Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # GPS Legal GPS Legal ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://gps-legal.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [NEWS](https://gps-legal.com/news/) - [Buying a condo in Thailand as a foreigner](https://gps-legal.com/family-individual/buying-a-condo-in-thailand/) - Foreigners who want to make a home in Thailand generally may not be able to buy land, but they can purchase a condominium as long as they meet certain criteria. The requirements are not that arduous, although there is some confusion regarding the source of funds. This article will shed some light on the process - [Navigating Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA): Your Path to Compliance with GPS Legal](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/navigating-thailands-personal-data-protection-act-pdpa-your-path-to-compliance-with-gps-legal/) - In today's digital age, safeguarding personal data is more critical than ever. Thailand's Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), effective from June 1, 2021, sets forth comprehensive guidelines for the collection, use, disclosure, and storage of personal data. Compliance with these regulations can be complex, but at GPS Legal, we offer expert services to guide your - [The Price of Ignorance: Why PDPA Compliance Should Be Every Company’s Priority in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/intellectual-property-technology/the-price-of-ignorance-why-pdpa-compliance-should-be-every-companys-priority-in-thailand/) - The digital age has brought tremendous opportunities for businesses, but it has also introduced new risks, particularly regarding personal data protection. Recently, the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) of Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (MDES) sent a strong message to all businesses operating within the country: noncompliance with the Personal Data Protection Act - [Understanding Your Rights to Severance Pay in Thailand: Avoiding Common Misconceptions in Employment Termination ](https://gps-legal.com/employment-labor/understanding-your-rights-to-severance-pay/) - Most employees in Thailand know they are entitled to Severance Pay when their employment is terminated without cause by their employers. However, there are instances where employers may attempt to avoid paying Severance, either intentionally or out of ignorance of the law, when in fact they remain legally obligated to do so. While there - [Personal Income Tax For Foreigners Residing in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/tax/personal-income-tax-for-foreigners-residing-in-thailand/) - Who is required to pay tax in Thailand? According to Section 41 of the Revenue Code, there are two types of income subject to taxation in Thailand: the Source Rule and the Resident Rule. Thai-sourced income If an individual generates income from sources within Thailand (e.g., employment, activities carried out in Thailand, business operations, or - [Legal Implications of Same Sex Marriage In Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/family-individual/same-sex-marriage-in-thailand/) - On January 23, 2025, Thailand will make history as the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex marriage. This monumental decision grants same-sex couples the same legal rights as their heterosexual counterparts. While there’s plenty to celebrate, this new law also brings legal and administrative adjustments for same-sex couples as they step into this new - [Collaborative Divorce in Thailand: How to Part Amicably](https://gps-legal.com/family-individual/collaborative-divorce-in-thailand/) - Divorces in Thailand or anywhere in the world for that matter are rarely an easy process. Even if both spouses want an “amicable” end to their marriage, there is still a chance of conflict that, if not handled well, may ultimately lead to court proceedings. GPS Legal offers collaborative divorce participation agreements (CDPAs) as a - [Real Estate in Thailand: Superficies and Usufructs](https://gps-legal.com/publications/real-estate-in-thailand-superficies-and-usufructs/) - A major point of contention for many foreigners wishing to take up a more permanent residence or invest in Thailand are the real estate laws here. While foreigners can own free-hold condominiums in Thailand, it is very difficult for most non-Thai nationals to own land outright, with the one exception requiring a considerable investment. As - [Is BOI promotion an option for your business in Thailand?](https://gps-legal.com/publications/boi-promotion-option-for-you/) - To encourage foreign investment into Thailand, the Board of Investment (BOI) offers a range of incentives for foreign businesses that qualify. Activities and projects that meet investment, structural, and operational criteria receive such benefits as corporate tax holidays, import duty exemptions, land ownership and work permit waivers for foreign employees