What are the challenges and advice for investing 200,000 THB in a hostel in Thailand?

Nov 3, 2024
18 days ago
Cullen **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
hello guys, i have 200.000 THB to invest in any hostel in Thailand, preferably a party hostel, to become a shareholder, i also wanna work in the hostel to contribute to the business even more since I know how they operate + previous work experience + i am a hard-worker person.

I can get more (up to 3000.000 THB) in case there is a good project. I know the money I am speaking about is not so competitive, but, how can I find the hostel to invest in?

thanks in advance
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A user expresses interest in investing 200,000 THB in a party hostel in Thailand and working there. The community responds with a mix of skepticism and advice, noting that this amount may not be sufficient for a meaningful investment. Several comments highlight the risk of scams, the costs associated with obtaining a work permit, and the reality of the financial landscape in Thailand for such ventures. Many suggest that additional research and a larger capital investment would be necessary for a successful venture.
Trevor *************
200k baht is a good months holiday, not an investment amount 🤣😂🤣
Joe ******
You end up broke in short time
Carey *********
I like pancakes
Hass ********
So you wanna invest 200k baht so you can party, drink and do drugs. And earn a living out of it? Can I come ?
Brian *********
Asking here for advice is liking asking the pope if he is catholic. The idiots on here offer no advice just abuse for wanna be old men trying to sound funny and failing miserably. Good luck but find a better site for knowledge the clowns here don’t have a clue
Alain ***************
Probably troll post 😂
Graham ******
@Alain **************
The OP has one friend ;)
Charlie ******
1 night at nana plaza for you
Jordan *******
I think they were drunk when they wrote this
Marcus ********
lol what are you guys talking about? I had my gf that’s an agent sell businesses for that much or get spots to open. I have the one I was getting it’s by the beach and 4 levels
Terary **********
That may not get you very much real estate but you may be able to become a SCUBA instructor for that
Greta *****
If you want to invest 400 Baht in a dingy hostel in Bangkok that will get you a one night stay....No return
Maria ********
Please don't do it 🥲
Grie *********
Make it 2.000.000 and contact me again😜😂
Scott ********
I have a host/hostel on soi 4 that you can invest with. Hit me up...
Scott ********
5555555555555555555555555555
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*****
*****
*****
*****
*****
555
Kris *********
200 k does not even buy you a very small house....
Lloyd ****
You will only lose your money and have to leave the country when your visa is up.
Scott *********
So you got $6k usd. In Thailand your return will be slower due to cost difference. Meaning, you won't double anytime soon unless you are extremely good at creating an audience. Competition is fierce with accommodations and bars. Market is over saturated and has not fully recovered to precovid levels. If you cannot pay in cash for overhead of your proposed biz for minimum 2 years, your chances of success will drop substantially. If you got the balls, go for it though. Life isn't about sitting around.
David ********
Thailand is full of dreamers not in touch with reality. Thailand people love farang like this another donation to the Thai enconomy
Scott *********
@David *******
I get curious about posts like yours. I think it is funny watching the farang gatekeepers that offer nothing back to the Thai community in the form of jobs. Teachers are typically the ones least likely to succeed. Those who cannot do, teach.

Based on your posts previously here, you are the one having a tough time succeeding and being a dreamer with zero plans.

Don't know you, and don't mean to single you out on a personal level. Just amazed at the gatekeeper farangs online that talk shxt and have zero to back it other than just having to talk shxt online to someone today for attention. You are probably a good guy just trying to make it like the rest of us. But, you need an attitude change.
David ********
@Scott ********
gate keeper such a wanker comment good luck you know everything and can't be advised
*****
5
David ********
@Scott ********
you know shit buddy have another joint, adjust or go home. But good luck Thailand can be what you want. I don't need to back up anything l am chilled. Retired here and living the dream you keep chasing good luck. I am not posting you are asking about investing 200,000 bht in a what ???take some advise from people who have been here awhile. Best way to make a small fortune in Thailand come with a big one 5555
Hanzala ***
Actually there is a way to invest that in a similar way here, bangkok preferably although phujte or chiang mai woukd be decent destinations too, you can work there and make pretty decent return, DM me and I can give you info
Ivan ***********
That is not a lot of money to invest in a business. You could rather invest 160K Baht in ETF with a
*****
split (MSCI World/MSCI Emerging Markets) on an international well-known broker (you own the shares yourself, of course) and 40K Baht in Bitcoin. Then you create a saving plan and pay in monthly $ 100 to 500 to your ETF (again split of
*****
) and another saving plan for Bitcoin with maybe $ 100 monthly. Then you just wait for years and you see your money growing.

