February 21, 201412 yr Hello, I would like to ask any advice concerning setting up a small business. I am British married to a Thai citizen. We do not have multi-millions, to set up big companies. But we do wish to set up a small learning center in a rural area near Chumpohn. We can do it and keep low, but as a foreigner I do not wish to be living in fear of getting caught with out a work permit etc. What are our options ?????
February 21, 201412 yr What area of Chumphon are u in? I know it would do good in the area because many locals are looking for English private schools I have a place near thaisai Depends on the area I don't want to say do something illegal but in rural Chumphon the don't check to much Good luck
February 21, 201412 yr Start a company and get a licence: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/538765-starting-a-tutorial-school/
February 21, 201412 yr The only ways you MIGHT get away with it - and then only for a while, banking all your profits toward the costs required to do it right: flying VERY low under the radar, tutoring and small groups in your home, no advertising other than word of mouth or maybe giving under the table commissions to local principals and teachers (risky). Having very good friends that are high up in the local power structures, both police and political, and not competing against any Thais trying to do the same. Much better off doing it really right. Just the legal stuff, not counting physical infrastructure or marketing expenses, maybe a quarter million baht. PM me if you want a contact with a company-formation outfit that's helped other TEFL schools get started. PS if you're not properly academically qualified as an educator (masters?) then you'll need to hire a Thai front man/lady for the paperwork. Better if this person just does service for a fee and then goes away, taking on Thai partners other than your wife + nominees is probably risky unless your wife's family is well connected, has school/business connections that she really trusts.
February 21, 201412 yr don't worry, the local BiBs are very good at sniffing out foreigners in the area, lived there for a couple of years, anyone who has lighter skin (no racial tone intended) always get 2nd looks since locals are predominantly of darker complexion don't even try illegal things, village headmen know everything in that area.. its not worth the gamble (think rabid dogs with over-grown fangs) like most posters say, do it legally! (fuss free & no fear of getting caught)
February 21, 201412 yr Ironic isn't it, what would be very much in the best interests of the country as a whole, is so effectively stifled by rules designed to keep the incumbent elite holding all the strings. In teaching foreign languages specifically, they should just open it up and let us do whatever we want, let the market run wild-west fashion to sort out quality control. No way the end result would be any worse than it is now, except to the profitability of the current players.
February 21, 201412 yr If your willing to go to the effort of setting up a business don't ruin it by not getting the correct work permit. Probably only a matter of time till you got caught. Tick all the boxes and cover your bases. Good luck hope it all works out for you guys.
February 21, 201412 yr Company formation, licensing requirements from the MoE, work permit's the very last thing on the list
February 22, 201412 yr Author Thank you all for the advice given When I started to look at setting up a small company they are looking for a working Capital of 3million thb, As I said we only want a small centre but still wish the correct paperwork etc
February 22, 201412 yr probably best to just do it low profile to start with, I have that many thais asking me to teach them english(live in Surat Thani, 90 minutes from Chumphon). I have my tefl cert(did it for something to do) but dont have the ability to concentrate for long periods(pain/meds) so I just dont bother. Plenty of people want to learn english but you need to be sure you are not caught out doing it without a wp, just be careful.
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