I am a permanent resident holder without a work permit.

I have recently been asked to consider working as a contract designer with 2 firms. How do I go about this legally? Is it the company's duty to give me a temporary work permit?

Also, I am interested in approaching small businesses to do freelance work (a job should take about 1 -2 months). How do I go about doing this legally?

Also, I am interested in approaching small businesses to do freelance work (a job should take about 1 -2 months). How do I go about doing this legally?

The closest (legal) equivalent to work as a freelancer (at least as this term is understood in my European homecountry) is to set up a "consultancy-company", which then employ you as a consultant ... I'm sure Sunbelt will provide you with the technical details, once he get around to this thread.

Agreed rishi;

I would call Sunbelt and get their opinion, for a few Baht it will be money well spent