Ask question
This is NOT an official government website. We are an independent resource providing information and assistance to travelers.

What should I consider before going into business with my Thai partner?

Jan 27, 2025
a year ago
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi all l am thinking of going into business with my Thai partner. I s there are there warnings that l should be aware off at all. Please no answers in bad taste thank you.
28,308
views
590
all likes
159
replies
106
users
TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the considerations and risks of entering a business partnership with a Thai partner. The community responds with both warnings and advice, emphasizing the importance of trust, legal agreements, and being prepared to potentially lose your investment. Common suggestions include consulting with a lawyer familiar with Thai laws, assessing the partner's business acumen, and only investing what one can afford to lose. There's a recurring theme of skepticism regarding the viability of such partnerships, especially under personal relationships.
Dave *********
Don’t do it !!!!!!
Like
Reply
Andrew **********
Behind every negative comment there's someone with a broken heart and empty wallet just keep your whits about you
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andrew *********
thanks Andrew
Like
Reply
Reply to
Raymond ********
Reply
Vitico ********
1. What is the business you two are planning on starting? 2. How much money do you have to give and how much money if any will s/he put in the business? 3. Can you afford to lose all this money? 4. Does your partner have any experience or success in running this kind of business? 5. Will your partner end their relationship with you if you choose not to give money? 6. If your partner chooses not to share the profits or takes your money and embezzles it for other purposes are you willing to end the relationship to get your money back? 7. Can you emotionally and financially afford it if your partner immediately ends the relationship after you hand over the money?
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I am unsure how much she would contribute at all. She says yes. Does having a cast iron partnership signed notarized help in any way.
Like
Reply
Vitico ********
@Raymond *******
if you cant afford to lose this money, if you are doing this because you feel pressured that they will stop loving you if you do not provide and fund this venture i would say cut your losses from now and do not proceed. Having legal contracts only means something if you can afford a lawyer to enforce it. If this was a good business venture as in your partner was a skilled expert in this field then you would not have had the doubt to even question if this is a good idea. Your instincts are telling you its a waste of money and a bad business idea. So make the appropriate business decision to say no. You aren’t an angel investor and that’s not your duty in a romantic relationship
Like
Reply
Reply to
Vitico ********
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Vitico *******
these are the type of replies l was seeking. But there seems to be a high level of negativity around this type of thing. The answer to the majority is a definite No Am l prepared to end the relationship it would destroy me but definite Yes.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Raymond ********
Reply
Gazza ********
Is it a bar ? Next to 400 other bars exactly the same??
Like
Reply
Mike **********
Don’t do it.

And if you do = consider accepting the fact you are not investing— you are donating to her family
Like
Reply
Stephen *********
Contracts contracts contracts! Cover yourself legally.
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stephen ********
thanks Stephen
Like
Reply
Reply to
Raymond ********
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks guys
Like
Reply
Mark ********
Use A Falang Lawyer!
Like
Reply
Chooyong *******
Check finances of your business by yourself.
Like
Reply
Herve ********
Bro...give her money to do buisness...she is a good woman....
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi Stephen thank you appreciate your voice
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Herve *******
thank you Herve you are remembered
Like
Reply
Reply to
Raymond ********
Reply
Stephen ********
All the W⚓️ out again unreal guy only wants advice not feckin abused
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Okay yes a ladyboy??
Like
Reply
Jeff *********
If you got the money and she gives you what you need, go for it and don’t look back.
Like
Reply
Stuart *******
What you should post is ‘Hi guys…..on a scale from 1-10 how stupid am I?🤪
Like
Reply
Alastair *******
Best just invest in an accumating etf in your country; can't go wrong with s&p500. Low risk, good return, no legal battles getting your money back, etc. As for investing in a Thai business? Why do they need you to invest? Whats the old wise proverb: a fool and their money are easily parted? Don't spend more than you can afford to loose.
Like
Reply
Edmund ********
Absolutely no warnings as per you.

Just give her all bank inf, pin #'s

Buy yourself a big life insurance policy, let her know she's the beneficiary.

After everything is fully under her control, she will take you fir a long walk, on a short plank ...

After that, I'll cum visit her, and creampie her, everything will be just fine

RIP 🎉
Like
Reply
Carey *********
If you have to ask your already screwed
Like
Reply
Beverly **********
What advice would you give to your mother? Nor kidding. Assuming you are close and care about her decisions, of course.

Now give that same advice to yourself.

