Owning An Offshore Travel Guide Website On Thailand

[BangrakBob]

I'm currently looking at fulfilling my life long dream of finally settling in Thailand. I am looking at launching a website travel guide with full booking services promoting a particular region in Thailand. I will be living in the region, actively seeking local advertising and generally submersing myself in the local community and business.

The website will be hosted offshore and quite possibly my business account for business transactions, invoicing etc. The business initially will be a small self-run business and in the interim will not require staff, nor an office or major commercial capital.

Having looked a Thai business laws, there isn't much regarding this type of business and work permit requirements. I will only start a PLC as a last resort and wondered if I did, would the nature and size of the business be taken in to account with achieving legal requirements?

Another option i am looking at is BIO, as the website is aimed at attracting visitors to the region and local businesses can use the site to promote their product. This maybe not be possible but it would seem the best way to gain a customised solution to suit my business needs.

Are there other legal options?

I do not want to do this any other way than legally, particularly as this business is reliant on exposure while working closely with the local community and business owners.

Any helpful advice is much appreciated, thank you all in advance!

[Nio]

Keep dreaming friend, what you are talking about will never happen

First of to work in Thailand you need a have a visa, a company and a work permit

For every work permit you need to hire 2 thai workers

Figure in all the cost for that first.

Second is there are like 23 trillion travel websites in Thailand specialized and not

You wont get advertising without being one of the most popular websites in Thailand and that could take you years

To make enough to live on, well lets say the success rate is less than <1%

If this is your only avenue to live in Thailand it will never succeed

Sad and hard truth

[BangrakBob]

Keep dreaming friend, what you are talking about will never happen

First of to work in Thailand you need a have a visa, a company and a work permit

For every work permit you need to hire 2 thai workers

Figure in all the cost for that first.

Second is there are like 23 trillion travel websites in Thailand specialized and not

You wont get advertising without being one of the most popular websites in Thailand and that could take you years

To make enough to live on, well lets say the success rate is less than <1%

If this is your only avenue to live in Thailand it will never succeed

Sad and hard truth

Erm firstly you don't need a Thai registered company to work in Thailand, nor to gain a work permit, there are other avenues

For every work permit for a Thai registered PLC you must employee 4 Thai nationals

Thirdly there isn't 23 trillion travel websites

Sorry I didn't realise you were aware of my business plan, associated partners or my knowledge of internet marketing

"enough to live on" again I am amazed at your psychic abilities

again x 3 you have such an insightful understanding of the industry I can't believe I ever bothered trying

I don't know if you read my post fully and understood. To expand on my comment "helpful advice" Succinct and subject driven advise based on proper knowledge of corporate law, not a half arsed negative opinion

[jay1980]

For every work permit you need to hire 2 thai workers

I though you needed 4 thai workers per farang WP?

Can you confirm it is only 2?

cheers

[BangrakBob]

For every work permit you need to hire 2 thai workers

I though you needed 4 thai workers per farang WP?

Can you confirm it is only 2?

cheers

Jay, as mentioned in my reply to Nio, yes you are correct it is 4

[Maestro]

From the OP:

...I am looking at launching a website travel guide with full booking services promoting a particular region in Thailand. I will be living in the region, actively seeking local advertising...I do not want to do this any other way than legally, particularly as this business is reliant on exposure while working closely with the local community and business owners...

...Erm firstly you don't need a Thai registered company to work in Thailand, nor to gain a work permit, there are other avenues...

It seems you already know it all. Just the same, it may be a good idea for you to pass by the employment department in the province where you will live to get a written confirmation that for your type of work you do not need a work permit, as you believe -- nay, are sure -- to be the case.

--

Maestro

[Colabamumbai]

I have had/owned a number of websites in my life and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to visit a website, I know yours will be better than all the rest etc. I do not want to sound negative but making money from a website on the internet can take years. Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money, and it is your dream. We must always remove our egos from the situation. "my jewelry is beautiful and everyone will want it" did not work for me as a manufacturer and wholesaler. Now with a a forum blogging website for one of the diseases that most people die from every year after that I have had for 5 months that is free to join and I have 8 affiliate ads on the site I think that I have 14 members. (the affiliate ads are how I may make money if you purchase one of the products advertised). Having a successful website requires years of work and constant changes. The travel industry is one of the most competitive and there a people and corporations with the money and many years of expertise that you will be competing with. "We are Positive"

Good luck now.

