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To Establish a Branch Office in Thailand

Branch Office Establishment Thailand

To Establish a Branch Office in Thailand

Establishing a branch office in Thailand can be more complex, costly, and timely when compared to incorporating a private limited company. However, the advantage of a branch office is that it can be 100 percent foreign-owned.

Branch Office Establishment Thailand

Foreign businesses seeking to set up a branch office must also obtain a Foreign Business License and adhere to the regulations under the Foreign Business Act. The Act draws a clear line on what activities are regulated and restricted to foreign companies. While some sectors are totally prohibited to foreign entities, others are open through the explicit permission of a designated government agency.

Since the branch office is an extension of the head office, this business entity is allowed to generate revenue in Thailand and must meet the requirements specified in the Foreign Business Act of 1999, such as obtaining a Foreign Business License (FBL) and registering for VAT. Further, the head office is held responsible for the liabilities of the branch office.

Thailand’s Foreign Business Act of 1999 restricts the activities foreign companies may engage in and are thus reserved only for Thai nationals. There are three lists annexed in the Foreign Business Act.

  1. List one – business activities not permitted for foreigners due to special reasons (e.g., animal husbandry, fisheries, farming or horticulture, trading in land).
  2. List two – business activities that are related to national security, natural resources, or traditional handicraft. Such activities require special approval from the Cabinet (e.g., manufacture, distribution, and maintenance of firearms, wood carvings, manufacture of Thai musical instruments, mining of rock salt, furniture production, and mining activities).
  3. List three – business activities where Thai nationals are currently unable to compete with foreign businesses. Still, foreign companies will need the approval of the Thai Ministry of Commerce to engage in activities under list three (e.g., rice milling, forestry, legal services, accountancy, engineering, tourism, advertising, and sale of food and beverages).

What are the requirements to set up a branch office in Thailand

The parent company will need to fulfill the following criteria to the Thai Ministry of Commerce before establishing the branch office.

A copy of the company’s incorporation documents, members of the board of directors, the official place of business, and business objectives.

Appointing an agent to head the branch office

A letter stating the appointment of an agent who will head the branch office. The individual can be a Thai national or a foreigner. If a foreigner is appointed, they will need to submit their passport details and evidence of permission to enter and stay in Thailand.

Business activities

A declaration on the type of business activities and type of business license including the size of the operations, the size of the workforce in Thailand, and a declaration on how Thailand will benefit from the business operation.

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Branch Office Establishment Thailand

To Establish a Branch Office in Thailand

January 16, 2024 No Comments

Establishing a branch office in Thailand can be more complex, costly, and timely when compared to incorporating a private limited company. However, the advantage of a branch office is that it can be 100 percent foreign-owned.

Read More »
Laws of Thailand

Laws of Thailand

December 13, 2023 No Comments

The principal law sources in Thailand are: Criminal law; Administrative law; Immigration law; Private law; Law of Obligations; Corporate law;

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Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act

Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act

November 14, 2023 No Comments

Thailand’s first-ever law on personal data protection came into force on June 1, 2022. The law outlines the obligations for businesses regarding the collection and processing of personal information. The government is expected to provide a grace period for SMEs to comply with the new law.

Read More »
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Thailand Visa Procedure in brief

Thailand Visa

Thailand Visa Procedure in brief

Thailand Visa:

Generally, a foreign citizen who wishes to enter the Kingdom of Thailand is required to obtain a visa from a Royal Thai Embassy or a Royal Thai Consulate- General but nationals of certain countries do not require a visa if they meet visa exemption requirements as follow;

Thailand Visa

1. They are nationals of countries which are exempted from visa requirements when entering Thailand for tourism purposes. Such nationals will be permitted to stay in the Kingdom for a period of not exceeding 30 days.

2. They are nationals of countries which hold bilateral agreements with Thailand on the exemption of visa requirements.

3. Nationals of certain countries may apply for visa upon arrival in Thailand. Travellers with this type of visa are permitted to enter and stay in Thailand for a period of not exceeding 15 days.

4. Travellers travelling from/through countries which have been declared Yellow Fever Infected Areas must acquire an International Health Certificate verifying the receiving of a Yellow Fever vaccination.

5. Nationals of certain countries are required to apply for a visa only at the Royal Thai Embassy or the Royal Thai Consulate-General in the applicant’s country of residence or at the Royal Thai Embassy which has jurisdiction over his or her country of residence. Travellers are advised to enquire visa at any Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General before departure.

6. To apply for a visa, a foreigner must possess a valid passport or travel document that is recognized by the Thai Government and comply with the conditions in the Immigration Act and its relevant regulations. In addition, the visa applicant must be outside of Thailand at the time of application. The applicant will be issued with a type of visa in accordance to his or her purpose of visit.

7. In general, applicants are required to apply for a visa in person. However, Royal Thai Embassies and Royal Thai Consulates-General in some countries and in some cases may also accept applications sent through representatives, authorized travel agencies or by post.

8. Please note that the period of visa validity is different from the period of stay. Visa validity is the period during which a visa can be used to enter Thailand. In general, the validity of a visa is 3 months, but in some cases, visas may be issued to be valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years. The validity of a visa is granted with discretion by the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General and is displayed on the visa sticker. On the other hand, the period of stay is granted by an immigration officer upon arrival at the port of entry and in accordance with the type of visa. For example, the period of stay for a transit visa is not exceeding 30 days, for a tourist visa is not exceeding 60 days and for a non-immigrant visa is not exceeding 90 days from the arrival date. The period of stay granted by the immigration officer is displayed on the arrival stamp.

8. Please note that the period of visa validity is different from the period of stay. Visa validity is the period during which a visa can be used to enter Thailand. In general, th9. Foreigners entering Thailand are not permitted to work, regardless of their types of visa, unless they are granted a work permit. Those who intend to work in Thailand must hold the correct type of visa (Non-B) to be eligible to apply for a work permit.e validity of a visa is 3 months, but in some cases, visas may be issued to be valid for 6 months, 1 year or 3 years. The validity of a visa is granted with discretion by the Royal Thai Embassy or Royal Thai Consulate-General and is displayed on the visa sticker. On the other hand, the period of stay is granted by an immigration officer upon arrival at the port of entry and in accordance with the type of visa. For example, the period of stay for a transit visa is not exceeding 30 days, for a tourist visa is not exceeding 60 days and for a non-immigrant visa is not exceeding 90 days from the arrival date. The period of stay granted by the immigration officer is displayed on the arrival stamp.

