Can a foreigner obtain a license in his personal name to open a beer bar in Thailand, or is this a restricted business under the foreign business act ?

Although it is not a restricted activity you cannot hold the licenses as an individual. You would need to open a company and the Food and Alcohol licenses would be issued to that company. You can open other types of juristic entities but you would not be able to act as a managing director of the business and you would not be able to get a work permit so a Thai Limited Company is recommended if you plan on running the business yourself.

[sunbeltlegal][/sunbeltlegal]