to name a few. BOI - [Estate Planning for Expats in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/publications/estate-planning-expats-thailand/) - Estate planning should be a fundamental concern for every family, but it is especially important for expatriate families living abroad. The laws in Thailand that deal with inheritance and guardianship are likely to differ from your home country. If you pass away or become incapacitated in Thailand without a will or any guardianship arrangements, then Thai - [Myths about Foreign Business in Thailand: 1 Thai Director, 4 Thai Staff](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/myths-about-foreign-business-in-thailand-1-thai-director-4-thai-staff-6/) - At GPS Legal, we get many inquiries about starting a business in Thailand. We often find that these entrepreneurs have received misleading or even completely erroneous information. Here, we would like to address some misconceptions about the need for a Thai director and staff. A Foreign Business in Thailand Does Not Always Need a Thai - [On Becoming a Permanent Resident in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/estate-planning/permanent-resident-thailand/) - If you plan on residing in Thailand for an extended period, becoming a permanent resident may be an option over applying for a visa or annual renewal. Once a year, the Immigration Department begins accepting permanent resident applications, usually from October to December; however, this year (2019), the application window was opened in July. With - [Estate planning goes beyond wills](https://gps-legal.com/estate-planning/estate-planning-last-wills-thailand/) - Estate planning is an important if not essential task that everyone should be concerned about. This is especially true if you are married or have children, if you own a business or hold substantial assets that you want to protect if you pass away or are incapacitated, particularly in today’s global environment where families, residences, - [Myths about Foreign Business in Thailand: 1 Thai Director, 4 Thai Staff](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/myths-about-foreign-business-in-thailand-1-thai-director-4-thai-staff-2/) - At GPS Legal, we get many inquiries about starting a business in Thailand. We often find that these entrepreneurs have received misleading or even completely erroneous information. Here, we would like to address some misconceptions about the need for a Thai director and staff. A Foreign Business in Thailand Does Not Always Need a Thai - [Retiring in Thailand: What are your options?](https://gps-legal.com/estate-planning/retiring-in-thailand-what-are-your-options/) - Retiring in Thailand is a great idea. Low cost of living, fantastic beaches, lovely countryside, along with all modern amenities and services, including world-class medical care. The Thai government welcomes retirees from other countries with retirement visas and other long-stay visa options. Most retirees opt for the Non-Immigrant O-A visa The non-immigrant O-A visa is - [Buying a condo or investing money in Thailand? You may qualify for an investment visa](https://gps-legal.com/corporate-finance/thailand-investment-visa/) - Thailand is growing in popularity as a destination for expats to call their new home. However, many foreigners believe they must be employed with a work permit, marry a Thai, or wait until they are 50 years old to apply for a retirement visa, or otherwise risk being denied entry by immigration officials by making - [The US-Thai Treaty of Amity for Doing Business in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/corporate-finance/us-thai-treaty-of-amity/) - United States citizens seeking to do business in Thailand have had special privileges available to them since 1833. The Treaty of Amity allows US nationals, as individuals or as businesses, to establish a 100% foreign-owned company with the same legal status as a local Thai entity, with very few restrictions. What is the Treaty of - [New Guidelines Protecting Restaurants Using Online Delivery Platforms](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/new-guidelines-protecting-restaurants-using-online-delivery-platforms/) - Restaurants and food outlets are a popular investment for foreign businesses in Thailand and the numerous online delivery platforms have allowed many restaurants to keep going during the COVID-19 crisis. The convenience and new customer potential have helped businesses that could not afford to organize a delivery service on their own. Nevertheless, concerns arose that - [New Interest Rules for Loans in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/corporate-finance/new-interest-rules-for-loans-in-thailand/) - To help ease the burden of repaying loans in Thailand, the Thai government issued an emergency decree (link in Thai) (Decree) amending the Thai Civil and Commercial Code (CCC) regarding interest rules for loans. From April 11, 2021, interest rates for certain financial