Remote position while in Thailand.

[he was a quiet man]

Is anyone aware of the correct visa type that would allow me to work remotely for company that does not have facilities in Thailand while living in Thailand? I would not qualify under the SMART VISA program and an unable to determine which visa would allow to work. Thanks in advance for your kind assistance.

[DrJack54]

Do your work privately. You can use any entry to Thailand that you qualify for. Many people live in Thailand doing online work.

[he was a quiet man]

Thank you for your response.

[BenDeCosta]

There are many people who work online in Thailand creating videos for YouTube, effectively publicly announcing exactly what they are doing. I don't think any of them have had any issues about working without a work permit.

[DrJack54]

18 minutes ago, BenDeCosta said:

There are many people who work online in Thailand creating videos for YouTube, effectively publicly announcing exactly what they are doing. I don't think any of them have had any issues about working without a work permit.

Not disagreeing however in my post above I stated "do your work privately"

If the OP had posted that he was going to do blogs throughout Thailand for eg YouTube then  I wouldn't be staying he has zero issues. However there are many doing exactly what you suggest. Couple of well know bar owners in Pattaya do exactly that. Blogs about situations for businesses in Pattaya. In particular bars restaurants etc

[thanaka]

22 minutes ago, BenDeCosta said:

There are many people who work online in Thailand creating videos for YouTube, effectively publicly announcing exactly what they are doing. I don't think any of them have had any issues about working without a work permit.

Which is actually crazy considering how much money the government looses out on. It also wouldn't surprise me if those people get in trouble as soon as the government has their eyes on them. See Richard Burrow who gets house visits from immigration regularly to 'check if everything is in order'.

 

@he was a quiet man There were some news about including freelancers in the smart visa scheme last December which would make it quite easy for freelancers to stay in Thailand given they have proof that they have a sustainable income. Haven't heard anything anymore since though so I guess only time will show. It's definitely something they are missing out on, especially now when they could attract high spenders quite easily.

[BenDeCosta]

There's one British guy on YouTube, a bald-headed guy about 30 years old who literally tells everyone about how much he earns online, how easy it is, and how cheap it is for him to live in Thailand. He also lays out quite precise advice to viewers about how they can travel to Thailand and do the same thing. It's quite frankly amazing that he hasn't had a knock at the door yet. I guess the police or immigration are just very behind the curve, or are willing to turn a blind eye.

[2530Ubon]

6 hours ago, thanaka said:

There were some news about including freelancers in the smart visa scheme last December which would make it quite easy for freelancers to stay in Thailand given they have proof that they have a sustainable income. Haven't heard anything anymore since though so I guess only time will show. It's definitely something they are missing out on, especially now when they could attract high spenders quite easily.

I was talking to them last month (22nd February) and received this response:

Regarding Smart Visa for scientific and technological freelancer/remote worker, we are working on it. There are some issues concerning the laws need to be considered. Therefore, the decision will be postponed indefinitely until further notice.
If there are new developments, we will post it in Smart Visa Line official and our Facebook fanpage. Please follow our social media channels for further information.

Looks like this visa may not end up happening at all!

To the OP : Just as several members have pointed out, do your remote work quietly and no one will be the wiser. I foolishly told a friendly IO what I was doing and it got me into trouble a couple of years later when we fell out. She pointedly told me that although my work was not illegal, I still have to pay tax as I'm a resident of Thailad (stayed longer than 180 days in a year). Pay tax if you wish to be completely legal.

[elliss]

6 hours ago, BenDeCosta said:

There's one British guy on YouTube, a bald-headed guy about 30 years old who literally tells everyone about how much he earns online, how easy it is, and how cheap it is for him to live in Thailand. He also lays out quite precise advice to viewers about how they can travel to Thailand and do the same thing. It's quite frankly amazing that he hasn't had a knock at the door yet. I guess the police or immigration are just very behind the curve, or are willing to turn a blind eye.

 

    Link please ...?

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, elliss said:

 

    Link please ...?

I just now typed in "online work Thailand". The bald 30ish guy referred to was first up in the hits. 

Not hard to find stuff if you have Google.

https://youtu.be/tHA1CcgZ-1c

 

[he was a quiet man]

Thank all of you for your civil replies. Too many times posts turn ugly over nothing. I have several months before this becomes relevant. Anything can happen by then because, after all, it is Thailand. ????

[SS1]

There is currently no correct visa type available for working remotely from Thailand. However, it is possible for one to legitimize their remote work with a local organisation who employs them locally and contracts with their employer as a client, naturally taking care of the visa and work permit as well. However, this kind of option is mainly available for employees working in tech and more difficult for other industries. Which field do you work in, if I may ask? 

[2530Ubon]

15 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

I just now typed in "online work Thailand". The bald 30ish guy referred to was first up in the hits. 

Not hard to find stuff if you have Google.

https://youtu.be/tHA1CcgZ-1c

I watched the video and it looks like he's talking out of his derriere. He waffles on so much he could be Belgian.