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Can I open a small food truck business in Thailand with a non-IB work permit?

Non-IB Work Permit Food Truck Business Visa Regulations Employment Requirements Peddling Regulations Foreign Business Ownership Thai Company Laws

Dec 31, 2024

a month ago

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, 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 !

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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

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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

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Soham *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Alain **************

thanks so much Alain 🤝🏼🤝🏼

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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🙏

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Soham *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Pertti ************

thanks so much Pertti 🤝🏼🤝🏼

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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

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Graham ******

@Paul **********

There are more than 2 categories in this long list

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Paul ***********

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.. 👍

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Paul ***********

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Soham *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Paul **********

thanks so much Paul 🤝🏼🤝🏼

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Andrew *********

@Paul **********

ooo, forklift driving. That's an interesting exemption.

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Andrew *********

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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.

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Soham *******

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks so much Graham 🤝🏼🤝🏼

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Bob **********

plus 2 million in the bank

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Paul ***********

or married to Thai national requirements are halved of course 👍

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Paul ***********

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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.

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Paul ***********

@Brandon ***********

no it wouldn't fall under peddling..

In fact there are no restrictions except possibly driving a commerical vehicle

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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.

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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 👍

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Paul ***********

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John ******

@Brandon ***********

Really? I do know quite a few, like Fernando at Chatuchak market selling paella...

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Brandon ************

that's a permanent establishment

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John ******

@Brandon ***********

The OP better hire an agent to sort the right visa. Not asking here on FB and getting confused.

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John ******

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