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What are the legal steps to distribute or sell imported products in Thailand as an expat?

Business Registration Work Permit Foreign Investment Thai Retirement Visa Import Regulations Employment Law Treaty of Amity BOI Schemes

Jun 26, 2025

22 days ago

Alan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I have been asked to potentially distribute/sell an imported product into Thailand. I know I can't just hit the streets and knock on doors. What is the best legal way in which I can do this so that I can be directly involved (either managing or direct selling) and get paid for operating this business?

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TLDR : Answer Summary

To legally sell imported products in Thailand, an expat must set up a legal business, which includes registering a company, obtaining a work permit, and hiring at least four Thai employees. There are specific requirements for the business, including a significant capital investment (at least 2 million baht) and adherence to import regulations that vary depending on the product type. Expats holding a retirement visa must switch to a more appropriate visa to engage in work activities. Consulting with legal experts and government bodies is highly recommended before proceeding.

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Lee *************

Get married, wife has business, work with wife in business

20 days ago

Alan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Great idea, I can't see any issues by taking that route 😛

20 days ago

Lee *************

@Alan ********

don't wory there will be many, hardest part will be interpreting western way into Thai way

20 days ago

Reply to

Lee *************

Richard *********

Start an incorporation

21 days ago

Reed **********

I'm a bit curious myself because for instance I could sell on Amazon in Germany and I'm not getting work permits per se to do that and I'm also not in Germany either however maybe in that particular example if I was in Germany it would immediately change the situation in that case and I'm curious if it would be the same here what about if I was living in America full time and was selling stuff on lozada or shopee

22 days ago

Dnatjugweme ************

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2ff27.pdf

22 days ago

Alan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Dnatjugweme ***********

Thank you for this :)

22 days ago

Reply to

Alan *********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thanks for your responses so far. I understand it would have be conducted under a company and will need to employ at least 4 locals. I am on a retirement visa so I understand that I will have to switch visa if accepted. I am Australian and the product range is industrial equipment. I wasn't sure about the direct selling so thanks for heads up. The idea of this post was to gauge opinions in case someone in this group has actually done something similar and I could pick their brains. Of course I will get proper legal and government advice before I do anything, I have done some homework already but nothing beats talking to people with experience and guidance. Thanks again.

22 days ago

Raven ********

Talk to the government not Facebook

22 days ago

Brook ********

Everything sort of depends on your nationality and the specific product.

You may not have to take on a 51% Thai partner under the Treaty of Amity or BOI schemes, but it might help if you find your products under increasing customs scrutiny or regulatory compliance.

22 days ago

Frank **********

If you are on a retirement visa, work of any kind is prohibited.

22 days ago

Mark ********

What kind of product?

Different things have import regulations which can be a lot of work and expenses.

Once legally in the country then just need a local company registered, staff, office and the right sales approach, which again will vary by product.

22 days ago

Kool *******

First you must set up a legal business, and get a work permit. This requires at least bt2million in registered capital, and hiring at least 4 Thai employees that you pay wages, and social security on in order to get a work permit. Because of job restrictions you can not sell direct to the public and take payments.

22 days ago

Reply to

Kool *******

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