Telecommuter Based In Thailand

[Buscador]

I'm an American currently working in China. I will be leaving my job soon and I am in the process of negotiating a deal with my current Taiwan-based company to continue working remotely on a 6 or 12 month contract. Anywhere that has broadband Internet is viable. I plan to spend most of that time in Thailand, but I will want to travel to other countries in Asia and possibly Europe, and I may need to travel to Taipei or Manila for business. Therefore, single entry visas of any type are not a good option. Is my only option a series of tourist visas? This seems doable since I will be travelling anyway, but a bit of a hassle. Any way for me to get a non-imm O or B? Also, is it possible for me to set up a Thai bank account? Showing income is not a problem, as everything on the contract will be handled legally since this I work for a fairly large multi-national corporation.

[Buscador]

Hmm... Nobody knows? i have read several old posts that indicate that it used to be possible to get a non-imm O in this situation, but nothing since the recent changes. Anyone know for sure?

[phibunmike]

As far as the bank account goes, different people have had different experiences. I had no problem opening an account on a 30 day visa-exempt stamp, but that was in rural Thailand. I have heard some people have had problems in more touristy areas. It seems to depend on who you get in the bank more than any real policy. I opened my account with a few thousand baht, and then transferred more money in. It took 10 minutes.

Good luck,

Mike

[Maestro]

i have read several old posts that indicate that it used to be possible to get a non-imm O in this situation, but nothing since the recent changes. Anyone know for sure?

I can’t remember seeing anything about non-O visa for telecommuting work in Thailand.

You could set up a company in Thailand and make yourself an employee of this company. This way, you could get a non-B visa and, depending on how much salary you pay yourself, even get annual extensions of stay.

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Maestro

[Buscador]

I started my research by doing a search on this forum for "telcommute" and

"telecommuting" and found multiple references to people doing this on a non-immigrant O, but nothing recent. Not sure exactly what is required to set up as a business, but it sounds like too much work and expense for what is likely to be no more than 1 year.

[Gaudente]

i have read several old posts that indicate that it used to be possible to get a non-imm O in this situation, but nothing since the recent changes. Anyone know for sure?

I can’t remember seeing anything about non-O visa for telecommuting work in Thailand.

You could set up a company in Thailand and make yourself an employee of this company. This way, you could get a non-B visa and, depending on how much salary you pay yourself, even get annual extensions of stay.

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Maestro

sure, and of this company (and its earnings) you have to gift 51% to 7 different Thai "partners".

Stay on tourist Visas and prepare to share your time between Thailand and Philippines, or, even better, stay in Philippines all time long (no Visa hassles there, cheese is way cheaper and pizza is properly salted).

[Maestro]

found multiple references to people doing this on a non-immigrant O

Yes, some people manage to get a multiple-entry non-O visa for the purpose of visiting friends from a consulate in their home countries. You would have to see if you can get it in China. Definitely not available in neighbouring countries of Thailand.

The alternative is to start with a tourist visa valid for 3 entries within 6 months, if you can get it.

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Maestro

[autonomous_unit]

Also, some people may have been mentioning an "O" visa they had for some other reason, such as supporting a Thai spouse...