thailand
Ask question

What can a farang legally do when operating a business with a Thai partner in Thailand?

Thai visa regulationsBusiness ownership for expatsOperating businesses in ThailandFarang legal limitations in ThailandWork permits for foreignersImmigration laws in Thailand
Aug 15, 2022
2 years ago
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Context: opening a bar/restaurant/shop as a farang (with Thai partner)... Trying to get a better (explicit not general) understanding of what I (the farang) can and cannot do relative to operating the business. Suggestions on where to look? Folks who've done this and know willing to chat a bit?

I tried finding some business groups, but they were basically all just people trying to sell whatever product/service/scam they had.
2,420
views
4
likes
67
all likes
33
replies
3
images
14
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation addresses the limitations and legal considerations for foreigners (farangs) looking to operate a business in Thailand in partnership with a Thai national. Key points include that while ownership is possible, working in the business without a work permit is highly restricted. Expats can supervise or handle back-end tasks but cannot take on roles like serving customers or preparing food. Business operation must be discreet to avoid issues with immigration. It’s recommended to research through legal websites and seek low-key methods of involvement.
Av **********
Only thing u can do is be a consultant
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
Depending on how much you pay the police
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *****************
No Money no Honey Farang must pay Bills all.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Richard ********
@Paul ****************
 stupid farang have to pay !!!!!555
2 years ago
Like
Reply
George *********
@Paul ****************
 best 1 yet lol
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Paul *****************
You pay all there
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Gordon *********
@Paul ****************
 no honey more money
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ****************
 awww your so jaded it's adorable thanks for contributing!
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Paul *****************
Nice Dreams only. You Never Owner shop you never get Work Permit. Thai People know how to Scam your Money. Better spend the Money for your Holidays and Go back Home
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Bill *********
Basically you can only probably get away with doing "back of house" stuff where you are not seen. That in its self can be substantial. Keep in mind that even includes taking care of the books. I know many farangs that own a business with their wife/partner but their participation is very low key. Just don't piss off the wrong people or make enemies and you should be fine. I built my wife a coffee shop. Taught her how to make banana bread and brownies. She then taught herself more things to make. Occasionally I'll make banana bread or squeeze juice and she takes it to work to sell. I created FB ads to market the shop. Lot's of stuff you can do and not be "seen." Just keep it low key.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Oliver ********
You can own shares in any business but to work in it you need a work permit and most blue collar / low level service type jobs are restricted to Thais (or in some cases nationals of neighbouring low income countries) and work permits are supposed to be for managerial type jobs for which it makes sense to pay +50k/month (exact number varies by nationality). For example, if you open 5 shops/restaurants/bars, it makes sense for that business to hire an operations / marketing manager to oversee things but if you open 1 little place, there isn't likely to be any job within it that justifies a work permit.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Oliver *******
 Yeah...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Stefan *******
Try
********************
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
You can supervise, you cannot take orders, you cannot take money from customers, you cannot prepare food or drinks, you cannot serve anyone.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael *******
@Michael *******
 That's my kind of job! 😎
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Giorgio ******
@Michael *******
 you can"t open the lock evry morning you can't empty ashtrays, you can't pick up a piece of paper, you can't take orders you can't give advice to customer ... you are alowed tov tzlk to customer , I have a very good friend , married for years , 2 kids , he is in the situation 😪😪😪
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Giorgio *****
 why you telling me i never asked for advice, been here quite a while and know the ins and outs
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Giorgio ******
@Michael *******
 sorry !!!😭😭😭😭 the infos weren't for you . Even if they made it more complete for the destinatery.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 I sure he was aiming at me. :)
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael *******
 What about perform? Does a work-permit let you work around some of these restrictions (specifically drink prep- the GF wants me to do this from time to time as a special thing)?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Michael ********
@Jack ***************
 Yes agree with John good friend of mine runs with his wife a highly succesful Bar/Restaurant he gets supplies thats about all anyone is looking will see him do. Apart from telling staff if customers are waiting.

Training to do drinks/food etc is ok. But you get caught its a big brown envolope or problems.

Also depends where you are, phi phi, koh phayam out of the way placea like that people get away with it.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
John **********
@Jack ***************
 That would count as working. You can hang around but not actually do anything, you might get away with going to pick up supplies but that's about it. Also highly unlikely you'd get a work permit unless Thais are somehow able to do drink prep or whatever.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
John **********
Reply
Martyn ***********
I can tell you this...

My friend of mine in a very similar situation was hauled into immigration and fined
*****
, his crime? he was making himself tea and toast....!

