Setting Up One-man-company - Farang Owner, Can Get Wp?

[Thanh-BKK]

Hello

Sorry to bother, but i think i found some kind of business that i could run alone and would actually be interested in doing. Which is going to Panthip, buying a truckload of parts, bringing 'em home, build computers and sell those, either via "classified" type of thing in newspapers and forums or via E-Bay.

I can easily do this alone, my apartment has sufficient space (if not i'll rent the neighbor room too) and i believe my computers would be EXTREMELY competitive.

Now i have a number of questions.

1) CAN i actually register, own and run a company all by myself legally?

2) Does it yield me a work permit? I've got a non-B multi-entry visa already.

3) Is "assembling computers" a work type permitted for foreigners?

4) What would be the minimum financial requirements for the COMPANY SETUP (of course not for stock, logistic etc), just the legal things? Such as "paid capital" etc...... does that apply to a "micro company" at all?

I would apreciate any advise on this matter.

With kind regards.....

Thanh

PS before someone thinks he/she must shoot a "that's a foolish idea" comment: This is exactly the way "Highscreen" started out - one man assembling PC's from cheap parts. Now "Highscreen" is one of Germany's leading Computer Manufacturers!

Edited August 3, 2007 by Thanh-BKK

[pedro01]

That's how Dell started out too.

Mind you he didn't have Dell to compete with

[Thanh-BKK]

That's how Dell started out too.

Mind you he didn't have Dell to compete with

Hi

Thanks for that.... about Dell, i have to say without wishing to brag, i built a computer last weekend (for pay) which i got 30k Baht for, it had higher spec than a 95.000 Baht "Dell" Plus in mine were quality parts (Asus, AMD, Enermax, ATI, Kingston, Seagate, Lite-On) only.

I still see high-priced brand-name machines with cheap no-name parts in them....... which is why i mentioned i would be "extremely competitive".

Plus, as a company i'd get the parts cheaper - from the wholesaler instead of from the retailers in Panthip, thus my profit would be better (or the computers even cheaper).

My profit on that one was more than a thai standard monthly salary, and i DID buy the parts retail!

Best regards.....

Thanh

[thomo]

Best contact sunbelt or a similar company and they should be able to tell you everything you need/want/don't want to know.

[gregchambers]

Speaking generally, the Thai system is brilliant at generating lots of small Thai owned and run businesses - I mean they pop up everywhere in a way that would cause the local councils in the UK to go completely berserk! When it comes to farang joining in at the same kind of basic level the answer is basically... no! If you want to start up a small factory employing some Thais then the answer is maybe... if you get a good lawyer on your side. I posted something like this before, but it does make the next Dell go somewhere else to start up!

[RichardEllis]

Speaking generally, the Thai system is brilliant at generating lots of small Thai owned and run businesses - I mean they pop up everywhere in a way that would cause the local councils in the UK to go completely berserk! When it comes to farang joining in at the same kind of basic level the answer is basically... no! If you want to start up a small factory employing some Thais then the answer is maybe... if you get a good lawyer on your side. I posted something like this before, but it does make the next Dell go somewhere else to start up!

Good point. The basic attitude appears to be that if you are doing something that a Thai could do, then you can't. If you do something to employ Thais then maybe you can. Providing Thais can own 51% of your company, though I understand there are a few (unattractive) exceptions to this (which is why they are exceptions). The government will protect Thais income-generating ability ferociously in a short-sighted kind of a way, and of course it IS short-sighted.

You can buy a shelf company from Sunbelt, it will cost you about 20,000bt, plus about 7000 if you need a WP. They can also arrange the Thai shareholding under current law, but bear in mind that voting rights may require restructuring to give Thais control of your business at some stage, possibly soon. The bottom line here is the government wants you to invest time money and expertise, but they don't want you to actually own the profits or the benefits. Thailand is increasingly becoming for Thais only, and I believe the majority of farang recognise this if they don't actually give voice to it.

Caution needs to be the watchword.