10. Royal Thai Embassies and Royal Thai Consulates-General have the authority to issue visas to foreigners for travel to Thailand. The authority to permit entry and stay in Thailand is with the immigration officers. In some cases, the immigration officer may not permit foreigner holding a valid visa enter country where the immigration officer find reason to believe that he or she falls into the category of aliens prohibited from entering Thailand under the Immigration Act.

11. According to the Immigration Act, foreigners who fall into any of the following categories are prohibited to enter Thailand:

11.1. Having no genuine valid passport or document used in lieu of passport; or having a genuine valid passport or document used in lieu of passport without valid visa issuance by the Royal Thai Embassies, the Royal Thai Consulates-General or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with exception of those who meet visa exemption requirements. The terms and conditions of visa exemption are prescribed by the Ministerial Regulations.

11.2. Having no appropriate means of living when entering into the Kingdom.

11.3. Having entered the Kingdom to be employed as an unskilled or untrained laborer or to work in violation of the Alien Work Permit Law.

11.4. Being mentally unstable or having any of the diseases stated in the Ministerial Regulations.

11.5. Having not yet been vaccinated against smallpox; or inoculated, or undergone any other medical treatment for protection against disease; and having refused to have such vaccinations administered by the Immigration Doctor.

11.6. Having been imprisoned by judgment of the Thai Court; or by lawful injunction or judgment of the Court of a foreign country, except for when the penalty is for a petty offence, or negligence, or is provided for as an exception by the Ministerial Regulations.

11.7. Having behavior which could cause possible danger to the public; or having the likelihood of being a nuisance or constituting any violence to the peace, safety and security of the public or to the security of the nation; or being under warrant of arrest by competent officials of foreign governments.

11.8. Reason to believe that entry into Kingdom is for the purpose of being involved in prostitution, the trafficking of women or children, drug smuggling, or other types of smuggling which are against public morality.

11.9. Having no money or bond as prescribed by the Minister under Section 14 of the Immigration Act.

11.10. Being a person prohibited by the Minister under Section 16 of the Immigration Act.

11.11. Being deported by either the Government of Thailand or that of other foreign countries; or having been revoked the right of stay in the Kingdom or in foreign countries; or having been expelled from the Kingdom by competent officials at the expense of the Government of Thailand unless exemption is provided by the Minister on an individual basis.

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Laws of Thailand

Laws of Thailand

Laws of Thailand

Kingdom of Thailand or in the past, so called Siam had a largely uncodified constitution until 1932. King of Siam once said: In the ancient times the monarchs of the Siamese nation governed their people with laws which were originally derived from the  Dhamasustra  of Manu, which was then the prevailing law among the inhabitants of India and the neighboring countries.

Laws of Thailand

The principal law sources in Thailand are:

Criminal law;

Criminal offences (that can lead to arrest and imprisonment) are enumerated in the Thai Penal Code (or Criminal Code) as well as numerous other statutes. Criminal procedures are outlined in the Criminal Procedure Code.

Drug offences are dealt with by several statutes. The Narcotics Act BE 2522 (1979) defines narcotics, classifies them into categories, details offences and outlines punishments. Penalties for producing, importing or exporting narcotics are outlined in sections 65–102 (Chapter 12) and include fines, life imprisonment or death. [10][11]  Other narcotics laws include the Psychotropic Substances Act BE 2518 (1975) and the Narcotics Control Act BE 2519 (1976). [11]

-The offence of Lèse Majesté is found in the Criminal Code Article 112 and states that whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished with imprisonment of three to fifteen years.

Administrative law;

Administrative law matters such as judicial review are handled by the Administrative Court, which was established under The Act on Establishment of Administrative Courts and Administrative Court Procedure BE 2542 (1999). The jurisdiction of the court includes unlawful act by an administrative agency or State official (e.g., ultra vires, inconsistent with law, bad faith etc.), neglecting or unreasonable delay in official duties, wrongful act or other liability of an administrative agency, administrative contracts, mandating a person to do something or an injunction.

Immigration law;

Visa and immigration law is outlined in the Immigration Act BE 2522 (1979) and its amendments. The Immigration Bureau of the Royal Thai Police administers the law, while the Immigration Commission shall have power and duty to make decision such as giving or revoking permission to stay.

Private law;

The most important reference of private law (or civil law) is the Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand (see also other civil codes). It is composed of several books. Books I and II were first promulgated on 11 November 1925 (BE 2466). The Civil code is updated as required by amendment acts (for example Act Amending Civil and Commercial Code (No 14) BE 2548 (2005)).

Law of Obligations;

The Law of Obligations in general is found in Civil and Commercial Code sections 194 to 353 (Book II, Title I).

Quasi-contracts include undue enrichment, sections 406 to 419 (Book II, Title IV), and management of affairs without mandate, sections 395 to 405 (Book II, Title III).

Contract law;

The main source of contract law is the Civil and Commercial Code sections 354 to 394 (Book II, Title II). Specific contracts (Sale, Hire, Mortgage, Insurance, Bills etc.) are found in the Civil and Commercial Code sections 453 to 1011 (Book III, Titles I to XXI).

Corporate law;

Basic corporate law is found in the Civil and Commercial Code sections 1012 to 1273 (Book II, Title XXII). Foreign ownership of certain Thai industries and foreign companies in general are regulated by the Foreign Business Act BE 2542 (1999).

Personal property law;

The main source of property law is the Civil and Commercial Code sections 1298 to 1434 (Book IV).

Land law;

Land law is dealt with by the Land Code. This was established by Act Promulgating the Land Code, B.E. 2497 (1954).

Land in Thailand is covered by a system consisting of several title deeds offering different rights of use, possession, ownership or alienation. Most titles are issued by the Land Department and fall within seven main categories. Another five categories are issued by other government departments for specific purposes.

The Chanote (or Nor Sor 4 Jor) category, found in more developed parts of Thailand, offers private ownership (similar to freehold land). Other land is considered to belong to the government or the King of Thailand.

Intellectual property;

Intellectual property law, that is patents, trademarks and copyrights are protected by the Patent Act BE 2522 (1979), Trademark Act BE 2534 (1991) and the Copyright Act BE 2537 (1994) and their amendments respectively. Trade secrets are protected by the Trade Secrets Act BE 2545 (2002). The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) manages intellectual property matters such as registration and enforcement. A registration system exists for trademarks and patents. Copyright is automatically protected for 50 years and does not need registration. However it can be filed with the DIP. Disputes are first heard in the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court.

