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

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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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.

Tolerated by Thai officials

 

Hated by many sour ThaiVisa members

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.

Just watch your backside.

Tolerated by Thai officials
 
Hated by many sour ThaiVisa members

Especially the oldies here..

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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. 

Edited May 17, 20179 yr by utalkin2me

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.

18 hours ago, 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. 

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.

 

20 hours ago, 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.

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.