Digital nomad, online workers.. Permission !

[LivinLOS]

http://chiangmaicitynews.com/news.php?id=4366

The event was organised by the Chamber of Commerce, Upper Northern Thailand Provincial Cluster 1, and was attended by members of the local consular corps and some foreign business owners.

Pol. Col. Rutphong Sanwanangkun, Superintendent of Chiang Mai Immigration, addressed those present along with two of his colleagues. The immigration officers answered questions, including some that CityNews asked readers to submit.

What if I want to work in Thailand?

If you are working for a Thai company, you will need a non-immigrant (type visa and then a work permit in order to work legally.

If you are a 'digital nomad' running your own business on the internet, the immigration office says you can do this on a tourist visa.

If you are a 'digital nomad' running your own business on the internet, the immigration office says you can do this on a tourist visa.

Thats from the horses mouth, but in direct contradiction of every other immigration and labor office spokesperson or official statement.

Baffling on which legal basis they believe this to be true.

[LivinLOS]

Next question would be.. Can a married person do it on a non imm O ??

If the answer is also yes.. The whole can of legal worms around working and earning starts getting very very messy.

If you leave your earnings outside of Thailand for one year you also owe no income taxes here.. How do you define 'which dollar' in your offshore account was the dollar you earn this year, v the dollar you earn last year ??

[monk213]

OP is this serious? This may change everything for a lot of people, and if they knew maybe the Thai economy won't suffer such a blow in the next quarter

[monk213]

Double post sorry, but I still think the 'government' and immigration system has shot itself in the foot, leg and goolies by not creating a new visa for farang who can make ample amounts of moolah on the internet legally, it is easily done in many different ways, and it takes away no jobs from the oh so precious Thai work force, and the money goes straight into the economy. Why have they not addressed this properly?

[AYJAYDEE]

Double post sorry, but I still think the 'government' and immigration system has shot itself in the foot, leg and goolies by not creating a new visa for farang who can make ample amounts of moolah on the internet legally, it is easily done in many different ways, and it takes away no jobs from the oh so precious Thai work force, and the money goes straight into the economy. Why have they not addressed this properly?

perhaps they didnt know someone was available to suggest this novel idea to them?

[MillionairePlayboy]

>Thats from the horses mouth, but in direct contradiction of every other immigration and labor office spokesperson or official statement.

No doubt it will soon be corrected in another statement saying that technically this kind of working is actually not allowed.

What they're really want to say is that this rule is not being enforced, and they are trying to rid the country of criminals and those working in jobs that Thai's could do.

If you're a digital nomad (or a millionaire playboy) it's interesting to know what the immigration and police departments deem worthy of enforcement.

The sanctimonious old codgers will continue to shout (where their ailing lungs allow) about their strict interpretation of the law and resentfully wish for the days of the 1900's when they were the only white man in town, and treated like the rare birds that they know themselves to be.

[JLCrab]

So the message is: Fly into CNX.

[enuff said]

.

Yes, but remember, you won't be living here on tourist visa after tourist visa after tourist visa after visa exempt stamp ad nauseam. At some point you will be turned down.

I am sure the IO meant that a tourist can come and do his biz for the short time of his visit.

'nuff said

~

[alocacoc]

There are very different styles of digital nomad.

Two examples;

1. Someone who create websites for his customers in Europe.

(he have customers who give him orders. Actually, a Thai person could do this job too)

2. Someone who trading US stocks in US exchanges.

(he have no customers. Actually he do only online banking and, nobody else could do this job for him)

BTW; can we expect still the outcome of the interview which Thaivisa.com did with a Immigration officer?

[LivinLOS]

Double post sorry, but I still think the 'government' and immigration system has shot itself in the foot, leg and goolies by not creating a new visa for farang who can make ample amounts of moolah on the internet legally, it is easily done in many different ways, and it takes away no jobs from the oh so precious Thai work force, and the money goes straight into the economy. Why have they not addressed this properly?

Because verifying income and calculating tax payments would be very hard, if not impossible, to verify.

All governments demand taxes.. Thailand would be no different.

[LivinLOS]

There are very different styles of digital nomad.

Two examples;

1. Someone who create websites for his customers in Europe.

(he have customers who give him orders. Actually, a Thai person could do this job too)

2. Someone who trading US stocks in US exchanges.

(he have no customers. Actually he do only online banking and, nobody else could do this job for him)

BTW; can we expect still the outcome of the interview which Thaivisa.com did with a Immigration officer?

