Best Business Lawyers in Bang Khun Thian
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List of the best lawyers in Bang Khun Thian, Thailand
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Thailand Business Legal Questions answered by Lawyers
Browse our 13 legal questions about Business in Thailand and the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
- Company transfer and name change
- I would like to know whether we can transfer the company to another person and change the name of owner? What is the procedure and total amount required for new company setup for one person visa
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Lawyer answer by SORASAK LAWFIRM
Dear Sir,We would like to provide the following information:You may transfer company ownership by transferring shares to change the shareholders, and by changing the company director.Please note that, in order to be eligible for a Non-B visa, the company you...
Read full answer - Inquiry Regarding Licensing Requirements for Cryptocurrency ATMs in Thailand
- I am writing to inquire about the specific licensing requirements for operating cryptocurrency ATMs in Thailand. Could you please provide detailed information on the type of license that cryptocurrency ATM operators need to apply for?
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Lawyer answer by Mahanakorn Partners Group Co., Ltd
Dear prospective client, Thank you for reaching out with your inquiry regarding the licensing requirements for operating cryptocurrency ATMs in Thailand. In order to operate cryptocurrency ATMs in Thailand, operators are required to comply with specific regulations issued by the...
Read full answer - Airbnb in Thailand
- I'm planning to operate a short-term rental business in Thailand. I gathered a bit of information I needed and tried to figure out how to enter the market, and I needed legal advice concerning a somewhat gray area of it. (I will manage a property that complies with the exception... Read more →
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Lawyer answer by SORASAK LAWFIRM
Short answers for your questions 1) In Thailand, you can do business by individual or setting up a company. However, if owner is foreigner, may cannot do most business unless get approved by governor officer or some section form Thai...
Read full answer
About Business Law in Bang Khun Thian, Thailand
Bang Khun Thian is a coastal district of Bangkok known for a mix of traditional communities, seafood and agro businesses, logistics corridors, light manufacturing, and growing retail and services. Business activity here is governed primarily by national Thai statutes, with additional rules and permitting administered by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Bang Khun Thian District Office. If you plan to form a company, lease property, hire staff, trade goods, or operate a regulated activity, you will navigate both central laws and local administrative procedures. Understanding how national rules apply at the district level is essential for smooth operations, especially for foreign owned enterprises and businesses in food, health, hospitality, and manufacturing.
Why You May Need a Lawyer
Starting a business or expanding into Bang Khun Thian often involves entity selection, name reservation, and registration with the Department of Business Development, which requires precise documentation in Thai. A lawyer helps you structure shareholding, draft articles, and avoid hidden restrictions under the Foreign Business Act, especially when foreign ownership or cross border services are involved.
Commercial leases along main roads, at markets, or near the coast come with zoning, building, and signboard rules. A lawyer can review leases, register long term leases at the Land Office when required, and ensure permitted use aligns with the Bangkok comprehensive plan and local ordinances.
Many activities require licenses or notifications, such as restaurant and food handling permits, alcohol and tobacco retail, warehouses, small factories, clinics, spa and massage, and logistics. Legal counsel maps your license pathway, prepares filings, and coordinates with the Bang Khun Thian District Office and sector regulators.
Hiring staff triggers obligations under the Labour Protection Act, Social Security Act, Workmen’s Compensation Fund Act, and occupational safety laws. Employment contracts, work rules, overtime practices, and termination procedures should be localized to Thai law. For foreign staff, visas and work permits require careful sequencing and employer sponsorship.
Compliance touches tax registration and filings, personal data protection under the PDPA, consumer protection and labeling, and advertising and signboard tax. A lawyer can set up compliance calendars, review privacy notices, and align marketing with Thai consumer and competition laws.
When disputes arise over unpaid invoices, lease defaults, employment claims, or product issues, counsel can help with settlement, mediation, arbitration clauses, or litigation in Thailand’s courts, including specialized courts for IP and international trade or bankruptcy.
Local Laws Overview
Business forms and registration. Common forms are sole proprietorship, ordinary partnership, limited partnership, private limited company under the Civil and Commercial Code, and public limited company under the Public Limited Companies Act. Foreign companies may use branch, representative office, or regional office options subject to eligibility. Registration is handled by the Department of Business Development in Bangkok, with name reservation, memorandum of association, statutory meeting, and company registration steps. E commerce operators may require additional DBD e commerce registration.
