Thanks very much for the help. I realize it's been covered to some extent however the new restrictions, I thought maybe there might also be some new choices. My income is generated from outside the country as I know working here is illegal. Thanks again.

You clearly understand that working here is illegal (without a permit), but you seem to be under the impression that “work on your own” is ok. It’s not. If you carry out an activity in Thailand that could be defined as work you need a work permit, and it doesn't matter that your income is generated abroad.

So it’s important that you never disclose to the authorities that you work in Thailand. You’re a tourist or studying.

The authorities are very unlikely to cause you any grief if your work isn’t Thailand related, but if they did decide to investigate you could be deported or worse. There are some on this forum that don’t want to accept this reality, but it's important you know the full facts, and don’t continue thinking your rationale makes your work legal.

Thank you for the information. I fully understand what you are saying, and i have also read and understand the implications of working here, which is why i dont, and will never. (Remember the stories of the two Germans detained 'working' on their own boats?) I am a student in every respect of the word and on every document. I dont work here in any capacity whatsoever, and i understand what can happen if i did, so i do not believe 'working on my own' is ok, as i know its not. (I also remember articles of even volunteer work, if not authorized is illegal)

My passport is full of Tourist Visa's and ED visas, so another Tourist visa, while certainly possible in Lao as a double, is more of a last resort. I want to live here without worrying about these visa issues as much as possible. With the help of all the posters and comments, i have some very good options to consider now, so thanks for all the comments and ideas.

so one can get a ED visa to learn English in thailand ? not troll question, if so, i will pass immigration if they want to test me ... not native, but been speaking english for the last 30 years

so i go and speak with a french accent, or with a east-european kind of English ?

The new problem with the ED visas is that immigration is actually checking for your attendance at the schools. It's not as simple as speaking to them in English. They will come to visit you at your English classes un-announced, and if you are not there, visa will be cancelled.

I am in Thai classes now on an ED visa, and they have begun coming to our school every week checking the students.....ED visas are only going to work from now on for students that actually go to school.

Can you open a small business? A coffee stand or something? And let a Thai run it for you?

How would that help?

It would help because then he would be eligible for a non-B visa... duh.

"duh" very mature! It was a genuine question.

I don't know of any embassy that would issiue a B visa to someone on the basis of an interest in a coffee stand. I guess he could form a limited company or limited partnership, but the B visa would only be issued on the basis of an invitation for him to work for that company and to get a work permit. That seems completely impractical and very expensive.

So if you have anything constructive to add I'd like to here it.