Question answered.
Like
Reply
Eric ***************
how to leave thailand a millinaire come with ten leave with 2
Like
Reply
Andy ******
Simple don't invest what your not willing to loose , give it 3 months and if no profits ,shut it down or sell up !!;
Like
Reply
Saije ******
Be sure to have a way to protect your investments.

No matter how good your relationship is, be sure you both have very clear and perhaps legally binding agreements on who owns how much.

Protect your investments.

Better safe than sorry.

It’s like wearing a seat belt.

Just because you know how to drive and maybe never crashed before, doesn’t mean you can’t crash. Protect yourself.
Like
Reply
Leroy *******
Id advise u to think more about this.

And listen to the people in this thread who have experience.
Like
Reply
Dave *********
Who is putting up the cash assuming the business needs it ? If so what security will this cash have ?

After that do a business plan pros and cons

Then see if it’s worth while

Have you or your partner any experience of running a business ?

Most businesses fail at the one year mark not many make it to 3 years the ones that do will last as long as there’s still a demand or your ready to diversify to changing trends

I’ve seen people go from lorry driver tradesmen etc never been in business before get business in other countries with partners who have never had businesses before

I don’t remember any that last long because to be in business you need to be able to do what ever it takes to stay in business 7 days per week long hours etc affects your family life health etc but that’s what it takes

Business is not for the faint hearted from my experience
Like
Reply
Greta *****
Good luck!
Like
Reply
David **********
"Partner" so not married, how well do you know and trust each other. I am planning to go into business with a Thai guy but we are very good friends for 3 years now and have been through stuff together that means I have complete trust in him. Plus I have a Thai wife also to help.

Will it be a genuine business that you have an interest and involvement in? Or just something that she wants you to pay for?
Like
Reply
Gavin **********
What some stories from Thailand bound you tube channel.
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
I have helped girlfriend(s) to establish a small business. From my experience, most aren’t business savvy. Or, perhaps they are! If they can get the falang to buy the stock then they make a good profit when they sell it. Of course, farang now has to replace the stock!

Make a business plan. Identify all set up costs and all running costs. Do projections of expected revenue (worst case and best case). Assess the financial viability of the business and make sure your partner is fully aware.

When you give her the hard facts that the business is not viable, I would love to see her reaction!
Like
Reply
Nate ******
Just don’t. 😆
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
There are some basics that you can research.

1. You can only hold 49% ownership of the business.

2. You have to employ 4 Thais for every 1 farang.

3. Your partner must have a financial investment in the company, equivalent to the share he/she owns.

There are some exceptions such as industries promoted by BOI. Also, if your partner is your spouse the employment rules change (I believe but please check).
Like
Reply
Adam *************
Since you can only own 49% of a business in Thailand I would check to see if you could split the 51% between your partner and a law firm, trust or another type of entity. I'm not sure if these types of entities exist in Thailand or not maybe someone here knows. This is business put your personal feelings for your partner aside and look out for yourself. If your partner has a problem with you doing it this way then maybe it's not a good idea to go into business with them.
Like
Reply
Rikki ********
I lived in Bangkok for 20 years and was married for 16............ Don't do it.
Like
Reply
Christopher ********
So what visa advise does this require from a visa advice group ?
Like
Reply
Andy ************
Just don’t and if you do be VERY prepared to lose anything you put in. On the other hand I wish you very good luck. 👍🍀
Like
Reply
Alex ********
Ask chat gpt 🤣
Like
Reply
Vijay *****
Only become a working partner....with investment..
Like
Reply
Vijay *****
Monkey business?
Like
Reply
Caroline ****************
Thai partner. Could be a man 🤷🏼‍♀️
Like
Reply
Eddie *********
Locked profile says it all
Like
Reply
Geo ******
Assuming the money to start the business is yours then set up a limited partnership with 3 people you her and another Thai you know and trust but she does not know like eg your lawyer.

You register as the managing partner...you control the money as in write all the cheques..you hold 48% shares as does she the remaining shared are held by your lawyer.
Like
Reply
Tony ******
@Geo *****
49 share is his 51 is Thai he'll also need to do tax . So if it's a small business it's a waste of time . Realistically you can't physically do any work without a Work permit and even then alot of restrictions .
Like
Reply
Geo ******
@Tony *****
if he intends to be working in the business selling to expats...forget it

The market to get into is Thai.