Patents;

Intellectual property law, that is patents, trademarks and copyrights are protected by the Patent Act BE 2522 (1979), Trademark Act BE 2534 (1991)Patent protection in Thailand aims to support innovators who introduce new proprietary technologies. A firm reaps several benefits from registering a patent. First, the patentee gets exclusive rights to shield himself from others making, using, selling, or distributing the invention or design without permission. Second, a granted patent increases business value. Third, a granted patent is enforceable. Patent protection helps a business gain a competitive advantage and helps it obtain a return on investment (ROI) to defray research and development costs. Thailand uses an "absolute novelty" and "first to file" patent system, making confidentiality a must until a patent application date is registered.and the Copyright Act BE 2537 (1994) and their amendments respectively. Trade secrets are protected by the Trade Secrets Act BE 2545 (2002). The Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) manages intellectual property matters such as registration and enforcement. A registration system exists for trademarks and patents. Copyright is automatically protected for 50 years and does not need registration. However it can be filed with the DIP. Disputes are first heard in the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court.

Three types of patents can be granted:

  • Invention patents: As with European patent law, Thai patent law, under Section 5 of the Patent Act 1979 (as amended in 1992, 1999), grants patents to an invention that (1) is non- obvious (involves an inventive step), (2) is novel, and (3) is capable of industrial application. Under Thai law, an innovation is understood to mean an invention step, if it is not obvious to a person…skilled in the art. According to the Manual of Patent and Petty Patent Applications Examination, an invention must provide a benefit or improvement in occurrence of an exclusivity period of 20 years from its registration date.
  • Software patents; Computer software is not patentable under Thai Patent law. Section 9 of the Thai Patent Act 1999 states that Thai patent law does not include software (or computer programs) as patentable because computer software is not considered an "invention". Software is considered to be merely a set of instructions to a machine.

Software patents in Thailand have sparked software patent debates among economists and developers as there are two significant developments in international patent law:

(1) The European Union's attempt to harmonize national patent laws by the Proposal for a Directive of the European Parliament and Council on the patentability of computer-implemented inventions.

(2) The US court decision to expand patent protection to business methods. Opinions are divided as Thailand is not ready for software patents as there were several flaws in patent rights. For example, the business method prevention has high tendency to hinder the growth in innovations especially for infant software companies. Moreover, the software patent may cause monopoly and innovation problems.

  • Petty patents; A petty patent (known as a utility model in other countries) can be granted if an invention does not involve an inventive step, but is capable of industrial application. Unlike an invention patent, a petty patent has an exclusivity term of 10 years with an initial patent protection period of six years and two possible extensions of two years each.

A petty patent is suitable for a new invention which would qualify for an invention patent except that it has no strong, technical innovative step. To be more specific, petty patents have been widely used among Thai companies, especially for manufacturing companies and inventors of less complicated inventions. This is because the petty patent has relatively simple criteria.

  • Design patents; A design patent is granted based on the ornamental aspects or aesthetics of an product, including features pertaining to its shape, configuration, or pattern. For example, it may be granted for new qualifying three-dimensional designs or two- dimensional designs. The length of patent protection is 10 years from registration date. Unlike an invention patent, the main benefit of a design patent is the less stringent requirements as it requires only novelty and capability of industrial application.

In Thailand, design patents are popular in design-heavy industries such as car manufacturers, beverage companies, and furniture designers.

Family law;

The main source of family law is the Civil and Commercial Code sections 1435 to 1598 (Book V).

Succession law;

The main source of succession law is the Civil and Commercial Code sections 1599 to 1755 (Book VI).

Laws relating to foreigners;

The Foreign Business Act of 1999 regulates foreign ownership of certain Thai industries and foreign companies. The Alien Business Law (N.E.C. Announcement 281) prohibits foreigners from holding certain professions which are reserved for Thai nationals.

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Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act

Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act

Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act

Thailand’s first-ever law on personal data protection came into force on June 1, 2022. The law outlines the obligations for businesses regarding the collection and processing of personal information. The government is expected to provide a grace period for SMEs to comply with the new law.

Thailand’s Personal Data Protection Act

Thailand’s first consolidated law on personal data protection, called the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), was initially signed in 2019 but will be enforced from June 1, 2022, after being postponed due to the pandemic.

The country has now joined its peers Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines in enacting data protection laws. The PDPA outlines the obligations of data controllers and processors to inform and request data owners of any collection, use, or disclosure of their personal information. Those found in violation of the law could be liable for civil and criminal fines. As such, the PDPA defines personal data as information that identifies a living person.

The PDPA supports the requirements under several Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) regarding data privacy requirements and a safe, secure environment for digital commerce and online banking in Thailand.

Personal data breaches are becoming more prevalent among ASEAN countries as the digitalization of their economies has resulted in more businesses and people storing their data online and are susceptible to data breaches.

The Thai PDPA is applied to organizations that are directly based in Thailand or are based abroad but are involved in controlling and processing goods, services, and consumer behavior data in Thailand. Businesses should be mindful of two data types – i) general data, such as name, date of birth, phone number, etc. and ii) sensitive data, such as racial, sexual, religious, health, political, and biometric information.

Overall, the data owner must give explicit consent to approve any acts of collection, use, or disclosure of their personal data. Exemptions are granted in cases of:

  • Fulfilling contractual obligations;
  • Serving the public interest (eg: statistical research to protect the public health); or
  • Serving legitimate interests (eg: prevention of danger to an individual).

In addition, the Thai PDPA also introduces a progressive General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) styled regulation, in which data breach notifications are mandatory, rather than on a voluntary basis, which is the case in other countries like India or in jurisdictions like Hong Kong. Under PDPA, a comprehensive set of rights are guaranteed to the data owners, namely:

  • Right to be informed (of the purpose of collection, data retention period, etc.);
  • Right to access their personal data;
  • Right to rectification (of inaccurate or misleading information);
  • Right to objection/ withdrawal (from inappropriate uses at any time);
  • Right to restrict processing;
  • Right to erasure; and
  • Right to data portability (send or transfer structured personal data from one Data Controller to another).

Violation of the data privacy law is subject to criminal and civil fines, ranging from 500,000 baht (US$15,000) to 5 million baht (US$165,000) as well as punitive compensations.

Compliance challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises

Retail businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must quickly adapt to the new Protection Act, as the implementation of new IT systems and administrative procedures can result in higher operating costs. Despite the widespread publicity around the Act, many SMEs are still unaware of their obligations, and many face difficulties in assessing if they were data processors or controllers. Thai SMEs also face challenges in finding qualified personnel to monitor their compliance as well as having the right legal understanding of their rights and obligations under the new law.