agreements will change under Sections 7 and 224 of the CCC as - [Real Estate Due Diligence in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/real-estate/real-estate-due-diligence-in-thailand/) - Completing a thorough real estate due diligence is an essential undertaking before contemplating the purchase, long-term lease, or acceptance as collateral of any immovable property in Thailand. You will want to make sure that the house, condo, commercial property, or other real estate is free from any underlying issues. This applies whether you are acting - [Land Ownership in Thailand: Title Deeds](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/land-ownership-in-thailand-title-deeds/) - Land ownership in Thailand is not a readily available option for foreign individuals. Foreign companies may have opportunities to own land, particularly through BOI certifications, subject to qualifying business activities and a rigorous application process. Nevertheless, it is still relevant to understand the various title deeds in use in Thailand, as it is significant for - [Doing business in Thailand: Cannabis edition](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/doing-business-in-thailand-cannabis-edition/) - While cannabis for medical use has been legal in Thailand since 2018, the real boom in Thailand for cannabis commerce was when it was decriminalized on 9 June 2022. Specifically, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration removed cannabis (and hemp) from the list of Category 5 narcotics. However, while cannabis and hemp plants are legal, cannabis - [TAFTA: Doing Business in Thailand with the Thailand–Australia Free Trade Agreement](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/thailand-australia-free-trade-agreement-tafta/) - Australian citizens and business entities may find an easier path to doing business in Thailand through the Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (TAFTA). While TAFTA has more restrictions than the US-Thai Treaty of Amity, it does allow the establishment of majority Australian-owned companies, under certain conditions. What is TAFTA? The Thailand-Australia Free Trade Agreement has been - [Doing Business in Thailand: Forming a Thai Private Company Limited is Easier](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/doing-business-in-thailand-forming-a-thai-private-company-limited-is-easier/) - Since 7 February 2023, forming and operating a Thai private company limited for doing business in Thailand has been made simpler with recent amendments to Thailand’s Civil and Commercial Code (Thai CCC). These changes should make it easier for entrepreneurs to start a business in Thailand, as well as streamline and modernize the process for - [Only Two Shareholders Required](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/only-two-shareholders-required/) - Among the many amendments to the Thai Civil and Commercial Code that came into force in February 2023, requirements for establishing a Thai private company limited has changed so that only a minimum of two shareholders are needed, instead of three previously. An extended discussion on this topic to follow. - [Minimum wage hiked for 17 skilled professions](https://gps-legal.com/employment-labor/minimum-wage-hiked-for-17-skilled-professions/) - During this election period, you may have noticed some discussions regarding minimum wage. If your business is in certain industries, you should be prepared for the minimum wage hike for 17 types of skilled employees, including backhoe operators, nutritionists, and bartenders. The rule was announced on 10 January 2023, which means it comes into force - [Working from home in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/working-from-home-in-thailand/) - On 18 April 2023, work-from-home options in Thailand will now be legislated under the Labor Protection Act (No. 8). While the law does not make work-from-home options mandatory, it does provide guidance as to WFH agreements between amenable employers and employees.More information about this development to follow. The law (in Thai language) can be found - [Mediation in Thailand: Settle Disputes Before Litigation](https://gps-legal.com/dispute-resolution/mediation-in-thailand-settle-disputes-before-litigation/) - Going to court in Thailand or anywhere in the world can be a daunting process. It may seem like the only option when parties cannot reach an agreement, be it over a business contract, a payment dispute, an inheritance, or property issue. Even so, after spending considerable time and money on legal fees, you may - [Thailand’s SMART Visa program: What you should know](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/thailands-smart-visa-program-what-you-should-know/) - A major obstacle for many foreigners looking to start a business in Thailand is the generally arduous procedure of obtaining a work permit and a non-immigrant type B visa and the laborious requirements of reporting and maintenance. With