Business Guide · 2026

Start a Business in Thailand 2026: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Every guide you need from choosing the right structure to opening your first bank account.

Written by Jon · movetothai.land founder
Updated May 2026
2026 Accurate

Starting a business in Thailand as a foreigner is genuinely possible, but the requirements are specific, the structure matters, and the compliance costs are real. This hub collects every guide you need to go from idea to operating company.

What you need to know first: Most foreigners operate through a Thai Private Limited Company with Thai shareholders holding 51% and the foreigner holding 49%. This avoids the Foreign Business Act restrictions without needing a Foreign Business License. US citizens can use the Treaty of Amity for 100% ownership. BOI-promoted companies of any nationality can also own 100% in qualifying sectors.

Guides in This Section

Best Businesses to Start

Which sectors work for foreigners and which don't. The honest picture.

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How Much It Costs

Every cost: registration fees, registered capital, legal, annual compliance.

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BOI Thailand

Tax holidays, full foreign ownership, land rights, and the SMART Visa connection.

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Foreign Business License

The three FBA lists, when you need an FBL, and the alternatives.

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How to Start a Restaurant

Licences, Thai leases, staffing ratios, and realistic startup costs.

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Online Business from Thailand

Thai-facing vs foreign-facing: two completely different legal positions.

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Americans: Treaty of Amity

US citizens can own 100% of a Thai company. Here is how.

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Tax for Business Owners

Corporate tax, VAT, withholding tax, director salary, and compliance calendar.

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Business Bank Account

Which banks accept foreign-owned companies and what to bring.

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Essential Pages Not in This Section