Answered2 years ago
What steps should an American take to establish a food business in Thailand while on a tourist visa?
Good evening everyone, please if a foreigner (American) wants to establish a food business in Thailand what are the necessary steps to take your advice is highly appreciated, we are currently on tourist visa.
Answer summary
To establish a food business in Thailand, an American must consider several steps and regulations. It is crucial to secure the appropriate visa, typically a Non-Immigrant B Visa, which requires sponsorship and a work permit. Investors should consult legal advisors for specific requirements, which include registering the company and maintaining Thai partnerships or local staffing. Budgeting approximately $10,000 to $15,000 for the essential processes and understanding that substantial market competition exists is also recommended. The Treaty of Amity may allow for full foreign ownership under certain conditions.
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Leo **********
“To make 1 million baht in Thailand you have to spend 2 million baht” - Buddha probably.
SJ *******
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?
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?
Khine *****
@SJ ******
Only U.S. Citizen can own 100% investment in Thailand. No need 51% local partner.
Tim *********
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
Chang ******
@Tim ********
how about street vendor noodle 🍜shop like a ramen 😋Tim *********
@Chang *****
The food could be awesome but I doubt it would need 4 Thai employees 🤭
Lone **********
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.
about 2 weeks to get the company registered.
Tohksic ******
The fact that you have to ask on DumbBook is a hint that you should drop the idea.
Larry *******
Thailand got Macdonalds KFC etc
Chang ******
James *********
@Larry ******
KFC in Thailand makes terrific fried chicken 🍗
Tom ********
@Ja***
So do the locals at a fraction of the price.Tom ********
@Ja***
The short cut between 112 and 102 have several vendors selling great fried chicken from 4pm onwardsJames *********
@Tom *******
I wish I could find some. I've tried dozens, and many are ok, but never as good, not even closeDeb ********
Don't. American fast food is not that great....
Neale *********
Mega risky difficult business to open in a city saturated by bars and restaurants already.
Better you buy some crypto currency, hold it for 10 months, make a load of monry then ditch that idea.
Better you buy some crypto currency, hold it for 10 months, make a load of monry then ditch that idea.
James *********
@Deb *******
bullshit, it's the best, as it's a collection of food from every country on the planet
Manfred ********
@James ********
its a collection of fat and sugar. 😂😂😂😂Deb ********
@James ********
Maybe so, then why bring it into Thailand? If you like their food so much then live there. Why do people have the need to move countries when they bring the same things with them...go figure....
Linhof *********
@Deb *******
he said an American. Did he say American food?Deb ********
@James ********
Some of the food I had there was good, but the portion sizes.... way too big! I really didn't mean to criticise the food so much as the idea of someone opening an American restaurant in Thailand. If they like their food so much why not stay in America instead of moving countries just to create the same.Deb ********
@James ********
yes I did edit it, I meant fast food but neglected to put it in.James *********
@Deb *******
did you edit your original comment by adding the word "fast"? I didn't notice it when I was responding. If not, my apologies, as I thought you were criticizing ALL the food 🙏Jeff ********
@Deb *******
you don't know what you're talking about.Deb ********
@Jeff *******
Been there, the fast food is awful. Why do people have the need to move countries when they bring the same things with them...go figure....Jeff ********
@Deb *******
further, your inference that the OP is interested in opening a "fast food" restaurant, is silly. He never said that.Deb ********
@Jeff *******
Whatever....Jeff ********
so you had some fast food while you were in the US. You’re hardly an expert and again don’t know what you’re talking about.
Deb ********
@Jeff *******
Well common sense would say I'd be a dick if I hadn't been there and tried it and then passed comment on it! If you want to call me an expert that's your prerogative, just commenting on my personal experiences.Home made food.... Different story!
Jeff ********
@Deb *******
wow you’ve “been” to the US so you’re an expert on American food. Lmfao like I said, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Guddu *************
I am an American too . Have precious info as already in to restaurant hotel business . My email
****************
and we help each other out.
Yoni *******
Step 1: Don't.
Step 2: Thank yourself later for step 1.
Step 2: Thank yourself later for step 1.
Sylvia ********
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.
Declan **********
@Sylvia *******
you only need a WP & Visa if you plan to work for the business you're starting also, a non-immigration visa can be obtained in the country through a conversion application along with the required documents for the actual visa. Non-B is also not the only visa category you can work on, for example a non-o marriage allows you to obtain a work permit, the LTR Visa also does too.
Toni ********
OP@Declan *********
okay thanksToni ********
OP@Sylvia *******
thanks appreciate
Stephen *********
Get a legal advisor for business. They will tell you the updated rules and procedures.
Guddu *************
@Stephen ********
long way and cumbersomeStephen *********
@Guddu ************
better than getting caught without a work permit or operating illegally.Toni ********
OP@Stephen ********
okay
Tony **********
Depends on how large the investment is. Google Treaty of Amity.
Toni ********
OP@Tony *********
okay thanksActivity
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