Starting a Business to Obtain a Work Permit?

[BMWHuaHin]

With all of the hassle around visa's I have the desire to get a work permit. I'm more than happy to pay taxes in Thailand as I feel it is right if I am working.

With that in mind, I of course need to set up a Thai company. I emailed a lot of legal companies a while ago when I wanted to do this in Bangkok but now that I want to stay in Hua Hin I need a new company. I have read about this extensively and know that everything is pretty much stacked against a foreigner but obviously some do okay with this.

I have the opportunity to purchase a business here and would like to do so. Really it's just a shop front and there's nothing too special about it. This is primarily about getting a work permit so I can stay in Thailand (not looking for other suggestions here...I know the options with education visas and I have used them up already).

So, are there any companies people here recommend who would be able to help me set this up. The business papers, information on the 2 million bath requirements, the work permit and so on.

Appreciate any advice!

[buksida]

Get ready for a world of headaches: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=22638#p285949

[Spitfire]

Yeah...nightmare man. If you have a business that employs so many Thais then maybe....but depends which way the wind is blowing today, tomorrow, next week/month etc.

Generally, most foreigners are allowed to teach, work for an international company, retire, start a business via proxy for the wife or be a tourist and that's about it [unless you want to be a missionary/charity style thing]....even if you start your own business and employ a bunch of Thais then you need to be totally 'squared away' with everything.....officialdom here knows no bounds when it comes to paperwork and pettiness.

As the moderator said....headache central, even if you are organized. Even this starting a Thai business/company is on 'moving ground' and the rug could be whipped away at any time, especially with the new nazis that are now in charge......anything and everything is on the list.

If it was me, I'd wait till it all settles down [2 years] as the goal posts could be changing at any time for everything.....now is not a good time to invest in anything thinking that what is on offer today will be also the same in a year or two.

[JamesWest]

Yes my company wanted to outsource to Southeast asia and I looked at Thailand, the CEO of our company thought I was crazy after we found out what was entailed. Even Soi Cowboy could not change his mind.

Maybe you could marry a bar girl...

[migrant]

Are you American? If so look into the Amity treaty. As others said, it won't be without headaches, but may be better than your alternatives

[JamesWest]

have you thought about who your thai partners are going to be? the ones who own 51% of your company?

[Pleng]

Do you actually intend to work in the business? It's my understanding, and others may correct me if I'm wrong, that owning a business may be enough to entitle you to a Non-O B Visa - you don't necessarily need a work permit to go with that.