I'm looking to start a new business in Thailand under the Amity Treaty. I've been to Thailand many a times over the past 15 years. Looking at the requirements for a business visa on the Thai embassy website, I see the following:

 

            - Letter from the applicant’s company indicating the applicant’s position, length of employment, salary and purpose of visit(s) to Thailand.    How can I get a letter from a                             company that doesn't exist?
            - Documents showing correspondence with business partners in Thailand.     I don't have any business partners in Thailand.
            - Evidence of financial status in the case where the applicant is self-employed.     I have investors and am starting a business. Am I considered self-employed by the Thai                               government? If so, how do I show financial status?
            - Letter of invitation from trading or associated partners/companies in Thailand.     Don't have any, so no letter.
            - Corporate documents of associated partners/companies in Thailand such as:...     NA

 

So, do I just not submit anything for these requirements, or do I attach a letter explaining my situation? What do people who come to Thailand to start a business usually do in this situation? 

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

25 minutes ago, tsk3009 said:

What do people who come to Thailand to start a business usually do in this situation? 

 

Prudent ones find a good attorney that can keep them from shooting themselves in the butt by following advice from bar stool experts.

 

No disrespect to the OP, but just following the rules isn't enough.  There are a million things that can make the business fail and a thousand ways to improve the chances of succeeding.  Including whether you want a Thai based corporation, or one based in the USA (or HK or...) with a Thai division.

 

That's worth lawyer money.

 

Best of luck.  I'm contemplating a similar adventure.

 

37 minutes ago, tsk3009 said:

What do people who come to Thailand to start a business usually do in this situation? 

You can start the business while on a tourist visa. Then after you have it set up and can meet the requirement you would apply for a work permit. Then with proof you have applied for a work permit you can apply for single entry non-b visa.

I contacted a law firm a few days ago asking the simple question of whether an American can set up a limited partnership under the Amity Treaty, and their response was... we don't know but we will find out for you. Haven't heard anything in a couple days. They seemed like a legit law firm as well. Besides, I like to understand what is actually going on legally anyway.

16 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

You can start the business while on a tourist visa. 

Does it need to be a proper tourist visa applied for at an embassy, or can it be a 30-day stamp on arrival that most westerners come on? Thanks.

3 minutes ago, tsk3009 said:

Does it need to be a proper tourist visa applied for at an embassy, or can it be a 30-day stamp on arrival that most westerners come on? Thanks.

It does not have to be a tourist visa entry but the 60 day entry from it gives you more time without needing to do a 30 day extension of the 30 day visa exempt entry.

Check on Siam Legal site on Amity Treaty. It lists the conditions financial etc and also the list of prohibited categories of work etc etc.

I don't work for them by the way.

2 hours ago, impulse said:

That's worth lawyer money.

I fully agree with Impulse. There are a lot of hic-hups for a company registration, registered capital, affidavit, applying for licences (if applicable), tax number... to be followed by the application process of a work permit and ... finally the visa. I also strongly would suggest to use the service of a "reputable " law office which will arrange all those services for a price. I would contact some of them and request a quotation for the complete process, compare and follow procedure.

Ask Sunbelt Asia.

 

I am 2 years into a similar start-up.  My suggestion is that you are looking at this too soon in your business start-up.  Find a partner and get all the other ducks in a row so that an attorney can answer these for you in a very positive manner.  They are telling you with these questions what they want & what this treaty agreement was set up for.  Not a poor american entrepenure.  You need to have it all set up so that business registration & this ( BOI also?) meet their expectations & you get approved. 

 

Govt people anywhere are not programed to 'help' you start up. just process the paperwork.  Frankly, they don't want you, & the only way to make you an exception is to be very rich yourself ( in which case you would not post here) or obtain Thai partners wiling to work with & finance your business - & put their name on the line with these.  If you cannot find a Thai partner then it is not going to fly.