Hi everyone - first time posting here and hoping to tap into some real-world experience

I’ve searched through the forum and picked up quite a bit already, but I’m now a bit confused because I spoke with a Thai lawyer this week whose advice seems to conflict with what I’ve been reading here. So apologies if this has been covered before - I’d really value some clarity from people who’ve actually been through this.

In short, I’m planning to move to Thailand. I’ll be working remotely for an overseas company, and they’re happy to pay my salary either into a Thai bank account or a foreign one. Ideally, I’d prefer a Thai account so everything is paid locally and life is a bit simpler.

The lawyer told me I basically have two options:

1. Elite visa - quite expensive and includes perks I probably don’t need, but obviously very convenient with a 5-year uninterrupted stay. She was very clear that earning overseas income while living in Thailand would be fine on this visa.

2. Retirement visa — I’m over 50, so eligible, but she said I’d have to leave the country every 180 days and wouldn’t be able to open a Thai bank account. That sounds a bit less convenient, although she again said overseas income would be allowed.

However… while browsing this forum I’ve also seen people mention the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) and the LTR visa, both of which seem - at least from what I can tell - to allow long stays and overseas income. What I can’t quite figure out is whether I’d be able to open and use a Thai bank account on those visas.

So I guess my questions are:

• Are those really my only two options?

• Is the lawyer’s advice accurate?

• Which visa are remote workers actually using in practice?

• Can you open a Thai bank account on these visas without too much trouble?

• If you were in my position, which route would you take?

I’d really appreciate any guidance, corrections, or personal experiences you’re willing to share - especially if you’ve navigated this recently.

Thanks in advance

Paul

Legally you cannot work on the Elite, or Retirement visas & the DTV one can be restrictive so if you qualify for the LTR then that is the way to go.

I’d sack your lawyer as you can open a bank account on a retirement (Non-IMM O or OA) & no need to leave the country ever.

Sounds like they are mixing it up with the DTV where you cannot open a bank account & need to leave the country every 180 days (though you can extend once so can stretch to 360 days).

10 minutes ago, PaulBoing said:

In short, I’m planning to move to Thailand. I’ll be working remotely for an overseas company, and they’re happy to pay my salary either into a Thai bank account or a foreign one. Ideally, I’d prefer a Thai account so everything is paid locally and life is a bit simpler.

Your best option is DTV based on remote work.

Many threads on this.

7 minutes ago, SamSpade said:

Retirement visas & the DTV one can be restrictive so if you qualify for the LTR then that is the way to go.

If he can work online then DTV is good option.

Chatted (yes in bar) with young UK guy obtained DTV as a genuine online worker.

Process time 3 days

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Your best option is DTV based on remote work.

Many threads on this.

There is a few problems, though. He probably cannot open a Thai bank account. If he wants a Thai driving licence, he can only get a two year license and not the five year licence. And then, of course, he will have to leave Thailand at least once a year. Apart from that the DTV is a blessing.

@PaulBoing Please be aware that with a DTV, you are not allowed to serve Thai customers or businesses based in Thailand.

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

If he can work online then DTV is good option.

Chatted (yes in bar) with young UK guy obtained DTV as a genuine online worker.

Process time 3 days

He mentioned being paid by the company he's working for to a Thai Bank account (Wouldn't recommend this personally) which he'll struggle to get/keep on a DTV visa but that aside, I would have thought that the beneficial tax rates of the LTR "Highly Skilled Professionals" visa would be better for him assuming he & the company he's working for meet the criteria.

• Income: Minimum personal income of USD 80,000/year in the past two years. Note: Can be lowered to USD 40,000/year if holding a Master’s degree+ or specialized expertise.

• Expertise & Industry: Must work in targeted industries (e.g., tech, biotech, automotive, etc.), research centers, or government agencies.

• Employment: Contracted by a Thai or foreign company.

• Health Insurance: Minimum USD 50,000 coverage, social security, or $100k deposit.

With respect, your lawyer may not be an immigration lawyer, or perhaps they described things in details that were difficult for you to recollect/understand.

