Investing and Doing Business in Thailand

Doing Business in Thailand

The Thai government has long believed in a free and open economy and is recognized for its transparency in dealing with foreign investors.  Thailand is ranked 13th from 181 countries on the ease of doing business by the World Bank in its 2009 report , with the 1st ranking going to Singapore.  From the same report, it is ranked 44th on starting a business, 56th on employing workers, 11th for protecting investors, 10th for trading across borders, and 25th on enforcing contracts.

In general, foreign investment is welcome in Thailand; though restrictions are placed on certain key businesses, exemptions are granted for businesses given investment incentives. The main legislation governing foreign investment is the Foreign Business Act which sets out the types of businesses open to foreigners as well as regulations and restrictions.  For certain specific sectors such as financial institutions business, insurance business, and real estate; foreign participation is set out under specific laws.
Many incentives are granted through the Board of Investment (BOI), the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), and the Petroleum Act which give special consideration and tax incentives to target and priority businesses and products.  Further the BOI and IEAT may grant investment incentives and exemptions to legal restrictions concerning priority or target industries.

Foreign Participation in Business

Investment and Business Incentives

Types of Business Entities

Business Set Up: Registration and Licensing

Public Offerings

Real Estate Issues

Looking for Business Partners
Directory of Thai industry and business, Department of Industrial Promotion, Ministry of Industry
Trade Partners, Thai Exporter Directory, Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce
Manufacturers, suppliers, exporters by product
Export directories, listings, finding buyers and suppliers
Business directory
Trade Associations in Thailand

Business and Trade Information
Department of Export Promotion, Ministry of Commerce
Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand
Sectors of opportunity
Joint Venture News
BOI joint venture matchmaking service, matchmaking form
Thai business search, trade fairs, business associations
Trade fairs in Thailand

Business Intermediaries
Useful links to business intermediaries and doing business in Thailand
Useful links to Thai business intermediaries, the Internationalist
SEC approved financial advisors, auditors, other intermediaries
Investment advisory contacts
Financial institutions in Thailand

Investing in the Thai Stock Market

Investment Alternatives on the SET

How to Invest in the SET

Investing in Real Estate

Foreign Land Ownership and Alternatives

Foreign Condominium Ownership