If you have a plan to set up a tourism business in Thailand, you will have to obtain a Tourism Authority of Thailand for an operator’s license. You also have to register the business and provide evidence of funds, which is best done with the help of an English-speaking lawyer who fully understands to process and can facilitate a smooth outcome.
Registering The Business
There are basically 3 ways that you can register a business in Thailand:
- Representative Office – This is like a branch office, a non-trading entity that allows you to carry out market research.
- Private Limited Company – If you wish to set up a tour operation, this would be the best option.
- Partnership With A Thai – You can have a Thai partner who holds 51% of the company, a trading entity.
In order to obtain a TAT license, you must be dealing directly with tourists, not an agency. There are TAT license lawyers in Bangkok and they can guide you through the process. They can help you in other ways, sourcing local labor, accounting & bookkeeping and acquiring business premises.
Applying For A TAT License
Once your business has been registered, you can now apply for a TAT license. The lawyer gives you a list of required documents, plus the business must have adequate insurance (the lawyer can arrange this for you). A ‘Tourist & Guide’ policy is required, which covers both tourist and qualified guides. The process of obtaining a TAT license is quite extensive; before you are permitted to represent Thailand in a business capacity, they must be sure that your business meets certain standards and that tourists are treated properly.
Premier Tourist Destination
In 2019, more than 30 million tourists visited the Royal Kingdom of Thailand and people are returning after the pandemic, which is good news for the tourism sector. If you are serious about setting up a tour company here in Thailand, you need to create a good business plan and have the necessary funds to make it happen. Make contact with a leading Bangkok law firm where you can receive the best advice from English-speaking lawyers who are familiar with business registration and TAT license acquisition.
Thai Partner
Many foreigners create a business partnership with their Thai wife and if the Thai citizen has a 51% share of the business, this makes things much simpler. Of course, you can register a 100% foreign owned business. Talk to a business lawyer regarding this. If your Thai partner has a degree in tourism, this would work in your favor, while you could form a partnership with another Thai business person. Partnerships work because both parties bring different things to the table and having a Thai partner has many advantages when dealing with local vendors and providers.
If you have done your homework, have a solid business plan and the funds to set up the business, the next step is to make contact with a leading Thai law firm in Bangkok, who can register the business and prepare you for the TAT license application.