And marketeers.. Adsense farmers.. copy writers.. All manner of freelance service offerings.. etc etc etc..

Hell youtube video bloggers can make a living if they play it right.. Look at the rejigging google/youtube did over the phenomenon of reply girls.

[monk213]

Double post sorry, but I still think the 'government' and immigration system has shot itself in the foot, leg and goolies by not creating a new visa for farang who can make ample amounts of moolah on the internet legally, it is easily done in many different ways, and it takes away no jobs from the oh so precious Thai work force, and the money goes straight into the economy. Why have they not addressed this properly?

Because verifying income and calculating tax payments would be very hard, if not impossible, to verify.

All governments demand taxes.. Thailand would be no different.

So they can go to all of these lengths to make sure we report to immigration when we move province, to stamp down on illegal workers and reforming the ED visa scheme, but it is not in their interest to try and make a visa and tax scheme for these types of people so they can make money from the tax itself and also push a hell of a lot of money into the economy? Again, Thailand ceases to amaze me

[enuff said]

.

Double post sorry, but I still think the 'government' and immigration system has shot itself in the foot, leg and goolies by not creating a new visa for farang who can make ample amounts of moolah on the internet legally, it is easily done in many different ways, and it takes away no jobs from the oh so precious Thai work force, and the money goes straight into the economy. Why have they not addressed this properly?

Because verifying income and calculating tax payments would be very hard, if not impossible, to verify.

All governments demand taxes.. Thailand would be no different.

You said it LL.

These nomads want to dodge taxes. That's all there is to it.

'nuff said

~

[LivinLOS]

Double post sorry, but I still think the 'government' and immigration system has shot itself in the foot, leg and goolies by not creating a new visa for farang who can make ample amounts of moolah on the internet legally, it is easily done in many different ways, and it takes away no jobs from the oh so precious Thai work force, and the money goes straight into the economy. Why have they not addressed this properly?

Because verifying income and calculating tax payments would be very hard, if not impossible, to verify.

All governments demand taxes.. Thailand would be no different.

So they can go to all of these lengths to make sure we report to immigration when we move province, to stamp down on illegal workers and reforming the ED visa scheme, but it is not in their interest to try and make a visa and tax scheme for these types of people so they can make money from the tax itself and also push a hell of a lot of money into the economy? Again, Thailand ceases to amaze me

How would Thailand be able to demand, and enforce, the production of all income sources when those sources are from outside Thailand ??

One suggestion would be to set a 'min wage' under which taxes would need to be paid on the income even if not generated.. Say 60k a month min wages needed for this class and the the taxes for 60k as a minimum paid for each month the visa class is operated.

Another would be to demand accounting of all inward remittances and add 30% on top of that. sort of taxing the 'income' used in Thailand.. However again this would be VERY hard to police and also puts people in a position of being unable to afford taxes after spending the money.

[alocacoc]

Let us say, a genuine tourist comes to Thailand for a few weeks. Most probably this tourist is a employee in his home country or he run his own business. While he stay in Thailand, he do some work online. Whatever... do conversations with clients, write blogs and so on. How could this be illegal?

IMHO, as long as someone get a Tourist Visa, he is a Tourist. I don't speak about visa exempt entries.

[LivinLOS]

Let us say, a genuine tourist comes to Thailand for a few weeks. Most probably this tourist is a employee in his home country or he run his own business. While he stay in Thailand, he do some work online. Whatever... do conversations with clients, write blogs and so on. How could this be illegal?

But it is.. You sday how could it be ?? By writing the law and making it the law of the land.

[stingOldway]

>Thats from the horses mouth, but in direct contradiction of every other immigration and labor office spokesperson or official statement.

No doubt it will soon be corrected in another statement saying that technically this kind of working is actually not allowed.

What they're really want to say is that this rule is not being enforced, and they are trying to rid the country of criminals and those working in jobs that Thai's could do.

If you're a digital nomad (or a millionaire playboy) it's interesting to know what the immigration and police departments deem worthy of enforcement.

The sanctimonious old codgers will continue to shout (where their ailing lungs allow) about their strict interpretation of the law and resentfully wish for the days of the 1900's when they were the only white man in town, and treated like the rare birds that they know themselves to be.

I do respectfully and humble; while doing so genuily, dare to ask an exact definition of a digital nomad?

Is it some random snipets of code who wander in the network, the so called 'angels' back in the 70' (term used in some Phd thesis at that time)?????

