Business Operating Licenses is necessary in doing business in Thailand. You can obtain these from the relevant government offices in the locality where you will establish your business.
You must obtain an alcohol license from The Excise Department (Ministry of Finance) for any of the following purposes:
Establishments that require liquor licenses include:
Alcohol license holders are prohibited to sell alcoholic beverages:
1. to people younger than 20 years or those people who lose consciousness when they drink;
2. between 12:00 midnight and 11:00 am, and from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm;
3. in close proximity to educational and religious areas; and
4. at or within petrol stations and dormitories, public parks provided by the government for public recreation, State Public Health Service Units, as well as Public Offices, except in the areas designated for the establishment of shops or clubs.
If you wish to sell cigarettes, you must apply to The Excise Department for a Cigarette License. Your alcohol and cigarette licenses must be renewed at the end of the calendar year (December 31). Renewal applications, on the other hand, are accepted beginning in October.
Opening a food business comes with its own set of legal responsibilities, such as obtaining a number of licenses and permissions before you begin operations. The type of licenses to obtain depends on the type of products or services that you intend to sell. Serving or selling food must first obtain a Food License from the Municipality or District where you will establish your business.
The complete process might take up to two months from the date the application is submitted. An official from the Municipality or District must schedule an inspection of the location, restaurant facilities, and general sanitation before approving the license application.
A food license is valid for one year and is thereafter renewed on an annual basis.
The Tourist Business and Guide Act regulates the tourism business in Thailand. ‘Tourism Business’ refers to a business operation providing services for tourists, such as sightseeing tours and tourist guide services. Before engaging in this type of business, one has to apply for a TAT license (Tourism Authority of Thailand) with the Tourist Business and Guide Registration Office.
Companies who intend to provide or engage in any of the following services must obtain an Entertainment License:
Venues such as discotheques and other venues that stage folk and country dancing.
Restaurants that provide entertainment.
Entertainment License holders must renew their license at the end of the calendar year (December 31). However, accepting of renewal applications start from the month of October.
Massage License must first be obtained from the Municipality or District where the proposed establishment or business will be located for the purpose of engaging in a Spa or Massage services.
The establishment applying for this massage business operating licenses must:
Massage License is valid for one year and is then renewable yearly.
