I am an american citizen. I am 34, my girlfriend 28. We would like to live in PHuket, and she would like to continue to work her job(phone staffing manager) which she can operate with a laptop and phone line. What visas would we need to do this. We would like to live in Thailand for 1 to 2 years. I am also thinking of opening a small art gallery / studio while there as well. Thanks very much about any information regarding this.

In short .... any visa required to be able to apply for a work permit and then ..... of course the work permit.

Furthermore if you plan to open a business, you need to make a business registration. Advice for your girlfriend's position (I assume she's American too) could range from working 'undercover' on a Tourist Visa to getting her legal with a work permit.

Don't trust on Thai Visa to get all your questions answered. Go see a lawyer like Sunbelt.

Thailand Elite card.

I don't see how your girlfriend would need a work permit or if she did, how would she be caught working over the internet??????? I would look at an education visa for her and enroll her in a Thai language school or like school doing the minimum amount of hours to qualify for the ED visa (assuming she is not Thai also).

As for you, you could do the same thing but if you are going to work or open a business, then consult a lawyer like an earlier poster recommended.

Regards!