Or is a 'catch-all' word, used to easily define a group of human being unable to find a decent employment in their own country (too many candidates, so only the top best are selected) or in this country (too many candidates, even with top best out, so only the very best can compete)?

I do understand people such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckenberg or Bill Gates can, is they so choose, became digital nomads and earn billions a day working remotly; what I do not grasp is the same naming being used by Joe Smith, Mr Allcome, or a noboddy who barely get enought to buy a Chang in 7/11?

You may, if you please, P.M. and decline your qualities on the related field. Being who I am, with the qualifications I have, I rarely got any trouble to land a decent job with decent salary (6 digits a bare minimum in tbh) in the related field. Most of the so called digital nomad, SEO expert, coding guru, or whatever name; are usualy OR incompetent (at best not at the level they claim) OR lazy (unable to provide the amount of work a decent employer expect from employees) OR total fraud (sometimes the 3 at the same time).

LAst, being an old codger myself (or about, I prefer to define myself as old french fart), I found both pathetic and humoristic kids trying to explain me what life is about (they certainly did not pee where I did, and will never do so) , while on the same time trying to explain me what my work is about (digital nomad is anathema to most the specialities they claim to master). There are works that can be done remote (Sun promoted it, I believe Apple did it also at one time); but there are others that are not possible, depending too much of the local conditions of the network (and that is starter , easy to understand by layman people; obviously there is more to say about it, but it will become too much tech blahblah for that place).

So, in Thailand, the real Digital Nomad must be very very little, I would guess less than a hundred; and yes Immigration will turn a blind eye on them, because they make LOT of money to come here (and I do know it well, having the firt experience in 2003/2005 in Lopburi); here we are talking about well over 6 digits a month on a regulary basis. All the others, fighting to get a living at best in Thai standard (mean earning about 20 000) have no right , legaly AND moraly to claim for anything but the same as everyone. They get a visa allowing to do so, if there is not, then they shall move on; if they are high end residents I am quite sure LOT OF COUNTRIES will accept them .... In fact I do not even understand while they are still here, other expats do not love them, locals do not provide them with legal documentation, police want to expel them. Why are they still here??????????????

[stingOldway]

Quite good for a first post!

Sorry for venting, but frustation not stop growing about those so call 'digital nomad'

[nicolas18]

After reading the linked article, I would ask of all Thaivisa members to please have a thought for AYJAYDEE and JLCrab, two of our esteemed posters, who have now lost their favorite topic of conversation: harping on and on about how people working online are criminals working illegally. May they soon find another topic to post inane replies to.

[nicolas18]

>Thats from the horses mouth, but in direct contradiction of every other immigration and labor office spokesperson or official statement.

No doubt it will soon be corrected in another statement saying that technically this kind of working is actually not allowed.

What they're really want to say is that this rule is not being enforced, and they are trying to rid the country of criminals and those working in jobs that Thai's could do.

If you're a digital nomad (or a millionaire playboy) it's interesting to know what the immigration and police departments deem worthy of enforcement.

The sanctimonious old codgers will continue to shout (where their ailing lungs allow) about their strict interpretation of the law and resentfully wish for the days of the 1900's when they were the only white man in town, and treated like the rare birds that they know themselves to be.

I do respectfully and humble; while doing so genuily, dare to ask an exact definition of a digital nomad?

Is it some random snipets of code who wander in the network, the so called 'angels' back in the 70' (term used in some Phd thesis at that time)?????

Or is a 'catch-all' word, used to easily define a group of human being unable to find a decent employment in their own country (too many candidates, so only the top best are selected) or in this country (too many candidates, even with top best out, so only the very best can compete)?

I do understand people such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckenberg or Bill Gates can, is they so choose, became digital nomads and earn billions a day working remotly; what I do not grasp is the same naming being used by Joe Smith, Mr Allcome, or a noboddy who barely get enought to buy a Chang in 7/11?

You may, if you please, P.M. and decline your qualities on the related field. Being who I am, with the qualifications I have, I rarely got any trouble to land a decent job with decent salary (6 digits a bare minimum in tbh) in the related field. Most of the so called digital nomad, SEO expert, coding guru, or whatever name; are usualy OR incompetent (at best not at the level they claim) OR lazy (unable to provide the amount of work a decent employer expect from employees) OR total fraud (sometimes the 3 at the same time).

