I am hoping to move to Thailand soon and have questions as to my permit options?

I have a biz in the US that I can manage via the internet. I have been in the Caribbean for several years living without a work permit since none of the business comes from or takes place here. Which is the difference for me between a $7,000 work permit and a $1,000 residency permit.

Admittedly, the argument can be made both ways as to whether I am conducting business or not?

So would the Thai government think I am working? They would never know I am conducting business though at some point i might like to hire an assistant and that might put me on their radar screen.

Would it be wise to just incorporate though the capital requirements would really not make it a economically wise decision for me. I am not that large of a business and do not have that sort of scratch sitting around.

I am also a PADI divemaster. So would it be possible to get a work permit for that activity if I can find a part time gig? I will not have the time or energy to do it full time.

Lastly, the main reason for my moving to Thailand is to further study Buddhism. Are there any permit options for that?

So if I do not go with (or can't get) a work permit am I stuck running for the border on a regular basis?

I would always prefer the simplest approach with the least government involvement possible, but I want to keep it legal.

Do any of these permit options effect brining in my personal effects?

Wishing everyone a wonderful day and many thanks for your advise and recommendations.

PS. This is a wonderful website any much appreciations to the creators.

You can run an Internet business that does not involve Thai customers or suppliers without interference. No Thai officials will care. You just need to properly manange your immigration status - leaving Thailand frequently. You will also face some minor restrictions (some banks, some cellular services, etc will not accept you without more formalized status - but others will accommodate you). And - you should make it a practice to open a persoanl Thai bank account, and live off money that you periodically wire in from overseas. This will serve you well, to demonstrate that you are not living off illegal local earnings.

In the unlikely event that you are challenged about your status, this last part can make a big difference - if you cannot document that you are "taking a break in Thailand" while living off funds you bring in from elsewhere - Thai officialdom may make the summary decision that you must be working here illegally - and lock you up and deport you. They won't put much effort into investigation - you either show them a bank statement that immediately clears their suspicions, or you get drop-kicked out of the Kingdom.

The PADI question is another story. If you pursue this work without official sponsorship, you are much more likely to face arrest and deportation. I very specifically know one such individual who was picked up and imprisoned in Pattaya, in what was basically a "sting" operation by plainclothes Thai policemen - who were actually targeting the business owner, but grabbed my acquaintance instead. I think there is an entire program within the Immigration police system, specifically on the lookout for diving instructors working illegally. The two professions that are massively over-represented here by illegal westerners are: golf pros, and diving instructors.

Good luck!

Steve

Indo-Siam