the SMART visa program, this process has been greatly simplified for qualified individuals. The Thai government developed - [Thailand’s Computer Crimes Act Amended and in Force](https://gps-legal.com/publications/thailands-computer-crimes-act-amended-force/) - Thailand’s amended Computer Crimes Act (CCA) came into force in May 2017. While the new law addresses some of the intricacies regarding the interaction between parties that create and disseminate information and those who provide the services to facilitate them, there are those who feel the amended CCA is still somewhat broad. Here is an - [Thailand Joins the Madrid Protocol for Trademark Registration](https://gps-legal.com/publications/thailand-madrid-protocol-trademarks-registration/) - On 7 August 2017, Thailand officially joined the Madrid Protocol which will come into force 90 days later on 7 November 2017. The Madrid Protocol is an international trademarks protection system covering 98 countries comprising 114 legal jurisdictions. Simplified trademark registration process for multi-jurisdiction protection Once in force, brand and trademark owner’s resident in Thailand - [GPS Guide to Doing Business Featured](https://gps-legal.com/publications/gps-guide-business-featured/) - In the June/July issue of Wanderlust, a travel and lifestyle magazine published in Thailand, GPS Legal & Consulting collaborated with the writing team on the “An Expat’s Guide to Starting a Business in Thailand”. Doing business in Thailand has rules GPS Legal understands that Thailand is an attractive destination for both business and pleasure. Often, - [Work Permits in Thailand: Exemptions and Relief](https://gps-legal.com/publications/work-permits-thailand-exemptions-relief/) - Thailand is and continues to be a favored destination for foreign investment. However, many foreigners find the requirements for work permits under Thai law to be a major obstacle when it comes to establishing themselves in Thailand. Many people believe that even short trips to Thailand for short business trips or training seminars require a - [Foreign Business Licenses and Certain Foreign Entities](https://gps-legal.com/publications/foreign-business-licenses-certain-foreign-entities/) - Foreign business licenses are no longer required for certain non-trading foreign entities in Thailand, allowing for easier establishment of representative and regional offices. A major goal of the Thai government is to raise Thailand’s rankings in the World Bank’s ease of doing business report (“Doing Business 2018”). While Thailand’s ranking did go from 48 to - [Marriage in Thailand: Saying “I do” is Easy in the Land of Smiles](https://gps-legal.com/publications/marriage-thailand-saying-easy/) - With so many beautiful locations in Thailand, it’s no wonder that it’s a popular wedding destination. Getting married in Thailand is a relatively easy process, even for foreign nationals. What do you need to get married in Thailand? As in most countries, the marriage ceremony itself, whether at a church or temple or on the - [Marriage in Thailand: Pre-nuptial Agreements and Marriage Contracts](https://gps-legal.com/publications/marriage-thailand-pre-nuptial-agreements-marriage-contracts/) - Although most people want to keep a romantic aura around marriage, a pre-nuptial agreement may be the stabilizing factor needed to ensure a strong relationship. Pre-nuptial agreements in Thailand are much like those in other countries, but with a few differences. Pre-nuptial agreements in Thailand Thailand is considered a community property jurisdiction meaning that any - [Thai Landlords Must Comply with New Lease Regulations by May 1](https://gps-legal.com/publications/thai-landlords-must-comply-with-new-lease-regulations-by-may-1/) - Starting 1 May 2018, landlords in Thailand with five or more residences to lease must comply with new lease regulations (link in Thai) announced on 18 February 2018 under the newly amended Consumer Protection Act. While these new lease regulations do not apply to dormitories and hotels, they do cover residential leases, such as for condominiums, - [Class Action Lawsuits in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/publications/class-action-lawsuits-in-thailand/) - Class action lawsuits are coming into the fore in Thailand as more groups of plaintiffs take advantage of the amended Civil Procedure Code. Although many people may see class action lawsuits as nuisances or money grabs, especially in the litigious United States, there are legitimate benefits to allowing people who suffered similar damages to group - [Myths about Foreign Business in Thailand: Say No to Nominees](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/myths-about-foreign-business-in-thailand-say-no-to-nominees/) - At GPS Legal, we get many inquiries about starting a business in Thailand. We often find that these entrepreneurs have received misleading or even completely erroneous information. We would like to take this opportunity