[monty]

...Erm firstly you don't need a Thai registered company to work in Thailand, nor to gain a work permit, there are other avenues...

While it might be correct that you do not need a company to work (you might work for a registered charity, or be a diplomat), but for the average John Doe, a work permit IS needed to be allowed to work.

If you do any kind of work, paid or not, even volunteering for a charity, you will need a work permit!

Which doesn't mean you cannot work under the radar, you might be holed up in your house/apartment while nobody knows what you are doing on your PC, the chances of being caught might be low, it is illegal nevertheless!

[wpcoe]

To the OP: By any chance are you a US citizen? If so, the issue of employing Thai employees might be waived via the Amity Treaty. I'm rusty on the details, but vaguely remember that part. Google, or do a forum search, on "Amity Treaty," and check it out. Not sure if any other country has that type of agreement with Thailand, but maybe they do?

[BangrakBob]

I have had/owned a number of websites in my life and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to visit a website, I know yours will be better than all the rest etc. I do not want to sound negative but making money from a website on the internet can take years. Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money, and it is your dream. We must always remove our egos from the situation. "my jewelry is beautiful and everyone will want it" did not work for me as a manufacturer and wholesaler. Now with a a forum blogging website for one of the diseases that most people die from every year after that I have had for 5 months that is free to join and I have 8 affiliate ads on the site I think that I have 14 members. (the affiliate ads are how I may make money if you purchase one of the products advertised). Having a successful website requires years of work and constant changes. The travel industry is one of the most competitive and there a people and corporations with the money and many years of expertise that you will be competing with. "We are Positive"

Good luck now.

Thanks for the comments Cola, I understand what you are talking about. Initially I looked into the idea about a year ago and realised it really cannot be done and earn money on my own. So I looked for alternatives, the website I'm going with is a multi-national franchise, backed with money, expertise to help you deliver a start of the art website, super content rich and paid up Google Ads. I honestly agree with you there is no other way in this market.

Good Luck with your blog

[Soutpeel]

I have had/owned a number of websites in my life and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to visit a website, I know yours will be better than all the rest etc. I do not want to sound negative but making money from a website on the internet can take years. Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money, and it is your dream. We must always remove our egos from the situation. "my jewelry is beautiful and everyone will want it" did not work for me as a manufacturer and wholesaler. Now with a a forum blogging website for one of the diseases that most people die from every year after that I have had for 5 months that is free to join and I have 8 affiliate ads on the site I think that I have 14 members. (the affiliate ads are how I may make money if you purchase one of the products advertised). Having a successful website requires years of work and constant changes. The travel industry is one of the most competitive and there a people and corporations with the money and many years of expertise that you will be competing with. "We are Positive"

Good luck now.

Thanks for the comments Cola, I understand what you are talking about. Initially I looked into the idea about a year ago and realised it really cannot be done and earn money on my own. So I looked for alternatives, the website I'm going with is a multi-national franchise, backed with money, expertise to help you deliver a start of the art website, super content rich and paid up Google Ads. I honestly agree with you there is no other way in this market.

Good Luck with your blog

But you will still need a WP for Thailand... ,

Also noticed you have looked at BOI...The BOI will not touch you for an undertaking like this..

[BangrakBob]

From the OP:

...I am looking at launching a website travel guide with full booking services promoting a particular region in Thailand. I will be living in the region, actively seeking local advertising...I do not want to do this any other way than legally, particularly as this business is reliant on exposure while working closely with the local community and business owners...

...Erm firstly you don't need a Thai registered company to work in Thailand, nor to gain a work permit, there are other avenues...

It seems you already know it all. Just the same, it may be a good idea for you to pass by the employment department in the province where you will live to get a written confirmation that for your type of work you do not need a work permit, as you believe -- nay, are sure -- to be the case.

