What small businesses make a lot of money in Thailand?

[arby]

Here is a product I have experience with and I think Thailand is ready for it . You can acquire the rights to be the sole manufacturer/distributor in this part of Asia. Check out their website: www.en.mdue.it.

[Shancloudy]

Are you interested in a mining business? ( but in the Philippines not in Thailand )

[garyk]

Start an internet business. Build it slow. Many make a good living here on the internet. Just pick something you think will sell. Then market it.

[rick2014]

I have an interesting opportunity for you. Your timing is perfect. I happen to be looking for a financial partner to expand my business. I own and operate an existing mineral exploration company that sources the mineral antimony. Most people have never heard of antimony, but it is used extensively in many products we use in our daily life. It is used as a flame-retardant for children's clothing, firefighters clothing, mattresses, plastic encasements for televisions, air conditioners and computers, toys, aircraft and automobile seat covers. It is also used as an alloy in lead-acid batteries. The Chinese have dominated this market for more than 50 years, but their reserves of antimony are almost depleted. I have established supply lines for antimony and have a customer base that will buy all of the antimony I can supply. The profits are quite a bit higher than what you were looking for. If you are interested, I would be happy to send you a detailed business plan.

[minikev]

Pattaya is the ideal place to start some fast food business of your own name Hot dogs,good sandwiches or Kebabs etc etc. Taken to a much higher level than the street vendors. If the place was highly visible (location location) spotlessly clean, fast polite service, good food it would be heaving. Foreigners from all countries are hunting for good clean food here. Give it a quirky name related to the surroundings of Pattaya, I reckon you would get inquiries for a franchise in no time.

[rickirs]

Open a trading account with an online US stock broker and invest in the American market indices. Then enjoy your life wherever you should retire to.

[kinmaew]

OP: As a starting point have a look at the URL below, as well as arranging a meeting with the Commercial Attache at your Embassy for a SWOT analysis of investing in Thailand. Might be a good idea to meet a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce for your nationality, for Canadians the URL is below. Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais.

http://www.boi.go.th

http://www.tccc.or.th/

" Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais."

What % of a business can Aussies own?

Edited January 4, 2014 by kinmaew

[simple1]

OP: As a starting point have a look at the URL below, as well as arranging a meeting with the Commercial Attache at your Embassy for a SWOT analysis of investing in Thailand. Might be a good idea to meet a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce for your nationality, for Canadians the URL is below. Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais.

http://www.boi.go.th

http://www.tccc.or.th/

" Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais."

What % of a business can Aussies own?

Look up the Thai / Australia Free Trade Agreement.

[VocalNeal]

If I owned a hotel here, I would ask every customer what I could do to improve their stay and if anyone complained, their stay is on me. No different than running a business anywhere.

I am sure there are many businesses you can start. But you are stuck with the 49/51 rule unless you can find a way around it.

What will happen if the business starts to look successful? Your senior salesman will start his own company selling a competitive product. Or the 51% will convene a meeting while you are away and vote you off the board and change the signing authority, then fire you. If that doesn't work your secretary will "forget" your work permit needs to be renewed but will tell you on a Friday that you need to go on a Monday to get it renewed. There will be some huge screw up that needs your direct intervention on Saturday. Not work just a site visit or something. Min of Labour or immigration will be doing a spot check when you get there. All and more have happened.

This list is endless, that is why all the nay sayers on here have been trying to dissuade you.

Sure you can start a business, sure you could make it work if you are willing to do it ALL yourself. But if you don't speak Thai it will be difficult.

The problem I have is that being an entrepreneur you should have the idea already. Not come on an open forum looking for ideas. It should be something you have already doe that can be transposed to Thailand or something you know about that is lacking here. You could of course join a young entrepreneurs early morning network meeting, where all the young entrepreneurs are looking for an idea.(sarcasm)

There are many guys here who do and have run businesses from steel fabrication, plastic windows, acrylic moulding, making plastic buckets (apologies to you know who), cider production, real estate, civil engineering consulting, swimming pools, house construction, specialist printing, bakery supplies. But for the most part they didn't think about returns or percentages or any other MBA phrases, it wasn't about lots of money. They have a skill and used it in a local market they discovered after living here for a while. OR a multinational pulled out leaving a vacuum or some other serendipitous reason.

Sorry just got back from the beach and am bored as wife washes the dog!

Oh and your quote above. You would be out of business in a heart beat when every local customer complained !

Edited January 4, 2014 by VocalNeal

[Loles]

If you invest this money to Pattaya my sincere condolences

And who is your Thai partner with 51% ? Please don't tell me: my trustable Thai "wife" cause this makes me jump to the wall.

