I am just about to apply for my retirement visa and have been approached by a consultancy agency, based in Australia, who have indicated that they may be offer me some consultancy work in Thailand and surrounding countries.

I realise that the work permit rules in Thailand are pretty draconian but I would be grateful if anyone could advise how the work permit rules apply to consultancy work, in Thailand and the surrounding countries - or at least point me in the right direction.

Thanking you all in anticipation.

I think the bottom line is that if you are on a retirement visa then you cannot work (legally!).

Simon

if it is going to involve a bit of travel and you won't be in Thailand for more than 90 days at a time, you may want to consider the APEC Business visa, which is designed for people who move around the region quite extensively for work purposes.

You can't have a retirement visa and a WP at the same time. To be eligible for a WP you must have a sponsoring company offering you a permanent position, or form your own company. That's just a quick answer, I won't deleve into all the hurdles you have to overcome to sucessfully obtain a WP.