

That's the Thai people's ancestral homeland.

So it's not like their entirely copying CM.

and the other ones?

There was one this past Songkran holiday. And there are a few every year it seems. Mostly people get drunk and fall in or go swimming drunk and never make it out.

Actually, I could teach you as well. I wrote the iPhone app "Reading Thai" and hosted a Thai learning podcast, so I know what I'm talking about.

I sent you a PM with the name of a good Thai teacher here in CM.

Her schedule is pretty full, but she does have time on Saturdays and Sundays.

Driving along the north side of the moat this morning around 9:30, I saw a small crowd of onlookers right by the Chang Pueak Gate.

This is where the Red Shirts have a stage set up right now, so I thought it might have something to do with them.

Then I noticed what everyone was looking at.

It looked like the body of a Thai man around 40 years old.

Seemed like he'd just recently been fished out of the water.

Didn't look like there were any signs of life. The rescue personnel at the scene was digging around if the man's jean pockets, I'm assuming to look for any type of ID.

Super Bowl XLVIII is here! Come watch the Seattle Seahawks annihilate the Denver Broncos! Or, wait, is it the other way around? LOL!

Mark your calendar for 6:am on Monday, February 3 at the Empress Hotel in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

There will be an all-you-can-eat buffet for just 250 Baht per person.

Normally around 100 people join this event.

THIS IS A FAMILY FRIENDLY EVENT - No Alcohol will be sold, served or available. NO BYO either, sorry.

Location:

Empress Hotel, Chiang Mai

6:am doors open

6:30am kick off

250 Baht per person

For more info, call and talk to Ning: 053.960.290

https://www.facebook...58373984382358/ - Join the Facebook event if you want to.

I went to this even last year and depending on what kind of family you have it's friendly.

During the half time when we wanted to talk about the game and do as we please as we payed for attending they made everyone be quiet for Christian prayers (not Buddhist as is the religion of this land and for sure not what I adhere too). Also literature was passed out, this was non intrusive and wasn't really a problem but not really appropriate for a football game. If your going to have thins kind of event and charge people they should be upfront about it and not try to trick us like they do the other people they are trying to convert.

If this years event is different I apologize in advance and ask to please be corrected but as I believed it is sponsored by the same company I am assuming correctly otherwise I wouldn't have posted as such (also the no booze ban is a good hint!).

I'm all for freedom of religion and freedom of speech but feel it is only forthcoming that they be used concidingly when appropriate.

Exactly!

I attended 2 years ago, and thought I'd be able to catch the halftime show as well.

Instead, the broadcast was turned off for 20 minutes while some guy talked about all of God's work they were doing in Burma, and some lady got up to lead a prayer begging the lord to please, please, please help those poor people in Burma.

Just to enlighten you all about the name Maya, the mall is named after the birth mother of Guatama Buddha

Nothing to do with Mayans or the mesoamerican civilization, wow, so now you can all impress your friends and tell

them that the mall is named after buddhas mother and they will think you are soooooo clever

No it isn't. The name of the new mall in Thai is pronounced "me-ya" (เมญ่า).

The Thai name for Buddha's mother is Maha Maya. (มหามายา)

It's a totally different vowel and a different letter "y".

I'll give it some time for them to finish setting everything up and then go back.

As others have pointed out, maybe 70% of the shops were open. I actually think it was less than that, at lest when I was there at 11am.

Also, many that were open are just operating in a temporary set up in front of a fake wall, so it's a bit difficult to judge how much will be on offer once everything is in place.

The Starbucks near the main entrance on the 1st floor looked seriously cramped. It's maybe a quarter of the size of the one at Festival.

Noticed there's a Doi Chaang coffee on one of the other floors, but they weren't open for business yet.

I didn't notice any good bookshops, which would be a draw for me.

It's nice to have a cinema in walking distance from my apartment. Hoping they get a good variety of films.

Also, as someone else mentioned, there's a lot of space wasted on super high-end shops that are nice to look at, but I can't see attracting many paying customers.

Nothing to see here. It's very much half-finished.

I wrote more detail in the other thread.

Maybe these 2 threads should be merged?

Just came back from there. It's hard to say about the quality of the shops because less than half are open for business.

There's a strong smell of drying paint in some sections.

Rooftop pavilion area is totally unfinished—no eating or drinking places set up there yet.

Rimping Market was not open.

There looks to be almost no seating for the food court area in the basement—maybe they're trying to encourage take-away?

The Starbucks looks really small and cramped.

Ground floor seems like a lot of wasted space. It has a few diamond shops and a group of small auto showrooms.

Watson's is much smaller than the ones at Kad Suan Kaew and Airport Plaza.

Overall, the design is nice and modern. But many of the chain shops seem like mini versions of themselves.

I'd say wait a few weeks to see what it will look like when everything is set up properly.

They really rushed to get it open, and the first impression is one of a half-finished mall, yet they still set up all the goofy VIP stuff for the big opening so a small portion of the Thai population can feel like they're important.

Bringing own ride good idea, riding during smokey season bad idea. Fellow cyclist's IMHO, but Feb should be ok esp if you ride in less smokey areas (they do exist)

Does the smoke sit in the valleys? Can you climb out of it? One of the reasons I've chosen Chiang Mai over the party beach locations is the climbs.

It depends. The smoke does tend to collect in the valleys, especially early in the morning when it's a little cooler.

But often the mountains are what is on fire.