Reference the first four of your questions:

1. Are those really my only two options? No.

2. Is the lawyer’s advice accurate? No.

3. Which visa are remote workers actually using in practice? DTV , and for some the LTR visa. If the overseas company has a branch office, subsidiary office, or representative office in Thailand, it may also open up a Type-B work visa option - but I am not knowledgeable on that.

4. Can you open a Thai bank account on these visas without too much trouble? You can on Type-0 for reason of retirement or also for reason of marriage to a Thai

Others may be suited to answer your questions, especially in regard to the DTV visa and the Type-B visa.

I note thou:

Retirement visa: This actually is a bit ambiguous and inaccurate terminology. Typically this is understood to be a "non-immigrant Type-O (or Type-OA) visa" granted for reason of 'retirement', which is a far more accurate way to state to such. You do NOT have to depart the country every 180 days on a Type-O/OA. Rather it is more nuanced and better. Most of us (expats) prefer a Type-O visa, as a Type-OA visa nominally requires one buy health insurance from the Thai branch of a Health Insurance company, which a Type-O visa does not. I will describe below (under the 'final comment' how the permission to stay works with a Type-O visa.

In your case thou, you may wish to work, in which case, nominally you are not allowed to work in Thailand (nor, I think, remotely < albeit i am unsure > ) if you are on a Type-O or a Type-OA visa for reason of retirement.

If you have a Thai wife, there is another option. If you have a Thai wife, in both cases, if on a Type-O or on a Type-OA visa, if you obtain the Visa (or the subsequent visa 1 year extension) for 'reason of marriage' (to a Thail), and NOT for retirement, you can apply for a Thai work permit and be allowed to work in Thailand. Further, if you are on a Type-OA visa (which nominally I do not recommend), but on that visa for reason of 'marriage' (and not for reason of retirement) then you are not obligated to buy Thai Health Insurance.

So lets consider a Type-O visa (or a Type-OA visa), but NOT for reason of retirement, but instead (if you have a Thai wife) for reason of marriage. In that case, being married to a Thai person on that visa, you are allowed to apply for a Thai work permit, and legally work in Thailand.

LTR-Visa. As for the LTR-Visa, it has many categories - and some allow one to work in Thailand. (For example, I am on an LTR-Wealthy-Pensioner visa - but I did NOT apply for permission to work in Thailand). In general the LTR visa is an expensive visa in terms of financial requirements necessary to be met and proof shown, so to prove one's wealth. It has hefty health insurance requirements that puts many people off. If one has the wealth thou, then its a great visa. If thou you wish to work in Thailand (when on an LTR visa) you will have extra steps to go through to get that aspect of the LTR visa.

Good approach. I think you are adopting the correct approach, asking on this forum. I am constantly impressed by the knowledgeable people here who share their advice. Yes there are some opinionated (possibly includes me) , but in the case of those, try to get the overall picture, narrow down to the visa that appears most appealing, and drill down to get the details to ensure this is the visa you like.

One final comment - if you obtain a type-O visa from outside of Thailand, that will give you 90-days permission to stay in Thailand. With that visa you can IMMEDIATELY open a Thai bank account. Then immediately transfer ~800,000 Thai baht to that new Thai bank account. Then after about 60-days in Thailand (with 30-days left in your permission to stay in Thailand) go to the local Thailand immigration office, and apply for a 1-year extension on your permission to stay in Thailand (based on retirement). You can do that year-after-year-after-year. It does not thou, give you permission to work in Thailand.

If you wanted to work AND have a Thai wife AND obtained a Type-O/OA visa for reason of marriage, you only need ~400,000 in that new Thai bank account. And you could then apply to work in Thailand since you are married to a Thai woman

You do need a fair amount of paperwork when applying for the non-immigrant Type-O/OA visas, so check with the local embassy (assuming you are outside of Thailand) before hand, or ask on this forum, what paperwork is needed, when applying for the visas.

Again, this forum has very knowledgeable people who can assist you.

1 hour ago, oldcpu said:

I am on an LTR-Wealthy-Pensioner visa - but I did NOT apply for permission to work in Thailand). In general the LTR visa is an expensive visa in terms of financial requirements necessary to be met and proof shown, so to prove one's wealth. It has hefty health insurance requirements that puts many people off. If one has the wealth thou, then its a great visa. If thou you wish to work in Thailand (when on an LTR visa) you will have extra steps to go through to get that aspect of the LTR visa

First up love the comprehensive post.

