I'm thinking of setting up a small construction company specifically to build bridges in Thailand as I've heard that the demand is very high. Do you think I'd be able to get a work permit for this crucial task?

No.

You may be able to get a consultancy set up, which I did, but in the end I lost a shed-load of money.

(But not as much as Bilfinger did).

I know there are foreign owned contractors, but with Thai partners and they are the killer.

I have been in a construction related business in Thailand for quite a while. My first work permit was issued 39 years ago (that may have been the year they were introduced) and I have never had a problem with renewals.

You should be able to get a work permit on the basis of setting up you own company. The expats working for me have all started their own companies and I legally hire their companies as the way of using their services. There are also tax advantages for them in doing this e.g. their corporate tax bill can be offset by using their homes, vehicles etc as company assets.

Bridge building could be a bit of a risk as there is a bit of a Highways Dept mafia and your best bet may be to subcontract to them. Bridges will generally be government type projects and the bid bonds, performance bonds, maintenance bonds can hurt a small contractor badly by tying up your working capital. I would be surprised if the banks do not demand 100% cash collateral for any bonds they raise on your behalf.

A guy who posts as solent01 was apparently a road building contractor in Chiang Mai.

I see he was still on the forum this year so he might be able to help you out.

Roads is like bridges but one has a hole under it and the other has holes in it.....

Wouldn't this have been better posted in the main forum areas? More people would see it there so you'd get more responses I expect.

Wouldn't this have been better posted in the main forum areas? More people would see it there so you'd get more responses I expect.

But what type of responses? If the OP wishes to move the topic to the main forum, could my post be removed first please.

Thanks

I'm very grateful for all the replies. The thread has obviously backfired

I think the clue was that it was posted in Bedlam.

I'll admit the image of endure the bridgebuilder didn't quite jell.

I'll admit the image of endure the bridgebuilder didn't quite jell.

You jest?

OK, it seems the OP was a tongue in cheek post, what's the joke?

I was intending to build some bridges to house the vast army of trolls who seem to have started visiting TV recently.

maybe a bridge too far

Crickey. how long have you been here Boksider, I'll be looking out for Rugby threads from now on, good day to notice you as well, your boys have just beaten the Brits at Cricket, you are now top of the pile.

Crickey. how long have you been here Boksider, I'll be looking out for Rugby threads from now on, good day to notice you as well, your boys have just beaten the Brits at Cricket, you are now top of the pile.

While rummaging around looking for an old Work Permit, I found my first Permanent Residence book, dated 2514. I'm starting to get used to it here now though, so I might stick around for a bit.

I can't claim any Jaapie ancestors - my Rugby and Cricket teams were both rated No. 2 recently but now seem to be ambitiously aiming for 10th spot.

I was intending to build some bridges to house the vast army of trolls who seem to have started visiting TV recently.

Time for a good song about bridges.

Crickey. how long have you been here Boksider, I'll be looking out for Rugby threads from now on, good day to notice you as well, your boys have just beaten the Brits at Cricket, you are now top of the pile.

While rummaging around looking for an old Work Permit, I found my first Permanent Residence book, dated 2514. I'm starting to get used to it here now though, so I might stick around for a bit.

I can't claim any Jaapie ancestors - my Rugby and Cricket teams were both rated No. 2 recently but now seem to be ambitiously aiming for 10th spot.

Holy Toledo, you certainly have been kicking around a while Mr. Boksida. I was born in 2513.