I have some business ideas I would like to try out.  I know it is not very difficult to operate under the radar, but I would like to do things completely legally so I don't have to worry about problems down the road.  

What forms and permits would I need to operate businesses in Thailand?  

A little background:

I'm an American, if that helps.  And I currently have a non-immigrant B visa as a school teacher and I might soon have a work permit as well, though I would not count on it.

I am looking at export business ideas primarily but I want to have other options as well.

I do not have millions of baht so doing that investor class visa would seem to be out of the question.

So, if you could help me out with some information, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Although there are people who will disagree, as far as exporting, as long as you are not being paid here, this can be done on your current visa without any licenses etc. I know many people doing exporting for years and years with only a tourist visa with payment sent to their company back home. There are people who will tell you that an exporter must have a license and to get the license you must have a work permit. While this may be technically true, I personally know of many Americans who have been exporting for years who don't even know what an export permit is. Importing is different and you will require a license.

For other businesses, you can start a company with 2 million baht registered capital. You are 49% owner with 6 or 7 Thais owning the other 51%, who have all signed documents turning over control to you. You will then have the right to issue yourself a work permit. Of course there are further details to be considered so probably best to speak with a lawyer in Bangkok.

And here is one who ABSOLUTELY disagrees. Take advice from someone like Sunbelt. A glance at a Thai visa application will show the warning to tourists about work...paid or unpaid and immediately under that warning, the applicant signs. The detention center is not nice.