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What do I need to know about buying or renting a hotel or resort in Thailand as a foreigner?

Foreign investment in Thailand Visa and immigration regulations Buying property in Thailand Renting property as a foreigner Working restrictions for foreigners in Thailand Legal advice for expats in Thailand

Apr 5, 2025

a day ago

Viljem ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Hello, thanks for the invitation. I know that there are many Western people living and working in Thailand who are familiar to Thai laws and regulations and could advise me. I currently live with my Thai wife and daughter in EU. I am planning to move to Thailand, where I would buy or rent a small hotel, resort or farm to have some regular income. I am wondering if anyone here has experience with this, and if they have any advice regarding this. I would be happy with any advice. Tnx

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The user seeks advice on moving to Thailand to buy or rent a hotel, resort, or farm, emphasizing the need for guidance on legal requirements and paperwork necessary for foreigners. Comments highlight the importance of contacting a visa agency for legal advice, address the restrictions on foreign ownership of farms, and discuss whether purchasing in the Thai spouse's name is advisable.

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Viljem ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Thank you everyone for your suggestions,

12 hours ago

Wannikea *********

If ever someone needed a law firm for concrete advice....

18 hours ago

Jack ********

Contact a visa agency,they have people who know the law.

a day ago

Viljem ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

What do I need besides money, to buy or rent a hotel or resort as a foreigner? What paperwork or documents? Can I arrange everything I need in Thailand? Would it be better if everything was written in my Thai wife's name? Thank you

a day ago

Jo **********

@Viljem **********

she can own the company and you can work for her as long as it’s a non restricted position

19 hours ago

Reply to

Jo **********

Brandon ************

Farm, no. That's a restricted profession for foreigners so you wouldn't be allowed to do any work.

a day ago

Ronnie *********

@Brandon ***********

Even being married to a Thai--Non-O based on marriage?

a day ago

Brandon ************

@Ronnie ********

a restricted profession is a restricted profession. Only Thai citizens can work in those professions.

a day ago

Jo **********

@Brandon ***********

many people from Myanmar work on farms. These people are not Thai

a day ago

Paul *******

@Jo *********

how much do they have to lose if they are removed from Thailand?

I understand that they can work if they obtain the correct work permits.

21 hours ago

Jo **********

@Paul ******

yes I know but they are legal so I don’t understand Brandon’s comment.

21 hours ago

Brandon ************

@Jo *********

because Thai farmers need them. So the government makes an exception. But that doesn't change the fact that agriculture is a restricted profession.

19 hours ago

Jo **********

@Brandon ***********

ok clear answer thanks

19 hours ago

Viljem ***********

ORIGINAL POSTER

I saw foreigners selling palm and mango plantations. My wife's family also wanted to give us a durian plantation years ago, but I had other plans at the time. Personally, I would also prefer to work in tourism. I'm more interested in whether, as a foreigner, I could just buy or rent (say, a hotel) and start earning? Would I have to register a company, what about income taxes, and so on.

a day ago

Michael ********

@Viljem **********

just saw this on another site actually got good returns if factual. Nothing to do with me. Maybe ask them.

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a day ago

Reply to

Michael ********

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