--

Maestro

Hey Maestro I wish I did know it, Nio's super positive post just rubbed me the wrong way and prompted my smart-arse reply. Appreciate your post, I'll look into it

[Soutpeel]

From the OP:

...I am looking at launching a website travel guide with full booking services promoting a particular region in Thailand. I will be living in the region, actively seeking local advertising...I do not want to do this any other way than legally, particularly as this business is reliant on exposure while working closely with the local community and business owners...

...Erm firstly you don't need a Thai registered company to work in Thailand, nor to gain a work permit, there are other avenues...

It seems you already know it all. Just the same, it may be a good idea for you to pass by the employment department in the province where you will live to get a written confirmation that for your type of work you do not need a work permit, as you believe -- nay, are sure -- to be the case.

--

Maestro

Hey Maestro I wish I did know it, Nio's super positive post just rubbed me the wrong way and prompted my smart-arse reply. Appreciate your post, I'll look into it

Think Maestro's post was just tinged with a little sarcasm when he suggested you visit the labour department.

[BangrakBob]

I have had/owned a number of websites in my life and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to visit a website, I know yours will be better than all the rest etc. I do not want to sound negative but making money from a website on the internet can take years. Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money, and it is your dream. We must always remove our egos from the situation. "my jewelry is beautiful and everyone will want it" did not work for me as a manufacturer and wholesaler. Now with a a forum blogging website for one of the diseases that most people die from every year after that I have had for 5 months that is free to join and I have 8 affiliate ads on the site I think that I have 14 members. (the affiliate ads are how I may make money if you purchase one of the products advertised). Having a successful website requires years of work and constant changes. The travel industry is one of the most competitive and there a people and corporations with the money and many years of expertise that you will be competing with. "We are Positive"

Good luck now.

Thanks for the comments Cola, I understand what you are talking about. Initially I looked into the idea about a year ago and realised it really cannot be done and earn money on my own. So I looked for alternatives, the website I'm going with is a multi-national franchise, backed with money, expertise to help you deliver a start of the art website, super content rich and paid up Google Ads. I honestly agree with you there is no other way in this market.

Good Luck with your blog

But you will still need a WP for Thailand... ,

Also noticed you have looked at BOI...The BOI will not touch you for an undertaking like this..

Yeah back to the point in question....WP. What about finding a sponsor or host? Doing a deal with a local business, WP for advertising or promotion?

I figured the BOI might be a long shot, they have not replied to my mail.

[Soutpeel]

I have had/owned a number of websites in my life and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to visit a website, I know yours will be better than all the rest etc. I do not want to sound negative but making money from a website on the internet can take years. Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money, and it is your dream. We must always remove our egos from the situation. "my jewelry is beautiful and everyone will want it" did not work for me as a manufacturer and wholesaler. Now with a a forum blogging website for one of the diseases that most people die from every year after that I have had for 5 months that is free to join and I have 8 affiliate ads on the site I think that I have 14 members. (the affiliate ads are how I may make money if you purchase one of the products advertised). Having a successful website requires years of work and constant changes. The travel industry is one of the most competitive and there a people and corporations with the money and many years of expertise that you will be competing with. "We are Positive"

Good luck now.

Thanks for the comments Cola, I understand what you are talking about. Initially I looked into the idea about a year ago and realised it really cannot be done and earn money on my own. So I looked for alternatives, the website I'm going with is a multi-national franchise, backed with money, expertise to help you deliver a start of the art website, super content rich and paid up Google Ads. I honestly agree with you there is no other way in this market.

Good Luck with your blog

But you will still need a WP for Thailand... ,

Also noticed you have looked at BOI...The BOI will not touch you for an undertaking like this..

Yeah back to the point in question....WP. What about finding a sponsor or host? Doing a deal with a local business, WP for advertising or promotion?

I figured the BOI might be a long shot, they have not replied to my mail.

In theroy it would be possible for a local Thai company to front a WP for you, but who would pay for the application ?, who would be paying the monthly taxes for you, cant see any local company doing any of this for nothing or even for advertising/promotion, WP's in Thailand are a pain in the ar*e for most companies.

