How to obtain a music license in Thailand, Pattaya?

Similar to other activities such as selling food or alcohol, playing music in public places – restaurants, pubs, and bars –  is considered legal only after you apply for and obtain a music license in Thailand. Thai authorities will grant you access to copyrighted music for your venue. Your guests will be able to enjoy music while visiting your restaurant. 

Many people who decide to open a restaurant or bar in Pattaya, Thailand should know about this requirement. Besides the food and alcohol licenses that are mandatory for businesses that prepare food and sell alcohol, the music license is a must. You will have copyrights to play the music of certain artists without any worries. Two types of music licenses are available in Thailand: one that grants you access to play foreign music and one that grants you access to play music of any Thai artist. 

J&E Concierge Pattaya has specialized over the years in business licenses that allow you to legally open and run a business in Thailand. If you need help to obtain a music license in Thailand, contact us now. 

What is a music license in Thailand?

Generally speaking, it is yet another document that allows you to safely run a business in Thailand, Pattaya. Thai authorities have imposed a set of rules and licenses that all businesses need to obtain before starting their activity. Depending on the industry, you may need a food license, alcohol license, or even a music license. 

By definition, a music license is a license that the copyright owner issues for a business owner that certifies clearly that the business has paid the fee and is allowed to play the songs from the copyright owner’s repertoire. It has an expiration date and it has to be renewed to be able to play music in your venue in Thailand. Once you pay the fee you will obtain a music license that allows you to play music in a business location in Thailand. 

Types of music license in Thailand

There are two types of music licenses you need to be aware of. Depending on the type of music you would like to play in your restaurant, you can obtain a music license in Thailand to play foreign music or to play Thai music. Each of the states the music you are allowed to play in your venue. 

The MPC Music License allows you to play foreign music and some Thai music. It is mandatory for businesses such as restaurants, bars, and pubs no matter if they sell alcohol or not. The fee you are required to pay varies and depends on the size of the venue and whether you sell alcohol or not. Also, you have to obtain a music license in Thailand annually. 

The GMM Music License addresses business owners who want to play music registered under Thai copyrights. The fee paid is also annually and is subject to renewal. The cost varies depending on the size of the venue. 

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Types of businesses that have to obtain music license in Thailand

Thailand has strict and precise rules when it comes to business operations. These apply to both foreigners and Thai nationals. All businesses that involve playing music in public places must obtain a music license. Otherwise, they are not allowed to play the music of international and national artists. 

Businesses that are required to obtain it are:

• small shops
• shopping malls
• restaurant
• bars and pubs
• clubs
• entertainment venues

Every public space that plays background music for its customers, either radio music or cable music, is required to obtain a music license in Thailand. Any violation of music copyrights is addressed as a complaint and punished by the Thai government. 

Are you interested in opening a business and need help obtaining a music license in Thailand? J&E Concierge Pattaya can assist you through this process and help you with many other business licenses. 

Guideline for special business tax in Thailand: the purpose of this guideline is to help you understand how the special business tax works, who is liable for it, and who is exempted from it. It is essential to know relevant information related to taxes before proceeding any further with business registration.

Get your music license in Thailand!

If you are a business owner, you should obtain a music license in Thailand. Avoid unpleasant events and expensive fines from the authorities by simply applying for your business’s music license in Thailand. J&E Concierge Pattaya has helped many entrepreneurs over the years and has expertise in business licenses. Feel free to contact us and we will gladly help you and your business.