Foreign ownership and market entry. The Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 restricts foreign majority ownership in specified service and trade sectors unless an exemption applies, such as a Foreign Business Licence, a Foreign Business Certificate, Board of Investment promotion, an international treaty like the Treaty of Amity for qualifying US investors, or operation in a non restricted sector. Using nominees is illegal. Careful shareholding and control design is critical.
Tax and accounting. Corporate income tax generally applies at 20 percent. Value added tax at a standard 7 percent applies to most supplies with mandatory registration once annual turnover reaches the statutory threshold. Some activities are subject to specific business tax instead of VAT. Withholding tax applies on certain payments. Businesses must maintain Thai language accounts and submit filings to the Revenue Department, and many must appoint a licensed auditor for annual audits.
Employment and immigration. The Labour Protection Act sets hours, leave, termination, and severance. Employers must register for social security and contribute at prescribed rates for each employee. Workplace rules must be filed when employing a threshold number of staff. Hiring foreign workers requires appropriate non immigrant visas and work permits under the foreigners working laws, and employers must meet capital and Thai staff ratios for certain positions.
Licensing and sector rules. Restaurants and food producers are subject to the Food Act and public health regulations enforced locally by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Department of Health and the district office. Retail alcohol sales require licenses under the Liquor laws. Spas and massage establishments need permits under public health and local ordinances. Factories and some warehouses may need notification or licensing under the Factory Act and environmental laws, including environmental impact assessment for specified projects.
Land, buildings, and signage. Foreigners are restricted from owning land under the Land Code, but companies with majority Thai ownership may acquire land. Long term commercial leases up to 30 years can be registered at the Land Office and are common for shops and warehouses. Construction and renovation require permits under the Building Control Act. Signboard tax is administered by the Bangkok authorities and must be paid annually for business signage.
Consumer, competition, and marketing. The Consumer Protection Act regulates advertising, labeling, and contracts with consumers. The Trade Competition Act prohibits anti competitive conduct and certain mergers without notifications. Sector codes may apply to promotions and pricing.
Intellectual property. Trademarks, patents, designs, and copyrights are protected under Thai IP laws, with applications made to the Department of Intellectual Property. The Intellectual Property and International Trade Court handles related disputes.
Data and e commerce. The Personal Data Protection Act requires lawful basis for data processing, consent in defined cases, data subject rights, and security measures. Many online businesses must display operator details, issue tax invoices as required, and comply with platform and e payment rules. The Computer Crime Act sets obligations and penalties for certain online conduct.
Local administration in Bang Khun Thian. The Bang Khun Thian District Office handles local permits and inspections, including food hygiene, shop operation hours for certain trades, signage, waste management, and nuisance controls. Zoning and coastal area considerations may affect seafood processing, aquaculture, and logistics facilities. Early checks with the district and BMA departments reduce licensing delays.
Dispute resolution. Commercial disputes can be negotiated, mediated, or arbitrated. Thailand recognizes arbitration agreements, and awards can be enforced through the courts. Specialized courts exist for IP and international trade, tax, and bankruptcy. Interim measures and court filings must be done in Thai and follow local procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What business structure is most common for small and medium enterprises in Bang Khun Thian
The private limited company is the most common due to limited liability, clear governance, and ease of adding partners or investors. Partnerships and sole proprietorships exist but provide less liability protection. Foreign investors may also consider a branch or representative office if they meet eligibility and licensing criteria.
How long does it take to register a Thai private limited company in Bangkok
With complete documents and name approval, registration can typically be completed within several business days at the Department of Business Development. Timelines extend if you require special licenses, BOI promotion, or foreign business licensing, or if translations and notarizations are needed for foreign shareholder documents.
Can a foreigner own 100 percent of a company operating in Bang Khun Thian
It depends on the business activity. Many services are restricted under the Foreign Business Act without an exemption. Some activities are open, and others can be fully foreign owned through BOI promotion, treaty privileges for eligible nationals, or by obtaining a Foreign Business Licence. Legal structuring must avoid nominee arrangements, which are illegal.
What licenses are needed to open a restaurant or cafe
You will typically need a food selling or restaurant license under public health rules, potentially a cooking gas storage notification, and if selling alcohol or tobacco, the respective retail licenses. You must comply with food hygiene inspections by the district office and BMA Department of Health. Zoning, signage, and waste disposal rules also apply.
How are commercial leases handled and should I register my lease
Short leases are common in markets and shop houses. For leases exceeding three years, registration at the Land Office is required to make the lease enforceable against third parties. Registration fees and stamp duty apply. A lawyer should review permitted use, maintenance, rent adjustment, termination rights, and compliance with building and fire safety rules.
