Registering As Translator

[Xeralf]

Dear All -Thank you in advance for your help and hope I am not asking something already thoroughly discussed.

I occasionally do translations (En-Sp) and I am now in Thailand where I would like to do it appropriately and wish to register. Since I am like a freelance consultant and work for several agencies, some times nothing for months, then lots for days and then back to another agency, I cannot ask for a working permit. To set a company does not look like an option because I am the only one working and producing and hiring Thai, first is not economically viable and, second, are not needed at all.

Can I just and register as self-employed or alike formula?

Visa is not a problem, I can manage all that.

Cheers

Xavier

[monty]

Unfortunately not.

A foreigner cannot be self employed.

You will need an employer with at least 4 Thai nationals working (and paying tax/social security), along with a minimal registered capital of 2 million Baht (per foreigner employed).

Your only chance would be to cooperate with an existing translation company.

[thaiphoon]

Agree with the above, and you would need a work permit from the Department of Labour covering each agency too.

[Xeralf]

Thanks for your comments.

Can I ask what do you mean by “cooperate”? Apart from this question above I then assume that it is simply impossible to register because those requirements are clearly unachievable in the translation business. Any other option that you could think of? Are all non-Thai translators in this legal “limbo” then?

I am actually registered in the UK and could keep my status there. However, since I don’t live there and I am not British either, it is quite difficult for tax purposes, payments etc. At any rate, would this be a lawful option?

Thanks again

Javier

[thaiphoon]

To remain here legally any form of work requires a work permit. The work permit application has to be sponsored by a Thai registered company, whether that be one you set up yourself or a company you work for. Suspect Monty was alluding to the latter (or an agreement between you/employer whereby you are 'employed' in exchange for bringing in business).

Be aware that under Thai law the penalties if caught working without a work permit are severe; jail time is stated but is usually reduced to fine and deportation.