So take a fellow's advise and live here around 30 yrs with this money with out any problem. If you still miss problem, take home a "wife" from isaan, she and her pretty lovely and nice family can help to spend everything during the 3-6 months period.

Sorry, you take me for an idiot? A partner implies someone with education, experience and resources that together form a partnership greater than an individual's contribution. I'm not even married nor plan to as I don't see what a Thai wife can contribute to a partnership any more than a girlfriend can.

And what is wrong with investing money in Pattaya? It receives millions of visitors a year and has the confidence of Hilton Hotels, Holiday Inn, Starbucks, McDonalds and many other great foreign companies. Maybe your personal failures in your life are not necessarily reflective of those with a better ability at making money.

And why would I take on someone else's responsibilities, if you are implying a mother with children. They have a dad and its his responsibility, not mine to look after his own offspring. Should I choose to have children, I will look after mine. And I would think an educated, hard working woman who can contribute her equal share financially would not cause all money to be spent in 3 - 6 months.

I apologize Guy. I didn't want to hurt you, and didn't take you for an idiot at all. Regards.

[Loles]

What small businessess make a lot of money in Thailand?

The illegal ones.

Loan sharking, drugs, casinos, traffic police.

Who told are these "small business" They are huge.

[Loles]

SELL THESE POWER SAVERS GOING REALLY WELL HERE IN PATTAYA FROM GERMANY SAVES UPTO 20% OF YOUR ELECTRIC BILL EACH MONTH JUST PLUG IN AND SAVE MONEY AND ELECTRIC IDEAL FOR APARTMENTS CONDO'S AND SHOPS..........1200 BHAT EACH1509952_10152051043132380_954037406_n.jpg1475887_10152051043477380_2125764588_n.jpg

Man, please stop this bull_s_hit here. I have bought this type, and another (bigger black box) also, and they are 100% useless, except for the vendor

[manarak]

OP: As a starting point have a look at the URL below, as well as arranging a meeting with the Commercial Attache at your Embassy for a SWOT analysis of investing in Thailand. Might be a good idea to meet a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce for your nationality, for Canadians the URL is below. Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais.

http://www.boi.go.th

http://www.tccc.or.th/

BOI companies are not allowed to do business in Thailand. Only export.

[Loles]

Hey Mister Where you stay, why dont stay where you stay with your 30 millions bahts ahah! Put all your money in McDonalds Cement Factory , be more harsh with people and arrogant. Wish you a very sad new year.

Wow, wow, wow Dom, this man is really a bit arrogant with a huge face and he is staying exactly in his dream-world, BUT to wish him, a " verysad new year" ..... not so good for you also. To wish a bad kharma can strike back to you .... I told.

[simple1]

OP: As a starting point have a look at the URL below, as well as arranging a meeting with the Commercial Attache at your Embassy for a SWOT analysis of investing in Thailand. Might be a good idea to meet a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce for your nationality, for Canadians the URL is below. Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais.

http://www.boi.go.th

http://www.tccc.or.th/

BOI companies are not allowed to do business in Thailand. Only export.

You sure? BOI supported activities include Amusement Parks, Zoos, activities to support tourism etc etc

[brain1]

Save your money and live well for more than 40 years with 40 mm bath

Obviously dividends from 40 million could generate 200,000 baht a month forever but for most successful business owners, its not about the money; more the challenge of the growth.

To simply collect your monthly dividends and not have a challenge in life would become a dreary existence.

Only those who struggle everyday at a dead-end job with little savings look at wining the lottery like a dream; for those that are successful, there would be little change in their lifestyle as they enjoy working.

I share your passion to keep moving forward in life and have a reason to get up each and every day, have you considered:

Starting your own Franchise in different markets and at a lower entry level, the fun is still there and you can use your existing management experience to move the company forward (do bear in mind the grass route differences here in work ethic and the different class/judicial attitudes to foreigners in this country)

Your existing capital can then provide your income and you still get the buzz in keeping the grey matter active and enjoying seeing your venture prosper.

Good luck in what-ever you choose

[manarak]

OP: As a starting point have a look at the URL below, as well as arranging a meeting with the Commercial Attache at your Embassy for a SWOT analysis of investing in Thailand. Might be a good idea to meet a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce for your nationality, for Canadians the URL is below. Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais.

http://www.boi.go.th

http://www.tccc.or.th/

BOI companies are not allowed to do business in Thailand. Only export.

You sure? BOI supported activities include Amusement Parks, Zoos, activities to support tourism etc etc

yes, certain.

There might be some exceptions for tourism industries, but a BOI supported activity cannot be used to make money in Thailand.