62 million customers

She works he lets her get on with it
Like
Reply
Tony ******
@Geo *****
💯 the Thai Market is the best and still a hard one to crack don't matter the business it needs to be unique and high standard
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tony ******
Reply
Bernie **********
Only put in what you are willing to lose
Like
Reply
Craig *******
Yeeeeehaaaaahhhhhh
Like
Reply
Andy *********
Does she want to to open a massage shop with happy endings
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Andy Truckle you wish to roll around in the gutter please do not drag me down
Like
Reply
Peter **********
Andy Truckle I’m glad you put the Ha Ha in because no one would have known it was supposed to be funny else.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Peter **********
Reply
Greg ***********
expect to get f...d over once you have completed all investments . .i have seen and heard many of this happening
Like
Reply
Ahmed *******
You know her , people here dont
Like
Reply
Albert ********
That's true You will be 49% and they will have 51
Like
Reply
Michael *****************************
Raymond is in looove Raymond is in looove,….
Like
Reply
Bernard **********
partnership never works
Like
Reply
Jim *******
Run
Like
Reply
Jeff ********
Someone below mentioned most Thai ladies have no idea how to run a business

And from my conversations with Thai women he correct.

Take your money and invest it where you get a solid ROI

It will probably be more than you net annually from a Thai business
Like
Reply
Gary *********
Protect your money/investment, only give what you could afford to lose.
Like
Reply
Anchiya **********
Not a good idea 😅
Like
Reply
Marcus ********
Don’t
Like
Reply
John ********
Golden rule pf thumb if you want to make a small fortune in thailand invest a large fortune.
Like
Reply
Neil ********
Do you both have experience/expertise in the field? If not, don't do it.
Like
Reply
Charlie *********
The same human things can happen in any kind of partnership in any country. Behaviors don’t change from country to country. The only difference is the laws that govern them. Get legal advice to know those differences and structure your business partnership to protect yourself. But even this is not always sufficient protection in places that are traditionally corrupt and/or have an unfavorable bias toward foreigners.
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Charlie for you inside remarks David further support of his response
Like
Reply
David ******
Like
Reply
Reply to
David ******
Reply
Neo *****
Follow the coming result
Like
Reply
Kevin **********
My wife's rich. She doesn't need me mucking up her business
Like
Reply
Kevin **********
Mobile Water Buffalo repair company.
Like
Reply
Michael *******
Don’t invest anything you are not prepared to lose.
Like
Reply
Patrick **********
i only advice you is this ----->up to you (good luck)🤦🏽‍♂️
Like
Reply
Sam ******
Is it cannabis business?
Like
Reply
Jason ******
If she has business experience and from a decent background ,there's a high chance she wouldn't be with a farang . 🙏🏽
Like
Reply
Frankie *****
You are weird ..

Ok .. go ahead 🤣🤣
Like
Reply
Darren ******
Don't do it.. I've done it and came out of it not too bad but when I was in business with her , wow never again.

We owned a restaurant.. no idea what Ur business venture is
Like
Reply
Paddy *********
Like
Reply
Phil ******
@do it as your an adult and can make your own decisions
Like
Reply
Alan ******
Your partner is after your money
Like
Reply
Steve *********
What's the business
Like
Reply
Gordon *******
Is it your first time to Thailand?
Like
Reply
Robert ***********
First question is do you know anything about the business and industry? A good Thai business attorney could assist you with the rest. Might be a headache at your age though.
Like
Reply
Bjørn *********
I don’t know who normally helps you making difficult decisions.. But somehow I don’t think this group is the right one for this problem.
Like
Reply
Mathew ********
My wife and I are partners in our company. She owns 51% but I have the controlling vote. Do everything through a lawyer. Ideally one that speaks the same language you do if you don't speak Thai. I trust my wife with everything but I'm also not stupid. If it's not a company then make sure what you have invested and what you are willing to invest, you are also willing to loose. Again, through a lawyer that speaks your language and everything translated and signed.

