work permit to help out in husbands guesthouse

[kishb]

Hi all. I saw about 4years ago a woman was in the exact same position I am in now posted the same question. I want to be able to help my husband around his guesthouse legally, I was hoping the lady Lily or someone who may know her or saw that post long time ago will be able to tell what she managed to do? Or if someone can tell me what I can do to get around this so I can help without problems. What can I do?

Thanks everyone

[stevenl]

If you want to be able to help him legally, you need a workpermit.

[kishb]

Well at the moment we are "tipping" I would prefer not to have to tip. Yes I obv know I need a work permit. Unfortunately this guesthouse only has 2 staff and myself so can't get a work permit under it at the moment. The older thread spoke of going to the labour department to get more info. Was hoping someone could just know something more than I know already.

[paz]

Well at the moment we are "tipping" I would prefer not to have to tip. Yes I obv know I need a work permit. Unfortunately this guesthouse only has 2 staff and myself so can't get a work permit under it at the moment. The older thread spoke of going to the labour department to get more info. Was hoping someone could just know something more than I know already.

If there is a company registered, paying taxes, etc, you may have a chance, otherwise going to mee all the requirements for a WP can be more expensive than the benefit obtained.

[stevenl]

Well at the moment we are "tipping" I would prefer not to have to tip. Yes I obv know I need a work permit. Unfortunately this guesthouse only has 2 staff and myself so can't get a work permit under it at the moment. The older thread spoke of going to the labour department to get more info. Was hoping someone could just know something more than I know already.

2 staff could be enough, depending on the company setup and the requirements of the local labour office.

[scorecard]

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Well at the moment we are "tipping" I would prefer not to have to tip. Yes I obv know I need a work permit. Unfortunately this guesthouse only has 2 staff and myself so can't get a work permit under it at the moment. The older thread spoke of going to the labour department to get more info. Was hoping someone could just know something more than I know already.

2 staff could be enough, depending on the company setup and the requirements of the local labour office.

A step further. If it turns out 2 staff are enough then:

- Don't pay an expensive lawyer to set up the company. Lawyers will try to convince you it's all very complicated but in reality company set up is fairly simple and in many locations you can find local accountants who can do it all and at a reasonable price.

Another possibility is to ask around / advertise to see if somebody has a company set up and wants to give it away or maybe sell the company at a reasonable price. But this route has possible downside, you need to be convinced that the company has no outstanding debts or loans etc.

- Annual company and tax reporting. Again don't be fooled into believing this is extremely complex and needs or must have a lawyer. Not true, and again a local accountant may be able to do this for you at a reasonable fee.

- Ultimately you need to get some quotations for the above and decide whether it's worthwhile or would it mean costs which the business cannot justify. On the other hand perhaps peace of mind is the more important point.

Good luck.

[kishb]

Well this Guesthouse is classed as a home stay and he pays minimum tax on it, but as of next year it will be classed differently and will have to pay more tax. Thanks Stevenl. I will look into what you are advising but as of next year I think my husband will be setting up a tour company so maybe we could do it through that. I think however I will have him go to the labour department and speak with someone there. But definitely won't go to any lawyers.

[kishb]

And thanks scorecard

[kishb]

And thanks scorecard

[recycler]

If you also setup the tour company you would have a reason to employ a foreigner.

Even with a workpermit you are not allowed to do work that a Thai can do, helping out in a guesthouse would probably not qualify.

Operating a tour company would require foreign language skills and foreign contacts and that is a base for a workpermit.

[keestha]

In this forum, it is difficult to get an answer to the question: "can I get a work permit working for a business registered on the name of a Thai natural person" (Bu khun tham ma da, sorry for the bit of transliterated Thai, it is just that the OP's husband will be more likely to understand). Labor offices might not all apply the rules the same way, so it might be a good idea to consult the local labor office.

[ubonjoe]

It is possible for a person married to a Thai to get a work permit for a sole proprietorship business owned by the spouse.

But there will still be a need for at least 2 Thai employees.

Also the job description could not be in a profession that is not allowed.

[stevenl]

It is possible for a person married to a Thai to get a work permit for a sole proprietorship business owned by the spouse.

But there will still be a need for at least 2 Thai employees.

Also the job description could not be in a profession that is not allowed.

Exactly, that was my and scorecard's point.