What business opportunities exist in Thailand for a family with a budget of 200,000 baht, and what are the visa requirements?

Jun 9, 2022
2 years ago
Natasha *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have 200k baht set aside for business. What are the options for me in Thailand to get settled down with family. We are family of 4. What is the business I can start in 200k, unfortunately this is my budget

And please guide the visa process as well
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TLDR : Answer Summary
This post discusses a user's query about settling down in Thailand with a budget of 200,000 baht for a business startup and raising a family of four. Several comments highlight the challenges associated with this budget, such as high business registration and operational costs in Thailand. Suggestions for possible businesses range from food stalls and roadside sales to consulting or freelance work; however, many commenters express skepticism about the feasibility of starting a business with such limited funds. Additionally, concerns about the visa process are raised, indicating that financial requirements for visas can be quite stringent.
Bruce *********
My TV and soundbar cost $120,000 baht.
Peter *******************
@Bruce ********
you dont put $ (dollarsign) in front of Thai Baht, if anything you put the Baht sign ฿
Bruce *********
@Peter ******************
voice to text. Sometimes I catch mistakes and sometimes I don't. But it's a lot more convenient than typing in everything
Peter *******************
@Bruce ********
instead of wasting your money, save the oceans, jungles, forests or something other than contributing to the problem… just a suggestion
Bruce *********
@Peter ******************
I did put another post on here with some ideas. It's also not wasting any money
Peter *******************
@Bruce ********
different strokes for different folks… someone can start a successful business for 10k and you cant even get your priorities straightened 🤣
Bruce *********
@Peter ******************
the TV was a priority for me. I manage my online businesses on it as well as using it for my PS5 and Xbox series X Plus watching movies of course.
Peter *******************
@Bruce ********
ok man, but your first comment was obnoxious and unkind
Dan ********
@Bruce ********
I havent even watched one minute on any of my four samsung smart tv's, in 2.5 years. But they came with the villa.
Christina *********
What business do you know? Start with your skill set and then see if that could be useful in Thailand.
Boglárka ********
First look around at schools. The international schools are very expensive here, even a middle expensive is 250k for 2 kids / 1 Term (3 months).
Bounpasued ******************
Pay under table for the immigration and any part of government
Atul *********
Better have a holiday trip to Thailand and enjoy👍
Mickael ********
You would wanted to say 120k€ or USD cause THB looks a bit short in Thailand bro
Bryn ********
@Mickael *******
What does “THB looks a bit short” mean?
Mickael ********
@Bryn *******
120k thb, do you really think you can start your life with that amount, if so then I leave you in your dream
Bryn ********
@Mickael *******
You’re funny.
Ciarán *********
Weed
Bryn ********
Does the 800,000 B needed for the Non-O need to be in the bank for the full year?
Terry ********
@Bryn *******
If you travel to Thailand on a 90 day 'O' visa for retirement, the 800k needs to be in the bank for 2 months before extension is applied for. 800k must then remain in the account for 3 mths, after which a minimum of 400k thb must be maintained until 2 or 3 mths before the extension is renewed. (Im not sure which). Surprisingly it seems that if you enter Thailand visa exempt (or a tourist visa I think) you can then apply for a 90 day 'O' visa (1900thb) and the 800k only needs to be in the bank on the day of application. (Check Asean Now visa forum for confirmation of this).
Colin ********
@Bryn *******
no for the three months prior only but it cannot go below 400k at any point
Colin ********
Three months before
Bryn ********
@Colin *******
So, if you’ve had 800k for several months in a Thai bank, so long as you keep 400k in the bank, you’re ok. Is there also a time requirement for bringing it back to 800k before you need to start the process over again? Two months?
Jason ******
Set up a business you can bring with you like social