As for the LTR (I'm jealous)

Yes excellent visa option however most do not/cannot show 80k USD per annum.

Nor would I want to.

Cheers to folk that have LTR.

Currently I'm on extensions (retirement) using income method.

Without embassy letter. (Oz pp).

No insurance. Not difficult.

BTW: For others... we refer to extensions from Non O as retirement.

That's misleading. The main/sole condition is age 50+

A condition is no employment in Thailand.

Already have my bank account, and I switched to DTV.

They checked my bank account recently, and I've had a Krung Thai account for nearly 30 years. No issues with DTV visa.

I also have a 5-year driving licence.

No issues with DTV so far.

3 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

Already have my bank account, and I switched to DTV.

I also have a 5-year driving licence.

I also had a bank account before getting the DTV, no problem keeping it so far. However, it is close to impossible to open a new account on a DTV.

Did you renew your licence on the DTV? They will not take away your five year licence when switching to a DTV, but when you renew the licence you will only get a two year licence - unless you find a friendly motor office that does not follow the same rules as all the other motor offices. There has been reports of people getting a five year licence on the DTV, mostly when the DTV was new and they didn't know how to handle it.

Sack the lawyer, enter and extend a non-O (over 50). Get paid outside Thailand. If, outside of your office/bedroom, there are no external signs of your work, i.e lots of mail deliveries, visitors, etc. nobody will know or care what you do.

5 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

Sack the lawyer, enter and extend a non-O (over 50). Get paid outside Thailand. If, outside of your office/bedroom, there are no external signs of your work, i.e lots of mail deliveries, visitors, etc. nobody will know or care what you do.

I agree. Every coffee shop that I go in Bangkok have foreigners using their laptops. No one knows if they are working or not. The easiest option is to get a Non-O, open bank account, put required 800k in, then get extensions-of-stay. I read on this forum that some pay agents to help with opening bank accounts, and with getting visas & extensions. That's another option.

Numerous others seems to work online without a special wisa, if the job is remote for a foreign company and there are no Thai clients – and they often keeps it a bit under the radar – both people 50+ years staying on retirment visa and youngers working as digital nomads. But as others have mentioned that if you are married to a Thai that is also a way to get a non-O visa and extension of stay based on marriage, where you are permitted to work and can obtain a work permit however, the latter is to my knowledge (mainly) needed if working for a Thai company.

The non-O option with extension of stay based on "retirement" is an easy option – especially if the income for official remote work visa cannot be met – when making a bank deposit of 800,000 baht in a fixed account, for example 12-months for best interest – makes the paperwork and annual extension simple to handle by yourself.

Bank account can be opened when having a non-O visa and address confirmation letter from the local immigration office. Many says to avoid BBL (Bangkok Bank), as their internal rules can be little difficult, hereunder bank statements for more than six months (I've used BBL and a 12-months fixed account for retirement extensions for several years, which can work if you plan it right).

You are tax resident when staying 180 days or longer in Thailand within a calendar year (i.e., tax-year). I would suggest that you keep a bank account in your home country and transfer from there for your financial needs in Thailand. Depending of your home country, income may not be taxed in your home cstate when tax resident in Thailand. Foreign income transferred into Thailand is taxable – check eventual Dounble Taxation Agreement between your home state and Thailand – your Thai tax return shall be filed before end of March and income tax after deductions range in steps from 5% to 35%.

If you income and other conditions fulfill requirements for a DTV/LTR visa-option, obe of these might be the way to go; otherwise non-O seems to work well for many.

I worked remotely with non-O retirement for 6+ years, then switched to DTV for flexibility. For genuine remote working IMO DTV is the best, the cheapest option with the least interaction with the immigration.

I agree about this is the best place to get advice on visas in Thailand. There are no other forums with the knowledge a handful of experts on here have. And if someone is giving bad advice, it will be corrected immediately.

The main reason is that on this forum current visa experiences are shared, so we can be up to date continuously. We all know it can be changes once in a while, maybe not on laws itself, but on the upholding of them.

