B Visa For Self-Employment?

[northumbriannomad]

Just joined the forum, so hello everyone.

I'm a UK citizen, and I'm 44. I've just spent 4 months in Thailand on a tourist visa, and I want to come back in September/October on a non-immigrant visa. I'm not married. I am a self-employed translator. The most logical way of getting a non-immigrant visa would seem to be to get a B visa, but how can I do that when I need a "Supporting letter from the company you are employed by or are representing" (from the Hull website), and that company is, er, me? I suppose I can't send a letter to myself. Does this supporting letter need to be certifying that I have a good reason to be going to Thailand, or just that I am self-employed and able to support myself? If the latter, I could get something from a publisher I work for. Would that work?

I was also told it was possible to get an O visa on the basis of visiting friends/dependents (unmarried) in Thailand, but now it seems Hull don't do that any more - is that true?

Grateful for any advice.

[lopburi3]

Even with a non immigrant visa you can not work in Thailand without a work permit and that would require working for a company and company paperwork, or staying under the radar and running the risk of jail/deportation/blacklisting. Yes there are people doing it but it would not be a good long term plan in most peoples view.

[northumbriannomad]

Thanks for your reply, discouraging though it was.

I'll be working on a year-long project (translating a book), and I was hoping I could find some way of doing it here. Never mind.

[Mario2008]

Best way forard is to find a compnay willing to hire you as a translator, but most will prefer a Thai, as they are much cheaper.

Through a law firm you might be able to get a multiple non-B, but that will only 1 time or if lucky 2 times. But setting up your own company is probably out of the question, you need a Thai partner who has the majority in the company.

[northumbriannomad]

Thanks, Mario, that gives me something to work on. I also have a TEFL certificate and six years teaching experience, maybe I can get a part-time teaching job and an employment certificate that way...

[maprao]

Hi Welcome to the forum. From my understanding you wish to remain in Thailand longtermish.

Why not get an ED Visa for 1 year learn Thai at the same time. Continue to translate your book which I presume you are doing in the UK working from home. Who would know you are translating the book in your apartment! It is hardly high profile work outside of your own home. Could be classed as reading a book. Continue to get paid your money in The UK by who ever is paying you now.

Click on Walen links here and see how much the Thai courses would cost. The visa comes with the studying. :jap:

Good luck

[lopburi3]

Am not sure OP is talking long term (which first post seemed to suggest or the 'one year' translation period). But in any case a work permit for teaching would not allow other work so it is not an answer that would make the work legal. As said if this is a home based project it would be unlikely to be come a legal issue and if long term stay is being considered learning the language would be a good idea.