Media manager, Google ads manager, etc
Otto *********
Thailand is not interested in people with too little money to waste in Thailand. Sorry, that is a fact...
Bruce *********
@Otto ********
that is 2 years worth of wages for a lot of people here.
Kool *******
Considering that in order to get a work permit for you with your own business you need at least bt2million in registered capital, and at least 4 Thai employees, you're a little short of funds to start and run your own business.
Nigel *********
@Kool ******
cost me around 70k for my company with 1 wp 4staff tat licence, insurance for the tat licence and Tat bond ( reduced to 30k for COVID).
Christina *********
@Kool ******
you not need 2 million baht to open a company. You need about 40,000tb to open a company up to the size of 2MTb capital.
Kool *******
@Christina ********
to get a work permit you do, and you can't work as a foreigner without a work permit.
Christina *********
@Kool ******
, to get a work permit you have to open a company. To open a company costs around 40k, you also will need 4 staff to get 1 WP. You do not have to have 2M tb to open a company.
Martin *********
I spend that on a 2 month holiday
Pete **********
@Martin ********
always one!
Martin *********
@Tom ********
yes your correct 200k on a business.
Pete **********
@Martin ********
Your reply states " 200k" on a holiday. As I said there is always one!!
Martin *********
@Tom ********
yes 200 k for two months
Pete **********
@Martin ********
banned, blocked, deleted what a clown
Martin *********
Marco *******
With this a lot money buy big c…
Dice ****
Come over 1st,

Network and meet some people that you can relate to and discuss your goals with.

Weigh out your options,

Put up half that money and see if people will be willing to invest into something with you

Better to take a risk together with people who have been here awhile,

Than to put up your 200k and lose it all
Eric *******
Having a family and 4 kids, the best business project you could have with this amount of money is no project at all.

There are a lot of bets you can place and silly decisions you can make being on your own (especially abroad, lol), that you can't being the bread winner of a whole family.
Claudia **********
With 4 kids you need a lot of money only for school fees! And don’t forget money for visa and insurance
Terary **********
bahtsold has several businesses for sale. Of course if they were truly profitable - why would they be selling them. 200,000 baht is enough to buy visas only.
Jolly *********
coffee kiosk 👍🙂 (hire Thai staff)
Shane ************
U r missing a few zeros and a police buddy
Cyrus *****
Good luck. anything is possible. But I doubt the page is even real.
Jonathan *******
Won't even cover the minimum capital requirements for setting up the company
Julian ******
@Jonathan ******
which is actually ever really needed
Andy **********
200k baht, really? Seems like one week and then it’s gone
Danny *************
Good advice - as a foreigner in Thailand, to make a little money, you have to spend a lot.
David *******
I’m gonna be honest with you now $200k Thai baht is not enough for any business and it will get you no where sorry but I’m being honest, and anyone telling you different just wants to take your little money you have, I spend half that on a 3 week holiday there ! Take your money go holiday there and experience it yourself and you will see !
Walter ***********
@David ******
it is if your happy with say 10,000 a month income my wife set up a small eatery with 100,000 most of which was equipment but is lucky to make 10,000 a month and it was break even for over 1 year
Peter *******************
@David ******
If you have your life budget taken care of, and you look for industries where the value conversion is high, you can get far for 200K, lots of successful business has been started for less, but naturally it requires a can-do attitude, hard work and a frugal lifestyle which wont necessarily be easily compatible with having 4 kids in Thailand
David *******
@Peter ******************
so your saying if he had more money it would be easier for him to start a business?
Peter *******************
@David ******
actually I think Im saying the opposite
Peter *******************
@David ******
I guess I’m saying the opposite, that the right person with the right mindset, time on their hands, and a living budget taken care of, can start a successful business for