[MRTELLYOUSTRAIGHT]

How come so posters are so downright negative, petty and angry. "A NO GO!!!" How would anyone possibly hope to live a positive and prosperous life with that type of attitude towards business? The posters that say…..start with 2 million to make 1 million….what in the hell is that?

It is a typical quote from a dullard that unfortunately seems to be the norm here in Thailand.

[Seizhin]

High margin? I say bar.....
I mentioned nothing about human trafficking though.

[simon43]

That's what I love about business. How angry and petty some people become yet you just work hard everyday and eventually all the screaming and anger is worthless as the customers will ultimately decide the better offer.

The problem is that you are not in Kansas, Dorothy.

Do you know the typical fee to 'off' a person in Thailand? 30,000 baht ($1,000) is a typical price, but it can be much cheaper. That is what it can cost your angry competitor to have his dispute with you resolved.

Does it happen? Oh yes! Not just to Thais but to foreigners as well. I know more than a dozen such killings in my locality since I moved here 12 years ago. All killings remain unsolved or were simply not investigated.

Life is very cheap in Asia. It makes sense not to involve yourself in a business that takes business away from local citizens.

My transit hotel businesses are reasonably successful because they do not take away business from local Thais (who are too lazy to work at night which is necessary for this type of business). Additionally, the local businesses benefit from my hotel guests (taxi services, massage, tour tickets etrc).

Simon

Simon

[canman]

OP: As a starting point have a look at the URL below, as well as arranging a meeting with the Commercial Attache at your Embassy for a SWOT analysis of investing in Thailand. Might be a good idea to meet a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce for your nationality, for Canadians the URL is below. Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais.

http://www.boi.go.th

http://www.tccc.or.th/

BOI companies are not allowed to do business in Thailand. Only export.

I don't think thats correct. I worked for a BOI company and we definately did business in Thailand.

[RandomSand]

If the OP must invest then probably best to start a test project (i.e think lemonade stand) to get a feel of the place.

[Tmymaimee]

That's what I love about business. How angry and petty some people become yet you just work hard everyday and eventually all the screaming and anger is worthless as the customers will ultimately decide the better offer.

The problem is that you are not in Kansas, Dorothy.

Do you know the typical fee to 'off' a person in Thailand? 30,000 baht ($1,000) is a typical price, but it can be much cheaper. That is what it can cost your angry competitor to have his dispute with you resolved.

Does it happen? Oh yes! Not just to Thais but to foreigners as well. I know more than a dozen such killings in my locality since I moved here 12 years ago. All killings remain unsolved or were simply not investigated.

Life is very cheap in Asia. It makes sense not to involve yourself in a business that takes business away from local citizens.

My transit hotel businesses are reasonably successful because they do not take away business from local Thais (who are too lazy to work at night which is necessary for this type of business). Additionally, the local businesses benefit from my hotel guests (taxi services, massage, tour tickets etrc).

Simon

Simon

Yes, well, presuming its the same price for myself to off a competitor, than shouldn't my competitor be just as afraid of me? And wouldn't that relatively low fee discourage a competitor from trying to upset me? Should a local citizen not be equally worried about taking business away from me? Especially considering I would have far more funds available to not only fix any problems but also buy my way out of trouble? I fail to see your argument.

Do you feel that Thai language schools (and the issuance of Education Visas) is the type of environment that is conducive to these types of extra-judicial killings? They certainly appear profitable and easy to set-up.

[Mooner]

A few do but then somebody notices it and copies you and you both go out of business.

[manarak]

OP: As a starting point have a look at the URL below, as well as arranging a meeting with the Commercial Attache at your Embassy for a SWOT analysis of investing in Thailand. Might be a good idea to meet a representative of the local Chamber of Commerce for your nationality, for Canadians the URL is below. Unless you are US or an Australian citizen I understand that any business will require 51% shareholder ownership by Thais.

http://www.boi.go.th

http://www.tccc.or.th/

BOI companies are not allowed to do business in Thailand. Only export.

I don't think thats correct. I worked for a BOI company and we definately did business in Thailand.

It's also possible to promote just specific projects within a company.

The rule of thumb is: one cannot get BOI-promoted and then sell the products or services produced by the BOI-activity inside Thailand.

[simon43]

[quote[

I fail to see your argument.

That's fine. Just trying to give you helpful advice...

Good luck with whatever you choose

[SheungWan]

A few do but then somebody notices it and copies you and you both go out of business.

That certainly happens with some types of businesses eg somebody nearby opened up a private shipping (parcels, DHL etc) service virtually opposite another one which had been around for years. The first one closed and then the second one.