Business Restrictions

[joeyb]

As I understand the Thai work restrictions, it is not permitted for foreigners to work in retail shops, but is it OK to own retail shops. I want to open a T-shirt shop in Lamai or Chaweng catering to tourists. I would not be working in the shop as I plan to hire locals. Is it OK to own and run this kind of business??

Thanks again for your fast and knowledgable comments.

Joey

[Rooo]

As I understand the Thai work restrictions, it is not permitted for foreigners to work in retail shops, but is it OK to own retail shops. I want to open a T-shirt shop in Lamai or Chaweng catering to tourists. I would not be working in the shop as I plan to hire locals. Is it OK to own and run this kind of business??

Thanks again for your fast and knowledgable comments.

Joey

Joey,

I think that is quite legal.But since you are opening a business,you will need the services of a lawyer.I would ask him all these questions, just to make sure of what the law allows you to do.Good luck.

[sbk]

Although you plan on doing this in Samui the regulations are the same all over Thailand and you will probably find your question better answered in the Business section. PM me or another mod if you would like the topic moved.

[lazeeboy]

Although you plan on doing this in Samui the regulations are the same all over Thailand and you will probably find your question better answered in the Business section. PM me or another mod if you would like the topic moved.

you can own a shop but you cant do anything including buying sitting in the shop or any involvement of the day to day running of the buisness ,work permit officers do checks from time to time and know which buisnesses have work permits asigned so they know where to check first .they get a list sent over from surat of addresses with permits and check the rest,this being low season is when they check

[joeyb]

So can you handle the money at the beginning/end of the days business? Would I have to hire a manager for such a small operation? Ideally I would like to take care of the small stuff; bringing in inventory, cash handling, bank deposit before and after store hours.

Joey

[joeyb]

Also, is it possible to get a work permit as a business owner? What would it be for??

Joey

[highdiver]

Also, is it possible to get a work permit as a business owner? What would it be for??

Joey

you can own a business in thailand and f you open a thai company you can get a work permit as the manager.

however to get a work permit you will need to have at least 4 Thai staff on your payroll.

you can not work as a forigner in any of the trades restricted by the forign buisness act.

if it is a shop then you will need to have a thai staff present at al times at the shop. you can not stay there by yourself.

the easiest thing is to consult with a lawyer. or go to the imigration and labour and ask them.