any amount, just have to be clever and adjust ambitions to abilities
Dimitri ********
@Peter ******************
I have my own business. I started one and failed, I started another one that failed too. Now I have a nice business making enough money. But I would not be able to handle the pressure of having to start here from 0 with only 200k Baht and 4 people depending on me.
Peter *******************
@Dimitri *******
as I understand it, the poster already has a living budget, so the 200k is only for business expenses, I can think of the first 100 business ideas that can make money which can get started for 200k
Dimitri ********
@Peter ******************
If he doesn't need money from his business to live it will make things different. "100 business ideas" Maybe you can share some? I started my business with less. But I did not have to pay to officially start a business in Thailand.
James *********
Buy a tuk-tuk… guaranteed earnings!
Siddhartha *********
Everything possible- but do look for alternative, and have to be more confident in yourself. Don’t limit yourself with the amount of money or business limitation rather think that there is plenty of other opportunities clicking while you are here as in initially might be a struggle! I would suggest to start some job that gives daily life expenses and experience with local network which eventually will help grow your business, by the time you get self acquainted more with place and people it will be more smooth to prioritise. You can definitely arrange a fix source of income as job and other club business to make sure sustainable life in Thailand. Me and wife started with 10k bhat products on e-commerce platform with 2 years having 200k stocks with 500 loyal customers. Life might be struggle or challenge but it’s adventure and the joy of doing something small and growing is amazing . You can look for many jobs in hospitality or education for field etc, don’t limit yourself on 1 business idea with limited amount but try to make multiple source of incomes. Good luck
Dimitri ********
I really want to warn you. Don't come here with a family of 4 and 200k Baht hoping that everything will work out. It's not easy for foreigners to start here. Every business will need time to start making money. Working online sounds nice but I would start with that BEFORE leaving to make sure that you can do that and that you will make enough money. Thailand is a nice country, but only if you have money to spend. Else you will end up on the street quickly.
Oliver ********
If you have some valuable skills / experience, you could set yourself up as a freelancer / consultant without investing much but you'll need another source of regular income (or some serious savings) while you build the business up to support your family. Getting a visa and work permit will also be a challenge and/or expense.
Peter *******************
Natasha, where are you from ? Is THB200K a lot where you come from ? Have you worked very hard for that money ? There is a lot of insensitivity in the comments, but its because in Thailand foreigners are generally skinned alive into the bone, but people are very different, an Indian foreigner could start a business on a budget an Englishman couldn’t… so don’t let the trolls discourage you… I have an idea for you to get started if your willing to work hard to make your investment come to fruition… Im doing a new project and need distributors of this product (nothing illegal or illicit and 100% halal)
Stan ******
@Peter ******************
im in keen to know more. Would u dm me pls. TIA.
Eileen ***********
Course her profile is pretty suspect too. Fakers trying to fool fakers. Like the tinder swindlers playing in the kiddie pool together….
Eileen ***********
@Peter ******************
I’m kinda thinking you are asking her to invest/ give u money….
Peter *******************
@Eileen **********
not at all, and have already connected with one through this post. Im legitimately in the early phases of looking for community distributors for a series of locally manufactured products. It may have come across a bit “scammy” but that’s simply because I just now thought of using community based distributors… I guess I was kind of thinking out loud 🤣
Eileen ***********
@Peter ******************
lol. Natasha, let your money hang out here and you will attract swindlers all over.
Siddhartha *********
@Peter ******************
can you message dm about your products and distribution criteria please?
Peter *******************
@Siddhartha ********
we have just finalised development of a plant-based sausage and steak based on locally harvested fruits
Peter *******************
@Siddhartha ********
its locally produced plant-based meat alternatives
Dimitri ********
Peter *******************
@Dimitri *******
No, legitimate locally produced products to be sold locally Thai style… through community and local markets
Marc *********
200k coconuts 🥥? That's a lot of coconuts...
Damien ********
@Marc ********
No likes a smartarse…. Your a muppet!!!
Colin ********
even to stay here on a retirement visa you need to maintain a minimum balance of 400k and a balance of 800k for a minimum of 3 months prior to your application. To establish a business you need a Thai partner who will maintain a controlling interest in the business, ie minimum 51%. These are the regulations. however, you can get a one-year multiple entry visa (based on your marriage to a Thai?) prior to coming, which will only require your leaving and re-entering every three months (a day trip to Cambodia and back would suffice) if nothing has changed recently. This is my current plan and worked for me for 10+ years.
Dimitri ********
@Colin *******
"one-year multiple entry visa (based on your marriage to a Thai?) " Where do you get that? The consulate in my country gives me max 3 months single entry.
Colin ********
@Dimitri *******
with the one year one I had to do a border run every three months, just in + out, but that was it. I did post myself asking about this and I'm in the process of applying for one in China, I'm submitting my application today. It doesn't say how long they will issue it for but I believe a MULTIPLE ENTRY is a year, why would you need a 2 or 3 month multiple entry?
Dimitri ********
@Colin *******
A 3 month multiple entry is useless. But 3 months is all I am able to get in my home country. I remember the time that the 1 year multiple entry visa was mentioned on their website, but you could get only 3 months. Later they removed the option of 1 year completely from their website. (website = website of Thai consulate in The Netherlands).
Colin ********
@Dimitri *******
I'm hoping to get one from here but the website in China doesn't give an option the only choice is between a TV or O
Dimitri ********
@Colin *******
Wish you luck 🙏 Thai consulates in different countries have different rules, maybe the one in China can do it for you.
Colin ********
@Dimitri *******
as I said in my post I have been out of the country for a few years working in China and planning to return this summer. When I was last in Thailand, I used to be able to go to Laos or Malaysia once a year and get a one-year multiple-entry O Visa and all I had to do was show my marriage certificate and wife's ID card.
Dimitri ********
@Colin *******
I know 1 year multiple entry visa for people married to a Thai were available years ago. But the Thai consulate in The Netherlands (where I come from) now only gives 3 month single entry visa. I will check the websites of the Thai consulates in Laos and Malaysia... I now get 3 month visa which can be extended for 2 months. But every 5 months I have to leave the country to apply for a new 3 month visa. It works for me, but it is not always easy.
Mark ************
cost 160.000THB to set up a Co Ltd in Thailand ... 3mths rent deposit in Bkk will take your balance... ! re-think your budget
Frank *********
@Mark ***********
I set up a company Ltd 1 MTHB for 25k, 2 MTHB add no more than 2-3k..
Richard ********
don't listen to these guys they are amateurs thailand is a booming country and has unlimited possibilities but you have to have brains and some experience.....and a lot of luck !
Steve **********
@Richard *******
bullshit !

