Starting Business in Thailand as a Foreigner

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫: 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫
👉 forms.gle/kTrdQw6J6ZABMUzN8
𝐈𝐬 𝐢𝐭 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝?
I’ve contacted few lawyer Firms in Koh Samui where I’m based to have an expert answer to this question. The owner of one of the firms called Vize Counselor , Jimmy, agreed to meet me for an interview.
Many foreigners from every conceivable country have started businesses all over the kingdom of Thailand. Yes, there is paperwork, yes there are hurdles to jump through, but these pale in comparison to the normal task of running a business in any country around the world. What I'm saying is, the process of forming the business is fairly easy.
The hard part, just like any other country, is finding staff, making sure your business model works and getting paid.
In this video, Jimmy, Thai Lawyer, explains how you get your business started, and how it can help you to get your visa, work permit and to actually own land and property in Thailand.
We start with general questions about opening a company in Thailand, feel free to leave your questions in the comments below so we can get the answers in our next videos.
𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡
𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 - 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
/ vizecounselor
vizecounselor.com/
𝐕𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐨 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐬𝐚𝐧
/ mike_gasan
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐩
bit.ly/3JHjTXi
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤
/ thailandeasy
00:00 - Intro
01:19 - Meet the Lawyer
02:58 - Restrictions for foreigners
05:19 - Thai Partner
08:00 - a Company or a Partnership?
11:05 - Opening a Bar/Restaurant
12:05 - Government Programs for business
13:18 - Can I start my business without Lawyer help?
13:39 - Can I register a company with a Virtual Address?
14:05 - Which address I can use to open a company?
15:35 - How long does it take to open a business in Thailand?
15:52 - Can I register a company staying outside of Thailand?
16:14 - Do I need to register a company to buy land in Thailand?
20:47 - Benefits for American Citizens
22:40 - Advise for expats who decided to open their business in Thailand?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫: 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 👉 forms.gle/kTrdQw6J6ZABMUzN8

[@6arak]

Thanks bro

[@michaellouis5458]

Your businesses will make you rich but your investments will make you wealthy. The future is inevitable. I pray everyone here becomes extremely successful.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Thank you

[@InventorLive]

Thank you all for watching and supporting our channel

[@subashjoshi7477]

Thank you. Much better than most of the other ones on this subject.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

I appreciate your support

[@kukuiproduction]

Thank you. So useful. Keep going 💪🏻

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Thank you! Will do!

[@slaavichii1129]

Great information. Thank you.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

thank you

[@karenk3593]

Great video. Like a free lawyer consultation. Thank you.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Glad it was helpful!

[@anyanurueva5164]

Thank you for this information

[@THAILANDEASY_]

My pleasure

[@user-fg5zf1lq1d]

Thx for information 🙏🏻

[@THAILANDEASY_]

So nice of you

[@jackdawson7904]

Very good information 👍🏼

[@THAILANDEASY_]

So nice of you

[@sam78ize]

thanks for the information. for americans wanting to start a manufacturing business 100% owned. specifically small electronics manufacturing facility. can this be done in phases? for example register business, aquire land, build facility ... thanks again

[@sergiy2708]

Very good!

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@NissanR33Ztune]

Yeah nice video, pretty simple, mainly points we know but still heaps to cover.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

More to come!

[@BoomBo28]

Love it

[@geofferyrobertson6608]

well presented docs ... good info

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Glad you liked it , thank you

[@robby_webb]

Very helpful! I want to teach English in Thailand starting in 2023, I’m trying to learn if it’s possible to start my own English tutoring company with my Thai partner, and what government programs are available to promote the company

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Best of luck!

[@elijahwoolley6486]

I appreciated this video. Super good information and insight! My big question that I’ve always wondered is I am half thai. My mother is thai. If I opened up a partnership in opening up a hostel in Thailand would this be possible if anybody in my thai family lives in USA?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Thank you for support. Meaning you don't have a Thai passport?

[@elijahwoolley6486]

@@THAILANDEASY_ Only american but I have thai family. I was wondering if I could partner with them 50/50 for my business to be legal.

