How to Start a Business in Thailand – Step-by-Step Guide

Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s most attractive destinations for starting a business—especially for foreign entrepreneurs looking for growth, stability, and long-term opportunity. The country offers a unique combination of strategic location, modern infrastructure, and business-friendly policies.

Below are some of the most compelling reasons to start a business in Thailand:

1. Strategic Market Access

Thailand is geographically positioned at the heart of Southeast Asia, offering direct access to CLMV markets (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam) and beyond. With over 69 million local consumers and millions of tourists annually, businesses benefit from both domestic and international demand.

2. Low Operating and Startup Costs

Compared to many Western and Asian economies, Thailand offers competitive labor and overhead costs. The government also provides various incentives through the Board of Investment (BOI) for eligible foreign businesses.

3. Advanced Digital Infrastructure

Thailand is rapidly digitalizing. With reliable internet access, e-government services, and mobile-first consumers, it’s easier than ever to register, manage, and grow your business online.

4. Diverse and Growing Markets

Whether you’re entering tourism, wellness, food production, real estate, tech, or education, Thailand offers a broad range of high-potential sectors. You’re not limited to one niche—there’s room to scale and diversify.

✅ With the right support and planning, Thailand offers everything a foreign entrepreneur needs to launch and grow a successful business.

Thailand’s booming tourism and service economy offers excellent opportunities for small business owners and investors. Whether you’re already in the country or planning your move, here are some high-potential business ideas you can start—especially in popular regions like Pattaya, where J&E Concierge is based and ready to assist you.

1. Restaurant or Café

Tourists and expats are always searching for great food experiences. Whether you specialize in international cuisine or fusion menus, a well-placed restaurant can quickly become a local favorite. You don’t need to serve Thai food—creative or niche concepts perform well in urban and tourist areas.

2. Real Estate Rentals & Hospitality

With a constant flow of short-term visitors, investing in vacation rentals, hostels, or boutique hotels can generate steady income. Pattaya, Phuket, and Chiang Mai are top destinations for property-based businesses.

3. Car & Motorcycle Rental

Many tourists arrive by air and need transport on arrival. Providing reliable rental vehicles—especially scooters and economy cars—is a consistent and scalable business opportunity in all tourist zones.

🏭 4. Small-Scale Manufacturing

Thailand has low startup costs and access to skilled labor. Whether it’s handmade goods, textiles, eco-packaging, or souvenir production, manufacturing for local sale or export remains highly viable.

✅ Need help choosing the right business for your goals and budget?
J&E Concierge Pattaya offers full support—from idea validation and location selection to legal registration and licensing.

Step-by-Step Process to Start a Thai Limited Company

The most common and recommended business structure for foreign entrepreneurs in Thailand is the Private Limited Company (Co., Ltd.). Below is a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how to register this type of company legally and efficiently:

✅ Step 1: Reserve Your Company Name

You must submit 3 unique company name options to the Department of Business Development (DBD). The name must not be identical or similar to an existing business and must end with “Limited.” The reservation can be done online or in person, and once approved, the name is valid for 30 days.

✅ Step 2: Prepare and File the Memorandum of Association (MOA)

This document must include:

• Company name and registered address

• Business objectives

• Statement of limited liability for shareholders

• Registered share capital and structure

• Names, addresses, occupations, and signatures of at least 3 promoters

The MOA is filed with the Ministry of Commerce.

✅ Step 3: Hold the Statutory Meeting

During this meeting:

• Company by-laws and articles of association are adopted

• Number of shares issued is confirmed

• Directors and auditors are formally appointed

• Remuneration for promoters is approved

✅ Step 4: Register the Company

You must submit your company registration documents to the Ministry of Commerce within 90 days of the statutory meeting. Registration is often done on the same day as filing the MOA, if documents are complete.

Required documents typically include:

• Registration application

• Details of share capital and payment

• Director information

• Company address confirmation

✅ Step 5: Obtain Tax ID and Register for VAT

Within 60 days of starting operations or hiring staff, you must:

• Apply for a corporate tax identification number with the Revenue Department

• Register for Value-Added Tax (VAT) if your annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB, or if your business operates in a VAT-applicable sector

Need help with documentation, submissions, or legal compliance? J&E Concierge Pattaya provides full business registration support for foreign entrepreneurs in Thailand.

Before you can register your company in Thailand, you need to prepare a complete set of personal and legal documents. These will be required for both your Non-Immigrant B Visa (business visa) and the official company registration process.

📌 Documents for Business Visa Application:

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 more months)

• Visa application and registration forms

• Two passport-size photos (taken within the last 6 months, 1×1 inch)

• Bank statement proving financial capability

• Educational transcripts and degree certificate

• Employment certificates from previous employers

• Thai work permit (if you have previously worked in Thailand)

📌 Additional Documents for Company Registration:

• Reserved company name confirmation from DBD

• Memorandum of Association (MOA)

• Details of company type, address, capital, and business objectives

• Names and ID/passport copies of promoters and directors (at least 3)

• Shareholder structure and share capital distribution

• Lease agreement or proof of office location in Thailand

• Thai partner’s ID card and house registration (if applicable)

✅ Once all documents are complete and approved, you can proceed to register your company with the Ministry of Commerce, apply for a corporate tax ID, and register for VAT (if required).

Need help gathering and preparing your documents?
J&E Concierge Pattaya offers full support for foreign entrepreneurs—from visa application and business registration to post-launch compliance and consulting.

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and let our team handle the paperwork while you focus on building your business in Thailand.