Vera Said:

Can a US Citizen own a business in Thailand?

We Answered:

Yes you can, firstly you have to set up a company this can only be done in Thailand, you also need 6 Thais which a lawyer will get you.
WORD OF WARNING, you will only own 49 percent of the company, its risky as the thais have to be paid every month just to keep their names, also you will have to employ at least 5 thais, you can buy property, again with thais, YOU DO NOT OWN THE LAND, so also there is a risk, especially with the government if they want the land you lose your property, please beware you could lose a lot of money.
However you can own land, property, and business in Vietnam as you are from the U.S. something to do with the war, you can own 1 rai which is shy of an acre, outright in your own name. good luck.

Katherine Said:

Buying a business in Thailand - Work permit?

We Answered:

The answer is yes, as a business owner you can legally live in Thailand.

There are a myriad of events required to business ownership.

If you buy a business, you can legally own 49% and you have to find some one TRUSTWORTHY to own the other 51%. If you understand this, you will realize the 51% share holders are the majority owners, even if you put up ALL the cash for the whole business. Never blindly trust anyone with this.

Some of the better law firms can use their officers in this situation and you would be better to consult them first as you don't want to buy a business and get screwed out of it by the 51% shareholders.

As a foreigner, first of all a non-immigrant resident B visa is required. One you have the VISA in hand, you can apply for a work permit.

Now a work permit for a foreigner requires that you show 2,000,000 thai baht registered capital. This is for one work permit and for every foreign work permit you have, you must hire 4 Thai's. That is the law.

The best advice was already given, hire a lawyer and get the ins and outs so you don't get screwed.

Sunbelt appears to be the lowest cost, most popular legal option to setting up a business and you can contact Sunbelt for free initial consultation and get all the estimates and facts FIRST.

This is you best advice and first step. Contact Sunbelt and get all the costs and facts. Then you can make educated decisions on whether or not it is worth it.

Irma Said:

How to open a business in Thailand?

We Answered:

I had a consulting business in Bangkok for 9 years, so I know more than a little about this subject.

First of all, there's not enough space here to even begin to to tell you about the topic. Best bet for you is to buy a book called "Thais Mean Business: The Expat's Guide to Doing Business in Thailand" by Robert Cooper. It's available from Amazon.com, and will answer pretty much all of your questions.

Aside from that, I strongly recommend that you get a trusted Thai partner who will be part of your business. The language, the culture, the difficulty of navigating through their regularions, etc. will present substantial barriers for you without having a Thai native on your team.

Good luck.

Myrtle Said:

How do i start an Internet business from Thailand?

We Answered:

To be honest - , first do your business plan. You need to know exactly what you are doing. What is your product is not the problem. Knowing the market, knowing the niche, a group of community that will buy from you. Start small..but regarding credit cards etc..

Yes, you do need credit cards, a bank account, and that is the same with all business but no card sales until you know what it is you are importing. I am sure, you have Chambers of Commerce in your country. So join them, and you will open to many resources, contacts and they can direct you to contacts that are professionals than people who are dodgy.

So, before you do ANYTHING...go to them, have your idea on paper and even into a tight business plan and they will make an appointment. Service should be free. They will advise all you need to know because asking such advise here, isn't really the right way especially when it is your future and business.

Everett Said:

Is it easier to buy an apartment in Thailand rather than a house with land?

We Answered:

The only real estate a foreigner can own in Thailand is condos where the majority of owners are Thai nationals.

So there is no answer to your question. There are ways to be able to enjoy and use an apartment or a house but in my humble opinion none of them are perfect.

The easiest ways that people "buy" a house or real estate in Thailand is by putting it in their partners name. Then they lease it back for 30 years. The contract can also have a clause that will allow to extend the lease for an additional 30 years.

That way you will be able to enjoy the property and if you break up with your partner you have a lease contract. After the contract expires your partner gets the property.

All of that has to be set up with an attorney who has a good reputation, has been in business for a long time, and preferably speaks your language and understands Thai law in and out.

Good luck.

If I was you I would live in Thailand first before you think about buying. Renting is just fine and doesn't give you sleepless nights.

Morris Said:

How can I buy stuff from Thailand really really cheap to resell ? Specifically dollhouse miniatures.?

We Answered:

Visit the country, meet the people and talk business. At least if you see the shop you know its there to start, and they know you are legit, and will hunt them down, should they fail to send the products when you send the dough. Start with small orders first, so cash loss is small should they fail to deliver. If they see profit in it they will most likely continue as a good trading partner.

Lawrence Said:

how easy is it to open or buy a business in s.e asia?

We Answered:

don't even think about thailand, the laws are so tough, your need 8 lawyers, 3 wifes, and 100 thai business partners.