Jun20
Can a US Citizen own a business in Thailand?
Author: bigbuddhaphuket | Category: business in thailand
Resistance Training asked:
I would like to open a business in Thailand. Can a US Citizen be a shareholder or owner of a Thai Company? Where can I find information about registering a Thai business?
Tags: americans in thailand, business in thailand, living in thailand
June 22nd, 2010 at 9:18 pm
I’m not sure where you can find information about registering a business other than visiting or writing a Thai consulate here in the states. I have visited Thailand many times and have come across Americans who have told me that they are only part owners in their “businesses” because they are not allowed to own land in Thailand. I could be wrong about this, but that is what I was told. The ones that did own land and had a business also had a Thai spouse.
June 26th, 2010 at 8:52 am
Yes you can, firstly you have to set up a company this can only be done in Thailand, you also need 6 Thais which a lawyer will get you.
WORD OF WARNING, you will only own 49 percent of the company, its risky as the thais have to be paid every month just to keep their names, also you will have to employ at least 5 thais, you can buy property, again with thais, YOU DO NOT OWN THE LAND, so also there is a risk, especially with the government if they want the land you lose your property, please beware you could lose a lot of money.
However you can own land, property, and business in Vietnam as you are from the U.S. something to do with the war, you can own 1 rai which is shy of an acre, outright in your own name. good luck.
June 26th, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Yes, you can open a business in Thailand, although you are US Citizen. You can register in Bangkok.
June 29th, 2010 at 6:49 am
Hi I strongly suggest go to this forum where you get answers from people who know the actual situation:
July 1st, 2010 at 12:23 pm
yes you can and Khun Bob will advise you on the technicalities or do what I do and ask on Thaivisa.com
July 3rd, 2010 at 9:39 pm
an important note to the above is that you might want to be sure that you have a good understanding of the culture first – Thai logic is not necessarily Western logic
You should also have somewhat of a definiton as to what you want from this business. There are people here who open a “hobby” or lifestyle business, such as a bar or resort along the beach –
I would recommend living here for a year before you decide and being very careful if you are making an investment…
July 6th, 2010 at 3:19 am
It depends on what type of business you plan on opening. There are some types of businesses that foreigners are prohibited from owning and also some types of business that you are allowed to own without Thai partners. The US has a Treaty of Amity with Thailand that allows 100% foreign ownership for certain types of businesses. There’s a lot of websites that can give you the information you’re looking for, here’s a couple to start with:
July 7th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Yes, a foreign nationals can own shares or business in Thailand. You should search the site below, or get a consultant company.