Understanding the Foreign Business Act, restricted activities, BOI promotion pathways, and the criminal risks of nominee structures.
Comprehensive guides to Thailand's business laws affecting foreign investors and entrepreneurs
What foreigners cannot do in Thailand
Why nominee arrangements fail and lead to prison
Legal foreign majority ownership
Special rights for US citizens
Why "controlling" a Thai company won't protect you
Real-time enforcement updates 2024-2025
Legal pathway to operate restricted businesses
Criminalizes Thai persons acting as nominees to help foreigners circumvent business restrictions.
Up to 3 Years Prison + THB 1M FinePenalties for foreigners operating restricted businesses without proper license or certificate.
Up to 3 Years Prison + Business DissolutionExtends liability to directors, partners, and authorized representatives of violating companies.
Up to 3 Years Prison + THB 1M FineAllows BOI-promoted companies to have majority or full foreign ownership in approved activities.
Legal PathwayUS-Thailand treaty allowing American citizens majority ownership in most non-List 1 businesses.
Legal Pathway (US Only)Prohibits companies with foreign majority ownership from owning land (with narrow exceptions).
Land Forfeiture + Penalties