SMEs are crucial to Thailand’s economy, as they contribute to some 35 percent of the country’s GDP annually. Under the 13th Social and Economic Development Plan (2022-26), the government has targeted SMEs to account for 50 percent of the country’s GDP.

The compliance challenge is likely to affect a sizable proportion of Thai SMEs, as digitization is no longer exclusive to technology-focused companies. According to the UOB ASEAN SME Transformation 2020 study, 60 percent of ASEAN SMEs are prioritizing digitization of their businesses, 58 percent are adopting digital marketing, and 52 percent are enhancing the online customer experience for competitive advantage in the market. The government is expected to provide a grace period for small businesses to comply with the minimum requirements in the new law and to avoid significant disruptions to their operations.

The Data Protection Act opening Thailand to free trade opportunities

The PDPA was highly influenced by the European Union’s (EU) GDPR. With the PDPA in place, Thai businesses can satisfy the EU’s strict requirements on data export measures under the Thailand-EU FTA. In June 2021, the EU and Thailand resumed trade negotiations after they collapsed following the 2014 military coup in Thailand. The establishment of a civilian government in 2019 restored the eligibility of Thailand as a trade partner of the EU, its fourth-largest trade partner after China, Japan, and the US.

In proceeding with the FTA, Thailand needs to satisfy the EU’s strict regulatory standards concerning labor and the environment, intellectual property, and most importantly, data export measures. If the FTA negotiations are successful, Thailand can further increase the current €29 billion (US$30 billion) bilateral trade, with €15.1 billion (US$15.9 billion) of exports to the EU, comprised of essential products, such as machinery, electronics, and transport equipment, as well as  €11.3 billion (US$11.9 billion) of imports from the EU, constituting mainly machinery, transport equipment, and chemicals and their related products.

Security for digital commerce:

The accelerated emergence of e-commerce during the COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to digital payment and other forms of online payments. Cards, digital wallets, and bank transfers are the most dominant payment methods used in 30 percent, 23 percent, and 23 percent of all transactions, respectively. Prior to the Thai PDPA, weak legal measures failed to protect consumers from bank scams and fraud arising from data leakage and identity theft with 32 percent of Thai tech professionals having reported personal experience with payment fraud in 2019.

The Thai PDPA introduces strict, practical guidelines and penalties for any misuse of personal data, including for e-commerce activities. Public and private companies are obligated to protect confidential data and provide financial compensation for those affected by the data breach. The Act would secure a stable and sustainable environment for e-commerce, especially in dealing with cross-border transfers that already make up half of the online consumer purchases in Thailand. The country’s online shopping sector shows immense potential for growth. The industry has quadrupled in value in half a decade to almost US$93 billion in 2018, with high average annual spending at US$1,746, one of the highest in the ASEAN region.

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Establishing a Representative Office in Thailand

Establishing a Representative Office in Thailand:

Establishing a Representative Office in Thailand

A representative office is the ideal business entity for foreign investors who are exploring the Thai market. The RO can be 100 percent foreign-owned and can provide up to two work permits for foreign employees.

Establishing a Representative Office in Thailand:

The entity is not allowed to earn income while operating in Thailand and thus is not subject to corporate income tax. The RO’s activities are restricted to market research, finding new partnerships, and other forms of information gathering.

Establishing a representative office (RO) in Thailand is a relatively simple process compared with setting up a foreign-owned company. The RO can be 100 percent foreign-owned and is often the popular choice of business entity for foreign investors who are still exploring the Thai market. The RO can assist the parent company in finding new partnerships or opportunities.

A major advantage of establishing a representative office in Thailand is that this entity does not require a Foreign Business License (FBL). The FBL is regulated under the Foreign Business Act, which restricts the activities that foreign companies can engage in. It is also important to note that the RO is not allowed to earn an income in Thailand.

The requirements to set up a representative office in Thailand:

The foreign parent company must submit the following documents to the Department of Business Development at the Ministry of Commerce.

  • Application form for establishing a representative office in Thailand;
  • Copy of the company affidavit that showcases the name, objectives, capitals, and details of directors; and
  • A notarized copy of the power of attorney for the agent or principal manager who will manage the day-to-day operations of theA notarized copy of the power of attorney for the agent or principal manager who will manage the day-to-day operations of the representative office. The agent can be a Thai national or a foreigner. If a foreigner is appointed, they will need to submit their passport details and evidence of permission to enter and stay in Thailand.

All the mentioned documents need to be notarized and certified by a local Thai embassy.

The Department of Business Development usually issues a certificate between two to four weeks following the submission of the documents. The certificate permits the representative office to begin operations.

Capital requirements

The representative office requires a minimum of 2 million baht (US$56,211). If the RO is supposed to operate for less than three years in Thailand, then the entire required minimum capital needs to be injected within six months of being registered.

However, if the RO is supposed to operate for more than three years, then the capital can be injected as follows:

  • A minimum of 25 percent of the total required capital within three months of being registered;
  • Another 25 percent within the first year;
  • 25 percent within the second year; and
  • 25 percent in the third year.

25 percent in the third year.The permitted business activities of a representative office in Thailand:

The RO is not permitted to earn income and therefore its activities are limited to the following:

  • Conducting market research and reporting business trends in Thailand for the foreign parent company;
  • Source goods and services for the parent company;
  • Source goods and services for the parent company;Checking and controlling the quality of goods or services purchased by the parent company;
  • Planning of sales promotions; and
  • Advising Thai customers about the goods or services sold by the parent company.

All expenditures incurred by the RO must be borne by the parent company. Further, since the RO earns no income, the business entity is not subject to corporate income tax.

The hiring of foreign staff

A Thai representative office can take advantage of the reduced requirements to hire foreign staff. The RO can provide work permits for a maximum of two foreign employees while a Thai limited company is subject to a work permit ratio of four Thai employees for each foreign employee.

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Applying for a Foreign Business License in Thailand

Foreign Business License

Applying for a Foreign Business License in Thailand

After fulfilling the mentioned criteria, the branch office must then apply for a Foreign Business License in Thailand under the category that best fits the company’s business activity. Obtaining an FBL usually takes 60 days from the date the application is submitted. Once approved, the branch office will be considered legally registered.

