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Can I open a small food truck business in Thailand with a non-IB work permit?
Non-IB Work PermitFood Truck BusinessVisa RegulationsEmployment RequirementsPeddling RegulationsForeign Business OwnershipThai Company Laws
Dec 31, 2024
a year ago
Soham *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHello, I hold a non-IB work permit in Thailand. Is it possible for me to open a small food truck business ? Any details will be highly appreciated.
Thanks !
Thanks !
TLDR : Answer Summary
Opening a food truck business in Thailand while holding a non-IB work permit poses several challenges. It is generally considered peddling, which is restricted for foreigners. To legally operate a small business and qualify for a Non-B Visa, you must employ at least four Thai employees and comply with related labor laws. Your current work permit is specific to your present job, so a new work permit would be necessary. Additionally, navigating the legal requirements may involve consulting a lawyer.
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Brian *********
Yes
Alain ***************
One of the Phuket youtubers had a food truck but because he had a restaurant with company already, it wasn’t that hard but needed thai employees. I was only friend and customer so I don’t know the exact details. He is with his thai wife for decades so he can trust her. I’ve heard him talking in a video that he gotca lawyer to help with all that stuff
Soham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alain **************
thanks so much Alain 🤝🏼🤝🏼Reply to
Soham *******
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Pertti *************
Yes. Just setup company and you can be owner/manager. If you want sell and do food yourself ask if it's possible get WP for chef and store front person if you want make food yourself🙏
Soham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pertti ************
thanks so much Pertti 🤝🏼🤝🏼Reply to
Soham *******
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Paul ***********
First thing is.. Your current work permit is very specific to what you are doing now..
Doesn't count under a new business.. You would need a new work permit...there is nothing in terms of law stopping you per se except driving a commerical vehicle
Doesn't count under a new business.. You would need a new work permit...there is nothing in terms of law stopping you per se except driving a commerical vehicle
Graham ******
@Paul **********
There are more than 2 categories in this long listPaul ***********
@Graham *****
yeah but irrelevant to what he is talking about in the context of this question. The only one that would apply is driving the van.. 👍Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Soham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul **********
thanks so much Paul 🤝🏼🤝🏼Andrew *********
@Paul **********
ooo, forklift driving. That's an interesting exemption.Reply to
Andrew *********
Reply
Graham ******
If you are considering a small business to get your Non-B Visa you would be required to have four Thai employees paying their social security and wages so bear that in mind with your rethink.
Soham *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Graham *****
thanks so much Graham 🤝🏼🤝🏼Bob **********
@Graham *****
plus 2 million in the bankPaul ***********
@Graham *****
or married to Thai national requirements are halved of course 👍Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
I believe that would fall under peddling which is a restricted profession for foreigners. That's why you never see foreigner street food vendors.
Paul ***********
@Brandon ***********
no it wouldn't fall under peddling..In fact there are no restrictions except possibly driving a commerical vehicle
Brandon ************
@Paul **********
the definition of peddling is "to sell or offer for sale from place to place" which seems exactly like what a food truck is.Paul ***********
@Brandon ***********
add a word to your definition... "informally".. Ie no proper business licenses, no company etc 👍To get a work permit.. He would have to do this formally via a company and have the proper business license etc 👍
Reply to
Paul ***********
Reply
John ******
@Brandon ***********
Really? I do know quite a few, like Fernando at Chatuchak market selling paella...Brandon ************
@John *****
that's a permanent establishmentJohn ******
@Brandon ***********
The OP better hire an agent to sort the right visa. Not asking here on FB and getting confused.Reply to
John ******
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