On the other hand, you can just do it for a few mates and keep schtum. Given the ability of the police force it is doubtful you would get caught unless you actually sold one to a copper and even then it is 50/50 you would only lose some 'tea-money'. Cynicism rools OK.

Rich

[thedi]

On the other hand, you can just do it for a few mates and keep schtum. Given the ability of the police force it is doubtful you would get caught unless you actually sold one to a copper and even then it is 50/50 you would only lose some 'tea-money'. Cynicism rools OK.

To do it without a proper WP and keep under the radar would prevent the OP to become the next Dell: as soon as he gets successful, he will get into problems - not so successful competitors may see to to that. So his enterprise can only be unsuccessful or lead to disaster - take your choice

Do it with a proper WP or just enjoy your holidays here in Thailand. In fact thats what Thailand is great for: to spend money. On the other hand Thailand is one of the most difficult places to earn money.

[RichardEllis]

On the other hand, you can just do it for a few mates and keep schtum. Given the ability of the police force it is doubtful you would get caught unless you actually sold one to a copper and even then it is 50/50 you would only lose some 'tea-money'. Cynicism rools OK.

To do it without a proper WP and keep under the radar would prevent the OP to become the next Dell: as soon as he gets successful, he will get into problems - not so successful competitors may see to to that. So his enterprise can only be unsuccessful or lead to disaster - take your choice

Do it with a proper WP or just enjoy your holidays here in Thailand. In fact thats what Thailand is great for: to spend money. On the other hand Thailand is one of the most difficult places to earn money.

Yep. Agreed, and of course you are right about the competitors. Tongue is now out of cheek.

Rich

Edited August 4, 2007 by RichardEllis

[N47HAN]

hundreds of threads bout this m8, search the forum for all the input youll need.

The single best advice you can be given is...... DO IT LEGIT.

Sure its gonna cost you money to start it up , but so do all companies anywhere in the world, would you do it illegally in your home country ?

Speak to sunbelt and all your questions will be answered Correctly and not just " Opinions " and most important legally.

[JR Texas]

Speaking generally, the Thai system is brilliant at generating lots of small Thai owned and run businesses - I mean they pop up everywhere in a way that would cause the local councils in the UK to go completely berserk! When it comes to farang joining in at the same kind of basic level the answer is basically... no! If you want to start up a small factory employing some Thais then the answer is maybe... if you get a good lawyer on your side. I posted something like this before, but it does make the next Dell go somewhere else to start up!

Very true and a terrible situation for Thailand. It is clear that THEY do not want us here......it is clear that THEY do not want us to start businesses and hire Thais and create wealth here. So why even bother?

Look around you.....virtually every country in the region has visa/business policies that are far better than those in Thailand. Let the ship sink.......it is their ship......just let it go under.....they deserve it........payback for their arrogance, xenophobia and stupidity.

[Thanh-BKK]

Hi

Thanks for all the replies. However i won't let "the ship sink" as my current "family" is on that ship - i live here since a long time so i am in no way on holiday and i just want to get out of the "odd job" carousel and do something legit. When no company gives me a WP because they're either to small or just simply because i don't qualify (being able to do just about any kind of work and having a degree is two different things!) i have to find a different way to stay here legit and still earn the daily rice.

An own business would seem logical. Now i'm restricted to few fields - my profession (electrician) is a no-brainer here - they earn like 140 Baht per day. I could also open a garage (my second profession - motor mechanic), however for THAT i'd need a heck of a startup capital for machinery and tools - which i don't have, so no go too. So only one left - my hobby and current employment: Computers. Not much required for initial stocking - can "buy as you go", say i got an order for two machines i go and get parts for two machines. No machinery or tools needed apart from a phillips screwdriver. And no large office or workshop needed - my one-room apartment is large enough as long as i don't get orders of say, 10 machines at once. And in such case i can rent the neighbor room without trouble as the landlady is fond of me - i stay six years and eight months in the same room, haven't once paid the rent late and never been loud at night or caused trouble.