Foreign Business License

Each application submitted to the Ministry of Commerce is reviewed on its own merits, and as mentioned, the parent company will need to showcase how the branch office will benefit Thailand.

When the application is accepted by the Ministry of Commerce, it will be reviewed by the Foreign Business Committee within 60 days after acceptance.

In the case of an application being rejected, the Ministry of Commerce will inform the applicant within 15 days in writing, stating the explicit reason why the application was denied. Companies can appeal this decision, but it must be done within 30 days from the date on which the applicant received the rejection notice.

Minimum capital requirement

The minimum capital requirement is 3 million baht (US$84,295). No less than 25 percent of this amount must be brought into Thailand within three months of approval. During the same year of operations, 50 percent must be remitted and the remaining 25 percent to be remitted the year after.

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Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa

Thai Non-immigrant Visa

The Thai Non-immigrant Visa is the type of visa you need if you want to live in Thailand for a long term or if you have a reason to stay other than tourism or transit. For example, if you want to study, work, invest, receive medical treatment or join your Thai spouse, you need to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa. Then, you have to apply for the type of Non-Immigrant Visa that is suited to your purpose of travel as everyone who wants to travel to Thailand has to apply for one.

Thai Non-immigrant Visa

There are a number of countries whose nationals are exempt from a Visa for tourism purposes but even those nationals need to apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa categorized into the following types:

  1. F Visa Category
  2. B Visa Category
  3. IM Visa Category
  4. ED Visa Category
  5. M Visa Category
  6. R Visa Category
  7. RS Visa Category
  8. EX Visa Category
  9. Visa Category
  10. O-A and O-X Visa Category
  11. F Visa Category

F Visa Category:

The Category F of the Thai Non-Immigrant Visa is issued to the foreigners who hold an ordinary passport and who are traveling for official duties, such as work with a government agency, embassy or consulate, an international organization or a state enterprise in Thailand.

B Visa Category:

The Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa B is issued if one is traveling to conduct business (Thai Business Visa) or for working for a Thai company or work as a teacher in a school (Thai Work Visa).

IM Visa Category:

A Thai Non-Immigrant Visa IM is issued if you want to travel to Thailand for investment purposes, provided that you have the approval of the relevant Thai Ministries and Government Departments.

ED Visa Category:

The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa ED is issued for educational purposes. For example, if you have been accepted into a Thai educational institution, and you want to study there, you have to apply for a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa ED (see Thailand Student Visa). You can also apply for a Non-Immigrant Visa ED if you take part in a project or seminar, attend a conference or training course, etc.

M Visa Category:

The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa M is issued to members of the media. You can apply for this type of visa if you will work in Thailand as a film producer, journalist or reporter. As a film producer, you need prior approval from the Thailand Film Office, and as a journalist or reporter, you have to get approval from the Department of Information of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

R Visa Category:

The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa R, also referred to as a visa “R-A” is issued for religious purposes. You need this type of visa if you are traveling to Thailand to do missionary work or other religious activities with the approval of the relevant Thai Ministries or Government Departments.

RS Visa Category:

The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa RS is issued to foreigners traveling to Thailand to conduct scientific research or to train and/or teach in a research institute in Thailand.

EX Visa Category:

The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa EX is issued to highly-skilled foreigners who are traveling to Thailand to work as experts and categories.

O Visa Category:

The Thai Non-Immigrant Visa O is issued for the following reasons:

  • To join your Thai spouse (Thai Marriage Visa)
  • To travel with your family member who is traveling for work or studying purposes
  • To work for a state enterprise or social welfare organization
  • To work in the household of someone traveling for diplomatic reasons
  • To receive medical treatment
  • To act as a contestant or a witness in a judicial process
  • To work as a sports coach, as called by the Thai Government

O-A and O-X Visa Category:

The Non-Immigrant Visas  O-A and O-X are both Thai Retirement Visas. The difference between the two is that:

  • Thai Non-Immigrant Visa O-A is issued to foreigners over the age of 50 from all countries. It is valid for a maximum of 1 year, and renewable.
  • Thai Non-Immigrant Visa O-X is issued to foreigners over the age of 50 from certain countries. It is issued for 5 years’ duration and can be renewed for another five years.

Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa Requirements:

When you submit a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa application, you need supporting documents, such as:

  • Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months and have at least two blank visa pages. If you’re applying for a one-year visa, your passport should be valid for at least another 18 months.
  • A completed and signed Thailand Visa application form. You may be able to download it from the website of the Embassy or Consulate where you are applying or get it there if you apply in person.
  • Passport-sized picture of yourself, with the following specifications:
  • White background
  • Taken within the last six months
  • You must have a neutral facial expression, staring straight ahead
  • Your entire face must be fully visible
  • Headgear is only allowed for religious purposes and even then, only if it does not cover the face
  • Glasses are allowed only

    Tumeur de la prostate : pronostic en fonction du stade, du grade et du risque

    Tumeur de la prostate : pronostic en fonction du stade, du grade et du risque

    if they do not cover your eyes and do not have heavy frames

  • Proof of sufficient financial means to cover the duration of your stay. You need 20,000 Thai Baht if you are traveling alone and 40,000 Thai Baht if you are traveling as a family.
  • Payment of the Thai Non-Immigrant Visa fee
  • Additional documents depending on the purpose of your stay.

You have to apply for a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa from a Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country.

  1. Contact the Thailand Embassy or Consulate where you will submit the visa application or visit their website. Learn about the opening hours, working days, and if you have to make an appointment. You can find a list of the diplomatic mission offices of Thailand here.
  2. Collect the required documents for the specific Non-Immigrant Visa you are applying for
  3. Submit the documents and visa application. Depending on which Embassy/Consulate you apply in, you can submit the application: In-person Through the post, in which case you have to enclose a pre-paid and self-addressed envelope
  4. Wait for the application to be processed
  5. Collect your passport with the visa affixed. If you applied by mail, the Embassy/Consulate will mail it to you.

Note: If you are already in Thailand on another type of visa, you can apply to change the category to another type of Non-Immigrant Visa at the Thai Immigration Department in Bangkok.

After you enter Thailand using your Non-Immigrant Visa, depending on the purpose for which you got it, you have to submit a 90-Day Report to the Thai Immigration authorities. This means that every 90 days that you continue to live in Thailand, you have to go to your local office of the Thailand Immigration Department and report your current address, even if it has not changed.

The only exception is in the case of the Thai SMART Visa, where the holders have to report their stay annually, rather than every 90 days.