Thai economy is far from booming. Tourists gone, tail end , or new beginning of covid.

Many businesses for rent , now For Sale.

Baht beyond 34. Cost of living skyrocketing, gas food increased 25+%.

Unemployementl high as no tourist's. Many business owners have gone back to village.

Banks closing branches, even
****
's closing.

You dont live here, you're a tourist hoping to make money on others.

Conditions bad enough for locals, don't add false hopes and scams.
Richard ********
@Steve *********
better consult quickly !!!!
Steve **********
@Richard *******
any recommendation ?

for a tourist you seem to have us all figured out. I'll bow to your expertise .
Richard ********
@Steve *********
you have an advanced knowledge of the Thai economy indeed if
****
closes it is a sign that the economy is going badly !!!!555

It s sure for people which work with tourists isn’t not easy but tourism is 20% of Thai industry .....

your world is certainly restricted to
****
and gogo bars !!!

Drink one more beer you will feel better !!!
Dimitri ********
@Richard *******
It is not only
****
. Even a McDonalds on SUKHUMVIT closed because there are no people spending money. They say that tourism is only 20%. But these are official figures, it is a lot more. It means that people working in tourism stopped spending money. And the families depending on that stopped spending money. That is a -20%+ effect on everything. That is a lot. Take a car and drive around in Pattaya. The main streets are ok, but in all sois connected the blinds are down everywhere. It even looks scary. Since Covid I see people sleeping on my street in Bangkok, never saw that before.
Steve **********
@Dimitri *******
ripple affect of tourism vastly exceeds the tourist direct revenue. The ripples to other industries, to support to Isaan provinces , suppliers to restraunts, farms etc have left the country humbled.