LAst, being an old codger myself (or about, I prefer to define myself as old french fart), I found both pathetic and humoristic kids trying to explain me what life is about (they certainly did not pee where I did, and will never do so) , while on the same time trying to explain me what my work is about (digital nomad is anathema to most the specialities they claim to master). There are works that can be done remote (Sun promoted it, I believe Apple did it also at one time); but there are others that are not possible, depending too much of the local conditions of the network (and that is starter , easy to understand by layman people; obviously there is more to say about it, but it will become too much tech blahblah for that place).

So, in Thailand, the real Digital Nomad must be very very little, I would guess less than a hundred; and yes Immigration will turn a blind eye on them, because they make LOT of money to come here (and I do know it well, having the firt experience in 2003/2005 in Lopburi); here we are talking about well over 6 digits a month on a regulary basis. All the others, fighting to get a living at best in Thai standard (mean earning about 20 000) have no right , legaly AND moraly to claim for anything but the same as everyone. They get a visa allowing to do so, if there is not, then they shall move on; if they are high end residents I am quite sure LOT OF COUNTRIES will accept them .... In fact I do not even understand while they are still here, other expats do not love them, locals do not provide them with legal documentation, police want to expel them. Why are they still here??????????????

You know, I have a simple rule when it comes to discussing stuff: I only discuss topics I know a little about. A rule you may also want to apply to yourself.

There are plenty of web designers, freelance writers, SEO consultants, photographers, programmers, who prefer to work on their own. Not because they are lazy or incompetent, but because they enjoy the fact that they can work from anywhere and do not have to work for someone else.

As for the "local conditions of the network," whatever that means, all of the freelance jobs I mentioned above could technically be done on a 56K connection, were they still available. In other words, you are talking out of your *ss.

[JLCrab]

After reading the linked article, I would ask of all Thaivisa members to please have a thought for AYJAYDEE and JLCrab, two of our esteemed posters, who have now lost their favorite topic of conversation: harping on and on about how people working online are criminals working illegally. May they soon find another topic to post inane replies to.

I think my exact words as to why Labor / Immigration doesn't go after digital nomads is because they "don't give a sh7t". I don't either. Never have. I respond when someone says why isn't there a way for digital nomads to stay long term in Thailand. No hay probleme. Would require change in Immigration Act, Working in Thailand Act, Ministerial Regulations / Police order on extension of stay, and maybe a few others.

And I like this topic. This isn't your show.

[stevenl]

I hope for many people this is true, but somehow I doubt it is as easy as it seems.

[monk213]

>Thats from the horses mouth, but in direct contradiction of every other immigration and labor office spokesperson or official statement.

No doubt it will soon be corrected in another statement saying that technically this kind of working is actually not allowed.

What they're really want to say is that this rule is not being enforced, and they are trying to rid the country of criminals and those working in jobs that Thai's could do.

If you're a digital nomad (or a millionaire playboy) it's interesting to know what the immigration and police departments deem worthy of enforcement.

The sanctimonious old codgers will continue to shout (where their ailing lungs allow) about their strict interpretation of the law and resentfully wish for the days of the 1900's when they were the only white man in town, and treated like the rare birds that they know themselves to be.

I do respectfully and humble; while doing so genuily, dare to ask an exact definition of a digital nomad?

Is it some random snipets of code who wander in the network, the so called 'angels' back in the 70' (term used in some Phd thesis at that time)?????

Or is a 'catch-all' word, used to easily define a group of human being unable to find a decent employment in their own country (too many candidates, so only the top best are selected) or in this country (too many candidates, even with top best out, so only the very best can compete)?

I do understand people such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckenberg or Bill Gates can, is they so choose, became digital nomads and earn billions a day working remotly; what I do not grasp is the same naming being used by Joe Smith, Mr Allcome, or a noboddy who barely get enought to buy a Chang in 7/11?

You may, if you please, P.M. and decline your qualities on the related field. Being who I am, with the qualifications I have, I rarely got any trouble to land a decent job with decent salary (6 digits a bare minimum in tbh) in the related field. Most of the so called digital nomad, SEO expert, coding guru, or whatever name; are usualy OR incompetent (at best not at the level they claim) OR lazy (unable to provide the amount of work a decent employer expect from employees) OR total fraud (sometimes the 3 at the same time).

