My neighbour who has been here on an education visa has established his own Thai company for the purpose of applying for a non-B Visa. He claims he already has the four Thai employees and is intending to go to Laos to switch from the education visa to a non-B Visa. I haven’t asked him if his company has a paid-up capital of 2 million baht.

I remember briefly looking into this 10 years ago but there were all sorts of complications. I don’t know if it has become any easier now but isn’t it the case that even if you get your non-B the first time, they will not necessarily renew your Visa in the future if they are not satisfied your company is actually generating genuine revenue?

Also can someone stay in Thailand like this without getting a work permit and just relying on the non-B Visa to stay here?

He will not get a non-b visa without first applying for a work permit. All nearby locations require a work permit application approval letter from the Labor Ministry to apply for it.

He will not get a non-b visa without first applying for a work permit. All nearby locations require a work permit application approval letter from the Labor Ministry to apply for it.

yes thanks ubonjoe.I vaguely thought that was the case.

And presumably he needs to have 2 million Baht paid up capital before he can get that?

And does he have to show salary and tax payments for the four employees?

I don't think they want the registered capital to be paid up. It can be assets and etc.

He will have to show the payroll for the 4 employees.

Since he is currently on a ED visa he will probably have to go out for a visa exempt entry or a tourist visa to apply for the work permit. Most work permit offices will not accept an application if the applicant is on a ED visa.