What are the requirements for a Polish citizen to open a restaurant in Ao Nang with a Thai partner?

Jan 20, 2024
a year ago
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Good morning from England. I looking for advice. I would like to open restaurant in Ao Nang with my partner who is Thai, Im Polish citizen and would like to know what I need to do it, could anyone help me with some information, Thank you very much
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An inquiry from a Polish citizen seeking advice on opening a restaurant in Ao Nang with a Thai partner, discussing visa requirements, the necessity of hiring Thai staff, and ownership regulations. Comments provide insights on business strategy, the need for a work permit, and the importance of proper company structure to protect interests.
Alastair ********************
You can own 49% of a company, however you do not really want the other 51% to be owned by one individual. That 51% should really be spread across 2 or 3 individuals to protect your interests.

This article discusses Thailand Foreign Business Act and should be a good starting point for your considerations.

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Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you very much
Alastair ********************
Henrik *****
It won’t be you that opens the restaurant, but your partner, since you can’t work in a restaurant, only be the financee.
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
this was i cheked already as Head chef i can
Richard ********
@Artur ************
Hej Arthur napisz do mnie
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Richard *******
i wrote to you
Henrik *****
There would need to be a number of Thai staff in the compagny, to allow 1 foreigner, and the salery for the foreigner has to have a salery of 30.000 - 50.000 Baht / month, which would be very high for a start-up business.
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
can i write directly to you?
Henrik *****
No, I always write in the group, so all of the group can benefit from the answers, and not a single person.

It may also make others interested to give comments, which will give a broader set of views.

That is actualy the mening of facebook groups, to give as many as possibel access to information.
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
So if my boyfriend become my husband and we will hire 4 thai peopel i could work in our restaurant, or we could hire chefs give them training and i will be only financial erson but in this case i will need as well work premit ?
Frank **********
@Artur ************
you cannot legally be married in Thailand unless they pass that bill that Brandon mentioned. Thailand will not recognize your marraige even if you get married before you arrive.
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
thank you for your advice i thought it will be like that for now
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Henrik ****
oh ok i understand
Pascal ********
Ao Nang the high season is short with a long low season, make sure you have the perfect location
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
I will be there in end of may and with my boyfriend we will look for good place
Brandon ************
@Artur ************
rules are easier for a foreigner married to a Thai. If the marriage equality bill passes you may be able to use that to your advantage if you get married. Otherwise you'll need at least 4 Thai employees in order to get a work permit.
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
so if i will do that with my partner and i will hire 4 thai peopel i should get work premit as one of the owners with 49% of share ?
Kool *******
@Artur ************
the business also needs at least bt2million in registered capital, and the 4 Thai employees you pay wages, and social security on, in order to qualify for your work permit. One of those employees must be your licensed accountant, as that is a restricted occupation for Thais only. There are monthly, and quarterly reports, and payments the licensed accountant must sign off on.
Brandon ************
@Artur ************
it's not quite that simple but yes that's the general idea. And your boyfriend can be one of the employees too. You'd be best to consult a lawyer though
Pascal ********
Roberto *********
Make it a Polish restaurant. We need some different food here in Thailand!
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
i have already plan for it and it will call tast of europ and yes polish will be as well;)
Daniel *****
@Artur ************
great, I love the spelling, very thai style.
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Daniel ****
sorry I'm not english I'm Polish so its still bad writing for me 😅
Roberto *********
@Artur ************
Excellent! I went to this one is Posnan a few years ago. The food was fantastic! Copy their menu and I will fly from Bangkok just to visit your restaurant

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Nigel **************
Much better way is to think how can your partner open a restaurant?
Artur *************
ORIGINAL POSTER
So if he will open on his name how i can be there ?
Nigel **************
@Artur ************
that will be much more difficult and I dunno how to
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