Thai PM assures foreign investors of Thailand’s political stability

[TAWP]

Has Mrs. Prime Minister also revealed to all those so-eager-cannot-wait investors that they typically can only own 49% of their venture while - even more typically - having to put up 100% of the required funds?

It would be wonderful if people like you took the effort to understand the applicable law. Yes, there are restrictions on foreign ownership in some sectors. Thailand, like other countries restricts foreign ownership of key industries like media (just like the USA), or of airlines (just like Australia and Canada). The 49% ownership rule does not apply for sectors such light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and food products. As well, the 49% rule can be waived for some investments. Who do you think has a greater likelihood of getting a waiver; A heavy manufacturing firm that will provide hundreds of well paying jobs, a pension scheme and a responsible environmental and societal code of ethics or Jimmy Fitzdribble from Leeds who wants to open a bar or Heinrich Shnitzle who wants to open a shop selling the same goods every other shop in a 100km radius sells? It's all about the quality of the investment. The Thai government will drop its pants to attract important industries and that means offering subsidies and tax waivers, just like other foreign governments seeking investors will do. The restrictions on low end foreign investments makes good sense as it protects both the local Thai small merchants class, and also acts to protect the foreigners from losing their investments. Does Thailand really need to encourage foreigners who want to set up bars, or beauty salons or guest houses? These are not sectors that need foreign investment.

Since a Thai person are allowed to move to my country and open a restaurant, why shouldn't I be able to do the same here? (Not that I want to open a restaurant, but...)

Protectionism always protects the elite and is never in the best interest of the people.

It is unfortunate that some people fail to recognize it.