Wait, did I just waste my time on a fake account? 😂🙄
Ricky *********
Dream on mate
James ******************
You probably would need around 20 to £40,000 which is bang on today's exchange from GBP to THB is
*****
81.60thb..

That is a very secure investment but still possible to encounter for fee's with solicitors etc
Cee *******
Good to have goals but if you don't think a party hostel is a money pit to maintain then there is a world of financial hurt ahead. Partnerships also more often than not end in dispute. Perhaps start with immersing yourself in the hostel crowd and seeing if there is a niche market that could be in demand. Good money is often in the niche demand
James *********
I recommend a "Pumpkin" Chainsaw to go with that Hostel.....
Leo *******
You might aswell put that money down the drain. Also you can’t work there legally unless you have a work permit.
Michael ******
Mite get three motorbikes 🏍 for that money 💰to rent out.
Chris ********
200k won't get you much investment % or it'll be a failing business and you'll need extra money to pay the losses going forward...not to mention lawyer fees as you'll need to arrange shareholders transfer (I've recently been quoted 20k just for that task).

For a WP you'd need to meet certain criteria such as number of Thais also employed by said hostel and minimum wages per month.
Dante **********
tell us you’re broke and horny without telling us 😂
Dante **********
😂😂😂
Pui *****
Come on, seriously? 200k baht is like one to two week's income for many properties. This has got to be a joke.
Dave *******
Go and have a good time with you're 200K , before someone else does 🥳🥳🥳🥳
Marky *******
Ask
@AJ **************
he's in the know
Martin *******
Fools and money are easyly parted.
David ********
Why would you want to do that you have no idea about business in Thailand number 1 what visa you got . Invest your money in your home country better return. You wont get return on your money here. Invest At home and chill on the beach 🏖️
Us *****
Listen, 300k doesn't even get you a work permit. That's spending for some of us in Bkk. Just take that money and put it in an index fund or US treasury.
Jason ***********
@Us ****
actually Bitcoin
Руслан *********
Everything is possible. In Thailand, there is such a form of doing business as partnership, both with and without legal registration. It is not possible to work officially under this form.
Rei ***********
200k baht? Go to Myanmar.
Oliver **********
A fool and his money are soon partyhosteled
Sean ******
Hi Cullen, I've messaged you. Cheers
Edna *******
I’m sorry to disappoint and dash your dreams, but you definitely need to do more research.

You cannot work or volunteer in Thailand. You cannot own land either, for starters.

