Can A Foreigner Be Self Employed?

[radioman]

I understand about setting up a company operation and the need for Thai participation etc, even though this might not amount to much in real terms it is not what I am particularly wanting to do.

 

Is it possible that a foreign national may reside in Thailand, self employed? Is there a legal status for this form of busines such as in UK?

 

Anyone know?

[Mekong]

Wouldn't life be simple if we could but unfortunately Foreign Business Act BE2542 does not allow a foreigner to operate as a Sole Trader or a Partnership, your only options are Private Limited Company (51% Thai Ownership) or Thailand Branch Office of an existing operating company.

 

Since you are asking this question now I doubt that you have an existing company registered in another country so the Thailand Branch Office option is out of the question leaving you the only choice of a PLC, complete with its 51% Thai ownership requirements, statuary minimum number of Thai Employees and the Social Security Payments for each and a Minimum of THB 2 Million in assets to obtain a work permit.

 

Your 51% shareholder should be chosen carefully, it can be your Partner of Wife or any Thai National over the age of 16, there are many accountants in Bangkok who can find you "Names" for employees and do some creative accounting to overcome the THB 2 Million requirement.

 

 

Disclaimer.

 

The above statements are based on my own personal experiences of being legit in Thailand. See an accountant to get the full lay down. In the long run it is probably cheaper to retain the services of a Good (cute) Translator and use a Thai accountancy firm rather than using an English speaking firm who charge 5 times more.

[cavanami]

Mekong has it right.

 

But why setup a company? you still have to do the 90 day check in.

 

Every year you must renew your work permit and your business visa.

 

If you are just looking for long term stay, the retirement visa is a good option or

the "O" visa, if you can get one in your home country.

[The_Munchmaster]

_{I'm sure you could be self employed as a male prostitute escort. You could do that on a tourist visa.}

[radioman]

_{I'm sure you could be self employed as a male prostitute escort. You could do that on a tourist visa.}

 

This would not make me wealthy.

 

It's not about the visa/work permit, 90 day reporting. I have Thai companies who are set up to do the visa and work permit processing whatever my status and I've never stayed 90 days in one go so never needed to do the 90 day reporting, I travel, a lot. It's just the need to be legal and within the rules.

[Flashermac]

I know two foreigners who set up private language schools. The school was in the wife's name. That is one way around it.

[radioman]

Somehow doubt my desired contract partner could contract me for my particular brand of experience through a language school, that would look odd. My googling shows there have been changes to employment law that provide for foreigners to be self employed but though a law exists its application looks awkward to say the least, well TIT.

[Flashermac]

English by radio?

[Dumsoda]

It's just the need to be legal and within the rules.

 

This is easily achieved by a good Thai Lawyer.....(with contacts)....just need to go to all the relative "Balls".... tickets are not overly expensive

[Pom Michael]

Stonesoup?