When must I register for VAT and what other taxes apply
You must register for VAT when your annual turnover reaches the statutory threshold, unless your activity is exempt or falls under specific business tax. Most companies pay corporate income tax on profits, with monthly or withholding obligations for certain payments. You should set up bookkeeping in Thai, issue tax invoices correctly, and file returns on time to avoid penalties.
What are the rules for hiring foreign employees
Foreign employees generally need an appropriate non immigrant visa and a work permit. Employers must meet capital and Thai staff ratio requirements for certain roles and maintain compliant employment contracts and payroll. Work authorization should be secured before the employee performs work in Thailand. Family members may need dependent visas and cannot work without their own permits.
Do I need to comply with the PDPA if I run a small online shop
Yes, if you collect or use personal data such as names, addresses, phone numbers, or payment related information. You should have a clear privacy notice, define lawful bases for processing, secure consent where required, protect data, manage vendor agreements, and provide a means for customers to exercise their rights. Some activities may require a data protection officer or data impact assessment.
How can I protect my brand and products in Thailand
Register your trademark with the Department of Intellectual Property to secure exclusive rights. Consider design or patent applications for eligible products. Maintain confidentiality for trade secrets and use well drafted non disclosure and employment IP clauses. Enforcement is through administrative actions, negotiations, or the Intellectual Property and International Trade Court.
What should I do if I receive a notice of inspection or a summons from the district office
Do not ignore it. Note the deadline, gather requested documents, and contact counsel promptly. A lawyer can attend inspections, communicate with officials, and help you correct compliance gaps. Timely and cooperative responses often reduce penalties and prevent license suspensions.
Additional Resources
Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce. Handles company and partnership registrations, name reservations, and e commerce registrations.
Board of Investment. Provides investment promotion and foreign ownership privileges for eligible projects and operates investor service centers.
Revenue Department. Administers VAT, corporate income tax, withholding tax, and e tax systems.
Social Security Office. Manages employer and employee registrations, contributions, and benefits.
Department of Labour Protection and Welfare. Oversees employment standards, work rules filings, and labor inspections.
Bang Khun Thian District Office, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. Issues local permits and conducts public health and business inspections.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Department of Health. Regulates food hygiene, restaurant licensing, and sanitation.
Department of Industrial Works. Licenses and oversees factories and certain warehousing operations.
Department of Intellectual Property. Handles trademarks, patents, and copyright registrations and disputes.
Office of the Personal Data Protection Committee. Issues PDPA regulations, guidance, and enforcement.
Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Commerce. Oversees import export licensing and trader registrations.
Immigration Bureau. Administers visas, extensions, and related immigration procedures for foreign workers and investors.
Next Steps
Clarify your business model, activities, and expected timeline, then consult a Thai qualified lawyer with Bangkok licensing experience. Ask for a map of regulatory requirements specific to Bang Khun Thian, including zoning checks, public health permits, and any coastal or environmental considerations.
Conduct a feasibility and structure assessment to choose your entity, shareholding plan, and whether BOI or foreign business licensing is needed. Reserve a company name and prepare Thai language incorporation documents, shareholder documents, and affidavits. Arrange certified translations and notarizations for foreign documents as required.
Plan your premises strategy by reviewing lease terms, registering long term leases at the Land Office when applicable, and aligning intended use with building and fire codes. Confirm signboard requirements and any renovations that need permits.
Set up tax and accounting early by registering for tax IDs and, when triggered, VAT, and by appointing an accountant and auditor. Build a compliance calendar for monthly and annual filings and implement proper tax invoice and withholding processes.
Prepare HR foundations by drafting Thai law compliant employment contracts, internal work rules, and onboarding policies. Register with the Social Security Office and align payroll with statutory contributions. Sequence visa and work permit applications for any foreign staff before work commences.
Address data, IP, and contracts by conducting a PDPA gap check, preparing privacy notices and vendor agreements, and filing trademark applications. Localize key commercial contracts under Thai law with dispute resolution clauses that suit your risk profile.
If you need legal assistance, gather basic documents such as passports or ID cards of owners, proposed company name, business plan outline, lease draft or site details, and any sector specific information. Request a written scope, fee quote, and timeline from counsel, and confirm communication channels in both Thai and English if needed.
This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice. A licensed Thai lawyer can provide advice tailored to your business and circumstances in Bang Khun Thian.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.