Work Permit Question

[INCOGNITO146]

hi,

i have a business in the u.k making jewellery fairly small scale. i spend around 6 months a year working in the u.k and 6 months a year in thailand.

I currently have a one year cat b visa with work permitted. If i were to work from my house in Thailand in the time i was here making jewellery and taking it back to the u.k with me to sell is would i require a work permit ? I would not be selling anything in Thailand or even working for anybody other than myself ? Thanks in advance

[LivinginKata]

Moved to Visa & WP forum. Will get a better response.

[PoorSucker]

A non-B visa does not allow you to work in Thailand.

Only a work permit qualify for that.

You need to be hired by an Thai entity to work here, even if it's for yourself.

1. The business must be registered in Thailand.

2. The company must be capitalized to at least Baht 2 Million while operating fund must be at least Baht 1 Million.

3. The company must have a ration of at least 4 : 1 - Four Thais for every foreigner.

Edit:

Jewellery is also on the list on occupations prohibited to foreigners.

Be careful.

[Mario2008]

As above. You would need a work permit to be allowed to work in Thailand and for that you need a Thai company.

[stevenl]

In addition, have you though about potential customs problems?

[INCOGNITO146]

hi again, thanks for the replies.

i don't see a problem with customs. you simply pay the customs charges/vat upon arrival in the u.k.

is it possible for my thai girlfriend to make the jewellery and me take it back with me. then i would not technically be doing anything except guiding her/offering advice ?

thanks again

[PoorSucker]

The official definition of “work” in Thailand is "to engage in work by exerting energy or using knowledge whether or not in consideration of wages or other benefits"

Still need a work permit.

[stevenl]

hi again, thanks for the replies.

i don't see a problem with customs. you simply pay the customs charges/vat upon arrival in the u.k.

is it possible for my thai girlfriend to make the jewellery and me take it back with me. then i would not technically be doing anything except guiding her/offering advice ?

thanks again

Officially you'd still need a workpermit, but I would not worry about that.

[PoorSucker]

Don't say the word "work".

It's your hobby to make jewellery for your wife.

[Soutpeel]

Don't say the word "work".

It's your hobby to make jewellery for your wife.

Yeap thats the way to go....