[@TeenyWeeny]

I would look into dual citizenship. @@elijahwoolley6486

[@optimapolyplast9714]

Hi, thanks for your best effort for giving knowledge for establishing business on Thailand. I am planning to establish mineral water bottles company near Pattaya city. Please give me your opinion.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Good day! Most Welcome! I've sent your details to Jimmy's office

[@khiaad]

Very2 Thankyou

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Most welcome 😊

[@ShortBetter]

Great interview! How about if I want to register e-commers business? Can I own 100% of the company? And does it allow me to operate it myself without hiring Thai people?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the regulations in Thailand regarding foreign ownership in e-commerce businesses are subject to certain restrictions. The Foreign Business Act of Thailand stipulates that certain types of businesses, including retail and wholesale businesses, are restricted activities for foreigners. However, there are exceptions and alternative structures that may allow foreigners to operate an e-commerce business in Thailand. One common approach is to establish a Thai limited company and ensure that Thai nationals hold the majority of the shares.

[@6arak]

I would like to hear about opening a rental bike business, any step what should I do?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Hello, can't give you legal advice. Try consulting with a lawyer

[@heynewpangpang6520]

Hi buddy . I have sent email to the lawyer, but no reply yet . Also his website doesn’t work , contact us page has no function

[@sugacane7574]

Very good information! Just for clarification on the thing he said about the US and Thailand having an agreement together. Will I still need a Thai partner who owns 51% shares if I want to start a Cybersecurity or some sort of Tech company in Thailand? I am from the US and was just wondering the possibilities of opening one rather than work for a company in Thailand should I decide to move there in a few years. I was thinking starting out solo to get it off the ground then hire accordingly as it grows.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Hello. I will ask the Lawyer next time I visit their office.

[@masudgodarzi]

@@THAILANDEASY_ ok

[@cruisingyoutube7679]

Yes you have it right.

[@ilelialailfileajilfai]

get fkt by the 51% owner Haha

[@stevec7033]

Is that possible for 1 of the 2 foreign shareholders change to someone else later on?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Yes, can change to someone else later if you need, but the company need to have the director’s resolution for change of the shareholders’ list and also the director must approve and sign on the forms as well before can change the shareholders’ list.

[@TeenyWeeny]

Need the FBL for restaurants but restaurants based on my research is some 200 sq feet or something around there. What if I all I want is to start off with a taco stand that I build myself or hire locals to build for me? I am US citizen too, which he mentioned about the treaty we get some special permissions but my research didn't show with any exceptions to the 51% rule even as US citizen. The lawyer here didn't seem too worried about the 51% ownership to thai, which I can simply make myself director/CEO, etc, which is correct, but 51% of the revenue could be going to that thai too which would make the business impossible to flourish in growth if I lose all the revenue.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

I'm meeting the lawyer in 2 weeks , I'll try to clear up this questions in my next video

[@TeenyWeeny]

@THAILANDEASY_ thank you! Yeah the treaty I found out is I am still required 51%, but I can choose an American to be the 2 shareholders.

[@BoomBo28]

Excellent I will definitely give 51 percent and help grow the people. You need hart not money.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

grow together - enough for everyone

[@fankosh123456]

What is the minimum capital to obtain legal visa status in thailand

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Can't tell you legal advice - you better check with a lawyer

[@steveporsche8389]

To the lawyer, what is your fee to do all the business paper for open in Thailand? Thanks. Do you have any 7-11 store for sale in Thailand ? Thank you !

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Hello. There are contact details of the Lawyer below the video. If you have more detailed list of questions, you can go ahead and leave a list for me because I'm thinking of the next topic with the lawyer.

[@alanalmeidafilms-videodeca1431]

great video in the case of a restaurant, how much will I spend to open a company (cost of lawyer and government)

[@THAILANDEASY_]

all the papers, visa and work permit and 1 year of Accounting will be ~ 100k THB

[@alanalmeidafilms-videodeca1431]

@@THAILANDEASY_ thank you very much and congratulations for the video

[@hafizulhakim9168]

Hello there, what about renting a land and setting up a villa/homestay/room for rental? Thank you in advance 😀

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Hello. Check out my latest video. You might find the answer there kzbin.info/www/bejne/r37YYX-crc-efdU

[@hafizulhakim9168]

@@THAILANDEASY_ thank you! 😁

[@bajsiminrompa]

What are the fees and cost of running the company once setup?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

planning to make my next video about it. go ahead to ask more questions on this topic

[@artgallery6547]

In setting-up a private company, how much capital do we need to submit in the registration process?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Please note that there is no minimum required capital, but they require for minimum of 3 shareholders, (Baht 5 per shares), that means, you can start with Baht 15 capital, but we recommend you to start at least Baht 1 million due to the government fee of Baht 1 million or less than is the same.

