Business and investment opportunities are abundant in Thailand. Learn more about why you may want to start your business in Thailand.
Thailand’s economy is recuperating from slow growth over the years since the 2014 government coup.
The country’s economic fundamentals are stable. With low inflation, low unemployment rates, and reasonable public and external debt levels. Thailand is famous for being the “land of smiles”.
However, based on where Thailand is located and the increase in government support, it has become the prime location for business and investment opportunities including opening a company or hiring employees.
Keep reading to learn how to start a business in Thailand and why it is so popular among foreign investors.
1. Thailand’s Government Support and Incentives
The Thailand Board of Investments (BOI) offers investors an expansive range of tax incentives, support services, and import duty exemptions or reductions for activities that contribute towards the nation’s development objectives.
On September 6th, 2019, Thailand introduced a stimulus package called “Thailand Plus”. It contains a variety of measures to promote foreign investment.
Foreign investors that employ highly-skilled staff in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sectors are eligible for corporate income tax (CIT) deductions of 200% for training expenses related to projects endorsed by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation.
Investors that are involved in the development of advanced technology are entitled to 200% CIT deductions during the 2019-20 financial year for business investments or training purposes.
Under Thailand Plus, companies are eligible for a further five years of 50% CIT reductions if they invest at least 1 billion Thai Baht ($32 million USD).
Through the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), a special economic zone, Thailand offers investors CIT exemptions for the first thirteen years and 50% CIT deduction for the next five.
A government that supports foreign investment gives investors easy entry into the Thailand market.
2. Strategic Location
The geographical area where Thailand is located presents a competitive advantage to business owners and investors that decide to enter the market.
Thailand sits conveniently in between China and India. Not only does Thailand offer suitable to trade with these two neighboring countries, but it is also a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Investors that engage in Thailand will have accessible trade routes with Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Laos, Cambodia, and Myanmar.
Thailand was one of the founding members of the ASEAN Region.
Moreover, Thailand has been active in the development of the ASEAN Free Trade Area(AFTA). AFTA was implemented January 1st, 2010 for the six original ASEAN (ASEAN-6) members. They were comprised of Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Brunei.
Import duties were reduced to zero for countries that traded within the AFTA.
Thailand is perfectly located at the crossroads of Asia. It offers easy access to the region’s lively economies. For instance, its own flourishing domestic consumer market of more than 68 million people.
This location is ideal to start a business or hire employees so your company is in the center of the ASEAN region.
3. Thailand Business Language is English
Thai is the official language. However, many Thai people speak English.
Most major universities in Thailand teach business in English. This makes hiring highly skilled and competent Thai employees an easy process.
Chinese and Japanese are also taught in many schools. What’s more, the number of graduates who have at least a basic understanding of German and French is quickly increasing. This makes doing business with other countries around the globe a lot easier.
Also, there is a rising demand for students to study business at university. However, there is still the chance of getting lost in translation, it is still recommended to have a basic understanding of the Thai language and culture.
4. Low Work Wages
One of the reasons why business owners opt to expand internationally into other markets is the low wages compared to countries in the Western hemisphere.
In effect since January 1st, 2020, Thailand’s minimum wage now ranges between 313-336 Thai Baht (about $10 USD). But the minimum daily wage varies by skill and experience.
An employee can work a maximum of eight hours a day, and work up to forty-eight hours per week. Employees that work in a Thailand-based company are entitled to a minimum of thirteen national holidays each year as well as a minimum of six days of holiday or annual leave after one year of consecutive work.
Low work wages mean business owners will have more resources to fund other business-related efforts.
Thailand has made efforts to improve the nation’s economy and promote technological advancement and foreign relations. It’s no surprise why Thailand is popular amongst foreign investors.
Business owners should look to Thailand to expand their company through opening a business or hiring employees in Thailand.
NNRoad makes global expansion accessible for any business. We offer all kinds of HR services. For example, employment service, benefits administration, company formation, and payroll service.
Contact us today to see how we can help you succeed in Thailand.