Do You Need a Thai Work Permit to Manage Your Own Company?
A 2025 Legal Guide for Foreign Business Owners in Thailand
Introduction
If you are asking, “Do I need a Thai work permit to manage my own company?”—the answer is yes. Even as a foreign owner or sole director, you must hold a valid Non‑Immigrant “B” visa and a Thai work permit before performing any managerial tasks. This applies equally to signing contracts, overseeing operations, or attending board meetings.
????Understanding Thai work permit to manage company
Under the Foreigners’ Working Act B.E. 2551 (2008, amended B.E. 2560), “work” means using knowledge or energy to produce benefits—even unpaid. Tasks like signing agreements, making hiring decisions, and attending strategic meetings are legally considered “working” without a permit .
????Who Needs This Work Permit?
Role
Permit Required?
Passive Shareholder
❌ No
Active Company Director
✅ Yes
Managing Partner in a partnership
✅ Yes
Sole Proprietor
✅ Yes
Consultant / Advisor (hands-on)
✅ Yes
Even if you’re just managing your own company, foreign nationals engaging in active roles must have a work permit.
????Eligibility & Requirements
To apply for a Thai work permit:
Hold a valid Non‑Immigrant “B” visa chosen before permit application.
Company must meet financial and staffing criteria:
THB 2 million capital per foreigner (THB 1 million if married to a Thai).
4 Thai employees per foreign worker, except if BOI promoted or holding FBL license .
You cannot apply for a permit on a Tourist Visa.
????BOI‑Promoted or FBL Exemptions
If your company has BOI promotion or holds an FBL, some requirements may be waived:
Requirement
BOI
FBL
4 Thai employees per foreigner
❌ Not required
✔️ Case-by-case
Capital (THB 2M)
✅ Still typically required
✔️ Depends on license
Faster process
✅ E-Work Permit via BOI
✔️
Visa extensions
✅ 1–2 year Non‑B visas
✔️
Nevertheless, a work permit is mandatory if you actively manage the company.
⚠️Risks of Working Without a Permit
Penalties for violating Thai labor law:
Foreign worker: up to THB 50,000 + possible deportation and blacklisting.
Employer: fine THB 10,000–100,000 per illegal worker.
Company: reputational damage, tax audit exposure.
Even unpaid management activities can trigger legal action.
✍️POA and Signing Documents
Passive activity like signing as a shareholder may not require a permit. But if you use shareholder POA while managing decision-making, authorities may still deem it illegal.
????GENTLE LAW IBL’s Permit get more info Strategy
We help foreign business owners:
Structure your company to meet permit criteria.
Facilitate Non-B visa processing (Thailand or embassy).
Submit e-work permit via BOI or traditional Labor Office.
Draft compliant job descriptions.
Advise temporary role separation to stay compliant while waiting.
Represent you throughout the process.
✅Best Practices for Business Owners
Tip
Why It Matters
Apply early
Prevent retroactive violations
Maintain passive roles pre-permit
Avoid illegal management
Use BOI/FBL if possible
Simplify manpower rules
Renew visa + permit together
Avoid status gaps
Conclusion
Operating or managing your own Thai company without a Thai work permit to manage company is illegal. With the right visa and permit, your leadership becomes fully compliant. GENTLE LAW IBL is your expert partner for smooth, legal business management in Thailand.
???? Contact GENTLE LAW IBL today for customized consultation.
TAG : # NON B VISA