[@marcanthonyskidmore4131]

If you don't need a work permit, then there is no minimum requirement. The work permit requires 3-million-baht investment and 3 Thai staff.

[@Mohanuser29]

So let assimilate togethers those rules from space. I am allowed to wire my money to thailand to open a business, but I am not allowed to conduct my business. I must look for a free thai partner who 'll own 51% of my business for free. And if my business is about high tech. My partner could be a farmer no problem. Then if I want buy a house where to live. I can pay for the house yes, But I don't own the land. And later how to sell it if possible. I don't know. And if I disagree with my farmer partner about something, he can go complaining then the immigration office cancel my Visa, and I will lose my business, my house and all the shit I invested in. This is a huge scam plan running there. Those people need your money. 6:36

[@ki-sikil-lil-la-ke2429]

Can a US citizen open a cannabis shop, or anything to do with cannabis?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

You can open a Thai Company with a Thai partner and run this business in Thailand. But the partner wil own 51%

[@nyanchonyancho6005]

Are laws the same in 2023 and those it applies to every foreigner from any county

[@THAILANDEASY_]

the laws are the same in 2023

[@smitty2235]

Do you know contact of business consultants in pattaya and Bangkok if so can I get their contacts information

[@THAILANDEASY_]

The Layer from this video has an Office in Bangkok too. Contact details under my video

[@theinternationalist1357]

Vize Counselor, sound good and professional... I guess my question is are they expensive to represent us (foreigners)?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

everything comes in comparison here. you might pay more for a good lawyer but you have your issues cleared. I've left their contact details in the description of the video

[@theinternationalist1357]

@THAILANDEASY_ ok 😊 thanks. It looks like an American (US citizen) do not need a Thai partner to set up a business, right?

[@PPCCO.]

Get a dual citizenship after 5 years, have it written within the contract for the buyout of the other 51%.

[@MasterJ202]

I dont think Thailand allows dual citizenship but if anyone knows or has done it please leave a comment

[@PPCCO.]

@@MasterJ202 they do for us citizens

[@elcar2484]

13:35 Can i establish my own business in Thailand (Solo) without a shareholder? .

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Yes, you can but it depends what kind of business you plan to conduct

[@HyperspaceHoliday]

@@THAILANDEASY_ can foreigners get work permit on a single owner business?

[@barandbeyond3763]

How do we ask for this promotion from the government?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

You have to make a research on programs. The BOI's programs cover a range of sectors, including manufacturing, services, and technology. They offer benefits such as corporate income tax exemptions for up to 8 years, the ability to own land, and permission to bring in skilled foreign workers. Some of the specific programs available to foreign investors include the "Thailand Plus" program, which offers special incentives for investments in targeted industries, and the "Smart Visa" program, which allows foreign professionals to stay in Thailand for up to 4 years without needing a work permit.

[@16hrDaze]

I’m half Thai, my father lives in Thailand but I only have a USA passport. Is there anything my father can do to make it easier for me to open a business or buy land?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Hello. Only in case you have a Thai ID

[@TheCashman007]

let your father start the business ! you can act as manager Etc.

[@tungyvonnehk]

how about BVI company start the business here?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

i'll ask the lawyer

[@tungyvonnehk]

@@THAILANDEASY_ Thank you so much

[@rencet3747]

I would like to set up a private crypto currency teaching company next year but would I own all the company or do I have to give 51% over to a Thai national?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

hi. you can leave your details or contact the Lawyer form. I can't five you legal advise

[@jackdawson7904]

👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@thomasmarcinowski4117]

How about Crypto startup company, do we need a Thai partner?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

you have to check with a lawyer better

[@abdirashidmahamed1192]

How can i contact your office?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

You can leave your details here, they will get back to you. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦 | 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫: 𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 👉 forms.gle/kTrdQw6J6ZABMUzN8

[@shanehughes2332]

If 2 english people open a weed business do we need 4 thai national or even 8 national to open and sell in thailand

[@THAILANDEASY_]

hello! you will need 4 Thai nationals for every work permit. but.. there are ways... - talk to a layer. Be careful doing weed business - it was made for Thai people to run it - if you do, make sure you have all the papers and license in place.

