ThaiLover1

Wow, this has really turned into a juicy and interesting thread.

I am the original poster of this thread, and it is interesting to read the situation that "digibum" describes. I am not a writer but a computer engineer traveling to Thailand several times every year.

It is easy for a computer engineer to setup Internet servers and bank accounts all humming along in the ol' United States of America. No employment or office space needs to be kept in Thailand, and there is no need for a bank-account in Thailand. Rather, one can live off several ATM cards, tied in to American banks. This also brings in tourist dollars to the Thai kindom. The government loves tourism, from what I understand.

Don't you love electronic banking, Internet and virtual offices and shopping malls? One can spend time in Thailand - or any country of choosing and travel as a tourist, and check business activities back in the US, without being physically present in the US.

If someone suggested how to do this - before the Internet, I would say it is impossible. But, now it is reality - one can make money in one of the highest paying jobs in the world (for example computer programming) and spend the earnings in a low-cost haven like Thailand. It does not get much sweeter than this.

I agree the Thai immigration law is confusing, but now I think I understand the spirit of the Thai law much better, after reading the comments from the members in this thread.

Of course, lawyers and government officials can - and sometime do - interpret the law anyway they like, so it behooves one to make friends, not to step on people's toes and smile with respect.

Bottom-line: Do not do anything illegal, but do interpret the grey areas of the law in your favor. There is no need to be a martyr. I have applied this thinking in the US for years, after the advice of my tax-attorney. It works and feels right, and you are totally legal.

Thank you all!

Thanks for all the advice about trading foreign financial instruments from the US.

However, I am actually looking to trade the Thailand stock market directly in Thailand - from my own brokerage account in Bangkok.

I am looking for any trading vehicles - only available to a Thailand stock brokerage account - that tracks the SET and is liquid.

Any advice on what financial instrument to trade?

Send me an email and I will be happy to give you some more information, in private.

In reply to "mrmnp"; thanks -

it takes one to know one.

Thanks, George.

So in other words, the earlier questions about working or not working depends on the mood of the immigration office, how he likes you, and how he inteprets the Working Alien Act?

It is a bit scary to think about...

Wow, are you joking!? This could mean almost anything - including banging away on your Thai girlfriend!

Huski, I do not understand your last post. Can you explain further?

I am assuming to apply for the correct visa and the associated paperwork/work permit, once I have determined if am "working" in Thailand, or not - as per the definition for "work" from the Thai immigration.

I hope I am being clear?

How does Thai immigration define "work"? I guess this is the real question.

A little humor is good, but this is a serious question: What if I do some "work" (writing software) on my laptop - for my US employer, but unrelated to anything in Thailand as listed earlier.

Am I working or not working in Thailand i.e. do I need a work permit or not?

So, what is the real benifit of a retirement visa?? Nothing - other than a retirement visa allows you to skip the visa runs - out of the country - to renew your tourist visa?

Thanks.

What about if write a book or write some software (working for my company in the US) on my computer while I am traveling around Thailand?

So what are the "real" practical differences between 1) a retirement visa and 2) a tourist visa, for a 12 month stay in Thailand - provided the letter of the law is followed and extensions (with visa runs and leaving the kingdom for short time) etc are applied for?

In other words, are there any other benefits of having a retired visa over a tourist visa? For example, can someone with a retirement visa:

1) Open a bank account,

2) Buy a phone service (land line or monthly cell phone billing) in his own name,

3) Buy a car in his own name,

4) Later on change the retirement visa into a different visa with a work permit?

This is a most interesting topic, as I am 50 years old and can apply for a Thai retirement visa, but I am not sure if I should.

How does one define 'working in Thailand' and therefore the person is required to get a Thailand work permit?

For example, is an Internet worker considered working in Thailand, when he:

1) Receives all his pay from a US corporation to a US bank account

2) Does not visit any clients or solicit business in Thailand

3) Travels and spends much time in Thailand

4) Does not have an office or business mailing address in Thailand

5) But, he logs on to the Internet and does business via email and a laptop, a few hours per day, from his hotel or apartment?

I am most curious, since I like to be 100% safe and not worry about negative effects from Thailand immigration officers.

I am interested in trading the Thailand stock market, as it seems kind of young and inefficient - compared to the American markets. This means an opportunity for profits, if done right.

Does anyone know if there is a similar trading vehicle to the US based QQQ stock - that is very liquid and tracks the Thailand SET stock index?

I have heard that it is difficult for expats to find high paying jobs in Thailand - with low hours.

I own a business that overcomes all these problems, but I am wondering if there a web site or a service to help me sell my e-commerce business to an expat in Thailand?

My online software business (FileRecover.com) and it is an ideal operation. I spend only 30 mins per day on answering questions from customers. It can be done via email, from anywhere in the world. Money is deposited into my offshore check account every day.

Would this be of interest to an expat? And, how can I sell this business to an expat in Thailand? Please advice.