to address these misconceptions. Nominee Structures are NOT LEGAL for a Foreign Business in Thailand Section 35 of the Foreign Business - [COVID-19 in Thailand: Employer/Employee Rights and Obligations](https://gps-legal.com/corporate-finance/covid-19-in-thailand-employer-employee-rights-and-obligations/) - The COVID-19 crisis has the entire world on edge. No more so than here in Thailand, where employers and employees worry about their respective companies and jobs as the days unfold. GPS Legal would like to follow up our interview with BrandNow Asia by outlining some of the rights and obligations that employers and employees have - [Section 44 Orders Strengthen Minority Shareholder Rights](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/section-44-orders-strengthen-minority-shareholder-rights-eases-business-requirements/) - On 4 April 2017, the National Council for Peace and Order issued Order No. 21/2017 under Section 44 of the Interim Constitution to strengthen minority shareholder rights. The order endeavours to make doing business in Thailand easier by relaxing the rules in some areas and strengthening rights in others. Here are some highlights of these - [GPS Legal & Consulting announces affiliation with Moe & Tun Associates](https://gps-legal.com/firm-news/gps-legal-consulting-announces-affiliation-moe-tun-associates/) - GPS Legal & Consulting has expanded its service offering with its new affiliate, Moe & Tun Associates in Myanmar. Thailand and Myanmar have always had a close relationship, so partnering with a local law firm is a natural progression for both firms. Now GPS clients looking to develop or extend a relationship in Myanmar do - [GPS Legal & Consulting announces affiliation with Fortis Law](https://gps-legal.com/firm-news/gps-legal-consulting-announces-affiliation-fortis-law/) - GPS Legal & Consulting is pleased to announce our affiliation with Singapore’s Fortis Law. Sharing our conviction that law firms do more than just deal with legal issues, Fortis Law is a perfect match for GPS. As both countries are major hubs for business and finance not just in South East Asia, but in Asia - [Clarification on Work Permits, Business Visas, Authorized Directors, and Certain Business Entities in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/employment-labor/clarification-on-work-permits-business-visas-authorized-directors-and-certain-business-entities-in-thailand/) - Recently, we have been trying to clarify an issue regarding work permit exemptions for authorized directors as they relate to foreign business license requirements. We have received an answer from the Ministry of Labor’s legal department that we would like to share. Certain Authorized Directors No Longer Need Work Permits Last year, Foreigner Working Management - [There's no "Business Security License" requirement in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/no-business-security-license-or-business-project-security-license-in-thailand/) - We would like to reiterate that there is no "business project security license" or "project registration certificate" requirement under Thai law. - [TM30 Paperwork Now Required for All Visa Types](https://gps-legal.com/corporate-finance/tm30-required-all-thai-visas/) - Although in affect since 1979, TM30 filings were loosely enforced and mainly expected from hotels, focusing on travelers with tourist visas. However, over the last few years, Thai police and immigration authorities have looked to TM30s to keep track of foreigners. - [Minimum capital requirements for foreign businesses in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/minimum-capital-requirements-for-foreign-businesses-in-thailand/) - Foreign businesses in Thailand must comply with specific minimum capital requirements. These amounts differ depending on a multitude of variables, including the type of entity, the type of activity, the number of foreign employees, and whether the entity requires a Foreign Business License (“FBL”), a Foreign Business Certificate, or received promotion from Thailand’s Board of - [Myths about Foreign Business in Thailand: Are You Doing This to Own Land?](https://gps-legal.com/corporate-finance/myths-about-foreign-business-in-thailand-are-you-doing-this-to-own-land/) - At GPS Legal, we get many inquiries about starting a business in Thailand. We often find that these entrepreneurs have received misleading or even completely erroneous information. In this article, we would like to discuss land ownership by businesses in Thailand. A Foreign Business Should Not Use Nominees to Own Land Under Thai law, neither - [Myths about Foreign Business in Thailand: Say No to Nominees](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/myths-about-foreign-business-in-thailand-say-no-to-nominees-2/) - At GPS Legal, we get many inquiries about starting a business in Thailand. We often find that these entrepreneurs have received misleading or even completely erroneous information. We would like to