Start Restaurant Business And Wp

[bangmatt]

I have been living in thailand fully now for 2 years. I am married to a thai and we have just started considering opening a restaurant in a reasonably busy tourist spot. With the intention of running a Sandwich/pizza bar using home baked goods and a thai menu.

She would be the sole proprietor. But we both want to be running the restaurant on a daily basis. If it makes any difference I currently have a 1 yr visa ext on type O visa and i am a Uk national. So just a few questions.

Is it possible for me to work in the restaurant legally, not having to hide away out the back somewhere?

Is it possible to run this business with just the 2 of us involved? or do we need a minimum number of staff?

Is it necessary to register the business in any way? if it is just a sole proprietorship?

The idea is that she would be responsible for the thai menu of the restaurant and i want be involved in preparing the international food, and be involved out front.

I have know many farang own bars but arent seen working in them. Usually just working secretly behind the scenes. I know of 1 farang openly working in his restaurant but i dont know if he is doing this legally nor do I want to ask him directly what he is up to.

Any help would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your replies. Also if there is anything else that you feel I should take into consideration please share it with me. Thanx

[astral]

Move to where the best advice will be available

[Tonycheston]

Hello bangmat

Sorry that can't help you.

I too am in the same boat, except I do not have a Thai or other partner. I am also from the UK and want to start a business.

I have posted a message on this forum and will post more on other forums. Let's keep in touch and exchange any information we can gather. I do not want to go into catering so don't worry about any competition my side.

send me your e-mail and if I get any news I will inform you. If you get any news please inform me too.

Good luck

Tony

Edit: email removed per forum rules and to avoid spam send to email. Advise to send a PM with your email - mario2008

[Mario2008]

Not an expert on work permits, but it is possible to get one to work in a restaurant. Being married to a Thai I believe you need at least 2 Thai workers, and a registered capital of 2 million baht.

For starting a company have a look att the information here:

http://www.boi.go.th/english/how/legal_iss...n_investors.asp

Some of the information will be useful.

[worldfun]

matt interesting post.

'unfortunately' the legal work permit rules are rather strict so as long as you're deemed to be doing 'any work' regardless if getting income on it or not a work permit is required.

so e.g. volunteers, charity workers etc need work permits.

in practice of course many work without.

not sure what the 'risk' would be for your case...

good luck!

[torrenova]

Obviously you will need a WP to do anything other than own the business.

As for working in food preparation, then I think you are in a difficult area. As you cannot do a job reserved for a Thai which I guess would include waiting at tables and advising on the menu, I guess you would have to get them to agree that you brought a specialisation in cooking which Thai people could not do.

Do you now or patronise any of the international restaurants in Thailand ? They would know for sure. Thinking mainly about one man band operations (chef wise) Casa Pascal, Brunos and some others in Pattaya.