Working from Thailand

[Troyron]

Hi guys,

anyone have any experience with the tax rules when it comes to working from Thailand for a company in another country? I will be paying tax in my home country and working over the internet. Do I need to pay tax in Thailand (surely not) and most importantly, do I need to obtain a working visa?

thanks for any help.

[Big Boy]

I think the official answer would be yes. However, I've seen this question asked here a couple of times. The thread usually swings around to 'don't tell anybody, and who will know?' What you do in the privacy of your own home doesn't need to become public knowledge.

[Troyron]

I think the official answer would be yes. However, I've seen this question asked here a couple of times. The thread usually swings around to 'don't tell anybody, and who will know?' What you do in the privacy of your own home doesn't need to become public knowledge.

So if I rent an office, I might have a problem on my hands. Maybe I just need to rent a bigger condo/house.

I know If I work from Thailand for a Thai company, I should pay tax back to Norway, but I get it back. Surely it must be something like that in Thailand too. They must realize that if someone needs to pay tax twich, then that person will not be in Thailand for long.

[PeteC]

My 2 satang is: 1) Any payment for the work you're doing shouldn't be remitted here but to your home country bank where you already pay tax, and you can then move it as you need it to live. 2) Don't do contract work for a Thai company as if you do, you are indeed open to tax and work permit regulations. Other than that you're simply using your computer to communicate just like thousands of others here...or anywhere. Also, heed BB's advice above. Pete

EDIT: Re above.... It all depends if Norway and Thailand have a double taxation agreement. They probably do.

[Troyron]

My 2 satang is: 1) Any payment for the work you're doing shouldn't be remitted here but to your home country bank where you already pay tax, and you can then move it as you need it to live. 2) Don't do contract work for a Thai company as if you do, you are indeed open to tax and work permit regulations. Other than that you're simply using your computer to communicate just like thousands of others here...or anywhere. Also, heed BB's advice above. Pete

EDIT: Re above.... It all depends if Norway and Thailand have a double taxation agreement. They probably do.

That first one sounds fair and correct, however I found this on the net:
A foreigner who lives in Thailand for more than 180 days in a tax year (the calendar year) is considered a Thai resident for tax purposes. A resident is required to file taxes on all income received within Thailand as well as income received from foreign sources brought into Thailand.

Guess I need to contact someone, as I need an office otherwise I will not be effective enough. Cant seem to get work done at home

[BingoBango]

I would imagine that if your wife is a celebrity that you would not need to work at all, why bother

[BingoBango]

You seem too have a lot of questions regarding work and living with a lot of these questions linked to having a celebrity girlfriend and her working in television.

You can be given all the advice in the world but until you see and live first hand you will not have a clue.

I would not rent anywhere long term with regards a house or an office.

When I lived in hua hin it took 3 weeks to sort the broadband out and that was after we had settled on a place to live.

Make sure YOU like the area and can do your work because if you have a wife that is away working most of the week you will wonder what the hell you are doing there.

Maybe take a months holiday from your job and if work is practical then maybe commit, also by then you will have an idea if things are going to work out with your wife's career

[PeteC]

When you talk to someone get clarification between "remitted to" and "brought in". I've read and been told in the past that personal funds brought in is not the same as "remitted to". Perhaps it's changed now, I don't know. Pete

[Troyron]

I would imagine that if your wife is a celebrity that you would not need to work at all, why bother

Does not bring in that much money yet, and I did mentioned she is a B celebrity, or maybe even C. Im still just 35 and want to earn some cash to make a nice life down there.

[Big Boy]

Troyron, if you don't reside in Thailand with a work permit, what other options are you considering?

[margaretcarnes]

Troyron, if you don't reside in Thailand with a work permit, what other options are you considering?

Maybe more pertinent to ask whose idea it is to move to Thailand - Troyron or Mrs Troyron? Has he seen proof of her TV offers etc?
Maybe me being cynical but I'm smelling a nou.

[Troyron]

Troyron, if you don't reside in Thailand with a work permit, what other options are you considering?

Maybe more pertinent to ask whose idea it is to move to Thailand - Troyron or Mrs Troyron? Has he seen proof of her TV offers etc?
Maybe me being cynical but I'm smelling a nou.

I have seen the tv shows, and all the magazines with interviews. I guess its a combined decision regards to moving. Today I got the okay from my work place, the only catch was that they wanted to hire me as an independent consultant, and pay me for the hours working. Should still be able to work up to 60-80% of what I do today. But that might change the rules regarding tax. Hope to hear back from the embassy within a few days.

PS! She comes from a middle class family who owns two shops further north, and yes I have been there too. So its not like she is taking me on a joy ride

[Troyron]

Troyron, if you don't reside in Thailand with a work permit, what other options are you considering?

What was it call again, Type O+ visa? We are married so its a visa for that. Got that info directly from the embassy, so should be valid.

[BingoBango]

Troyron, if you don't reside in Thailand with a work permit, what other options are you considering?

Maybe more pertinent to ask whose idea it is to move to Thailand - Troyron or Mrs Troyron? Has he seen proof of her TV offers etc?
Maybe me being cynical but I'm smelling a nou.

I have seen the tv shows, and all the magazines with interviews. I guess its a combined decision regards to moving. Today I got the okay from my work place, the only catch was that they wanted to hire me as an independent consultant, and pay me for the hours working. Should still be able to work up to 60-80% of what I do today. But that might change the rules regarding tax. Hope to hear back from the embassy within a few days.

PS! She comes from a middle class family who owns two shops further north, and yes I have been there too. So its not like she is taking me on a joy ride

To me it sounds like you will be like a fish out of water in Hua Hin.

Many of the Farang that live in Hua Hin are either married to prostitutes, going out wih a prostitute or are more than happy to embrace the whole bar girl scene, where as you seem to revel in the fact that your wife and her wonderful middle class family are better than that.

And the other angle that you will struggle with is the fact that this middle class thai family have a son in law that is poncing off their daughter whilst messing about with a part time freelance job.

Give Hua Hin a miss you will be dissapointed, what about monaco

A

[caller]

Many of the Farang that live in Hua Hin are either married to prostitutes, going out wih a prostitute or are more than happy to embrace the whole bar girl scene

Not sure why you seem to have an issue with Troyron? But the above should get an interesting response.

I assume you are reflecting your own experience?