How to legally run a Thailand related website in Thailand?

[flyDelight]

Doing it silently from home is usually no problem, but for this planned project not really an option because of needed social interaction.

It's a business related information website that will make small profits (expected not over 5000 baht a month in the first year). Does it need a specific company registration (I try to avoid that) or can it be something 'voluntairy'?

What are the options for a work permit, can a lawyer create some legal construction for this?

[elviajero]

For that level of income it wouldn't be feasible to set up the company you'd need to be legal.

[flyDelight]

For that level of income it wouldn't be feasible to set up the company you'd need to be legal.

Yes exactly, and I really not want the bureaucratic hassle of a company (again). Just want to work safely when the project getting more attention.

[ubonjoe]

The only way to get a work permit is by forming a company with a registered capital of 2 million baht. Then you would need 4 Thai employees.

[chrisinth]

Have you thought of having a 3rd party Thai company (on paper) running the site as admin?

Where is your site/domain registered?

[thailanddogerator]

There is no official easy way except if you have money to lose...

[orpheus454]

The only way to get a work permit is by forming a company with a registered capital of 2 million baht. Then you would need 4 Thai employees.

...or, as I understand it, a sole proprietor type business with spouse as owner and 2 Thai employees.

[aronp1]

The only way to get a work permit is by forming a company with a registered capital of 2 million baht. Then you would need 4 Thai employees.

You don't need employees.

[aronp1]

The only way to get a work permit is by forming a company with a registered capital of 2 million baht. Then you would need 4 Thai employees.

You don't need employees.

I'm looking at purchasing a company that is only on paper. This business has been registered since 2009, has never traded or had employees, but is good for two B visas and work permits. Like I said you don't need employees.

[ubonjoe]

The only way to get a work permit is by forming a company with a registered capital of 2 million baht. Then you would need 4 Thai employees.

You don't need employees.

According the regulations for a work permit being issued you must have Thai employees.

[elviajero]

The only way to get a work permit is by forming a company with a registered capital of 2 million baht. Then you would need 4 Thai employees.

You don't need employees.

I'm looking at purchasing a company that is only on paper. This business has been registered since 2009, has never traded or had employees, but is good for two B visas and work permits. Like I said you don't need employees.

Nonsense. Unless there are brown envelopes changing hands you will not get a work permit without employees and a solvent trading company.

[cyberfarang]

For that level of income it wouldn't be feasible to set up the company you'd need to be legal.

Yes exactly, and I really not want the bureaucratic hassle of a company (again). Just want to work safely when the project getting more attention.

you need to set up a company, a work permit and to register with the tax office.

[SoFarAndNear]

Thailand is unfortunately a bad place for online business run by foreigners.... at least if you want to do it 100% legal.

[innerspace]

You need tax and social paid for employees more than the employees themselves.

But biggest concern is not that. It's that a website owner is legally responsible for all content on their site whether their own or not. So if there is any user generated content at all (articles, comments etc) be very careful since laws on less majeste and defamation are very strict.

If it wasn't for that I might offer company use for your site but given the potential risks no chance.

[flyDelight]

Have you thought of having a 3rd party Thai company (on paper) running the site as admin?

Where is your site/domain registered?

An own company/2mil baht/employees defenitely not worth this small/passive income/private project that first has to prove itself. I only like to be safe for immigration etc. when some moment they might want to know who is behind it.

Perhaps a registration via my lawyer he's a creative guy, incl. a workpermit for volunteers.

Hosting account is on my name, domain whois set to anonimous.