Category: Business in Thailand
Foreign Business License: Regional Office
Foreign multinational companies with business operations in the ASEAN region or Asia may consider setting up a regional office in Thailand as a support hub for their corporate network in the region. Nevertheless, the regional office is considered a “service” business within the definition of category (21) of List Three annexed to the Foreign Business […]
Section 10 of the Foreign Business Act
Foreigners who operate a business in Thailand under a treaty to which Thailand is bound, such as Americans who open a company under the Thai-U.S. Treaty of Amity have their rights to operate business confirmed under Section 10 paragraph two of the Foreign Business Act of 1999 which states as follows: “Foreigners operating businesses specified […]
Withholding Tax for Sale of Property with Co-Owners
According to Thai Revenue Department regulations1, when the immovable property, such as land, with co-owners is sold, then payment of withholding tax when the transaction is registered at the Land Office shall apply as if the co-owners are engaged in an ordinary partnership according to Section 1012 of the Civil and Commercial Code2; in other […]
Operating as a Foreign Business in Thailand: Pros and Cons
When doing business in Thailand, one has the option of operating in a joint-venture with majority Thai ownership or as majority or solely foreign-owned firm. Although Thai law is restrictive of how foreigners are able to operate the business, it nevertheless does allow majority foreign ownership of the business and foreign entrepreneurs to engage in […]
Capitalization for Foreign Business in Thailand
The Foreign Business Act of 1999 restricts and regulations foreign business activity in Thailand in order to protect Thai businesses and one of the ways it does so is through specifying rules regarding the capitalization of foreign businesses in Thailand. Notably, although retail is restricted under (14) of Annex 3 of the Foreign Business Act, […]
Limiting the Authority of a Company Director
When foreign investors do business in Thailand, it is often more expedient to hire a Thai person to serve on the board of directors along with the foreign directors. Generally, Thai law does not require a limited company to have a Thai national to serve on the board of directors. Furthermore, maintaining control of the […]
Authority of Company Liquidators
When a company is dissolved in Thailand, it must thereafter be liquidated, wherein its debts are paid, its assets are distributed to the shareholders, and all of its other remaining affairs are settled. During the liquidation phase, company liquidators must be appointed in order to conduct the aforementioned duties. The company liquidators will have the […]
Company and Partnership Offenses in Thailand
Thailand has strict laws regulating the operation of companies and partnerships. Unlike in some other jurisdictions, violations of company and partnership laws are criminal offenses in Thailand and may result in either imprisonment or fines depending on the severity of the offense. Therefore, it is imperative, especially for foreign entrepreneurs who are less familiar with […]
Foreign Business License: Installation, Repair, and Maintenance Services
A common business activity for foreign multinationals that set up business operations in Thailand is installation, repair, and maintenance services. This refers to the installation, repair and maintenance of machinery, tools, and equipment used in the manufacturing process. However, this business activity falls within the scope of Category (21) of List Three of the Foreign […]
Basics of Thai Investment Promotion Law
Thailand’s investment promotion laws are a particularly important element of its overall plan for future economic growth, especially regarding its competitiveness with other nations in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC). The Investment Promotion Act of B.E. 2520 (1977), amended as recently as 2001, empowers the Board of Investment (BOI) of Thailand to grant tax and […]
