Change/way Of Getting A Work Permitt

[RWW]

Hello Visa-Experts,

could you please give me your advice to following scenario regarding getting a work permitt for Thailand:

We (3 experienced persons) have a very good connection to the executive manager of the largest german wine- and beverage trader. In talkings with him he stated us big opportunities for this trading sector in southeastasia as they getting more and more orders from this region. The mentioned company is still very occupied extending their business in europe which needs all of its attention.

Therefore we made the suggestion going down to the southeastasian region indepentently from the company but with full advisory support.

Our job would be scouting the market, establish connections to the whole salers and conclude contracts with them on a provision basis.

If we can set food on the market succesfully the long term strategy would be founding a company in Thailand with an own storage to deliver the products from there to Thailand and the neighbouring countries. Of course with all requirements fullfilled (investement of the german company into own company, thai staff...).

I know that we need a working permitt for this work.

My questions are now:

- Are there ways to obtain a work permitt as sales agents or representatives of the german company but without founding a own company in Thailand yet (it is possible to get hired by the company if necessary, but we would be prefer an independent status). All we need (at least for the beginning) is a shared office in Bangkok.

- Is a work permitt subject of negotiation with the Thai officials (e.g. Thai board of investement or imigration bureau). What i mean is, does it help to fly to Bangkok and talk to the people in these institutes? Is it a good idea to consult one of the companies or countless laywers in Thailand which offer help getting a work permitt. Sounds more like a way of rip off to me or can they really help using good contacts etc?

- If Thailand will not grand us a work permitt but another neighbouring country do, is it illegal to fly into Thailand and have meetings with beverage wholesalers as this is also work?

- Iam open for all ideas or suggestions to get this project realized as this is really an unique opportunity for us.

Before i contact the official thai institutes i would like to hear more informations and opinions from experienced people living and working in Thailand to get an idea of the best approach.

Thanks a lot for all replies

[moto77]

I can only answer the last question. It is NOT illegal to fly into Thailand for business meetings. This would require a business visa, which is not the same thing as a work permit, and business visas are easy to get. The others sound like questions for a lawyer.

[Mario2008]

work in thailand requires a work permit. For business meetings this is not required, as long as the business is between a foreign country and Thailand.

It might be possible to start a regional office of the German company. A lawyer will give you better information about this than I can.