You would have to carry the cost for the application + your monthly taxes, you dont mention which nationality but you would have to pay tax on around THB 50,000 month...

[BangrakBob]

In theroy it would be possible for a local Thai company to front a WP for you, but who would pay for the application ?, who would be paying the monthly taxes for you, cant see any local company doing any of this for nothing or even for advertising/promotion, WP's in Thailand are a pain in the ar*e for most companies.

You would have to carry the cost for the application + your monthly taxes, you dont mention which nationality but you would have to pay tax on around THB 50,000 month...

I wouldn't expect anyone to front the costs, the advertising/promotion only being a incentive to strike a deal. There is a sister franchise in Thailand who I could approach.

I'm British and Australian, wow that tax rate sounds nasty

I'll gladly move to PLC, employ staff, set up an office when sustainable and justified. In the meantime it makes no sense and i'm just trying to find an interim solution.

I work in Oman, I thought the laws here were restrictive.

[jazzbo]

I will be living in the region, actively seeking local advertising and generally submersing myself in the local community and business.

If that is what you are doing it makes no difference that the website is hosted offshore; You will need a Thai company or somehow a JV-type arrangement with a Thai company and a work permit for yourself as you will be highly exposed... If you do as you describe and stop by the local labor office without having obtained a work permit in advance you might never leave.

[BangrakBob]

I will be living in the region, actively seeking local advertising and generally submersing myself in the local community and business.

If that is what you are doing it makes no difference that the website is hosted offshore; You will need a Thai company or somehow a JV-type arrangement with a Thai company and a work permit for yourself as you will be highly exposed... If you do as you describe and stop by the local labor office without having obtained a work permit in advance you might never leave.

"exposed", that was my main concern, I'll need to circulate, be known and get involved, not to mention agreeing contracts. There is no loophole big enough for this.

[Paulinho]

I will be living in the region, actively seeking local advertising and generally submersing myself in the local community and business.

If that is what you are doing it makes no difference that the website is hosted offshore; You will need a Thai company or somehow a JV-type arrangement with a Thai company and a work permit for yourself as you will be highly exposed... If you do as you describe and stop by the local labor office without having obtained a work permit in advance you might never leave.

"exposed", that was my main concern, I'll need to circulate, be known and get involved, not to mention agreeing contracts. There is no loophole big enough for this.

Would he need a JV or could he set up a company in his country (uk/aus) and then get paid into uk/aus account by said thai companies? It being an online business, couldn't this work? He wouldn't be paid by baht.

[thaiphoon]

The Op says he would be based in Thailand and working in Thailand and that requires a work permit and in turn sponsorship from a Thai registered company. The definition of work in Thailand is very wide and it does not matter whether you are paid or not. Even volunteers need a work permit to work legally. Be aware that caught working without a work permit is a serious offence with wide ranging consequences; it can lead to jail time but usually reduced to fine and deportation.

[Maestro]

Nige, I was hoping you were US American, but you are not. Having to sign away 51% of the shares of your Thai company is risky, more so in your line of business.

I see that two legal firms are sponsoring this forum, in alphabetical order Siam Legal and Sunbelt Asia. As far as I know both come highly recommended but I have no idea which one might be better suited to give you guidance so I suggest you visit the websites of both, contact both, and take it from there. If you were happily married to a Thai national I would say make her your 51% partner but as you apparently are not you will want to take the best possible precautions to safeguard your interests.

--

Maestro

[jazzbo]

Of Course you can take the ThaiVisa 'Creative Solutions' approach and only have a minimally-capitalized Sales Agency registered in Thailand with all the assets and profits offshore in some Cheney-like undisclosed location.

http://marketing.thaivisa.com/advertising-...conditions.html

[Paulinho]

The Op says he would be based in Thailand and working in Thailand and that requires a work permit and in turn sponsorship from a Thai registered company. The definition of work in Thailand is very wide and it does not matter whether you are paid or not. Even volunteers need a work permit to work legally. Be aware that caught working without a work permit is a serious offence with wide ranging consequences; it can lead to jail time but usually reduced to fine and deportation.

