After working legitimately as a teacher in BKK for several years, I am now continuing to live in Thailand by working as a freelance writer/photographer. I've been doing this for about half a year now, and my work is regularly published in both Thai and foreign media, however, I've been doing this on a tourist visa. If possible, I want to work here legitimately, and would like to apply for a non-im media "m" visa. I've scoured past posts, but there's not too much definate info about this particular visa, and I still have a few questions:

1. Considering I'm a regular contributer to an English-language paper here in BKK (but not an employee), is it enough to simply bring a letter that states as much (plus a few articles) to get my "m" visa?

2. If I am eventually able to get an "m" visa, do I also need to have a valid work permit to publish with Thai and foreign media? (Sorry--this may seem a no-brainer to most of you, but it's not entirely clear to me!)

3. If an "m" visa is unlikely, what would you suggest I do? I'd very much rather not stay on the tourist visa route, as my worked is often printed here and taxes are deducted--thus there is a record of my having worked here illegally! And I imagine doing this is bound to catch up with me at some point.

Would very much appreciate any advice/help/experience.

Essentially you need a letter/s from a foreign publication/s that you contribute to on a regular basis. This publication will become your sponsor as such. The media ("m")visa - from what I understand- allows you to work only for foreign publications. This foreign publication can be produced in Thailand as long as it is distributed internationally.