To the OP, I wouldn't be afraid to go for the Non-O visa based on retirement, and extensions, even with you working online for an abroad employer. DTV might be the closest and the "correct" visa for you, but the "retirement" visa has some advantages I wouldn't be without, no exits necessary, and of course opening a bank account, which you do need here for convenience through apps, and saving some fees.

I worked remotely on that myself, never heard of anyone being in trouble for doing that.

Best of luck!

Dear all,

I'm overwhelmed with the responses here. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and in so much detail, it's genuinely appreciated.

Given what's been said here, I think I will gently move away from the lawyers who have been advising me to date. They advertise themselves as specialists in real estate and visa issues for foreigners, by the way.

Does anyone have a contact (lawyer?) who they would feel happy to endorse, whom I could sit down with and describe my situation (which is relatively complex) and get some sound advice? My issues are not just related to visas, but also purchasing property, and my wish to structure my salary in a tax efficient way. Or maybe there are knowledgable folk here whom I could share details with privately, with the promise of a nice "drink" later?

Thanks, again - genuinely appreciate the time taken to advise me.

The DTV is 100% the best option.

Easiest and fastest to secure, the only inconveniences being a (permitted) Visa-run every 180 days, and not able to open a bank account.

And I speak from experience; unlike many in this forum, I've actually been through the process and have one.

2. Retirement visa — I’m over 50, so eligible, but she said I’d have to leave the country every 180 days and wouldn’t be able to open a Thai bank account. That sounds a bit less convenient, although she again said overseas income would be allowed.

LOL:
i haven't left in over 3 years on a retirement extension :-)
you cant get the extension without a bank account so ......
once u have ur non o visa you can get a bank account
IF u work remotely and nothing to do with Thailand
DONT TELL anyone

They SAID, your supposed to file a tax return if u stay more than 180 days in a year
Yea, right

Welcome, I have an LTR and yes, if one has the basic monetary/insurance requirements (google LTR requirements from BOI.th) then the cost can be as cheap as the retirement o over the 10-year period of that visa. I retired here 20+ years ago on a retirement O but that was when all we needed was an embassy letter attesting to income which now one needs to put a deposit in a bank of 800K baht with certain restrictions, but that was a great visa too with no other problems. I have no experience with the DTR. Also realize that tax laws can change regularly as the govt doesn't collect enough revenue. So check Thai income tax laws for the current one. The LTR means any outside income is exempt even though you become a tax resident here . Working here for a Thai company one must pay taxes if you become a tax resident. The drivers license also I had easily for 5 years as I originally had a lifetime and depending on where you reside, it all depends on the immigration folks there as well as for those folks at the drivers license office. While there are certain rules/laws, each office around the country seems to interpret many in a different manner. This can be a great place, I still think so after more than 35 years here.

28 minutes ago, Presnock said:

I retired here 20+ years ago on a retirement O but that was when all we needed was an embassy letter attesting to income which now one needs to put a deposit in a bank of 800K baht with certain restrictions, but that was a great visa too with no other problems

You did have the option of "income method". Embassy letter is not required if you actually make the 65k+/month transfers.

8 hours ago, PaulBoing said:

Does anyone have a contact (lawyer?) who they would feel happy to endorse, whom I could sit down with and describe my situation (which is relatively complex) and get some sound advice? My issues are not just related to visas, but also purchasing property, and my wish to structure my salary in a tax efficient way. Or maybe there are knowledgable folk here whom I could share details with privately, with the promise of a nice "drink" later?

For property, you should find a lawyer locally where you are going to stay/invest in property.

There are several threads in AN-forums about property. If you are married to a Thai it is easier, than if you have no Thai family/relationship. Foreigners can own a condo within the so-called 49 % limit, while foreigners cannot own land. So, if you are looking for a house, you'll need a secure set up about the land. You can own a new built house, or when buying a house, if it's already with separated ownership from the land. (You are welcome to PM me).

Tax wise – apart from options with special visas – all foreign transferred funds that have not been taxed abroad is income taxable in Thailand, except savings from before 1st January 2024. Keep an official statement of your "old" savings as proof, as these savings are tax-free to transfer into Thailand. As mentioned before, check your home country's DTA with Thailand, they are all little different. Income tax paid abroad can be deducted in Thai income tax of same earnings, but not more than the Thai tax is (i.e., no refund, if you have paid a higher tax in your home country).

