How to open a business in Thailand???

Question

Hi, I recently visited Thailand and I fell in love witht this country. Therefore I would like to start a business there but I would like to have more information about where to start, the restrictions, the way of doing it... Can you help?? Thanks a lot in advance.

ps: i am very serious so please don't waste your time (and mine) with useless answers!

Answer 1

It is hard enough to succeed at a new business in one's own country. Trying to do so in another country without knowledge of the language, customs or culture is far more difficult.

There are the obvious formalities of taxes, licenses, permits, leases and insurance which are difficult to negotiate but possible. Then there are the less formal problems of reliable suppliers, effective advertising, finding & keeping reliable staff, who to pay off and how much.

Being a clueless foreigner, you will be squeezed in every way imaginable.

The most important thing for any business is, of course, customers. What would you be offering your prospective customers that they want and do not already have?

Sometimes it is just geography. Having a pizza franchise 50m from a high school is a big advantage. Sometimes it is personal service. If you are an extrovert and never forget a names & faces and get to know your customers names, preferences and friends you can develop a following. Sometimes it is just the owner's willingness to work 20hr days for just enough to eat that keeps a business going.

But if you are determined to procede here are some suggestions.

1. Real estate sales - there are plenty of new condo developments and time shares being built. Someone needs to sell them.
2. Publishing - There already so many magazines but if you like to write it is possible. Diving, Entertainment, Life Styles and Travel are some possible topics.
3. Education - There are many schools already but this is a big field and Thais are willing to pay for a quality education for themselves and their children.

Bars and restaurants are obvious but have a very high rate of failure.

But you asked how to, not why you shouldn't try. To have to best chance at success you must know the business, the market and the environment. To do this you should get a job in Thailand in the field you are interested in. Be willing to work for very little or, initially, even nothing but your visa. Volunteer to do anything and everything and do it well. Learn the language, talk & listen to your boss, suppliers, customers, police, bureaucrats and coworkers. After a few years you will have the knowledge and the contacts to decide the best way to procede..

Dreaming can be hazardous to your wealth.

Answer 2

Starting A Business In Thailand

Answer 3

There are a number of websites you could check. Take a look at www.thailandguru.com, an american ex-pat doing business in Thailand since around 1995. His whole story is on the site plus many other helpful things, cultural, infratstructure, etc about doing business in Thailand. He also assists people to do business and as a former programmer he can also do websites if needed. I am not suggesting you use him. If you find someone else that is great. The info on the site is very helpful.

Another website is www.thaiwebsites.com, lists business groups,, government agencies, real estate agents, most anything you could want.

Good luck

Answer 4

My husband and I were planning to move back to Thailand and start a business there, too. Though our dream hasn't come true, we are still looking to do so in the near future. At the time, we were doing our research on different thai business sites which are quite helpful to clarify some legal, cultures and tax issues. Thought you might find it helpful to check them out:

http://www.sunbeltasia.com/
http://www.bahtsold.com/
http://www.thaivisa.com/

The last two sites have 'forum' where you might find it very insightful and it's good to read and learn different points of view from diverse groups of expats living in Thailand. Please do extensive research on living and operating a business in Thailand before you actually move there. I'm thai and my husband is an American. There are lots of pros and way more cons to own a business in Thailand at present time. Please do tons of research and be careful.

Answer 5

There are many ways in which to open a business in Thailand. But the best option is to contact the local Thai embassy or diplomatic mission.

Answer 6

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axsdf

The best advise your going to get is to get a good lawyer and don't depend on YA for such information. Link below to one law firm in Thailand (I do not endorse this firm but it can give you information), As for your wife being a bar girl or not should not be an issue any women can take a good man for a ride, she doesn't have to be a bar girl.

Answer 7

The best advice I think is to find a good law firm in Bangkok who can help interpret the Thai laws for you, have the contacts to register your business as well as any clearance required for your import/export, tax etc regarding your proposed business.

The Thai has their own protective regulations to protect their own products. So it becomes quite strict where bringing in of foreign goods is concerned. And the related taxes involved. So best to find a law firm and have them advise you specifically on your needs.

Answer 8

If you are interested then you should start tourist business or a Garments business is also with big potentials.Thailand is one of the most visited country of the world due to its beauty and resorts.You should also see local business for sale to buy one for you according to your needs.

Answer 9

Everythings so cheap you dont even need a business. You could live for years on a small amount of savings.

Answer 10

So amazed that I found this topic already answered! It's like you've read my mind!