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What are the WP and SSO requirements for a 49% foreign-owned restaurant in Thailand?
Thai Work PermitSocial Security in ThailandForeign Company OwnershipRestaurant Business in ThailandThai Visa RulesRegistered Capital for BusinessEmployment Regulations in Thailand
Apr 20, 2025
a year ago
Dee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER49% company owner (restaurant) = WP and SSO? 3 million baht used to buy a small townhouse and make it into a small restaurant downstairs. 49% foreigner owned, 51% between Thai wife and Thai sons. Thai wife, 2 Thai sons + another Thai legally working there = a WP and SSO for the 49% foreign owner? The capital (more than 2m THB) used to buy the property in the company name + 4 Thais legally employed can be used for such?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The inquiry revolves around a restaurant business in Thailand where the owner is a 49% foreign stakeholder. The question seeks clarity on whether this ownership, combined with the investment of over 3 million baht in property and employing four Thai nationals, qualifies the foreigner for a work permit (WP) and social security obligations (SSO). Commenters emphasize the importance of registered capital for legal compliance and suggest consulting with a company lawyer for detailed guidance.
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Mike ******
Thailand is great for retirement...and 2 week millionaire...why put yourself through it all...but I wish you the best off luck...
Dee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
Well I have lived here for 20 years, now approaching 50 yrs old. Thank you so much for your off-topic advice and best wishes, it really means so much. 🙂Mike ******
Now funk off..
Dee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
*faints*Mike ******
@Dee ******
remove this accountDee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
*re-faints* *hugs*Mike ******
@Dee ******
funk offDee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
*big super hug* :)Mike ******
@Dee ******
..only bab Luke you.shit headDee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mike *****
*kisses* :)Reply to
Dee *******
Reply
Mike ******
Reply to
Mike ******
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Colin *********
So you have a great marriage pal ,alot of money with no protection, remember you can not own land, god i hope you have a great wife who loves you
Dee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin ********
That's not a lot of money. 🙂Colin *********
@Dee ******
it will be when it all gone missing to her "brother " at the end of the restaurant barColin *********
@Dee ******
***
million bauts is a lot of $£€ palDee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin ********
Just how many uneducated prostitutes outsmarted you Colin? :)Colin *********
@Dee ******
none been in Thailand six years now happily married for five years and still haveing funDee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Colin ********
6 years?? You newbie. 🙂Reply to
Dee *******
Reply
John **********
It's the registered capital of the company that matters. Speak to a company lawyer
Sean *******
If married you only need two employees
Sean *******
@Dee ******
this one I can't answerSean *******
But I can say that if you use an accountant and pay then you don't need to show bugger all baht
Reply to
Sean *******
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Dee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sean ******
Very good info, thanks. If all the listed company capital is put into the business property and it's valued over 2m baht (A restaurant building bought by the company), is this enough for the 49% foreign owner to get a WP and SSO? Or does it need to be 2m baht in a company bank account? Thanks.Vivek ********
@Dee ******
You don't have to evaluate the assets for WP and a O visa 3 million baht is the minimum requirement for business norms and future expansion get your medical test done list is available online and pay the fee Secondly foreigner can have 49% share if a non BOI entity but his share can be Valued twice to his thai partner to keep the management controlDee *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Vivek *******
Great info, thanks. 🙂Reply to
Dee *******
Reply
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