For those working in Thailand on a legal work permit.
Your work is limited to exactly what is stated on the work permit.
You cannot start other business and such, claiming you already have a work permit because that is illegal and not allowed.
Recently, police in Surat Thani Province have arrested an Israeli businessman for illegally operating a motorcycle rental business on Koh Phangan island following complaints from tourists about excessive rental fees.
The operation was conducted jointly by Surat Thani Provincial Police, Tourist Police, Koh Phangan Police Station officers, and local administrative officials after an investigation revealed the business was run by a foreign national with the cooperation of a Thai woman who allowed him to use her bank account for business transactions.
At 11:30 a.m. on May 12, authorities arrested 33-year-old Mr. Pavel at his unregistered residence in Moo 4, Koh Phangan sub-district, which served as his rental operation headquarters. The Israeli national admitted to running the business, which generated approximately 3 million baht (roughly $910,000) in profits over the past year.
Pavel stated that the motorcycle rental service was an expansion of his real estate business. He claimed to be the managing director of a company based in Ratsada sub-district, Mueang district, Phuket province, where he holds a work permit as a general manager.
However, that work permit does not allow him to work or start a business outside of the original job the work permit is for.
Authorities have charged Pavel with being a foreigner conducting business without permission and working beyond the scope of his authorized employment.
The case has been transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station investigators, who are currently tracking down the Thai woman who allegedly allowed Pavel to use her bank account for his illegal business operations.
Arrested, loss of all income and assets, loss of original work permit job and deportation.
Is it worth breaking the law in Thailand?
Source: Khaosod English