There are various industries foreign investors can open companies in Thailand. Among these, the FMCG sector offers the largest number of options. Moreover, entrepreneurs can open Thai companies which operate as traditional or online companies.
E-commerce has become one of the leading sectors in Thailand, as it is very convenient for those who open shops to sell their goods online. Amazon stores are also very popular in Thailand.
If you are interested in setting up an e-commerce company and need guidance, our lawyers in Thailand can offer the proper assistance.
Legal requirements for foreigners opening Thai e-commerce businesses
Foreign entrepreneurs will be subject to various requirements if they want to open a company in Thailand, including an e-commerce business. They must comply with several additional requirements than Thai citizens.
Among the laws which must be respected by foreigners opening e-commerce companies in Thailand are:
- the Civil and Commercial Code which provide for the company registration requirements when completing an economic activity;
- the Electronic Transactions Law which regulates the creation of online platforms for selling goods;
- the Consumer Protection Law which is more stringent in the case of e-commerce companies;
- the Computer Crime Law which provides for the regulations of selling goods online.
Foreign enterprisers are required to apply for residence permits if they want to relocate to Thailand in order to run their e-commerce companies. Our Thai lawyers can help foreigners who want to set up e-commerce businesses here.
Registration steps of a Thai e-commerce company
The following steps must be completed when opening an online shop in Thailand:
- incorporate a company with the Business Registrar in Thailand (the limited liability company is the most employed type of company);
- apply for an e-commerce business permit no later than 30 after the company was registered;
- register with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board in order to be allowed to sell goods online;
- set up a merchant account with a local bank or e-payments service provider.
The sale of products to clients in Europe will also imply Thai e-commerce companies to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation.
For assistance in registering an e-commerce business here, please contact our law firm in Thailand.