Best Investment & Business Structuring Lawyers in Lat Krabang

1. About Investment & Business Structuring Law in Lat Krabang, Thailand

Lat Krabang is a district of Bangkok and a common location for manufacturing, logistics, and service companies serving the Greater Bangkok area and export markets. Investment and business structuring in Lat Krabang involves choosing the right legal form, aligning ownership structures with Thai laws, and securing the necessary licenses and registrations. Practically, this means planning for company formation, foreign ownership limits, and local permit requirements before opening operations.

Key channels for structuring and incentives include registration with the Department of Business Development (DBD) for corporate forms, and possible promotion via the Board of Investment (BOI) for eligible sectors. These processes determine ownership, capital requirements, and admissible activities. If you plan to employ foreigners, manage land or factory permits, or pursue incentives, a lawyer can map the most robust structure from the outset.

For official guidance, consult the Board of Investments and the Department of Business Development. The BOI provides information on investment promotion, sector eligibility, and licensing pathways, while the DBD handles company registrations and filings. Both agencies maintain government portals with current guidelines and forms.

Thailand allows a range of corporate structures, with foreign participation governed by dedicated Acts and licenses. Effective compliance reduces the risk of later restatements or penalties.

Source references: Board of Investment (BOI), Department of Business Development (DBD), Revenue Department (for tax obligations).

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Lat Krabang, a lawyer helps navigate the interplay between foreign ownership limits, local licensing, and corporate registration. The following real-world scenarios illustrate concrete needs.

• Setting up a foreign-owned manufacturing entity in Lat Krabang with licensing requirements from the Ministry of Commerce. A lawyer can structure ownership to comply with the Foreign Business Act and accelerate BOI consideration if eligible.
• Converting a Thai-foreign joint venture into a long-term subsidiary with clear ownership, governance, and transfer provisions. Legal counsel coordinates shareholding, board composition, and documentation to avoid later disputes.
• Leasing land or factory premises for a manufacturing plant. Since foreigners cannot own land, counsel can draft a compliant lease arrangement or establish a Thai-registered company as part of the land holding strategy.
• Restructuring an existing Thai company to increase foreign participation through a BOI-supported model. A lawyer maps the ownership, capital structure, and regulatory filings to meet licensing criteria.
• Securing licenses for restricted activities under the Foreign Business Act or applying for BOI incentives in eligible sectors. Legal counsel prepares and coordinates applications and accompanying documentation.
• Ensuring compliance with local regulatory permits such as factory safety, environmental, and labor licenses. A lawyer coordinates applications and ongoing reporting obligations with the relevant authorities.

3. Local Laws Overview

This section highlights 2-3 key laws and regulations that govern Investment & Business Structuring in Lat Krabang, with notes on their scope and any recent changes.

• Foreign Business Act (FBA) B.E. 2542 and amendments. The FBA restricts foreigners from engaging in certain businesses unless licensed or promoted by the Ministry of Commerce. This framework drives structuring decisions for foreign investors in Lat Krabang and across Bangkok.
• Thai Companies Act and related corporate formation rules. These laws govern registration, shareholding, capital structure, and governance for Thai and foreign-owned companies operating in Thailand. They shape how you form entities in Lat Krabang and how you maintain statutory compliance.
• Land Code and land ownership restrictions for foreigners. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand; instead, they often use long-term leases or a Thai-registered local entity to secure land use. This rule drives site selection, land tenure planning, and structuring for manufacturing facilities in Lat Krabang.

Recent guidance emphasizes verifying sector eligibility and ownership constraints through official portals. For current details, consult the Board of Investment and Department of Business Development. For land-related rules, see the Ministry of Commerce resources and the Revenue Department for tax implications of your structure.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Foreign Business Act and who needs it?

The Foreign Business Act regulates foreign participation in restricted sectors. Foreign individuals or foreign-owned companies require a license from the Ministry of Commerce to operate in those sectors.

How do I register a Thai limited company in Lat Krabang?

You file with the Department of Business Development, submitting a memorandum of association, articles of association, list of shareholders, and capital details. The process typically takes several weeks once documents are complete.

Do I need a Thai national to own majority of shares?

In many restricted sectors, Thai nationals must hold at least 51 percent of shares, unless you obtain BOI privileges or other approved exemptions. Always verify the current sector requirements with MoC.

How long does it take to obtain BOI promotion or licensing?

BOI processing can take 2-6 months depending on sector and application completeness. Some projects with strong compliance can expedite review.

What are typical costs to hire a lawyer for structuring in Lat Krabang?

Costs vary by project complexity and firm. A preliminary consultation may range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of baht; full structuring work often exceeds these amounts depending on scope.

Do I need to disclose beneficial ownership under Thai law?

Yes. Thai law requires disclosure of beneficial owners for certain corporate structures and for AML/CTF purposes, with filings to the relevant authorities. Confirm current requirements with counsel.

Is Lat Krabang a suitable location for a foreign-owned manufacturing business?

Lat Krabang hosts several industrial estates and logistics facilities, offering proximity to Suvarnabhumi Airport and Bangkok's port facilities. Ensure your site complies with zoning and licensing rules before committing to premises.

What is the process to lease land from a Thai entity for factory use?

Foreigners cannot own land, so you may pursue a long-term lease or a structure with a Thai-registered entity. Draft lease terms carefully and verify land title and encumbrances with a Thai attorney.

How long does it take to register a company in Lat Krabang?

Company registration with the DBD in Bangkok generally takes 4-7 working days after submission of complete documents, subject to any audit or licensing conditions.

What is the difference between a branch office and a representative office?

A branch office conducts business activities in Thailand and requires registration and licenses; a representative office can only undertake non-commercial activities like market research and liaison, with stricter restrictions.

Can I restructure an existing company to increase foreign shareholding?

Restructuring is possible but requires regulatory approval and documentation to reflect the new ownership and governance arrangement. BOI or licensing conditions may apply depending on the sector.

5. Additional Resources

• Board of Investment (BOI) - Provides investment promotion information, sector eligibility, and licensing pathways for foreign investors; boi.go.th.
• Department of Business Development (DBD) - Handles company registration, filings, and corporate information in Thailand; dbd.go.th.
• Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) - Oversees local permitting and district-level administration in Bangkok, including Lat Krabang; bma.go.th.

6. Next Steps

1. Define your business objectives and select a suitable legal form (Thai limited company, BOI-promoted entity, or branch) based on ownership, capital, and licensing needs. Gather a shortlist of sectors likely eligible for incentives or exemptions.
2. Check local zoning, land tenure options, and site viability in Lat Krabang. Consider proximity to suppliers, ports, and logistics facilities when planning the footprint.
3. Consult a qualified lawyer experienced in Lat Krabang investment structuring to map ownership, governance, and compliance paths. Obtain a project-specific engagement plan and quote.
4. Prepare corporate documents and required registrations with DBD for company formation. Ensure documents align with anticipated licensing or BOI requirements.
5. Submit licensing or incentive applications to MoC or BOI as appropriate. Track timelines and provide supplementary information promptly to avoid delays.
6. Establish tax registration and ongoing compliance plans with the Revenue Department and local authorities. Plan for VAT, CIT, payroll, and reporting obligations.
7. Launch the entity once registrations and licenses are approved. Implement governance, reporting, and compliance regimes to sustain operations in Lat Krabang.