take this opportunity to address these misconceptions. Nominee Structures are NOT LEGAL for a Foreign Business in Thailand Section 35 of the Foreign Business - [What do you get with your BOI certification?](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/what-do-you-get-with-your-boi-certification/) - We recently offered an overview of Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) certification program, whereby companies can qualify for certain promotions or privileges if they meet certain criteria. But are these BOI privileges worth the application for and the maintaining of the qualifications? BOI certification applies to projects, not to companies The BOI has an extensive - [GPS Legal Discusses Legal Issues in Thailand Related to Covid-19](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/covid-19-thailand-legal-issues-video/) - GPS Legal Managing Partner Lawrence Chaney recently discussed the legal implications of Covid-19 on business with BrandNow Asia. He covers employee and employer rights regarding furloughs, sick leave, and pay cuts. He also explains how this health crisis may or may not qualify as a trigger for force majeure clauses in business contracts. We continue - [Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA): Companies are Responsible for Data Privacy](https://gps-legal.com/corporate-finance/pdpa-companies-are-responsible-for-data-privacy/) - Last year, Thailand passed the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) to ensure data privacy in the Kingdom. The official Royal Gazette announcement was on May 27, 2019, and the law provided a year for relevant parties to ensure compliance. As there are only a few months from this article’s publication date before the law comes - [How Thailand’s minimum wage affects foreign employees](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/how-thailands-minimum-wage-affects-foreign-employees/) - As an employer in Thailand, you should be aware that Thailand’s minimum wage increases (Link in Thai) went into effect as of January 1, 2020. What you may not be aware of is how these increases could impact your foreign employees as this relates to their work permit and visa applications. We feel that this - [Guardianship in Thailand: Protecting your Children](https://gps-legal.com/estate-planning/guardianship-in-thailand-protecting-your-children/) - Living in Thailand as an expatriate with a family is surely an excellent adventure for children! The opportunity to travel and experience different cultures and the myriad of thrills and learning opportunities that help expand their horizons as they develop into well-rounded adults. But what happens if, unfortunately, tragedy befalls that excellent adventure, and something - [When Marriage Ends: Getting a Divorce in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/family-individual/when-marriage-ends-getting-a-divorce-in-thailand/) - No one ever expects they will get divorced, be it in Thailand or anywhere else in the world. But “life happens” and relationships do sometimes change to a point where a marriage can no longer be salvaged. If this happens, it is important to know what rights you have and what actions you can take. - [COVID-19 in Thailand: Financial Assistance for SMEs Available from Thai Government](https://gps-legal.com/business-advisory/covid-19-in-thailand-financial-assistance-for-smes-available-from-thai-government/) - As the Thai government slowly lifts COVID-19 lockdown and travel restrictions, businesses must now face the challenges of operating in this new environment. Changes are confronting everyone, and businesses in every industry must adapt. In Thailand, there is some financial help available as companies feel the impact from COVID-19. We at GPS Legal have compiled - [New Minimum Wage Rates in Force in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/employment-labor/new-minimum-wage-rates-in-force-in-thailand/) - Every business in Thailand that employs staff must contend with the new minimum wage rates that became effective on 1 April 2018. Minimum Wage in Thailand The Thai Ministry of Interior introduced the concept of a minimum wage in 1972, but it wasn’t until 2013 when a national minimum wage of 300 baht per day - [Smart visas and work permit waivers approved](https://gps-legal.com/publications/smart-visas-work-permit-waivers-approved/) - On 18 August 2017, the Office of the Prime Minister announced (link in Thai) the approval of a number of initiatives for visas and work permits to promote foreign investment and business in Thailand. These schemes have been long anticipated by Thailand’s international business community, who have lobbied for changes to facilitate doing business in - [Thailand’s updated arbitration rules](https://gps-legal.com/publications/thailands-updated-arbitration-rules/) - At the beginning of 2017, the Thai Arbitration Institute issued an updated set of rules. Changes of note include: Article 23: No court challenges to