[@ogwolf541]

@@THAILANDEASY_ what would be the ways around it because 8 Thai national is too much would be hiring people to sit there and do nothing

[@ogwolf541]

​@@THAILANDEASY_what is the minimum wage per day out in Thailand

[@rasoolsheikh362]

Hello / I am from india ( Mumbai ) and want to starts a business in Thailand - can u tell me the procedure ?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

the best way is you to arrange a meeting with a lawyer with all your questions

[@gibig7544]

Hello, i stumbled on this video because i want to start a weedfarm in Thailand. I am from Belgium and long story short the medical benifits of weed help my father. I live next to Holland were it is possible to buy but not illigal to grow. Do you think this idea is even possible? I would be cultivation it there and maybe open coffeshops or something. If it evcen would be possible to have a legal transportion connection with Europe

[@gibig7544]

iam comming next year anyway and ask it myself

[@user-jn8uc5zc8o]

Your experience would be interesting. I know that you can open a coffee shop franchise.

[@gibig7544]

​@@user-jn8uc5zc8o well that would be PHASE 2 of the big plan. But i want to start growing my own and than later in time maybve sell to coffee shops or make my own brand bigger with starting own franchise

[@r9009p]

Hey brother , that’s a good idea I would be interested to join you , can we talk about this ? Please reply me if your interested too

[@gibig7544]

@@r9009p yes i am

[@nuzhatbatoo1343]

Which type of busnis is successful in thiland kindly tel me plz

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Thank you for your trust but you really have to make your own research)) do what you do best

[@sameeremerald]

I want to open a jewelry store , what kind of law applies in that particular business,I am An Indian

[@THAILANDEASY_]

you should consult with a lawyer

[@donskiii296]

I have a Thai girlfriend living in Bangkok is it possible to open a franchise company with my girlfriend which allows me to stay in Thailand?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

You open a company and make a Visa under this comapny

[@Al_Qahhaar]

I want to open a bakery in thailand

[@THAILANDEASY_]

You better get a consultation with a lawyer to make it right

[@Al_Qahhaar]

Hi can I get a lawyer contact to get a free advice

[@ethanlee7125]

Cool, I will open a small factory and build my house on the same land haha, no need Thai partner

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Go for it!))

[@sujankafle6374]

Sir, I am from Nepal, can I start business in Thailand?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Why not

[@user-ds9ky5qu5t]

can a foreigner hold 49% shares in a massage business and also become a director?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Hello. As far as I know can. You can consult with the lawyer

[@Dondino99]

What if i have 2 Thai people and i get 40 and the other 2 get 30 and 30 ???

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Yes, sure You make it work like 2 or 2 partners, so each doesn't have the majority. And you are assigned as a Director

[@vasu7016]

Please can you share the contact details of lawyer

[@THAILANDEASY_]

𝐕𝐢𝐳𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐫 - 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 facebook.com/vizecounselor vizecounselor.com/

[@Al_Qahhaar]

Do I need a partner

[@masudgodarzi]

We need 4 massagers from Thailand immediately. Contact for information.

[@THAILANDEASY_]

lol

[@philrbt2061]

Your.partner is the boss you are just a employé with share to his company... That's the best way for be fuc** Be the boss and don't give your capital and futur to your partner ..

[@rasoolsheikh362]

But not a good idea for a foreigner to do business in Thailand as 51% goes to thai partner

[@THAILANDEASY_]

there are ways..

[@bestcompilations7828]

Its my understanding that Americans dont need to give thai citizens 51%

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Can't give you legal advice on this. Next time I have a meeting with a lawyer I can check for you but you better get a consultation.

[@cnxexpat1862]

I never trust the smartness of someone who drives a motorcycle in Thailand without helmet. Beside the fact that it´s illegal it´s also not smart to do so in a country with 24.000 traffic deaths per year and 75% of them are motorcycle drivers. Regards from Chiang Mai

[@THAILANDEASY_]

you are right

[@Andrew-qr3cr]

Is that possible for 1 of the 2 foreign shareholders change to someone else later on?

[@THAILANDEASY_]

Yes, can change to someone else later if you need, but the company need to have the director’s resolution for change of the shareholders’ list and also the director must approve and sign on the forms as well before can change the shareholders’ list.