Working Online

[RAZZELL]

Interesting read in the Phuket Gazette:

http://www.phuketgazette.net/issuesanswers/details.asp?id=1175

RAZZ

[Crossy]

Whilst both respondents confirm what is normally said on ThaiVisa (you need a WP to do online work), they don't attempt to address the issues involved with the simple phrase 'they can come to Thailand and apply for a work permit with the Department of Employment'.

Thailand simply does not have an Immigration / Department of Employment vehicle to support online working The result is that 99% of online 'workers' choose to fly under the radar.

[InterestedObserver]

Nothing new there. The Thai definition of work covers it all. Only those who can't/won't get a work permit argue otherwise.

[starcatcher]

Nothing new there. The Thai definition of work covers it all. Only those who can't/won't get a work permit argue otherwise.

I dont talk about details here. But I have to say, you are wrong. I had a partnership and a wp. But I could not go on with it, because they (immigration) told me that I cant get a wp for this work as it is not (defined) as work in Thailand. My work has to do with internet.

I dont want to give any details, as imho I guess this is just a not yet closed gap in the labour laws for foreigners as even many western countries still have to work out and to change many regulations and laws regarding to internet.

[lopburi3]

Immigration has nothing to do with work permit issue - that is an issue for the Labor Department. If you had a work permit there is nothing immigration could do about it. I suspect immigration would not extend your stay which is there right. But you could exit and return for normal non immigrant B visa entry if Consulates accepted your paperwork.

But yes the whole internet thing is a quagmire as rules were not set up for that concept and are slow in evolving.