Establish Your Presence in Thailand with a Representative Office (Work Permit Condition Thai 1 : Foreigner 1)
Expanding into Thailand is a smart step for global companies looking to tap into Southeast Asia’s growing market. If you want to explore opportunities without engaging in direct sales, setting up a Representative Office is the perfect solution.
What is a Representative Office?
A Representative Office is a legal business structure in Thailand that allows a foreign company to establish a local presence without generating income. Instead, it serves as a liaison and support center for the head office abroad.
This structure is ideal for foreign businesses that want to conduct market research, support local partners, and prepare for future expansion.
Permitted Activities of a Representative Office
By law, a Representative Office in Thailand can only perform non-revenue-generating activities, such as:
- Sourcing & Quality Control: Searching for and checking the quality of goods and services in Thailand for the head office.
- Market Research: Reporting on business trends and opportunities in Thailand.
- Business Coordination: Acting as a communication channel between the head office and Thai partners.
- Advisory Support: Providing technical advice to distributors, agents, or customers.
- Product Promotion: Promoting products and services of the head office (without direct sales).
Key Conditions for Setting Up a Representative Office
- Must be 100% foreign-owned.
- Not allowed to generate income, issue invoices, or sign contracts on behalf of the head office.
- Expenses must be funded by the overseas head office.
Why Choose a Representative Office?
✅ Easy entry into the Thai market
✅ No need for Thai shareholders
✅ Full foreign ownership allowed
✅ Low risk – no income tax on profits (as no revenue is generated)
✅ Perfect for testing the market before full expansion ✅ Ratio of Thai employee to Foreign employee is 1:1
How We Can Help
At W Law International, we provide end-to-end assistance with Representative Office Registration, including:
- Eligibility consultation and business planning
- Preparation of all required legal documents
- Filing the application with the Ministry of Commerce
- Ongoing compliance and advisory services
Begin Your Expansion Today
Thailand is one of Asia’s most promising markets — and a Representative Office is your first step towards long-term success. With our expert guidance, setting up your Representative Office is fast, smooth, and compliant with Thai law.
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W Law and Real Estate International (Thailand) Co., Ltd. Tax ID No. 0105553119048
Bangkok Office: 989 Siam Piwat Tower 12A Floor, unit B1-B2, room no. 1252, Rama I Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok Metrpolis 10330
Phuket Office: 63/202 Moo 2 Royal Phuket Marina, Thepkasattri Road, Kohkaew, Muang Phuket, Phuket Province 83000
Pattaya Office: 666/66 Level 4 Convention Hall Brighton Grand Hotel Pattaya, Moo 5, Naklua, Banglamung, Chonburi Province 20150
Tel: (66) 02 648 5111 Fax: (66) 02 648 5001 Email: contact@w-lawthai.com Line @wlaw