Only thing which i have no idea of is the legality of it all, i.e. "shareholders" - are they needed for a one-man-show? Thai or foreign ownership? And of course, to GET the whole thing legit, i need a WP because i'm the one assembling and delivering the machines. I don't care if i would be "Managing Director" or "The One Who Assembles" as long as it's legit and i got the WP to do so, pay taxes etc.

Now, 51% thai - i have a thai boyfriend who stays with me, we are together since the first day i arrived here. The company can be 100% owned by him, i wouldn't care. But IF it's a company owned by him (thai), to get ME a WP there would be the "usual" requirements, yes? I.e. 7 thais (or 4?) per farang, alternative 2 million Baht "paid up capital"..? If i HAD two millions, i could pay the kidney transplant and wouldn't need to worry about getting some small legit business off the ground.

Finally, to contact Sunbelt (excuse my stupid question, but i been burned once) will they give me "just some information" for free? Because i once thought i'd need a lawyer so i called some - and was shocked that they actually charged for answering questions over the telephone!

With kind regards....

Thanh

[Sunbelt Asia]

Hi

Thanks for all the replies. However i won't let "the ship sink" as my current "family" is on that ship - i live here since a long time so i am in no way on holiday and i just want to get out of the "odd job" carousel and do something legit. When no company gives me a WP because they're either to small or just simply because i don't qualify (being able to do just about any kind of work and having a degree is two different things!) i have to find a different way to stay here legit and still earn the daily rice.

An own business would seem logical. Now i'm restricted to few fields - my profession (electrician) is a no-brainer here - they earn like 140 Baht per day. I could also open a garage (my second profession - motor mechanic), however for THAT i'd need a heck of a startup capital for machinery and tools - which i don't have, so no go too. So only one left - my hobby and current employment: Computers. Not much required for initial stocking - can "buy as you go", say i got an order for two machines i go and get parts for two machines. No machinery or tools needed apart from a phillips screwdriver. And no large office or workshop needed - my one-room apartment is large enough as long as i don't get orders of say, 10 machines at once. And in such case i can rent the neighbor room without trouble as the landlady is fond of me - i stay six years and eight months in the same room, haven't once paid the rent late and never been loud at night or caused trouble.

Only thing which i have no idea of is the legality of it all, i.e. "shareholders" - are they needed for a one-man-show? Thai or foreign ownership? And of course, to GET the whole thing legit, i need a WP because i'm the one assembling and delivering the machines. I don't care if i would be "Managing Director" or "The One Who Assembles" as long as it's legit and i got the WP to do so, pay taxes etc.

Now, 51% thai - i have a thai boyfriend who stays with me, we are together since the first day i arrived here. The company can be 100% owned by him, i wouldn't care. But IF it's a company owned by him (thai), to get ME a WP there would be the "usual" requirements, yes? I.e. 7 thais (or 4?) per farang, alternative 2 million Baht "paid up capital"..? If i HAD two millions, i could pay the kidney transplant and wouldn't need to worry about getting some small legit business off the ground.

Finally, to contact Sunbelt (excuse my stupid question, but i been burned once) will they give me "just some information" for free? Because i once thought i'd need a lawyer so i called some - and was shocked that they actually charged for answering questions over the telephone!

With kind regards....

Thanh

Over the years we have given tons of free advice and continue to do so. Of course if you use our service, we will have a professional fee.

Can you own a sole proprietorship as a foreigner in Thailand? Yes if you are an American. This however will cost money.

Otherwise in most cases you will need a Thai or American partner. Your bF can be a sole proprietorship and get you a work permit, if he hires 4 Thais ( this 4 Thai requirement is only for a natural employer. With a corporation, no Thais will need to be employed for a work permit) or he paid tax last year of 50K in Thailand.

Sorry to say, Thailand is not a very nice place to live if you have limited funds. Best plan may be to go home and get more capital by working first. Many companies fail with having a small amt of funds to work with. The odds are stacked against you.

www.sunbeltasiagroup.com