For those holding a tourist visa, is there a limit as to how many times I can do visa runs and get an extension? Because of my nationality, I'm given a three-month stamp (visa) on entry at the airport. Can I, in theory, exit every 90 days and come back to get a new 3-mont visa? Can I do this four times so I can stay in Thailand for a year? This was my original intention but after reading so much information, I'm now confused. I don't work in Thailand (I work freelance for a US company, over the internet) and I'm on my 30s, so no retirement visa for me. Will I be ok or did I jump the gun by thinking I could do 4 visa runs with no problem?

It would appear you will be working in Thailand if you are using internet from Thailand. As for stay there is normally no problem for those authorized 3 month visa exempt to use them one after another but at some point there could be questions asked.

Ok, I guess I'm technically working IN Thailand, although not for a company here, so I don't need (or qualify for) a local work permit. That's what I meant.

Thanks for the info on the visa situation. That's what I figured but the information is so confusing I wasn't sure anymore.

Yes, you need a working permit.

But you don't qualify.

You must set up a company in Thailand that hires you, pays taxes etc etc.,

Very interesting. Thanks for the information.

Warning: The penalty for working in Thailand without a work permit can be from 3 months to 5 years imprisonment. You will also face deportation and be blacklisted from Thailand for 99 years.

Source: www.sunbeltlegaladvisors.com

Edited July 7, 201016 yr by PoorSucker

Warning: The penalty for working in Thailand without a work permit can be from 3 months to 5 years imprisonment. You will also face deportation and be blacklisted from Thailand for 99 years.

If caught working illegally without a work permit then prison sentence can indeed be handed out by the court, but most often is reduced to fine and deportation/blacklisting.