Only way you can earn money is work for an outside company, remotely.
Zay ********
@Edna ******
you can work not sure where you got that info from. It’s just limited to certain industries but obviously their are foreigners who have jobs here or own businesses
Will ******
Profile is a bit dodge. I guess the 1 friend is possibly him.
Detlef ***********
🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣!!
Michael **********
seriously talking, with that much money u can buy a decent setup camera/lights and rent a room. From there you could publish some content, such as fansly or OF. There's no way you could do anything else with such little money
Geir ********
FAKE profile, guys. No need to comment.
Kevin *******
His fake name is from a really good character on TV though!
****************************************************
Oliver ***********
@Geir *******
only has 1 fb friend 😂😂
Ralph *******
@Geir *******
Yes, I think you’re right.
Frank **********
Chris *****
Ritabrata *******
I think there is one less zero in the amount.
Lone **********
hi Cullen - I am with James on this. There are many opportunities for business that don't require millions to buy/invest in. I have customers who have invested much less than you in a small business with a Thai partner and they have been successful. It is also true that many have failed at business in Thailaand and that is generally becuse they did not have the right mindset and skills for it. So find an existing hostel that is struggling, research why it's not doing well, is it in the right place, do they manage their money well, etc. If you can contribute to turning it aroud with your 200K and your expertiese then set up a solid contract for the investment. As a part owner you are allowed to oversee your investment and take part in decisons on the company. You are however not allowed to work without a permit. If you have the extra cash to invest in a workpermit then you are all set.
Руслан *********
@Lone *********
Is a work permit simply purchased?
Lone **********
@Руслан ********
work permits are based on company capital, type of work the foreigner woyld be doing (lots of restricted roles), number of registered local employees, a min salary of 65k, sufficient turnover in the company to justify the permit. Lots of paperwork but it gets done dozens of times every day all over Thailand
Руслан *********
@Lone *********
Yes, I know, but personally I just want to invest a trial amount in a partner’s business, and live in Thailand for other reasons.
Matthew *******
Руслан *********
@Matthew ******
In principle, the main thing in a business partnership is to protect your investments, and you can live and work on a different type of visa.
Matthew *******
Руслан *********
@Matthew ******
It is completely legal, if you yourself will not be involved in the business in which you invested. You will receive only your percentage of the profit, and you can live on any visa. Isn't that right?
Matthew *******
@Руслан ********
I thought you said work permit

Good luck investing in anything here
Lone **********
Руслан *********
@Lone *********
What does this contract look like?
Lone **********
@Руслан ********
this contract sets out your investment in the company, the distribution of revenue and cost, decision making processes, sets out a strategy for the company/partnership. Should be very clear on process, decision making, startegy and it should also have an exit plan for all shareholders. To be legally enforceable in Thailand the contract needs to be in Thai and your Language but the Thai version will be the driving force for any issues. I urge anyone to ensure they have a solid agreement in place and that all partners understand the contents and it's intent. This will majorly mitigate problems down the line. I have in house lawyers who can draft such documents if thats any help.
Руслан *********
@Lone *********
Are your lawyers expensive?
Lone **********
@Руслан ********
I don't think they are but it all depends on what exactly yoy need. If you have the contract ready in English then it's a translatiin to legal Thai language. If you need us to draft the contract then that would add to the price. Also depends on the size and complexity. Happy to jump on a call to discuss your needs and then give you a quote
Руслан *********
@Lone *********
Thank you. I'll think about it.
Brenton ******
@Lone *********
I know westerners who have done this, they have Thai partners they can trust, you can work in the business but only behind closed doors. You just can't work where you can be seen, obviously you need to watch your back.
Av **********
200k save that for when thailand eats u up and spits u out back home
Richard ******
I'd listen to the advice and keep your money in your own country.
VP *********
Be careful, many scammers in Thailand. If she talked to you about Bitcoin investment, 99% chance she's scammer.
Damo ***********
@VP ********
100% scammer 🙄
Graeme *******
Here you go, this is a hostel for sale, 7.5 million baht, so if you find someone who has 7.3 million you could buy it together.

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Galenus ******
You took the wrong currency. You mean USD or EURO?
Michael **********
I'd spend that money in 4 nights at suzie wongs...
Us *****
@Michael *********
2 nights at Elite in Thong Lor for me
Ralph *******
@Michael *********
But do you?
Michael **********
@Ralph ******
well, I did a night like that and honestly I could have spent way more...
Ralph *******
@Michael *********
Could have, would have…

