Hi,

Been in HK 20 years and have an opportunity to do a 1-2 month consulting job in Bangkok.

Can anyone outline what I need to look out for? Who applies for the visa? How long does it take?

I am told I will be paid in Baht...from the local company. Read somewhere that there is a 20% tax withholding by the Thai Government?

I've done some looking in your forums- good stuff but not found exactly what I need to know. Have been asked to submit proposal by this Friday... so trying to get straight to the facts.

I am a US citizen... 49 years old... hope that is enough to provide some background.

Thanks- there are some great forum/replies here.

David

Sounds like you'll be paid from Thailand to your offshore account, in which case, yes, a witholding tax will be taken out, and which you can claim against your HK tax liabilities elsewhere.

Someone will be along shortly to best explain non-immigrant B Visa's and work permits, so I'll leave that to them.

However if your consulting is primarily just to do meetings and then you'll write your report, potentially elsewhere, then it might be worth looking into the APEC business travel pass which is more or less designed to facilitate business related travel and longer stays. In the case of Thaiand, 90 days.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/APEC_Business_Travel_Card

Given you have been in HK for 20 years, I'm assuming you have PR there. In which case you'll be able to apply for an APEC card via the HK Authorities (HK is the only juristiction I can tell who will issue a APEC card to non-citizens of any nationality).

Good luck with your consulting gig.

Everything Samran said is spot on in my opinion.

I would add is that the withholding tax you are referring to is 15% not 20%. It is applicable to non-tax residents (corporate or individual) and it doesn't make any difference whether it is paid on or offshore.

In theory the withholding tax can be claimed back but I'm not sure how practical that is. It is probably worthwhile studying the Thai/HK Double Taxation Agreement as that probably has some implications.

I think that the APEC card might negate the need for a work permit but you would need to be careful how any service agreement was worded and you certainly couldn't invoice onshore in Thailand and probably not in your own name even if it was billed from offshore.

Gentlemen, thanks for your efficient and prompt replies and information.

I'll proceed with your Guidance and will return should I need any further assistance.

Kind regards,

David

Work permit required for advisory from offshore?

No.

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