Online work and visas

[Artful Dodger]

Hi,

 

I read on another site that immigration have said digital nomad style online working is fine on a tourist visa, but I haven't seen anything official to confirm that. Does anyone know any more?

 

TIA

[PoorSucker]

The only thing I have read is the opinion of one single immigration officer in Chiang mai that says it's OK.
The law states that all work within the kingdom by a foreigner requires a work permit.

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[BritTim]

It is officially illegal, but tolerated in practice. Immigration is well aware that it is going on. There are even co-working spaces around the country for the convenience of these digital nomads. It is as well to remember, though, that such policies are subject to change at any time.

[11223344]

Tolerated by Thai officials

 

Hated by many sour ThaiVisa members

[Artful Dodger]

I can see both sides TBH. I didn't make the world though, I only live in it. It's tolerated, at least for the time being, it might be a good option.

 

It's probably best not to put in an METV application that makes it obvious that's how you're supporting yourself, I guess. Still, looks like you can get 2 if not 3 tourist visas more or less back to back, if you do it right. That would do it for me.

[KelSolaar]

Just watch your backside.

[Dizer]

  On 5/16/2017 at 12:57 PM, 11223344 said:

Tolerated by Thai officials
 
Hated by many sour ThaiVisa members

Especially the oldies here..

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[utalkin2me]

Is the original question in this thread addressing income that is originating in Thailand? Or does that not matter? It seems to me even a business call while on vacation in Thailand would be illegal if you can't make money originating from other countries. 

[Artful Dodger]

I would guess most digital nomads are working for clients outside Thailand and that is probably one reason why the authorities are prepared to tolerate it.

[JackThompson]

  On 5/17/2017 at 6:23 PM, utalkin2me said:

Is the original question in this thread addressing income that is originating in Thailand? Or does that not matter? It seems to me even a business call while on vacation in Thailand would be illegal if you can't make money originating from other countries. 

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The pre-digital-age law does not differentiate between money made inside or outside.  The law was written when "working" meant going into a specific building somewhere, so, at that time, "Working while in Thailand" meant, "Working a Thai Job."   Because there is no legal differentiation, I would recommend *not* making such activity public if you choose to do it.

 

  On 5/17/2017 at 3:52 PM, Artful Dodger said:

.. looks like you can get 2 if not 3 tourist visas more or less back to back, if you do it right. That would do it for me.

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You can get years of tourist-visas, though nearby consulates will only give a few each, so you will need to get a new passport every 2 years or so.