11 hours ago, PaulBoing said:

Dear all,

I'm overwhelmed with the responses here. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and in so much detail, it's genuinely appreciated.

Given what's been said here, I think I will gently move away from the lawyers who have been advising me to date. They advertise themselves as specialists in real estate and visa issues for foreigners, by the way.

Does anyone have a contact (lawyer?) who they would feel happy to endorse, whom I could sit down with and describe my situation (which is relatively complex) and get some sound advice? My issues are not just related to visas, but also purchasing property, and my wish to structure my salary in a tax efficient way. Or maybe there are knowledgable folk here whom I could share details with privately, with the promise of a nice "drink" later?

Thanks, again - genuinely appreciate the time taken to advise me.

WRT tax efficient salary, check first with the people that pay you whether they are willing to pay you to a foreign account. If they are not, you are likely to be taxed in the country where your payer is based. Most big companies in Australia won't bother paying someone to a foreign account unless you have some leverage with them.

With LTR you also get free re-entry and use of fast track exit/entry unless replaced by the new electronic gate system.

18 hours ago, PaulBoing said:

Dear all,

I'm overwhelmed with the responses here. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and in so much detail, it's genuinely appreciated.

Given what's been said here, I think I will gently move away from the lawyers who have been advising me to date. They advertise themselves as specialists in real estate and visa issues for foreigners, by the way.

Does anyone have a contact (lawyer?) who they would feel happy to endorse, whom I could sit down with and describe my situation (which is relatively complex) and get some sound advice? My issues are not just related to visas, but also purchasing property, and my wish to structure my salary in a tax efficient way. Or maybe there are knowledgable folk here whom I could share details with privately, with the promise of a nice "drink" later?

Thanks, again - genuinely appreciate the time taken to advise me.

Dude,

You don't need a lawyer. In the end that lawyer is only going to provide you with an additional opinion. You've been given all the options...pick one.

If I were you I would get a nonO, extend, open a bank account and send money to Thailand. If you get SSB that can be deposited directly and not taxed.

If you're really concerned find a cafe and use their wifi for your laptop. Get a solid VPN like Nord.

So many people move to Thailand only to complicate their lives. Getting a lawyer, getting a fancy and expensive visa, getting married, having kids, getting a driver's license...why to any of it??

A bird went in search of a cage

Finally, I'd say I hope you're self employed. Every person I've ever known coming over here to work s job they left behind on the promise the company was going to shovel them work did the opposite.

Good luck and KISS

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

You did have the option of "income method". Embassy letter is not required if you actually make the 65k+/month transfers.

and, you are correct, I did go to the 65K monthly after the cessation of the embassy letter and did that until I obtained my LTR which is the absolute best for my financial and other needs.

I never had any problems with the retirement O with the letter and then with the monthly depositis. Bank of Thailand worked well with me - at least the CM office I use.

7 hours ago, Srikcir said:

With LTR you also get free re-entry and use of fast track exit/entry unless replaced by the new electronic gate system.

The Fast Track has had the automated exit gates for a while now.

Go to Imm website, and you don't need anyone's advice. All easy to understand, just apply early, and any oops, will be explained. Nothing difficult about TH's visa process.

3 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Go to Imm website, and you don't need anyone's advice. All easy to understand, just apply early, and any oops, will be explained. Nothing difficult about TH's visa process.

Is that a serious post.

The OP has clearly done some research.

What he is after now is first hand experience which IMO is golden.

The OP has already received posts from guys with LTR, DTV, Non O etc.

First hand experience.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Is that a serious post.

The OP has clearly done some research.

What he is after now is first hand experience which IMO is golden.

The OP has already received posts from guys with LTR, DTV, Non O etc.

First hand experience.

I don't read every post or know people posting. I'm surprised he didn't get the usual, 'just get an agent'.

There's nothing hard about TH Imm. Best source of info is at Imm.

6 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

There's nothing hard about TH Imm. Best source of info is at Imm.

Absolutely not.

Immigration offices vary on requirements.

Your posts are providing poor advice.