LAst, being an old codger myself (or about, I prefer to define myself as old french fart), I found both pathetic and humoristic kids trying to explain me what life is about (they certainly did not pee where I did, and will never do so) , while on the same time trying to explain me what my work is about (digital nomad is anathema to most the specialities they claim to master). There are works that can be done remote (Sun promoted it, I believe Apple did it also at one time); but there are others that are not possible, depending too much of the local conditions of the network (and that is starter , easy to understand by layman people; obviously there is more to say about it, but it will become too much tech blahblah for that place).

So, in Thailand, the real Digital Nomad must be very very little, I would guess less than a hundred; and yes Immigration will turn a blind eye on them, because they make LOT of money to come here (and I do know it well, having the firt experience in 2003/2005 in Lopburi); here we are talking about well over 6 digits a month on a regulary basis. All the others, fighting to get a living at best in Thai standard (mean earning about 20 000) have no right , legaly AND moraly to claim for anything but the same as everyone. They get a visa allowing to do so, if there is not, then they shall move on; if they are high end residents I am quite sure LOT OF COUNTRIES will accept them .... In fact I do not even understand while they are still here, other expats do not love them, locals do not provide them with legal documentation, police want to expel them. Why are they still here??????????????

You may want to recount that figure my old codger of a friend, and also redefine what it means to be a digital nomad. You don't have to be a millionaire to be one, to sustain a house, food, a few luxuries is sufficient, I know of 4 such people myself here, and that's just who I know, so go back to the drawing board or take a nap

[Jonathan Fairfield]

With reference to the story above from the Chiang Mai City News, this is the first Thaivisa has heard about 'digital nomads' (or anyone else for that matter) being able to legally work on a tourist visa. We don't know if this confirmed, if it only applies to Chiang Mai or if it's nationwide.

We doubt this is the last we have heard of this story but we will try and seek further clarification regarding this matter.

/Moderating team

[JLCrab]

BTW; can we expect still the outcome of the interview which Thaivisa.com did with a Immigration officer?

The mods have posted saying that they still haven't received the responses.

My guess is that they won't ever receive any written responses, because the Immigration officials don't want to go on record saying anything definitive so as to avoid any possible repercussions from the regime.

May also be because too many of the questions had nothing to do with the authority of the Immigration Department.

[cacruden]

They should create a tourist/foreign worker visa and make sure that they have to declare the income and have the revenue deposited into a Thai bank account so that they can collect taxes on it.

[mrtoad]

Still far to unclear at present. The statement also contradicts other comments made by other officials in the past regarding it.

My feeling on this is that to be legal then a work permit is required. However, let's be honest if people are working from homes on-line it's not likely that they are going to be caught, unless they are grassed up by someone.

[stingOldway]

>Thats from the horses mouth, but in direct contradiction of every other immigration and labor office spokesperson or official statement.

No doubt it will soon be corrected in another statement saying that technically this kind of working is actually not allowed.

What they're really want to say is that this rule is not being enforced, and they are trying to rid the country of criminals and those working in jobs that Thai's could do.

If you're a digital nomad (or a millionaire playboy) it's interesting to know what the immigration and police departments deem worthy of enforcement.

The sanctimonious old codgers will continue to shout (where their ailing lungs allow) about their strict interpretation of the law and resentfully wish for the days of the 1900's when they were the only white man in town, and treated like the rare birds that they know themselves to be.

I do respectfully and humble; while doing so genuily, dare to ask an exact definition of a digital nomad?

Is it some random snipets of code who wander in the network, the so called 'angels' back in the 70' (term used in some Phd thesis at that time)?????

Or is a 'catch-all' word, used to easily define a group of human being unable to find a decent employment in their own country (too many candidates, so only the top best are selected) or in this country (too many candidates, even with top best out, so only the very best can compete)?

I do understand people such as Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckenberg or Bill Gates can, is they so choose, became digital nomads and earn billions a day working remotly; what I do not grasp is the same naming being used by Joe Smith, Mr Allcome, or a noboddy who barely get enought to buy a Chang in 7/11?

You may, if you please, P.M. and decline your qualities on the related field. Being who I am, with the qualifications I have, I rarely got any trouble to land a decent job with decent salary (6 digits a bare minimum in tbh) in the related field. Most of the so called digital nomad, SEO expert, coding guru, or whatever name; are usualy OR incompetent (at best not at the level they claim) OR lazy (unable to provide the amount of work a decent employer expect from employees) OR total fraud (sometimes the 3 at the same time).

