Thailand Lawyers

Thailand’s tourism sector is one of the country’s economic pillars, attracting millions of visitors each year. While many foreigners can enter under visa exemption , others require a Tourist Visa (TR) to lawfully stay beyond the exemption period or to avoid entry problems at borders. Understanding the legal framework, eligibility, application procedures, extensions, and risks is essential for both casual travelers and those planning longer visits. This article provides an in-depth guide to the Thai Tourist Visa , based on the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), ministerial regulations, and real-world practices of Thai embassies and consulates. 1. Legal Framework 1.1 Governing Law The Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979) is the principal law regulating entry and stay of foreigners in Thailand. Tourist visas are authorized under ministerial regulations issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) and enforced by the Immigration Bureau . 1.2 Purpose The Tourist Visa (TR) is i...

A Representative Office (RO) is a form of foreign business presence in Thailand designed for non-revenue-generating activities. It allows a foreign company to engage in specific, limited operations to support its head office abroad, without directly conducting sales or earning income in Thailand. The concept is regulated under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) (“FBA”) and related Ministry of Commerce (MOC) regulations. 1. Legal Basis and Regulatory Authority Primary Law: Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (Sections 4, 7, 14–17). Responsible Authority: Department of Business Development (DBD), Ministry of Commerce. Relevant Ministerial Regulations: Prescribing types of permitted RO activities and application procedures. Under the FBA, foreign entities may not engage in restricted businesses without a Foreign Business License (FBL) . A Representative Office is considered a restricted form of “service business” but can obtain an FBL for its permitted activities mor...