Chiangmai streets are vacant, storefronts closed. Many markets, just starting to reopen . Most hotels still closed, starting to open but staff back in village.

China still in lockdown, its going to be a bit longer.

Wait ! We said that last year....oh, ... and the year before.
Steve **********
@Dimitri *******
This guy us just another predator hoping to con someone.

Tourist scavanging for his next victim.
Richard ********
@Steve *********
you feel ok ? You need to consult a psychologist
Steve **********
@Richard *******
Ahh, you're not selling insurance, your giving medical advice !

Getting deep breaths of this vibrant economies air, or still trying to extend your visa.
Richard ********
@Dimitri *******
I never eat in Mc Do ( I prefer barsch !!!) and never drive to Pattaya !!!

Mc Do is also shut in Moscow and in Kijow !!

covid has created big economic problems all over the world but the new variant Putin 19 will be worst
David *******
@Richard *******
Booming with what? The economy is at its lowest for years and the unemployment rate is at its highest and climbing. The fuel prices are the highest ever!
Richard ********
@David ******
to day it s same everywhere
Dimitri ********
@Richard *******
A lot of luck is really what you need if you come here with 200k Baht and a family of 4 you have to support.
Sean ******************
To be completely honest with you man. Thailand is going to eat up that money you have and you'll have nothing left. That's not a significant enough investment to have any political power in Thailand. And any business power you attain along the way will be eaten up in thievery and bribes.
Steve **********
Richard ********
@Sean *****************
555 yes because you lost money but someone gained it !!!!
Sean ******************
@Richard *******
yep! But it is all worth it. Good memories and bad memories. I will always love Thailand.
Benjamin *****
200k u can sleep at road side and sell mama mee
Muhammad ***********
Peter *******************
@Muhammad **********
Where are you from Muhammad ?
Dave ********
@Pe***
, Never trust a holiday company who can't spell "holiday" correctly
Peter *******************
@Dave *******
maybe it is the right spelling… after all, isn’t holiday a descendent of holydays ?
Dave ********
Peter *******************
Peter *******************
it comes from old English, “häligdaeg” which translates into modern language as “holyday” 🤣
Muhammad ***********
Muhammad ***********
Peter *******************
THB200K… thats some serious dough… You could set up a shop to give people financial advice ☺️
Gary **********
Not enough at all ...be lucky to buy a old car for that ..don't bother wasting your time the visa will cost half that
Ronald *****
With 200k baht, You can start a roadside food stall selling Muu Ping.
Jakk *******
Although if you are willing to teach the skills you have / or English that money could be used to setup a small brand online? That way you can trade internationally too. Not sure if you have other skills / resources / specialities so you'll likely get vague suggestions at this point.
Stu *******
Matched betting or Sports trading is a possibility, but not without risk
Gary ****
@Stu ******
but illegal in Thailand?
Stu *******
@Gary ********
yes all gambling including cock fighting is illegal.
Rod ******
Thailand is a great place to live for foreigners who made/make money in a high income country. It is a very difficult country to earn a living in unless, e.g., sponsored by a MNC. In general the government wants foreigners to earn money outside Thailand to spend here.
David *******
You really do not want to invest that sort of cash in Thailand, especially if you are using social media to ask! I built a home and when I was made redundant in 2017, I built extra rooms and now have a luxury bed and breakfast. This cost me over 8 million baht including the land! Covid then hit us and the business has been closed for over two years. I am now back working overseas and my business will remain closed until I sell or reopen!
Elisa *******
@David ******
my villa rentals are doing great ! Open up !
Elisa *******
Will PM you.
David *******
@Elisa ******
The Longhouse Boutique Bed & Breakfast
Lauren *******
@Elisa ******
what's the info for your villas?
David *******
@Elisa ******
Maybe the start of the year!
Vacheron *****
@David ******
bed and breakfast—- what area sir..?? Not operational currently at all?
David *******
@Vacheron ****
I am in Sakon Nakhon. I have decided to keep the hotel closed. I am presently upgrading the pool and the bedrooms. My work keeps me overseas and i could have reopened, however, the hotel was busy and I don't want to leave all the work to my wife. I will probably put the property on the market
Mark ******
I'm hoping that is a typo and you really mean 200k USD. If that is the case, you might have a chance of starting a business.
Michael *******
Motorbike taxi!
David *********
I really HOPE this is not a serious post and you are simply taking the piss , wrong country my friend , you do not have any options at all .
Jakk *******
You could buy a food cart and sell hot food 👍
Peter *********
Nothing that's just beer money lol 😆
Kuan ******
Do like the Thais - don’t care about the visa part if u can stay on other visa type - a lot u can do - sell food on cloud kitchen, vegetable seller, .. hairdresser for home visits… etc
John ********
If you want to make a million bht bring 3 million leave with one
ดอกไม้ ******
M *****************
i paid 100k just for visa and work permit to lawyer
Shaun *******
@M ****************
why did you do that
M *****************
@Shaun ******
She said its difficult for south east asians to get work permit here that is why fees is high and my restaurant owner confirmed it.
Florian ********
@M ****************
you got scammed
Brad ********
Roughly 5800 American. It's not a lot but should get you moved in and settled with everyone fed for awhile. Teaching? Online SEO Nomad?
Jay ********
What is your field of expertise?
Winston *********
Go-go bar. Heck, might as well destroy the family at the same time as you waste your $7k investment.
Terry *******
Madz ******
555
Kal *********
Come and look at how many skyscrapers in BKK how many BMW and Benz there are in BKK which cost 3X of that from USA prices ... your $5,000 won't even buy a nice car ...
Maarten ****
200k not even enough to set up a limited company with a min 2m share for 1 work permit
Scottie ***********
Lol. Now I know why they have monetary requirements for medium and long term visas… it’s to keep the rabbits out. Rabbits come and destroy veggie gardens 😂
Lindsay ***********************
I think foreigners cannot do hair or nails or massage.
Bal *********
Drug dealer 😎
Shaun *******
You need to wait two or 3 years. 200k is tourism money. You won't go no where with that kind of money
Rod *********************
200K baht ?

