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How can I open a bar in Thailand without marrying a Thai national, and what visa options are available?

Business Ownership Thai Visa Work Permit Foreign Investment Bar Ownership Thai Business Regulations

Sep 7, 2025

3 days ago

Jay **********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hi

How would one go about opening a bar in Thailand without marrying a thai national. regarding visas etc, would it just be a work permit, and if so how would one make it a perminant visa?

Thanks in advance for any sensible advice

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TLDR : Answer Summary

Opening a bar in Thailand without marrying a Thai national requires navigating foreign business ownership laws. It appears essential to have a Thai partner who holds 51% of the business. A work permit may be necessary, and you must show significant financial resources, such as 2 million THB in the bank and employment of at least four Thai employees. Many commenters advise caution, noting that this venture can be risky and often leads to financial loss due to the competitive market and regulatory challenges.

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Michael ********

Seen lots and lots fail and a few do alright, you need a trusted partner and in that buisness they are as rare as hens teeth.

3 days ago

Harry *********

This is a really good idea, it’s unique and not many bars… you can find loop holes, lots of Thai business partners who would welcome 51%.

Go for it

😬

3 days ago

Walrus *******

@Harry ********

2 days ago

Reply to

Walrus *******

Richard *******

Too many bars here already 🤷‍♂️

3 days ago

Pat ******

99% chance that you will lose all your investment for your Thai partner next 1-2 years ..,

If you want to do business then better to hold this 51% of your business at some law company name

3 days ago

Greg ***********

opening a bar as a foreigner is the best way to get rich in Thailand, but it requires you arrived and started with 100 million Thai Baht. You will still be a millionaire 2 years later, calling 2 million Baht your own

3 days ago

John *********

Forget it, they are so many foreign s who have got down that route over the decades and failed miserably, unless you know high ranking officials you won’t get anywhere.

3 days ago

Scotty *******

Yep dont do it many fail doing this same thing there's just not enough margin between wages /rent / stock / staff let alone make profit but up to you

3 days ago

Steve *******

1. Don't do it.

2. You don't need to marry anyone or have a special visa to own a business here.

3. You do need a Thai partner who owns 51% of the business.

4. Don't do it.

3 days ago

Jack ********

@Steve ******

best advice so far providing he is not a masochist.

3 days ago

Steve *******

@Jack *******

if he was asking about opening a cafe, a dog shampoo place or a shoe shop, I'd be a lot more positive.

But a bar? In my 8 years here I've seen at least 50 bars open and go bankrupt within 6 months. It's financial suicide.

3 days ago

Reply to

Steve *******

Paul ********

If you have to get a work permit you need a partner who is Thai to have 51% share. 2 million in the bank to show you have funds and employ 4 Thais.

Forget about it mate

3 days ago

Sea *****

@Paul *******

Wrong info, you don't need to actually have the 2 million in bank.

2 days ago

Paul ********

@Sea ****

the company I worked for did and I had to have loads of photos of my 4

Employees for immigration to take

2 days ago

Sea *****

Ok, but that's not a legal requirement. You declare (and pay govt. fee for) 2M capital but you don't have to actually pay it.

4 TH employees per farang work permit is indeed a requirement (but only 2 TH employees if work permit applicant is married to a TH national).

2 days ago

Mark ********

@Sea ****

this is correct 👌

a day ago

Reply to

Mark ********

Ammy *******

@Paul *******

perfect advice 🇹🇭

3 days ago

Reply to