Thailand’s proposed 3-million-baht investment visa could create a new pathway for long-term stay through property investment. But with key regulations and certification procedures still unpublished, the program remains unavailable for now. … Read More
Author Archives: Dr. Paul Crosio
Thailand Intensifies Crackdown on Nominee Shareholders
A nominee shareholder arrangement occurs when a Thai national holds shares in a company on behalf of a foreigner in order to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions under the Foreign Business Act. Such arrangements are illegal under Sections 36 and 37 of the Act and can result in criminal penalties for both the Thai nominee and the foreign beneficiary. … Read More
Thailand Proposes Landmark Reforms to Foreign Business Act to Attract Investment
Thailand is considering significant reforms to the Foreign Business Act that could remove licensing requirements for several service industries. The proposed changes may make it easier for foreign investors to operate software development, treasury centre and intra-group management businesses in Thailand without obtaining a Foreign Business License. … Read More
The End of the Filing Formality: Thailand’s New Front in Registration Scrutiny – Key Changes for Foreign Investors in 2026
For many years, the incorporation of Thai companies was regarded primarily as a routine compliance exercise. While Thai law has long prohibited nominee arrangements under the Foreign Business Act (FBA) and related legislation, substantive scrutiny of ownership structures often occurred … Read More
Summary of New Ministerial Regulation on Wills: A must-read for expatriates in Thailand
1. Overview On 22 January 2026, the Ministry of Interior published a new Ministerial Regulation replacing the 1960 rules governing Public Wills and related inheritance declarations. The regulation took effect on 24 March 2026 (60 days after publication). This modernisation … Read More
A Practical Guide to Joint Ventures in Thailand: Key Legal Considerations for Foreign Investors
Thailand’s strategic location and economic incentives make it an attractive destination for foreign investment. However, navigating its regulatory landscape requires careful planning, particularly when establishing a joint venture (JV), commonly referred to as a “Thai Majority Company”. This guide synthesises … Read More
Thailand’s Evolving Anti-Bribery Landscape
Thailand is an economic powerhouse in Southeast Asia, a vital hub for trade, investment, and regional connectivity. However, Transparency International’s 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Thailand 108th out of 180 countries, underscoring that bribery remains a significant challenge for enterprises … Read More
THAILAND’S CANNABIS CROSSROADS: A RETURN TO MEDICAL RIGOUR RESHAPES A BUDDING INDUSTRY
Thailand’s experiment with cannabis liberalisation is undergoing a profound and contentious recalibration. The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) is advancing a new draft ministerial regulation designed to impose stringent oversight on the sector, a decisive pivot away from the largely … Read More
Right over Leased Asset (ROLA): A Legal Alternative to Nominee Property Structures in Thailand
Foreign investors interested in Thai real estate face strict restrictions on direct land ownership under the Land Code Act. While certain indirect arrangements have historically been considered, authorities have increased enforcement against non-compliant structures, emphasizing the importance of lawful options. … Read More
Navigating Thailand’s Regulatory Landscape for Short-Term Professional Assignments
Thailand presents a more complex picture for professionals arriving for short-term work, even when the work is unpaid. Recent incidents, such as the detention of a Spanish actress for allegedly working without a permit, underscore the authorities’ rigorous interpretation of … Read More