Is that a typo?

Did you mean Dollars?
Patrick *******
Message me with your contact details please, we may have something for you. Let's talk.
Gary ***********
200K baht should cover the '' tea money '' 555
Steve ********
And what visa do you plan to come to thailand on because even that cost money with 200k thai. Yes you could rent a shop house but if your partner does not have a service she can offer for sale then what else can you do. So unless shes in to hairdressing or nails, cooking maybe washing and iron then i dont see a lot you can do

Even so you still need spend money on that visa
Nigel ********
Buffalo Rental for the first time Farang Boyfriend.
Hovvard ******
Go to Cambodia.
Morshed *****
@Hovvard *****
which bussiness in combodia?
Hovvard ******
@Morshed ****
it's much easier to own properties and a business in Cambodia for foreigners.
Daniele ********
onlyfans
Eric *****
Unfortunately it will not be possible with that budget, purely based on the fact that it will cost more than 200,000 to register the business and startup costs.
Garrett ***********
@Eric *********
Anything is possible
Paul *******
Salon , massage shop or a very very small bar
James ***********
Yes

Yes but not now

I have a better plan for you
Edwin *******
Not start keep your money in your bank and enjoy the beach
Gary *******
Soup bike
Stuart *********
Can’t see this thread ending well.
Ronan *******
Natasha *****
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
I’m sorry I didn’t get you
Andy ********
@Natasha ****
I think hes saying that you cant realistically start a business with that amount if capital. You will need significantly more than that for any type of investment Visa
Jordi ********
@Andy *******
you cant realistically start a business if you need to ask a facebookgroup what business you need to start :')
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