Non-Immigrant Visas are usually issued for a maximum of 90 days. So, if you want to stay longer than that, then you have to get a one-year visa extension from the Bureau of Immigration in Bangkok. Before the visa extension expires, you can re-apply for another one-year extension, if you meet the requirements to continue living in Thailand. Once you have lived in Thailand through Visa Extensions for at least three years, you may be eligible for Thailand Permanent Residency.

Applying to Get a Re-Entry Permit:

After you extend your visa, you also have to apply for a Re-Entry Permit, in order to be allowed to leave and re-enter Thailand without your visa becoming void. If you do not get a Re-Entry Permit before you leave Thailand, you will have used up your single entry and you won’t be allowed back in unless you get another visa.

The Thailand Re-Entry Permit can be issued for a single entry or for multiple entries.

The duration of a Thailand Non-Immigrant Visa depends on what type of visa you’re applying for. They can be issued for the following durations:

The processing fee for a Thai Non-Immigrant Visa changes depending on several factors, such as the local currency, the duration of the visa, and the Embassy/Consulate to which you apply.

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Doing Business in Thailand

Doing Business in Thailand

Doing Business in Thailand

Thanks to its strategic position in Southeast Asia, Thailand serves as a gateway to other destinations. And thanks to its year-round tropical weather and beautiful beaches, Thailand has long been recognized as an attractive place to live. When adding up location and lifestyle, thoughts turn to earn a living in paradise. Thailand becomes a great destination to set up a company for business purposes. The Foreign Business Act of Thailand offers a wide variety of business structures, some of which are very suitable for foreigners wanting to do business in Thailand. Corporate Structures in Thailand.

  1. Thai Limited Company
  2. Representative Office
  3. Branch Office
  4. BOI Company.
  5. Amity Treaty Company
  6. 100% Foreign-Owned Company.
Doing Business in Thailand

Thailand offers excellent business potential to those willing to start a business in Thailand. One of the most common questions we get asked is; what type of business should I create? The answer is to start a business you feel you have the most experience in. Then make a plan and talk to a business consultant. Below you will find some basic information on the various business structures available. Thai Limited Company.

  • Representative Office
  • Branch Office
  • BOI Company Amity
  • Treaty Company
  • Foreign Owned Company
  • International Headquarters

Setting Up a Thai Limited Company;

The most common corporate structure used when setting up a company in Thailand is a Thai Limited Company. There are many reasons why it is the most popular corporate structure used and basically, it boils down to because it supports a wide variety of business types. A Thai Limited Company is relatively easy to set up and it can be registered rather quickly. 

Setting Up a Branch Office;

Foreign Companies wishing to operate in Thailand should consider setting up a Branch Office. If they qualify, they would be allowed to have 100% foreign ownership. A Branch Office will be governed by the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (FBA). When approved, they would be granted a Foreign Business License (FBL). 

Setting up a Representative Office;

A Representative Office allows foreign investors the opportunity to evaluate potential market opportunities in Thailand without the need to establish a subsidiary in Thailand. The services a Representative Office can provide are limited. The foreign head office must completely finance the entire operation of the Representative Office. 

Setting Up a BOI Company;

The Board of Investment (BOI)’s role in Thailand is to help investors open businesses in Thailand while providing them with benefits, including tax exemptions (0% Corporate Income Tax for up to 13 years for some business types), 100% foreign ownership, as well as work permits and visa help for qualified individuals. Setting up a BOI company is a complex and time-consuming process. Some investors will find this corporate setup worthy of their efforts. 

Setting Up an Amity Treaty Company;

The Treaty of Amity gives special rights and benefits to American citizens and corporations. Specifically, it allows Americans to open an Amity Treaty Company in Thailand and own 100% of the shares of the company. There are some limitations and restrictions as to what activities an Amity Treaty Company can engage in. 

Setting Up A 100% Foreign-Owned Company;

One of the most frequently asked questions we are asked is whether a Foreigner can own 100% of a company in Thailand. The Foreign Business Act does allow for foreigners to register and operate a 100% Foreign-Owned Company. The process can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to get approval and will require the company to obtain a Foreign Business License (FBL). The 100% Foreign-Owned Company may also be restricted in what activities it can engage in. 

For setting up a company in Thailand, as Professional Corporate Services, our professional business consultants can listen to your idea(s) and recommend the right corporate structure based solely on your needs. We would explain the process in detail so that you understand from the get-go what you are about to get yourself into. Then using our highly trained staff to execute the work within a reasonable timeframe and at a fraction of the cost, other firms charge.

Contact us for more information or to consult with a professional at https://www.ratchadalawfirm.com/ about setting up a company in Thailand. Your first consolation is totally FREE. We are looking forward to serving your best interest.

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Thailand Travel Advisory

Thailand Travel Advisory

Thailand Travel Advisory

Trip to Thailand could easily turn into a nightmare if you fall on the wrong side of the law. We take a look at how you can avoid copping a fine or time in jail. There we would like to give you some Thailand travel advisory that is so important and need to be considered.

Thailand Travel Advisory

Drug laws in Thailand;

It doesn’t get more obvious than the following statement taken from the Customs Department of the Kingdom of Thailand Website:

“Violators of laws related to illicit drugs, e.g., having and holding for use, or being a producer, seller, or transporter are subject to the death sentence”.

That‘s right, the death penalty. Don’t be stupid in Thailand. Never buy, use or transport drugs in any manner during your stay.

Disrespecting the Thai royal family;

Lese Majeste is a law that was introduced in Thailand in 1908 and states that it’s a serious offense to defame, insult, threaten or defile any statue or image of the Thai royal family.

This also includes defacing Thai money, so don’t step on the local currency, Thai Baht (THB). It’s against the law and could result in imprisonment.

Even talking about the Thai king and his family is generally frowned upon, especially in public areas. You can be arrested and sent to jail.

Visa rules in Thailand;

If you overstay your visa, you will be detained at the immigration detention center and get your name recorded in Persona Non-Grata’s List. 

If however, you make it to the airport, you simply pay your overstay fine, and off you go. We’d rather you be safe than sorry, so make sure your visa is in order and don’t overstay your welcome.

The legal drinking age and alcohol laws in Thailand;

The drinking age in Thailand is 20, and it’s in the interest of bar owners to enforce this, as establishments do occasionally get raided by the police looking for underage drinkers and patrons under the influence of illegal substances.

This doesn’t mean you can’t buy alcohol if you are underage – many people do – but we advise against it. Again, it can result in jail time.