It’s hard to maintain that lifestyle.
Michael **********
@Ralph ******
physically more than financially. It took me a couple of days to recover ;)
Nongnuch ********
@Cullen *********
you are not allowed to work as a hostel manager in Thailand, not even in a position of a shareholder. And by the way, 200,000.- THB will get you nowhere in Thailand. Or did you really think the price of two Honda PCX's will open any doors as an "investor"? You should be aware that anything up from 2 million Baht would be seen as an investment. Thais, however, will thankfully take it all before they will find ways to get you banned from their country
Dumitrescu ******************
@Nongnuch *******
after you invest money, they can ban you from entering Thailand?! 😳😮
Nongnuch ********
@Dumitrescu *****************
anyone could plant drugs in your place and let the police find it. Then you will be in calamities. It has happened in Thailand, yet !
Danny *******
@Nongnuch *******
sadly I agree. The culture sucks. Thailand is paradise if you mind your own business and keep to yourself but get involved with Thai bosses or any people in positions of authority and it's a nightmare.
Ralph *******
@Nongnuch *******
He has up to 3 million so perhaps he will be ok?
Garrett ***********
@Nongnuch *******
management positions are not restricted.
Nongnuch ********
@Garrett **********
it depends. You are only allowed to watch. You are not allowed hands on! No book-keeping, no administrative work. Not even allowed to move a chair 😄
Garrett ***********
@Nongnuch *******
No, it doesn't "depend". Foreigners are prohibited from working in retail. They are NOT prohibited from working in management positions in hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. If you have a work permit like you're supposed to, you can in fact, do work.
Nongnuch ********
@Garrett **********
well, the guy wants to be the manager of a Thai lead hostel, not work as a manager for a large international hotel chain. That's why I said he won't get a work permit for this function. That there are foreign managers holding work permits in, for example, any IBIS or HILTON hotel, I won't dispute
Phirom *******
Not enough for investment.
Damien ********
Great idea 💡

Just come and find a hostel you like and give that owner your money for a part of this business

I’m sure it will work out …..
Martin ********
That's not going to get you anything
James **********
Unfortunately, you're going to get a lot of salty old white men giving you grief on here. It's true that you have to be extremely careful what you invest in but it's definitely possible. My advice would be to travel more and stay at plenty of hostels. Build relationships and friendships with hostel owners and don't rush into anything. Take advice from people with experience, not the keyboard warrior farangs who've likely been scammed out of their cash chasing bar girls in Pattaya. If you're lucky, there's a possibility you'll find someone you can trust but you won't find them by posting online. However, investing doesn't mean you'll automatically get a work permit as this in itself can cost around 60k thb, requires the hostel to have x amount of Thai workers, and can vary from province to province. If the right opportunity arrives, you'd be better off finding a more suitable long-term visa. Don't invest anything you're not prepared to lose, and be aware that there's a strong chance you won't be able to get anything in writing which does leave you open to much more risk.
David ********
@James *********
what the Fuc@#$ that's a shit post tell him straight if you have the experience. He is dreaming you are telling him it is possible travel and make friends look at many hostels there goes his 200k. It's a dream what is the purpose to have a business so you can get a long term visa that's crap advise. If you want that be an English teacher invest you money at home and teach English salary visa and work permit paid by school and health insurance shazzam magic
Joe **********
@David *******
Why does everyone just assume you can just fly here and start teaching? Does he have a degree in English education? I doubt it, how old is he? You can't just walk into a school and announce that you're a teacher and start work!

Some people.....
David ********
@Joe *********
better idea than his crap invest 200k in a hostel.not saying it's a walk in but better if you want to live here and don't have money
Matthew *******
@James *********
do you think what these guys are saying is not correct ?
James **********
@Matthew ******
That it's not enough money to be worth anyone's time (if you're in BKK or Pattaya, sure, but that could absolutely fund property expansions in other places), that work permits costs 300k, that it's impossible to find a route to work, that everything is always a scam, plus all the gross misogynistic crap like "you're better off starting an OnlyFans" and "you must be broke and horny."
Matthew *******
@James *********
is that a yes or no ?
James **********
@Matthew ******
Apologies, I thought you were asking for examples of what I disagreed with. I assumed it would be pretty clear from my initial response that I disagree with many of the replies. It was also clear in my reply to you. Another stellar example of the whole "not in good faith thing" I was talking about.
Matthew *******
@James *********
don’t worry about all the stupid answers

Do you think the people saying not going to happen with 200K are wrong ?

