lee808 wrote:
as far as i was aware, the company that take you on applies for the work permit, if they are able, i also believe that they can only get so many work permits based on a Thai to Farang employee ratio ? someone stand me corrected if im wrong ?
That's correct Lee. But you need to obtain the work permit before starting any work.
The employing company can take care of your work permit and provide you all the employment documents needed for a 'B' Business visa. They can be Microsoft or a two-bob company.
BUT finding a company that will do that for you is another matter as their are costs involved for the company.
The other legal alternative is to form your own Limited Company (requirement of 4 Thai staff) and work freelance/self-employed. Then it's easier to get work but you have to foot the operating costs of staff etc.
The Thai Government are concerned about collecting their 150 Pounds a month employer tax and social security dues. They do not check you actually pay your staff. I actually have staff but you hear of some who don't, they have their wives' friends supposedly as staff but only pay the 150 quid and no salaries. tut tut and all that, honestlywouldn't advise cutting any corners (says the builder
). You also have to pay tax on your minimum 50k Baht a month salary.
You can come here on a non-immigrant 'O' then afterwards set-up a company and get a WP. You can stay working on the 'O' or change to a 'B' (Business) here in Thailand without leaving the country.
Never work without the WP as some have done, you could get in serious shiitt when, not if but when, a fellow Brit grasses you up.
I'll be honest you'll really struggle to get a property company to take you on as staff with WP arranged etc, especially now the market is quieter. You may get work having your own company though.
You've been given some negative advice on this thread, many have come over and worked and stayed, but it's not easy if you don't have a fair bit of money behind you as back up.
SJ