Drinking alcohol is illegal in the following locations in Thailand:

  • Temples or places of worship
  • Pharmacies
  • Public offices
  • Education institutions
  • Petrol stations
  • Public parks

Caveats apply, for example, if a ceremony at a temple requires imbibing, in which case it is legally permitted.

The penalty for illegally drinking alcohol at one of the above locations is six months’ imprisonment, and/or no more than a fine of 10,000 Baht.

Thai law also prohibits “the display of logos and brands of alcoholic products in order to persuade people into drinking alcohol whether directly or indirectly.” Anyone found breaking the law can be charged, so think twice before taking that selfie with the Singha by the pool or it may cost you a US$1,500 fine.

Photography and drone laws in Thailand.

Street photography is generally allowed in Thailand, however, there are some places where you cannot take photos.

Some temples won’t allow photography, while others are more relaxed but will still prohibit photographing images or statues of Buddha. Check before taking photos inside temples (if permitted) and avoid taking photos of people praying or worshipping.

Photography is forbidden inside bars and other venues in red light districts.

Taking photographs of the Thai royal family is also a no-no, as are photos of military posts and border points.

Drones

To put your drone in the air for a bird’s eye view, you will need permission from the relevant authorities. You will need drone insurance and also have to apply for a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority Thailand (CAAT) well in advance of your trip, as the application can take anywhere from 75 to 104 days.

Gambling in Thailand;

Apart from the government-supported National Lottery and betting on horses at the racetracks, gambling is largely illegal in Thailand. There are no casinos in Thailand, although gambling dens can be found throughout the country, and online betting does occur. However, both are illegal, and being found participating can lead to a fine or jail time.

Littering fines in Thailand;

Litterers will be prosecuted and either fined 100,000 THB (US$3,190) or ace a year in jail. You can be fined up to 2,000 THB if you’re caught littering on the sidewalk. If you are fined a sum more than this amount, the individual may not be authorized to enforce the littering law. Members of the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA) are qualified to enforce this fine – you can ask to see their licenses. This law also applies to chewing gum, so don’t spit it on the footpath.

Smoking ban in Thailand;

Smoking is now banned at 24 beaches in popular tourist spots including Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Samui, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chon Buri and Songkhla provinces. This has been initiated by the Thai government to reduce the impact on the marine environment and damage to drain systems. After a three-month trial period, this ban may be rolled out on passenger and tourist boats in Thailand.

Breaking this law attracts a fine of 100,000 THB fine, a year in prison or both.

Smoking is prohibited in outdoor exercise spaces, facilities for sports training/playing and competitions, public parks, zoos, amusement parks, markets and children’s playgrounds. Travelers in tour groups are expected to adhere to this regulation.

Electronic cigarettes/vaping has been banned in Thailand since 2014. Plenty of travelers have been caught out and ignoring this will result in a fine and/or arrest and jail time.

Passports and Thai law;

Thai law requires that travelers carry ID at all times, but don’t ever leave your passport as security when renting a motorcycle or jet ski. Instead, use a photocopy, other photo ID or a substantial cash deposit.

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Thai Criminal Drug Law

Thai Criminal Drug Law

The legal basis for drug-related offences in the Kingdom of Thailand?

Provisions for drug-related offences are defined in the Measure for Suppressing Narcotic Offenders Act 2534 for being ‘laws governing narcotics and laws governing active materials which have an active effect on the mind and the nerves. Commonly known substances falling within the ambit of the Act include the following:

Category 1 – Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC – the active ingredient of cannabis); Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)

Category 2 – Ketamine; Ephedrine; Midazolam (Dormicum, Versed etc.); Triazolam (Halcion)

Category 4 – Alprazolam (Xanax); Diazepam (Valium); Lorazepam (Ativan)

The Narcotics is any form of chemicals or substances which upon being consumed whether by taking orally, inhaling, smoking, injecting or by whatever means will cause physiological and mental effect such as need to increase the dosage, having symptoms when in need of the narcotics, strong physical and mental need of dosage and the health in general would be deteriorated.

In Thai Law substances defined as narcotics are classified into 5 categories commonly known as substances falling within the ambit of the Narcotics Act include the following:

Category 1 = Heroin, Amphetamine, Methamphetamine, MDMA (Ecstasy) and LSD

Category 2 = Cocaine, Codeine, Methadone and Morphine

Category 5 = Cannabis, psychoactive mushrooms and Krathom Plants

For Category 1 Substances:

  1. Up to life imprisonment and a fine of 1,000,000-5,000,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation, unless for the purpose of disposal, in which case the penalty is death. The intention to ‘dispose’ is inferred through quantities defined in the Act.
  2. Up to life imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 – 5,000,000 Baht, or the death penalty, (depending upon the amount of the substance or substances found) for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal
  3. Up to 10 years imprisonment or a fine of 20,000 – 200,000 Baht for possession. Note again that if the quantity of the substance or substances found exceeds prescribed levels in the act, then possession for the purpose of disposal will be inferred. It should also be noted that ‘disposal’ is defined in the act as meaning to ‘sell, distribute, give away indiscriminately, exchange or give
  4. Up to 3 years imprisonment or a fine of 10,000 – 60,000 Baht for consumption

For Category 2 Substances:

  1. Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 – 1,000,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation. If the substance or substances found include morphine, opium or cocaine the penalty is increased to imprisonment of 20 years to life and fine of 2,000,000 – 5,000,000 Baht
  2. Up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of 20,000 – 200,000 Baht or both for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal. In the case of morphine, opium or cocaine, 3-20 years or a fine of 60,000 – 400,000 Baht if the amount is under 100 grams, or 3-20 years or a fine of 500,000 – 5,000,000 Baht if over
  3. Up to 5 years or a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht or both for possession. If the quantity is 100 grams of a pure substance or more, this will be regarded as possession for the purpose of disposal
  4. Six months to three years or a fine of 10,000 – 60,000 Baht or both for consumption.