There will always be 15 ridiculous posts for every one that serious but then again if the initial post is ridiculous they bring it on themselves and we all see plenty of these ridiculous posts
Brenton ******
@James *********
why are you so prejudice?
Kyle **********
@James *********
very true the same ones who think they own the place because they have some money and can buy women. Always see them guys getting jealous when younger guys go over
Joseph *********
@Kyle *********
that's why I don't frstinise with expats only Thais.
Kyle **********
@Joseph ********
Me to I'm literally always the only farrang about where I go 😂Met alot of decent foreign people whilst people whilst in Thailand but also met alot of g*bshites. From disrespectful students and backpackers to the seedy older fellas who are there for one thing.We complain when it happens in England though with foreigners
Joseph *********
@Kyle *********
The ones the got me were the ones that called themselves "economic refugees"...living a life of luxury in Thailand but constantly complaining about Thais and making no effort to learn any language or the niceties of Thai culture.
Matt *******
@James *********
sounds like a fairly dodgy scenario….
James **********
@Matt ******
There's absolutely a high level of risk involved, and it's not something I've done myself. I do know plenty of people who've found success with it though. I just think it's worth answering people's questions in good faith instead of calling them a fool or trying to con them into crypto.
Harry *******
@James *********
I agree with you wholeheartedly in trying to answer peoples questions in good faith. Other responses here are not very helpful, in my opinion. And I think that you are correct in stating that it’s important to travel around visiting hostels and networking to see what would be a good fit for the OP.
Zak ********
Yeah.... I'll spend that on my return flight from US and a month in Krabi. I'd save more first and do your research my friend
Todd *********
@Zak *******
who buys return flights to 🇺🇸? Third world
Zak ********
@Todd ********
If I wanted to live permanently in the US, then I wouldn't be on a Thai visa group, now would I? 🤔
Ryan ****
with that money , you can buy a monopoly game set to play.
Blade ********
@Ryan ***
, or 4 Honda Click and start a rental.
Detlef ***********
@Ryan ***
be a safer option 👌
Ryan ****
@Detlef **********
yup OP can build all his "business dreams" with that
Gregory *******
Really 🥺
Jim ***********
200k baht? I know guys spend that in a month lifestyle . Example is that's buying an ADV 350 money . Won't make return live on on that .
Bill *********
Ben ********
@Jim **********
I’ve seen guys spend that in a night at a bar haha
Julien ****
Blade ********
@B**
wow that's a sad life.
Berkley *********
@Ben *******
5555 baller for a night.
Ben ********
@Berkley ********
very rich people though doesn’t phase them at all
Berkley *********
@Ben *******
yeah it takes me a week of hard work to net that.
Jim ***********
@Ben *******
ling bell fans 🤣🤣
Bob **********
Invest in your home 200k won’t do much over here
Henrik *****
Owning / shareholder doesn’t mean you can work there.
Tore *********
Im sorry but 200K baht isn’t investment money…..

If you try to invest that in a business, your just a target to get it stolen/scammed.

Not worth it. You actually better off buying Bitcoin. But 200K is just 1-4 months living cost depends on your lifestyle.
Aaron *********
@Tore ********
I think the bitcoin ship has sailed
Tore *********
@Aaron ********
nope lol. Will obviously grow slower, all markets do they go bigger. Where just in the early says of this BTC cycle, this is my 3rd cycle. Expect somewhere between 250-300 before next bear cycle
Aaron *********
How much you investing to get any significant gains at the current price though?
Jason ********
@Tore ********
Yup, Bitcoin all the way, I started putting money in 2 years ago, now I'm retired at 57 and in Thailand for the next 6 months, maybe forever.
Neale *********
I retired at 46 thanks to crypto
Nick *******
@Tore ********
Absolute Rubbish. Stay on your Barstool.
Tore *********
@Nick ******
lol, i don’t drink alcohol. Im

Happily sober and retired thanks to buying Bitcoin many years ago lol, But you do you 😉
SJ *******
@Tore ********
please refer to my comment above.
Tore *********
@SJ ******
huh? Who and what are you replying to?
SJ *******
@Tore ********
you ol son. Look for my comment with all the likes.
Tore *********
@SJ ******
ive looked trough all the comments in this post, dont see any other comments from you on this post other than the “one fool” one. No clue what you are talking about 🤷🏻‍♂️
SJ *******
@Tore ********
that’s the one. Now look in the mirror.
Tore *********
@SJ ******
are you feeling ok? You are one of those eh 😅 If you refer to Bitcoin, people have been beating that dead horse since it was under 1$ lol. The people that have kept telling telling me BTC is shit are still working and hating their life. Im retired in my 40s because Ive been involved in bitcoin for many years 🤷🏻‍♂️.

