Published: May 30, 2025
Thailand stands as an important business hub in Southeast Asia. With its strategic location, infrastructure, and skilled workforce, it presents an attractive option for foreigners looking to expand or start a new business. This article will guide you through the steps, requirements, and options for foreigners wanting to register a company in Thailand.
Business Structures in Thailand
Before starting the registration process, foreigners should understand the different business structures available in Thailand to select the most appropriate structure for their needs.
1. Private Limited Company
- Characteristics: Most common business form and recommended for foreigners
- Minimum requirements: 3 shareholders, 1 director, and minimum registered capital
- Liability: Limited to the capital invested
2. Public Limited Company
- Characteristics: Can offer shares to the public and list on the stock exchange
- Minimum requirements: 15 shareholders, 5 directors, and registered capital of 20 million Baht
- Suitable for: Large businesses looking to raise capital from the public
3. Limited Partnership
- Characteristics: Has both limited and unlimited liability partners
- Limitations: Foreigners cannot be managing partners
- Suitable for: Small businesses that don’t require a company structure
4. Representative Office
- Characteristics: Cannot generate income in Thailand but can research, contact suppliers, and monitor the Thai market
- Limitations: Cannot conduct income-generating transactions
- Suitable for: Companies looking to explore the market before full investment
5. Branch Office
- Characteristics: An extension of the parent company abroad
- Requirements: Must obtain a Foreign Business License
- Caution: Parent company is liable for operations in Thailand
Restrictions for Foreigners
Thailand has certain restrictions on foreign investment, especially in some business sectors.
Foreign Business Act
List 2: Businesses related to national security or affecting arts, culture, natural resources (requires ministerial approval with Cabinet consent)
List 1: Businesses strictly prohibited to foreigners (e.g., media, agriculture, land)
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