ChiangMaiNomad

One option is to get an education visa obviously. Some schools can help you apply for the visa inside Thailand for an extra fee.

Or, if you are a digital freelancer or run an online business, you can apply for a business visa with an umbrella company called Shelter (shelter dot global). I know several people who were able to switch their tourist visas for business visas in Bangkok, without having to leave the country.

Alternatively, if you have the funds, you can buy the Elite Visa for a 5-year stay.

Those are the only three options I am aware of.

@MatthewMalone1985 There is a new Chiang Mai-based company similar to Iglu called Shelter  who can help get visas and work permits for digital professionals (I'm a software developer myself). Several of my friends and I received visas and work permits already.

The process around around 2 weeks and it was a lot cheaper than Iglu!

Being a digital nomad, or digital/remote professional, is not illegal if you get a visa and work permit through a company like Shelter 

With how easy the application process is nowadays (if you meet the minimum requirements on their website), there is really no reason to run the risk of working on an ED visa or tourist visa.

I have several friends in IT who have already obtained Non-B visas and work permits through a new company called Shelter that was recently certified by the Board of Investment (BOI) in Thailand. They take care of your visa and work permit, taxes, int'l health insurance, bank account setup, and more.

Their website provides the following requirements:

• Are at least 22 years old
• Have either one of the following:
  • An IT-related university degree, plus at least 2 years of relevant work experience
  • Any type of university/college/school diploma or certificate, plus at least 5 years of relevant work experience
• Work in software development, blockchain, design, marketing, or other online, tech / digital-related activity
• Have an existing business or client base
• Bill a minimum of $2,500 USD per month
• Commit to a one-year contract

@Alex80, since your goal is to move to Thailand permanently in the future, Shelter could be a good option for you and other IT professionals wishing to stay in Thailand long-term.

Their pricing is similar to Iglu's (who, from the looks of their website, seems not to be accepting new clients).