But you do you 👋
Nan **********
Ulrich ******
@Tore ********
He could buy a scooter and rent it out 555
Blade ********
@Ulrich *****
more like 4 scooters. That's a business with excellent ROI.
Tore *********
Neale *********
@Tore ********
I was just gonna say buy crypto. The bull run will start soon and probably 10x your money or more
Kace *******
Jordan *******
@Neale ********
so many boomers buying btc hahaha this sound like the top of the market especially if their Trump isn’t elected 😆😆
Tore *********
@Neale ********
just buy some Moodeng tokens lol. Available on Binance now (I couldn’t resist and bought a small bag of around 100k baht lol)

But in all seriousness, if 200k was all I had to invest id put it in SOL and not look at it for 6-10 months. Bitcoin likely max 2-3x this round.
Don *********
@Tore ********
or MSTR - if BTC does a 3x, MSTR will do a 8-10x. Or 50% SOL / 50% MSTR. Either way the THB200k will be maybe THB2m a year from today. Then maybe
@Cullen *********
can think about a share in a business
Tore *********
@Don ********
tell me more about MSTR, why you believe in it?

Edit, you are talking about Microstrategy stock?
Don *********
@Tore ********
yes Microstrategy. Basically leveraged Bitcoin that is giving about 3x Bitcoin returns. They correctly hold 280,000 BTC and this week announced plans to sell USD42Bn (yes with a 😎 of bonds over the next 3 years and will use that capital to buy BTC. By the time they get through that they might become the largest single holder.

Currently trading at a NAV multiple of about 3x - this may well rise as the company announces new products such as BTC loans
Damo ***********
@Tore ********
and a bit of XRP? Dont want to be left stranded once this takes off 🚀🌖
Tore *********
@Damo **********
XRP died last cycle. I have friends still stubbornly holding it. They have missed allot of opportunities
Damo ***********
@Neale ********
correct.. but depends which coins you select..
Nathan **********
@Tore ********
u on crack or something 🤔
Tony *********
@Nathan *********
he might be on crack but he is certainly correct about Bitcoin. Over the long term it has only gone up and I expect it will continue to go up.
Jordan *******
@Tony ********
if boomers are buying, it’s time to sell 😆😆
Tore *********
@Jordan ******
boomer, if im a boomer than someone is definitely in crack lol. Ive been in BTC since it was under 1usd lol.
Jordan *******
@Tore ********
because only a boomer can recommend a young 25yo lady to invest her 200k thb life saving in bitcoin 3 days before a us election which will either send btc to 300k usd or send it straight back to 10k usd depending on who wins
Blade ********
@Jor***
Bitcoin definetly doesn't care about the leading monkey of a former superpower that went to a weapons and opioid hell that much.
Tore *********
@Jordan ******
and if 200k baht is your “life savings “ you don’t really have anything to loose 🤷🏻
Tore *********
@Jordan ******
ohh dear, you must be new to crypto 😉. Im definitely not a boomer lol

In worst case if Harris is elected we get a temporary dip and then up again when markets realize nothing will really change 😉. Come back to me in 3 weeks lol

300k lol, doubtful in this cycle. 200-250 maybe in about a year or so.
Ivan ***********
If Trump is your "best case" scenario, nobody should listen to a single word coming from you.
Tore *********
@Ivan **********
i don’t like Trump either, but the financial markets does 🤷🏻
Blade ********
@Tore ********
nope wall street donates for the democrats.
SJ *******
@Tore ********
really the tariffs?
Tore *********
@SJ ******
told yah 🤷🏻‍♂️ 😉
Ivan ***********
Alright, I see what you meant.
Tore *********
@Nathan *********
why would i be on crack lol 😂
SJ *******
A fool and their money are easily parted.
Darin ********
@SJ ******
so true
Mark *********
@SJ ******
or A fool and his money will soon be partying.
SJ *******
@Mark ********
either way the fool ends up with no money.
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