For Cannabis under Category 5:

  1. From 2-15 years imprisonment and a fine of 200,000 – 1,500,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation
  2. From 2-10 years imprisonment or a fine of 40,000 – 200,000 Baht or both for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal. If the quantity is over 10 kilograms, the penalty is increased to a maximum of 15 years and a fine of 200,000 – 1,500,000 Baht
  3. Imprisonment not exceeding 5 years and or a fine not exceeding 100,000 Baht or both for possession
  4. Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year and a fine of 100,000 – 1,000,000 for consumption

For Krathom Plant under Category 5:

  1. Imprisonment not exceeding 2 years and a fine not exceeding 200,000 Baht for production, importation or exportation
  2. Imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding 40,000 Baht or both for disposal or possession for the purpose of disposal. If the quantity is over 10 kilograms, the penalty is imprisonment not exceeding 2 years and a fine not exceeding 200,000 Baht
  3. Imprisonment not exceeding 1 year or a fine not exceeding 20,000 Baht or both for possession
  4. Imprisonment not exceeding 1 month or a fine not exceeding 2,000 Baht for consumption 

The Narcotics Control Act 2519 (1976) designates the Narcotics Control Board (NCB) with overall responsibility for prevention and suppression of illegal drug use in Thailand. The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) is the body which implements any resolutions of the NCB and under provisions of this act and competent officials have the following authorities of stop, search and arrest if:

1)   To enter and search any place or dwelling place, providing that they have reasonable grounds to suspect that there is a person who they suspect being involved in the commission of offences relating to narcotics on the premises or there are illegal drugs on the premises or the premises are being used or are intended to be used in the commission of offences involving illegal drugs. Note that the officials must have reasonable ground to believe that delaying any search in order to obtain a warrant would result in the escape of the suspects, or letting the substances in question being hidden, destroyed or in some other way being transformed.

2)  To search any person or vehicle if there are reasonable grounds to suspect they are carrying or hiding illegal drugs

3)  To enter and search premises without a warrant (having reasonable grounds for suspicion) and order a person or a group of people to undergo “on the spot” drug tests (under provisions of the fifth amendment of the Narcotics Act

4)  To arrest any person involved in the commission of any offence related to illegal drug

5)  To seize any illegal drugs or any property being used or intending to be used in the commission of offences relating to narcotics or such that may be used in evidence

6)  To search under the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code

7)  To make inquiries regarding suspects alleged to be involved in offences relating to narcotic

8)  Issue a letter of enquiry or a summons to any person or official of any Government agency to give a statement or submit an account, document or material for examination

The Act on Measures for the Suppression of Offenders in an Offence relating to Narcotics 2534 (1991) provides that two or more persons conspiring to commit an offence relating to narcotics shall be guilty of conspiracy and if the offence is subsequently committed, shall all be equally liable to the penalty imposed for such offences.

The above act provides for the forfeiture of all “instruments, equipment, conveyances, machineries or any other properties used in the commission of an offence relating to narcotics or used as accessories for producing the consequence of the commission of an offence relating to narcotics or possessed for use in the commission of an offence relating to narcotics,” irrespective of whether any person is convicted in relation to any such offences. Authorities may also ‘seize, restrain or confiscate the proceeds of drug trafficking’ in any case and additionally prosecute offences which took place outside the Kingdom if:

  1. The offender or any accomplice is a Thai national or has a place of residence in Thailand
  2. The offender is an alien and intends its consequence to occur within the Kingdom or the Thai Government is the injured person
  3. The offender is an alien and such act is an offence under the law of the State in the jurisdiction of which the offence is committed, if such offender has appeared in the Kingdom and has not been extradited under the law on extradition
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A New 6-Year High Thai Baht

A New 6-Year High Thai Baht

Thailand’s central bank has found it tough to stop surging Thai Baht.

On Friday, Thai currency advanced as much as 0.3% reaching the closed exchange value of 30.187 per dollar, the strongest level since end of May 2013. By gaining to 7.8% this year, Thai Baht is valued more than any of its emerging-market peers except Russians.

The gains make Thai authorities now fear that Baht’s strength is becoming a drag on Thai economy so the central bank should take a cautious care of the currency. The question is that why is Thai Baht so strong?

The answer may be as follows:

Several factors are attracting foreign investors in to Thailand, making it a haven for foreign investment such as:

1. Healthy current account which according to analysts at Goldman Sachs Group Inc.

2. On the other hand, the International Monetary Fund forecasts the country will post a surplus of 6% of gross domestic product this year, almost a double of Japan’s.

3. Thailand’s reserves and negligible inflation also provide comfort to the investors.

4. The central bank’s foreign-cash pile stands at $220 billion, the equivalent of more than 12 months of Thai imports.

5. Inflation which currently has been running under 0.3% which is below the central bank’s target of 1% to 4%.

6. Thailand is getting a boost from gold. A hub for bullion trading,

7. Thailand has benefited as jitters about the U.S.-China trade war and global economic slowdown have driven a 17% gain in the price of the metal this year.

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Thailand Visa Entries are now limited

Thailand Visa Entries are now limited

According the latest measure in Thailand, border runs have been cut short due to the very recent changes in rules regarding free entry by Thai immigration.

Since January 1 to December 31, all foreigners holding nationalities under the Visa Exemption List who wish to enter Thailand via border posts from neighboring countries at Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Malaysia without applying a prior visa from respective embassy will now be granted a 30-day visa exemption stamps just 2 times per yea0.,

A spokesman for the Thai Immigration Bureau said that the new visa regulation was created to encourage foreigners entering the Kingdom to secure the proper visas in advance from a Royal Thai Embassy prior to their travel in to the country. The new rule will also limit the amount of visa runs being made by foreigners to extend their stay which is in violation of Immigration laws.

This change only applies to visitors who have not obtained a visa beforehand from an embassy abroad and the ones entering the Kingdom from any border by land. Those who arrive at an airport without a prior visa will still continue to be granted a 30-day visa for up to 6 times per year. Any extensions at Thai Immigration Bureau for the visa exemption stamps will remain 30 days for exchange of a fee of 1,900 baht or 65 USD.

The only exception to these new regulations will be the Malaysian nationals entering to Thailand from Malaysia as they will continue to receive an unlimited 30-day Visa Exemption stamps.

On the other hands, the good news awaiting tourists are the new regulations set by Thai Immigration Bureau. Now the visitors can regularly travel to Thailand without any limitations of their stay within a total of 90 days in a six-month period.

The restriction has already been revoked so now the tourists can visit Thailand as often as they want if they obtain a 30-day Visa on Arrival at any airports or a 15-day Visa on Arrival if they are traveling via any land borders.

However, immigration officials still recommend getting visas from an embassy prior to their arrival in Thailand as they trying to remind the visitors that back-to-back short visas are not the proper way of staying in the Kingdom when deciding a long-term stay in the country.

This new regulation is predicted to be greatly beneficial to travel agencies as more border trips are expected to be booked with the increased influx of tourists eager to renew their visas by a visa run.

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