Sure. Understand. But am trying to think about this as if he was a web developer - for example would the following be classed as working in Thailand?

- You develop a website as a non-thai

- You have a UK company

- Someone/people in Thailand want to use the site

- They pay you a monthly fee to use the site into your UK company / account

Are you working in Thailand? Is it legal?

If you had built the site whilst being in the UK and then contacted people by email and formed contract then I am sure it is legal.

If you come here and visit companies to do biz dev then return to UK I think it is still legal? Like visiting any other countries.

When is it defined that you are 'working' in Thailand?

When does the above cross legality?

[Maestro]

Paulinho, the only problem with your post is that it is in no way related to the situation described by Nige in his opening post of this topic. In other words, you are off topic and if you are interested in the entirely different case you describe I suggest that you start a new topic for it.

--

Maestro

[w11guy]

I have had/owned a number of websites in my life and there is no guarantee that anyone is going to visit a website, I know yours will be better than all the rest etc. I do not want to sound negative but making money from a website on the internet can take years. Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money, and it is your dream. We must always remove our egos from the situation. "my jewelry is beautiful and everyone will want it" did not work for me as a manufacturer and wholesaler. Now with a a forum blogging website for one of the diseases that most people die from every year after that I have had for 5 months that is free to join and I have 8 affiliate ads on the site I think that I have 14 members. (the affiliate ads are how I may make money if you purchase one of the products advertised). Having a successful website requires years of work and constant changes. The travel industry is one of the most competitive and there a people and corporations with the money and many years of expertise that you will be competing with. "We are Positive"

Good luck now.

I find these forums quite interesting and informative, but it is amazing how much advice is given that is so negative. The reply above is correct in stating that "making money from a website on the internet CAN (my emphasis) take years". But this depends on the type of business model you have and also your experience.

He is also correct to state that "Yes I know there are a million advertisements telling you how to make money". But what's he's missing is that these make money ads are over 99% aimed at complete novices with no experience whatsoever. I'm just amazed that so many people with no business experience who are in a deadbeat job think they can suddenly make $30k a month by following some simple instructions.

It also seems that the above person is negative because of his experience. I'd be very surprised indeed if you ever made a sale from a free blog with 14 people signed up and 8 ads. This is the totally wrong way to go about making money on the internet. You are signing up 3 members a month. That sounds like you either aren't doing any work at all or have no idea whatsoever what you are doing.

You are confusing your own experience, and that of many others, with the original poster who wishes to run a business. Many people who run internet businesses make lots of money. I know 3 people personally who make £1000+ a day. I only started 6 months ago and am already making a decent amount, although not a full-time income. But I will be making a full-time income within the next 6-12 months.

So yes, it can take time to build a business, but that applies to all businesses not just internet businesses. You can fail at any business if you don't understand it. Making money on the internet is a specialised job so you need to learn how to do it before just leaping in without a plan.

It is not hard to make money on the internet all if you know what you are doing.

So let's stop all the negativity from the people who don't know what they are doing.

If I set up a restaurant business I'm sure I'd be a complete failure, but that doesn't mean I should discourage everyone else. Many people are a great success at it.

So don't project your own failures onto others.

[jazzbo]

Kuhn W -- If you look at Post #18 the problem for the OP is that regardless of from what domicile he hosts his website he intends to be on Thai soil calling on potential customers; for this activity he would definitely need a Work Permit ... you would like to discuss the viability of his and related internet business models -- however in LOS both successful and failure website models that entail physically calling on potential customers need a WP.

[w11guy]

Kuhn W -- If you look at Post #18 the problem for the OP is that regardless of from what domicile he hosts his website he intends to be on Thai soil calling on potential customers; for this activity he would definitely need a Work Permit ... you would like to discuss the viability of his and related internet business models -- however in LOS both successful and failure website models that entail physically calling on potential customers need a WP.

I agree with you that he seems to need a work permit. That was the original question. I just wanted to point out that there were too many negative replies that weren't answering his question but that were just making blanket negative statements that were just not true for many people. This is getting off topic, so last reply on the subject from me. Happy to discuss in a new thread in the appropriate forum with anyone who's interested.