What steps should an American take to establish a food business in Thailand while on a tourist visa?

“To make 1 million baht in Thailand you have to spend 2 million baht” - Buddha probably.

You need a Thai partner that owns 51%.

But why do you think you can service the worst cuisine in the world in a country that has the best cuisine in the world?

Your company needs to be 51% owned by a Thai national, employ a minimum 4 Thai nationals and pay their social security. Then you can get a work permit and non-imm type B visa. But to be successful you need products people will buy. Thailand already has fast food from almost everywhere in the world, and produces some of the world's very best at its own street stalls

The process to set up a business is very clear. It has many steps but essentially you need to reserve a name for the company, submit a number of documents such as articles of incorporation, memorandum appointing a director, copies of a lease agreement for where the business is to be located. Shareholder register and ID copies etc. Depending on the type of company there are restrictions on shareholder distribution, min 2 shareholders, if you need workpermits then a capital of 2M thb per work permit. Then you need restaurant licences, alcohol license, entertainment licenses, open bank acounts, VAT and Social Security registration. Budget USD10-15K for the whole process. All documents must

about 2 weeks to get the company registered.

The fact that you have to ask on DumbBook is a hint that you should drop the idea.

Thailand got Macdonalds KFC etc

Don't. American fast food is not that great....

I am an American too . Have precious info as already in to restaurant hotel business . My email and we help each other out.

Step 1: Don't.

Step 2: Thank yourself later for step 1.

Certainly not straight forward as you require a work permit, if only financial involved that maybe easier. Foreigners looking for work in Thailand need to apply for a Non-Immigrant B Visa. This needs to be applied for before entering the country, and requires sponsorship from an employer. Once in the country, you'll be granted a Work Permit.

Get a legal advisor for business. They will tell you the updated rules and procedures.

Depends on how large the investment is. Google Treaty of Amity.