FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why do we need your services?

A: Our expertise can help you avoid costly delays setting up your business in Thailand. We can help you fast track the government and legal requirements, ensure you meet the right people, and help you find suitable locations for your business. The cost savings in time saved alone can be enormous.

And, because we already know the government and legal procedures we can get your company registered quickly so that you can start business much faster than if you tried to do it on your own.

Q: Are you basically a one stop shop for everything from forming a company to insuring all of its needs?

A: Yes, we are. Our wide-ranging contacts are your best assurance that you will not have to waste time sourcing reliable service providers. Our CEO, Marc Holt, has lived and done business in Thailand for 30 years. He speaks Thai and understands how to do business in Thailand. He knows where to go, who to see, and how to get things done.

Q: How long is your contract with a client?

A: Setting up a new business takes time. Each client's needs are different. We will work with you for as long as it takes to get your business set up and operational. We do ask for a minimum 3 months at first, as it will take at least this long to introduce you to the Thailand market.

Because we are always available to answer any questions and help our clients overcome hurdles that crop up when doing business in a new country, retaining our services until your business is standing on its own makes good fiscal sense.

Q: Thailand is a developing country. Surely there are only a few people who can afford my product or service?

A: Over the last 30 years, Thailand has gone from an agrarian based economy to manufacturing and services. Some of the biggest names in manufacturing are here, including names like Sanyo, Aztec Australia (engineering), Oxiana Limited (Mining). IT and Software companies like Evergreen Comware, Microsoft, Lotus, Tenix Traffic Solutions are doing business already. Many international banks and service companies have set up operations here too, including Citi Bank, HK Bank, Tesco Lotus, McDonalds, KFC, Sizzler.

Thailand boasts a growing middle class, and a very rich upper income bracket. Ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is one of the richest men in Asia. You will see expensive cars like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and upscale shops selling international fashion and beauty product brand names like Hermes, Piaget, Lancôme, L'Oréal all over Thailand.

Demand for Western products and services is high. You can't afford to miss this opportunity to move into a growing market.

Q: What's it like living and working in Thailand?

A: Thailand offers many advantages for a businessman coming here. The business climate is excellent. Thais, especially the Thai-Chinese, are natural born entrepreneurs and business people. The government actively encourages business with organizations like the BOI and the Department of Export Promotion. They offer incentives to attract businesses that include long term tax breaks, and duty free import/export.

Good weather, superb food with a wide variety of cuisines available, the work force is plentiful at very low wages compared to the West. The infrastructure in Bangkok has improved transport immensely over the last few years. But most importantly, the Thais themselves are easygoing and very tolerant. They enjoy life and you will see smiles wherever you go. This truly is a paradise for many. I came here for a one week holiday 30 years ago and I am still on holiday!

If you have a product or service that is doing well back home, it will certainly do well here in Thailand too.

Q: Can you help my HR needs in Thailand?

A: Yes we can. Read about our service here: Click!

Q: Can you help with funding for equipment?

A: No.

Q: Can you help with property for offices and/or living?

A: Yes, we work with real estate companies throughout Thailand. Marc Holt was in the real estate business himself and he knows the market very well.

Q: Can we buy property in Thailand?

A: Like many questions you ask in Thailand, there are a variety of possible answers:

Although the law specifically states that foreigners can not own land in Thailand in their own name, they can own the building(s) on the land. This may sound strange at first, but don't think of it is a deterrent. You can own property, as long as you do it the right way. But before I explain how, there are two notable exceptions to the law banning foreigners owning property.

If a foreign company has Board of Investment (BOI) approval and the land is part of the project (usually manufacturing), as long as the company conforms strictly to the BOI terms they can buy land in the company name and build their business facilities. For the full government laws on property ownership, click here
Land Code Section 96, allows foreigners to buy up to one Rai of land to build a house to live in with their Thai spouse, providing they also invest at least 40 million Baht for five years in government bonds, recognized property mutual funds or BOI projects. You must get permission from the Interior Ministry and the ownership is monitored by the Lands Department.

Q: So why do so many foreigners appear to own property in Thailand?

A: There are two answers to this:

Foreigners may own a condominium 100% freehold in their own name, as long as the total foreign ownership in the building does not exceed 49%.
You cannot buy and own land in Thailand. But you can own the building standing on land owned by a Thai, or a Thai entity. So you can take a long-term leasehold on a property. If the law changes before the lease expires it may even be possible for you to convert the property into your ownership.

Q: What is a Thai entity?

A: It is a Thai company, and you can open a Thai company with you owning up to 49% of the shares, while a group of 7 Thais must own the other 51%.

Sounds dangerous doesn't it?

It is! The government has closed the loophole that allowed foreigners to manipulate the shareholder's voting rights to gain managing control of the company. From now on, you will have to have real Thai partners instead of nominees.

However, you can still buy and own property in your own right through Leasehold. Under Thai law, a lease is good for 30 years. There is no option to renew, but it is possible for your lawyer to negotiate this with the land owner for two more extensions. We can help you get the best possible deal.

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