Legal Section - Doing Business
You will find here a series of summaries providing an overview of useful legal regulations, processes and legal issues for Doing Business in Thailand.
Personal Data Protection Act Published
The Personal Data Protection Act, 2562 B.E. (2019) (“PDPA”) was published in the Royal Thai Government Gazette on 27 May 2019. The PDPA will come into force one year after the published date, except for provisions related to the Committee of Personal Data Protection and its office which became effective on 28 May 2019.
Amendment to the Labour Protection Act Effective May 2019
A Royal Decree on Labour Protection Act No. 7, 2562 B.E. (2019), which was published on 4 April 2019, and which became effective on 5 May 2019, addressed the following key issues.
Restricted Businesses List under the Foreign Business Act Updated
Currently, majority foreign-owned companies are not allowed to conduct certain service businesses in Thailand, such as providing loans, leasing office space, and providing advice, under List Three (21) of the Foreign Business Act, 2542 B.E. (1999) (“FBA”). If a business entity wishes to conduct such a restricted service business, it must apply for a foreign business licence from the Department of Business Development, Ministry of Commerce, before starting the business.
Notification of Place of Residence (Form TM30) in 2019
Section 38 of the Immigration Act, 2522 B.E., states, "House owners, heads of households, landlords, or managers of hotels who house foreign nationals staying in the kingdom temporarily must notify the local immigration authorities of such within 24 hours of the foreigner’s arrival."
Requirements for Retirement and Educational Visa
The Royal Thai Police issued Order No. 7/2562 dated 14 January 2019 and Order No. 35/2562 dated 18 January 2019 setting out updated criteria for extending a visa when working for the government, a state enterprise, other governmental agency, or if studying at an educational institution, or if retired.