LAst, being an old codger myself (or about, I prefer to define myself as old french fart), I found both pathetic and humoristic kids trying to explain me what life is about (they certainly did not pee where I did, and will never do so) , while on the same time trying to explain me what my work is about (digital nomad is anathema to most the specialities they claim to master). There are works that can be done remote (Sun promoted it, I believe Apple did it also at one time); but there are others that are not possible, depending too much of the local conditions of the network (and that is starter , easy to understand by layman people; obviously there is more to say about it, but it will become too much tech blahblah for that place).

So, in Thailand, the real Digital Nomad must be very very little, I would guess less than a hundred; and yes Immigration will turn a blind eye on them, because they make LOT of money to come here (and I do know it well, having the firt experience in 2003/2005 in Lopburi); here we are talking about well over 6 digits a month on a regulary basis. All the others, fighting to get a living at best in Thai standard (mean earning about 20 000) have no right , legaly AND moraly to claim for anything but the same as everyone. They get a visa allowing to do so, if there is not, then they shall move on; if they are high end residents I am quite sure LOT OF COUNTRIES will accept them .... In fact I do not even understand while they are still here, other expats do not love them, locals do not provide them with legal documentation, police want to expel them. Why are they still here??????????????

You may want to recount that figure my old codger of a friend, and also redefine what it means to be a digital nomad. You don't have to be a millionaire to be one, to sustain a house, food, a few luxuries is sufficient, I know of 4 such people myself here, and that's just who I know, so go back to the drawing board or take a nap

Nap? Wish I could, but I am at office working!

Anyway you made my point :

digital nomad , in your words, are people fighting to sustain survival (so barely a living by thai standard). Housing, few luxuries ...

Nothing here that will interest any countries in the world!

Furthermore, I am sure those people came here at first place because they were having the same kind of life at home (mean barely survival while being to lazy to improve their skills); am I right?

Last , I am still waiting for P.M. coming from one of those famed Digital Nomad, PM having his qualifications, said qualifications we would then compare with mines ...

Anyway, while it is normal to want the very best, One shall remember there is no such law written in stone; worst the only laws we all know (and in every countries, allow me to stress it out once more) seems to forbid such migration.

Why? Simply those are people looking to leave OUT THE GRID (mean pay no taxes, fully no national duty, break laws with regards to drugs, .... etc ... und so weiter ...) while searching to abuse said grid with regards to potential benefits (example, being digital nomad abroad until 65 y old, and then claim retirement benefit ) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On the other hand, well know, successful , well pay IT freelancers will not have any problems with Immigration and Police (under some conditions, such as having at least a tourist visa, doing some active and real support to locals communities such as doting a primary school with old computers ... be aware I am NOT talking tea money) ... But how many of your famed 25 y old (example) digital nomads so called big spenders are in fact fitting that bill?

One high level specialist may decide to find peace here, and so work remote from the jungle; but that high level specialist will do work in the range of 100 bucks an hour (that is the usual rate in rentacoder.com website for such an individual). Others are only drifters or tramps to use an old word from USA back in the 30'.

Being in that Industry long before they were born, or even long before their parents were born, I can swear the topic is far to be a new one. But everytime it goes to the same bottom line : Some fews are genuine, who need specific conditions to express their genius; most are lazy fraud trying to avoid their duty , duty to own country, resident country, fellow citizens, duty to their employers. The genuine ones will never ever (unless crazed governement, but it is not the case here) be bothered, they provide more than they cost; the others will be a plague for both their own country and the resident country; they will support nothing but their own 'alternate life style'.

Not believe me? Check that one, the website is owned (and being the only earned money of a digital nomad based in Bkk since 2001 ... very nomadic) http://lb-69.com.w3snoop.com/

expected earning are 35 us$ (thirty five) ???????????? Does it qualify for anything, but the name of drifter? Want any other example of those 'valued' digital nomads? I have tons ...

On the other hand, my boss (he weight millions in dollars) is always in and out of Thailand, never heard of him being bothered by Immigration.

[JLCrab]

Still far to unclear at present. The statement also contradicts other comments made by other officials in the past regarding it.

My feeling on this is that to be legal then a work permit is required. However, let's be honest if people are working from homes on-line it's not likely that they are going to be caught, unless they are grassed up by someone.

The Article also states that " ... Chiang Mai immigration officers merely enforce policy that is decided by politicians and at headquarters in Bangkok." So if the Superintendent held to that premise, he must believe that is the policy that originates in Bangkok HQ.

[Tatsujin]

That makes no sense whatsoever and I think someone is going to get a slap for speaking out of turn . . .