So I don't suppose you can do too much.....
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martyn **********
 One thing in my favor is I am in the sticks and considered a bit of a novelty. As far as I can tell the local police and such aren't interested in monetizing me like in Phuket.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Anthony ********
@Jack ***************
 they (police) will be interested in you if you open a bar. Need some protection?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Martyn ***********
@Jack ***************
 all it needs is for you to be taking a bit of business from the wrong person with a bit influence... They are shy of grassing folk up when it suits them financially...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Martyn **********
 Totally. And I respect the motivation. I think what she wants is to be able to like... "look what my trained monkey can do" which I am fine with humoring- but I am not interested in doing any "work" of any kind. Old and lazy.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Martyn ***********
@Jack ***************
 you can talk to customers, thats just about it.

You could go to makro and beer wholesale possibly, but I wouldn't carry it in the bar for example...
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Martyn ***********
Reply
Philip **********
What visa are you on now? Are you married? Where are you planning on opening one up?
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philip *********
 Currently education. Marriage is on the table. Small village in Chiang Rai province.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Philip **********
@Jack ***************
I do know one thing. You can’t do anything in the bar. You don’t have a work permit. I would go to another bar where a farang owns with his Thai partner and talk to him. You have to have 4 Thais working for one farang if you wanted to get a work permit. Don’t forget about insurance and make friends with the police.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Martyn ***********
@Philip *********
 that's 4 tax paying employees....
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Martyn ***********
Reply
Jack ****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well, not THAT small. Chiang Khon.
2 years ago
Like
Reply
Reply to
Jack ****************
Reply
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
... members · 60% approval rate
The Thai Visa Advice And Everything Else group allows for a broad range of discussions on life in Thailand, beyond just visa inquiries.
Join the Group
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
View the Conversation
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
What are the steps and considerations for opening a business and settling in Thailand as an expat?
31 comments
2 months ago
What are the visa and legal requirements for starting a coffee shop or restaurant in Thailand?
30 comments
3 months ago
What is the best business to start in Thailand?
303 comments
5 months ago
What should expats know about starting a business in Thailand to avoid issues with nominee shareholders?
1 comments
8 months ago
Can a foreigner fully own a business in Thailand or is it limited to 49% ownership?
3 comments
8 months ago
What can business owners do without a work permit in Thailand?
12 comments
8 months ago
Can a foreigner lease or buy land in Ko Phangan for building a rental property?
141 comments
9 months ago
What are the requirements for a Polish citizen to open a restaurant in Ao Nang with a Thai partner?
29 comments
10 months ago
Can a foreigner with retail management experience work in Bangkok malls without violating the Alien Act?
66 comments
a year ago
What are my best visa options for living and operating a business in Thailand?
69 comments
2 years ago
Can a person with a retirement visa open a business in Thailand, and what are the ownership conditions?
14 comments
2 years ago
Can a foreigner living in Thailand work online or sell products not available locally?
21 comments
2 years ago
What are the visa and investment requirements for starting a small business in Thailand as a foreigner?
42 comments
2 years ago
What are the options for a foreigner on a Non-O visa to work in a restaurant with a Thai spouse in Thailand?
9 comments
2 years ago
What steps can expats take to protect themselves when opening a business in Thailand with their Thai spouse's name?
36 comments
3 years ago
What are the options for foreigners interested in owning land in Thailand?
16 comments
3 years ago
Can I obtain a long stay visa in Thailand through shared business ownership with a Thai partner?
5 comments
3 years ago
What official list exists for jobs that non-Thais are prohibited from doing in Thailand?
11 comments
4 years ago
What is the process of opening a registered tutoring business in Thailand while obtaining a work permit for a foreign spouse?
22 comments
4 years ago
What are the requirements for opening a business in Khon Kaen under the Elite Visa in Thailand?
25 comments
4 years ago
Can I obtain a business visa in Thailand if my fiancé and I start a business together?
102 comments
4 years ago
What are the visa requirements for freelance consultancy work in Thailand?
22 comments
6 years ago
What are the steps and requirements for transitioning from a Non-Imm O Retirement visa to a Business visa in Thailand?
3 comments
6 years ago
Can my uncle open a business in Thailand under his name with just a business license and tax file?
7 comments
6 years ago
Can I get a B visa to stay in Thailand if I buy a bar but don’t want a work permit?
49 comments
7 years ago
Data protection policyTerms and conditionsDisclaimerPrivacy policyRefund policy
The asq:thailand community, consisting of multiple Q/A groups with over 100,000 members, powers this platform. It is not an official government resource. Our members actively contribute to this resource, and while we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee its complete reliability. Assistance to travelers is provided as a community service.