Good luck.
Like
Reply
Ian ********
A real business or just buying a job. 🤔
Like
Reply
Patrick ********
Don't be afraid to take the leap if it won't hurt you financially. You'll be making a positive impact on someone's life, and that's priceless. 😌

Like
Reply
Brad *******
I helped my wife launch a technology company which has done well.
Like
Reply
Bob **********
If you have to ask here your done before you start 😎😎😎
Like
Reply
Mark **********
Have a good plan and a solid contract and you're all good. I recommend a good lawyer to help guide you through. Be diligent and know your business and you will be fine
Like
Reply
Adam **********
Only invest what you are prepared to lose.
Like
Reply
Robert **********
Business partnerships are like marriages. The failure rate is about 50%. If you are going to be working together and living together
****
, then in my opinion, it is doomed to fail. If you are just the financier, make sure the partner has a record of successful business management and then leave him/her to run it and you go and sit on the beach.
Like
Reply
Si ********
Moves in with GF in November 2024. Now opening a business 2 months later. She's got you by the balls already.
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Si *******
Yes. It has all the hallmarks of a disaster.
Like
Reply
Alistair ********
@Ralph ******
yeah....she's going to rip his balls off and fry them in hot oil
Like
Reply
Reply to
Alistair ********
Reply
Gordon *******
Like
Reply
Patrick ********
@Si *******
don’t squeeze it will hurt
Like
Reply
Reply to
Patrick ********
Reply
Michael *******
Pre nup
Like
Reply
David *******
In my home country 70% of small businesses starting up last less than three years. My thoughts only need a tick

*location

*competitive environment

*point of difference

*set up costs

*exit strategy

In Thailand there is the law and the under the table dealing.

Unless you have genuine local network & contacts you may be short changed. The law won’t help you

Good luck
Like
Reply
Ellen *************
@David ******
sound. 👍🏼
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ellen *************
Reply
Arnold **********
Not a good idea.I have done it,most Thai ladies have no idea about business,most lose money in business and they don’t want to listen to people that know how to run a successful business.
Like
Reply
Mark **********
@Arnold *********
funny it's old farang men that are usually the mindless know it alls
Like
Reply
Arnold **********
@Mark *********
what do you know about business
Like
Reply
Arnold **********
@Mark *********
what a load of rubbish
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Mark *********
Only when they are thinking with their balls rather than their brains.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Michael **********
if I could get a single baht for each time I've heard this question, I believe I'd have collected enough money to buy a 100sqm flat around thong lor.....
Like
Reply
Jay ****
Got money to flush have at it
Like
Reply
Andy ********
Good luck but only put in what you are prepared to lose at worst case scenario
Like
Reply
James *********
Have you owned and operated a business before?
Like
Reply
Anish *********
@James ********
excellent question. As a business-owner myself, I’d also add that you should let us know what the intended business would be.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Anish *********
Reply
Joe ********
A lot of people have their opinions. I just want to say if you decide it is the right thing to do, I wish you a lot of luck.
Like
Reply
John *******
If u have money to throw away, give it a try and write it off. If not, then do not do it.
Like
Reply
Frank **********
Waiting on the comments
Like
Reply
Gordon *******
@Frank *********
Popcorn ready already
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gordon *******
Reply
Tom ********
If you are prepared to lose everything you put into it and walk away then go for it and good luck.
Like
Reply
Andy **********
@Tom *******
That's fair advice for anywhere on the planet.
Like
Reply
Tom ********
@An**
Exactly, it's up to the individuals to make it work or not, I hope it does but it takes determination and the right mindset.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Tom ********
Reply
Stephen ********
Like
Reply
Gary ****
You are best to reframe the statement: "I am thinking of gifting my partner a substantial amount of money that I will never see again."
Like
Reply
Stephen ********
@Gary ***
W⚓️
Like
Reply
Ken **********
@Gary ***
hahaha
Like
Reply
Andy **********
@Gary ***
Depend on the business. A two bed massage shop costs about 100,000 baht to kit out from a bare unit, then ongoing monthly costs of about 8000. Is that a substantial amount of money? Not really, I pay more for a sofa.
Like
Reply
Gordon *******
@Andy *********
Depends on the location obviously and the town.

2 bed very small,owner probably sleeping in the shop.

Hardest part is getting staff.

Monthly rent to be paid every month.

8000b monthly very cheap
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gordon *******
Reply
Declan **********
Firstly you've given zero details or zero context... what type of business? Is it already established, and what about partners? The word is very open to interpretation... I have many partners, my wife is my partner, however i also have business partners...

