BOI One Stop Service Center — immigration and work permits at one location
Feb 19, 2026Sathorn · Experience date Mar 28, 2026
The BOI One Stop Service Center at Chamchuri Square (Samyan area, MRT Sam Yan) provides one-stop processing for: work permits for BOI-promoted company employees, BOI Smart Visa applications, LTR Visa applications, and associated Non-Immigrant visas. This center is significantly faster and more organized than the main Chaeng Watthana Immigration. English is widely spoken. If your employer is BOI-promoted or you're applying for Smart/LTR visa: use this location exclusively rather than the main immigration office. Appointment booking through the BOI website.
Contributor: Tom Fletcher Freelance taxation for Bangkok-based expats
Feb 17, 2026Silom · Experience date Dec 4, 2025
If you're a tax resident of Thailand (180+ days in a year): foreign income remitted to Thailand in the same year is theoretically taxable under Thai personal income tax (progressive 5–35%). If you remit funds in a subsequent year: previously exempt. Thailand amended this rule in 2024 — foreign income remitted from 2024 onwards is taxable for tax residents regardless of when earned. Tax treaty: Thailand has treaties with 60+ countries that may prevent double taxation. Consult: Tilleke & Gibbins or DFDL Bangkok for specific advice — both have English-language tax practice groups.
Contributor: David Okonkwo Digital nomad reality in Thailand — practical legal situation
Feb 13, 2026Sathorn · Experience date Dec 11, 2025
Thailand does not have an official 'digital nomad' visa as of 2024. Working remotely for a foreign company while in Thailand on a tourist or exemption visa is: technically illegal (any work requires a work permit), widely practiced (hundreds of thousands of remote workers do it), and rarely enforced against foreign nationals working for foreign employers. Risk: low if you're not employing Thai staff, not competing with Thai businesses, and not causing any visa/immigration issues. Best practical approach: LTR Visa (Work from Thailand category) if you meet the income threshold — legitimate legal protection.
Contributor: Anna Kowalski Visa for spouses and dependents in Thailand
Feb 9, 2026Sathorn · Experience date Feb 28, 2026
If you have a Non-Immigrant B visa and work permit: your spouse and children can apply for Non-Immigrant O (Dependent) visa at a Thai embassy. Required: marriage certificate (apostilled), proof of relationship for children, your work permit and Non-Immigrant B visa copy, proof of financial means. Dependents cannot work in Thailand on an O visa — they need their own work permit for employment. Dependent visa holders must do 90-day reporting same as work visa holders. Children of expats can attend international schools in Bangkok on dependent O visas.
Contributor: Tom Fletcher Tax ID (TIN) in Thailand — when and how to get one
Feb 1, 2026Phloenchit · Experience date Apr 11, 2026
Thai Tax ID (Taxpayer Identification Number) is issued by the Revenue Department. Required for: formal employment in Thailand, operating a business, filing income tax returns. Issued automatically if you have a work permit and are employed. For self-employed or business owners: apply at your district Revenue Department office with passport and work permit. Process: 15 minutes, free of charge. Not required for digital nomads earning from abroad who remain under the 180-day tax residency threshold. Keep your TIN document — it's needed for bank accounts and formal contracts.
Contributor: David Okonkwo Labor rights for foreign employees in Thailand
Jan 22, 2026Sathorn · Experience date Dec 16, 2025
Foreign employees with valid work permits have the same labor protections as Thai workers under the Labor Protection Act: minimum 6 working days leave after 1 year, sick leave 30 days/year, severance pay for termination (1–10 months depending on years of service), minimum wage (363 THB/day in Bangkok as of 2024). Overtime: 1.5x rate on weekdays, 2x on holidays. File complaints: Labor Department (กรมสวัสดิการและคุ้มครองแรงงาน) at 1506 hotline — English assistance available. For wrongful termination: Labor Court process is similar to Western countries — employer must prove cause.
Social Security Fund (SSF) — enrollment for employees
Jan 18, 2026Sathorn · Experience date Apr 23, 2026
The Social Security Fund (กองทุนประกันสังคม) covers employees in Thailand with work permits. Employee contribution: 5% of salary (capped at 750 THB/month). Employer contribution: 5%. Benefits: subsidized medical care at designated SSF hospitals, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, pension. SSF card: issued after 3 months enrollment, covers a network of hospitals cheaper than private options. Most Bangkok expats use SSF as backup while maintaining private insurance for premium hospital access. Your employer registers you automatically when hiring.
Contributor: Carlos Rivera