arbitrator appointment Previously, if a challenge to an appointment is denied by the tribunal, the challenging party could bring the issue to the Thai courts. Since this could be considered - [The 2017 Customs Act of Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/publications/2017-customs-act-thailand/) - On 17 May 2017, the Royal Gazette officially announced the 2017 Customs Act into law. It will now come into force mid-November 2017. This new customs legislation has been long anticipated, as many local and international businesses considered the previous law, passed in 1926, outdated and onerous for today’s business climate. Some key amendments are: Audits and - [Digital infrastructure now eligible for BOI promotion](https://gps-legal.com/publications/digital-infrastructure-now-eligible-boi-promotion/) - On 16 June 2017, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) announced a raft of new policies and plans for BOI promotion. This is in support of the “Thailand 4.0” policy[note]Thailand 4.0 is an economic model that aims to unlock the country from several economic challenges resulting from past economic development models which place emphasis on agriculture (Thailand - [Bank of Thailand eases foreign exchange regulations](https://gps-legal.com/publications/bank-thailand-eases-foreign-exchange-regulations/) - At the beginning of June 2017, the Bank of Thailand amended its foreign exchange regulations. Several of the changes will now ease the process for money to flow into and out of Thailand and make doing business in and with Thailand easier. Significant improvements include: Relaxed regulations for outward remittances: payments will now be allowed for - [GPS Legal & Consulting relocates to new offices](https://gps-legal.com/updates/gps-legal-consulting-relocates-new-offices/) - GPS Legal & Consulting is proud to announce our new office location. Situated in the Asoke business district, our new office at 4F Srisothon Place, 47 Sukhumvit Soi 23, Klongtoey, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 is a perfect representation of GPS’ overall business philosophy and outlook. Eschewing an impersonal office complex, we are making our new home - [Guardianship in Thailand: Protecting your Children](https://gps-legal.com/publications/guardianship-thailand/) - Living in Thailand as an expatriate with a family is surely an excellent adventure for children! The opportunity to travel and experience different cultures and the myriad of thrills and learning opportunities that help expand their horizons as they develop into well-rounded adults. But what happens if, unfortunately, tragedy befalls that excellent adventure, and something - [Requirements for a Foreign Business License in Thailand](https://gps-legal.com/publications/requirements-for-a-foreign-business-license-in-thailand/) - As discussed recently, it is possible to establish a majority foreign-owned business in Thailand. There are different business structures to choose from, and, depending on which structure, there may be a need for a foreign business license. While in another article, we described Lists 1, 2, and 3 under the Foreign Business Act (FBA), which - [Foreign Business Entities in Thailand: A Comparison](https://gps-legal.com/publications/foreign-business-entities-in-thailand-a-comparison/) - A business in Thailand is classified as a foreign entity if more than 50% of its share or partner capital is foreign owned. And while many people believe their only option is to form a "local" company with a majority Thai ownership to avoid perceived or actual business restrictions, a foreigner can in fact own - [Permitted Business Activities in Thailand for Foreign Entities](https://gps-legal.com/publications/permitted-business-activities-in-thailand-for-foreign-entities/) - Thailand remains an attractive destination for foreign investors and business owners seeking out new markets to open a new or expand an existing business. Nevertheless, those who wish to establish majority or wholly foreign-owned business entities need to be aware of Thailand’s laws and regulations regarding foreign investment. Thailand’s Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (FBA) - [Doing Business in Thailand: Licenses Required](https://gps-legal.com/publications/doing-business-in-thailand-licenses-required/) - Much has been written about foreign business licenses and certificates that are required to conduct business in Thailand as a majority foreign held limited partnership or company. That aside, once you have established your business, whether as a Thai or foreign entity, there is a chance that you will be required to obtain additional business ## Pages - [Home](https://gps-legal.com/) - Clear Direction in a Complex World Modern Expertise, Traditional Values,Affordable Services. Talk To Our Expert Together as One GPS Legal is a Member of the Alliott Global Alliance of independent professional firms. 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