2ndly asking for advice on something and then stating you don't want the potential negatives is completely absurd and makes this post even more pointless than it was with just point 1
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Declan *********
yes food industry and another as a separate entity. My partner ID a ladyboy. This initially the comment for no vicious remarks. Truthful, informative and creative answers appreciated.
Like
Reply
Andy **********
@Declan *********
That's not what he asked. He asked for no responses in bad taste, usually from blokes who's idea of a girlfriend is one you pay by the hour, a bit like their mothers. Tye major risk is likely the nature of the business. I wouldn't invest in a cannabis shop, given that the Thai government is looking to crack down on the trade due to public demand. It also depends where the business is. If in a developed area, the market is saturated, it's riskier.
Like
Reply
Mark **********
@Declan *********
he said nothing in poor taste, like the usually racist old man complaining about being ripped off at a bar.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Mark **********
Reply
Paul *******
Good luck 😂
Like
Reply
Nicolas ********
Like
Reply
Toby ******
Since you can only own 49% it means you will own nothing
Like
Reply
Brad *******
@Toby *****
this simply isn’t true. Shareholders can have preferred shares for voting rights, which allows you to be in control.
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brad ******
can you explain further Brad please. Much appreciated if so.
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brad ******
can you please explain further Brad. Appreciate d
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Brad ******
With a business partner, yes, but with a life partner the boundaries get blurred.
Like
Reply
Neil *********
@Ralph ******
Pre-nup?
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Neil ********
It would be wise. Is a pre-nup a legal option in Thailand?
Like
Reply
Robert ********
@Ralph ******
Yes , I have a prenup.

A copy must be given to the guy at the Amphoe when you marry.

Can’t be added later as in other countries.
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Robert *******
Thanks. But I didn’t ask.
Like
Reply
Robert ********
@Ralph ******
Oh sorry. Seems I touched the wrong comment
Like
Reply
Neil *********
@Ralph ******
I believe so but please seek professional advice.
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Neil ********
I’m not looking, but thanks.
Like
Reply
Neil *********
@Ralph ******
I’m not an attorney.
Like
Reply
Ralph *******
@Neil ********
I’m not the author of this post. I wasn’t seeking legal advice.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Ralph *******
Reply
Toby ******
ขอให้โชคดี
Like
Reply
Reply to
Toby ******
Reply
Ste *******
If you trust her it's the same as going into business with someone in your own country! Don't get your question really! Depends on you, her, business, everything. There is no single answer.

If you trust her, do it. If you Don't trust her and asking strangers on fb for advise,....don't do it
Like
Reply
Paul ********
Is it a business she has now. How are you going into it. Legal partnership with drawn up documents?
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
it's an existing business some of the questions have yet to talk through my question to get a scope and depth of the discussions emee need to have. Thanks to all positive comments appreciated
Like
Reply
Paul ********
@Raymond *******
when I bought into a club/ bar I had to employ 4 Thais and we had to show 2 million baht in the company bank account to get a work permit
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
is that so Paul? You cover ground here no others have. I've asked my wife regards this but no answer. She is well aware the farang rule and has stated it reverts to her family. There are many comments you cannot trust one. I have explained l will tie the money up so tight. Lie to me once more l will take my money and walk no matter how much l love he/she
Like
Reply
Joseph *****
@Raymond *******
- you certainly already do not sound as if you trust her. Just based on this I’d advise you to walk away.

Plus the FACT that the Thai partner not only have the totally unfair legal advantage over the farang - you as a farang, without much of the local knowledge and connections are dead meat. Sorry, but that’s IMHO
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joseph ****
l trust just trying togeu around the finer point's
Like
Reply
Paul ********
@Raymond *******
yes that’s true although I did not have to put the 2 mil up my partners did and they had a mountain of paperwork to put through. The paperwork was done by the accountant of the business
Like
Reply
Raymond ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
thanks Paul.
Like
Reply
Reply to
Raymond ********
Reply
Pete **********
Just waiting to read the response to this!
Like
Reply
Gordon *******
@Pete *********
Got my popcorn ready 😁
Like
Reply
Reply to
Gordon *******
Reply
Stuart *********
Seriously? You want to go into partnership with your Thai partner but you don’t want anyone to give you advice to scream that it possibly isn’t a wise idea. Ok. Your call.
Like
Reply
Ash **********
@Stuart ********
Spot on, its amazing how many people post the same "please tell me only what i want to hear CRAP" online. People cant take constructive criticism anymore, everyone has to be a yes man.
Like
Reply
James ************
@Stuart ********
lol. He doesn't want the hard truth. He's looking for assurance he can do it. Not the fact that it's likely to fail, and she will always have full control, and all the bad stuff. Please just show sunshine and rainbows.
Like
Reply
Reply to
James ************
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
The ask: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.