Getting A Non-immigrant Work Visa, Working Via Thai Or Own Uk Company?

[TomBrown]

I would really appreciate any knowledge and opinions you have on my situation for working within Thailand. Really I am out of my depth regarding how best to move forward.

Some details first;

May 2006 - I gained a Non-Immigrant Education Multiple Entry Visa to Thailand, so valid up to one year till May 2007.

May 2006 - I entered The Kingdom of Thailand, for education purposes.

October 2006 - Returned to the UK as per scheduled flight.

I have been offered work in Thailand, but of course I cannot work on my existing Education visa, so as I understand it I have to secure a work Non-Imm B Visa, I think 'B'(?)

The web site I have been referencing (www.thaiembassyuk.org.uk/niv.htm) states many documents are required; do I need to obtain copies of all these company documents for the 'B' visa?

I am also wondering whether I'd be better working under the Thai company or under my own UK Ltd. company and provide services to the Thai company. Either way I'd be doing the same work and required to stay within Thailand for this work for up to one year. The company I'd be working for is reputable, well known and above board. I just want the best and easiest options for both the Thai company and I, possibly the most cost effective too.

Are there any obvious advantages and disadvantages to working via my own company than as an employee of the Thai company?

As I said at the beginning, I am really out of my depth regarding which way is best to move forward.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks,

Tom

[Sunbelt Asia]

my depth regarding how best to move forward.

Some details first;

May 2006 - I gained a Non-Immigrant Education Multiple Entry Visa to Thailand, so valid up to one year till May 2007.

May 2006 - I entered The Kingdom of Thailand, for education purposes.

October 2006 - Returned to the UK as per scheduled flight.

I have been offered work in Thailand, but of course I cannot work on my existing Education visa, so as I understand it I have to secure a work Non-Imm B Visa, I think 'B'(?)

You can work on your existing visa. You do not need to change it.

I am also wondering whether I'd be better working under the Thai company or under my own UK Ltd. company and provide services to the Thai company. Either way I'd be doing the same work and required to stay within Thailand for this work for up to one year. The company I'd be working for is reputable, well known and above board. I just want the best and easiest options for both the Thai company and I, possibly the most cost effective too.

Are there any obvious advantages and disadvantages to working via my own company than as an employee of the Thai company?

Best to work for the company and you will have a work permit. Also much less expense involved.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

[TomBrown]

Are you sure about being able to work for a company but on my EDucation visa, even if the education I was doing in Thailand is not related to the work?

I thought that the only way I could legally work was on a 'B' visa.

So if an officer wanted to check that I am okay to work, my ED visa would be okay? I am just so unsure about this.

So is the only thing I need is a Work Permit?

Okay, so if working for the company under my education visa, what do I do next?

What documents do I need prepared to get the Work Permit?

Do I get the Work Permit here in the UK or when I go back over to Thailand?

If I work past May 2007 when me current visa expires, can I easily renew my ED visa or am I better to then get a B visa?

What about visa runs, under my ED visa I have to do a visa run every three months, does a B visa also require visa runs?

Anything else I've missed?

Very much appreciate your time on this.

Thanks,

Tom.

[TomBrown]

Oh I also forgot to ask (as if I wasn't asking a lot already);

Whilst working for the Thai company could I also do some work under my own company, which might include providing services to other Thai companies?

Thanks,

Tom.

[Sunbelt Asia]

Are you sure about being able to work for a company but on my EDucation visa, even if the education I was doing in Thailand is not related to the work?

I thought that the only way I could legally work was on a 'B' visa.

So if an officer wanted to check that I am okay to work, my ED visa would be okay? I am just so unsure about this.

One zillion % sure. We have a number of clients who have education visas and have a work permit. In fact 5 students are in a Boy Band with education visas and work permits.

So is the only thing I need is a Work Permit?

Yes and a employer

Okay, so if working for the company under my education visa, what do I do next?

What documents do I need prepared to get the Work Permit?

Resume, three photos 5x 6 cm, medical certificate

Do I get the Work Permit here in the UK or when I go back over to Thailand?

In Thailand

If I work past May 2007 when me current visa expires, can I easily renew my ED visa or am I better to then get a B visa?

Easily extend your Ed visa

What about visa runs, under my ED visa I have to do a visa run every three months, does a B visa also require visa runs?

You do not have to do visa runs if you do a extension of stay based on education

Whilst working for the Thai company could I also do some work under my own company, which might include providing services to other Thai companies?

That would require a separate work permit.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com

[TomBrown]

Thanks for the quick response.

So everything sounds more or less okay to continue as I am and get back to Thailand. I was really dreading all this perceived paperwork and waiting, but it's maybe not as bad as a thought at all.

I was unaware that I didn't need to do visa runs with an extension on my ED visa. Something I will have to look into further, probably when I am back in Thailand.

That is unfortunate about requiring a separate work permit to work under my own UK company. Is it possible to have two work permits and is there hassle and cost involved in doing so?

Thanks very much.

Regards,

Tom.

[Sunbelt Asia]

That is unfortunate about requiring a separate work permit to work under my own UK company. Is it possible to have two work permits and is there hassle and cost involved in doing so?

You have one work permit but have two companies you work for. The UK Company cannot sponsor you for a wp, you need to have a Thai company.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com