Question 1

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept two payment methods only: Thai bank transfer or cash paid in our Pattaya office. We do not accept credit or debit cards, cheques, cryptocurrency, or international wire transfers. All payments must be made in Thai Baht (THB).

Question 2

Do I need to pay everything up front?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Full payment is required in advance, with no exceptions. Once the written quote is approved, the total amount — our professional fee plus any expected government fees — must be settled before we begin work. For recurring services such as monthly accounting, each monthly invoice is paid in advance for the period it covers.

Question 3

Are government fees included in your prices?

Accepted Answer

No. Our quoted prices cover our professional service fee only. Government fees (immigration, DBD, Revenue Department, MFA legalisation, visa stamps) are paid separately and passed through at cost. We always confirm the full total — our fee plus government fees — in writing before any work begins.

Question 4

Can you give me a fixed quote before I commit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. After a free consultation — by phone, WhatsApp, LINE or in our Pattaya office — we send a written quote covering our fee, all expected government fees, and the documents we need from you. The quote is what you pay.

Question 5

Are prices the same for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We publish the same transparent price list for every client, regardless of nationality. There are no hidden charges, no markups on government fees, and no agent commissions added to your invoice.

Question 6

Where is your office?

Accepted Answer

We're on Siam Country Club Road, Pattaya, Chonburi. Open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Walk-ins welcome, or book a free consultation via WhatsApp, LINE or our contact form.

Question 7

How long has Thai Business Help been operating?

Accepted Answer

We've been established in Pattaya since 2010, serving expats and businesses across Thailand for over 20 years collectively. Our team includes Thai-licensed accountants, lawyers, immigration specialists and certified translators.

Question 8

How long does a Thai visa application take?

Accepted Answer

Most visa categories take between 5 and 21 business days. Tourist visas are fastest at 5–10 days, while DTV and work permits typically take 14–21 days.

Question 9

Can I apply for a Thai visa while already in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Conversions and renewals can be done at Thai immigration offices without leaving the country, depending on the visa type. We handle the full process at Chonburi Immigration.

Question 10

What is the minimum balance required for a retirement visa?

Accepted Answer

You need either 800,000 THB seasoned in a Thai bank account for at least 2 months, or proof of monthly income of 65,000 THB, or a combination totalling 800,000 THB per year.

Question 11

Do you guarantee visa approval?

Accepted Answer

No reputable agent can guarantee approval — the final decision rests with Thai immigration. However, our 98%+ success rate reflects 20+ years of accurate preparation and submission.

Question 12

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Thai company?

Accepted Answer

Generally no — Thai Limited Companies require 51% Thai ownership. Exceptions include BOI promotion, US Treaty of Amity protection, or obtaining a Foreign Business Licence.

Question 13

What is the minimum registered capital?

Accepted Answer

Legally 15 THB per shareholder, but 2 million THB is the practical minimum if you want to sponsor work permits — 1 work permit per 2M of fully paid-up capital.

Question 14

How long does Thai company registration take?

Accepted Answer

A standard Thai Limited Company can be registered in 7–14 business days once all shareholder documents are complete. BOI and foreign-owned structures take longer.

Question 15

Do I need a Thai office address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The company must have a registered office in Thailand with a valid lease or landlord consent letter. We can advise on virtual-office options where appropriate.

Question 16

Is a Thai accountant legally required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every Thai company must appoint a qualified accountant and an auditor for annual financial statements. Books must be kept in Thai language.

Question 17

What are the monthly filing deadlines?

Accepted Answer

Withholding tax (PND.1/3/53) is due by the 7th of the following month. VAT (PP.30) is due by the 15th. Social security is due by the 15th.

Question 18

What happens if I miss a filing?

Accepted Answer

Late filings attract fines from 200 THB up to 2,000 THB per form, plus 1.5% monthly interest on any tax owed. We file on time, every time.

Question 19

Do I need VAT registration?

Accepted Answer

VAT registration is mandatory once your annual revenue exceeds 1.8 million THB. Many companies register voluntarily earlier to reclaim input VAT.

Question 20

Am I a Thai tax resident?

Accepted Answer

You are a Thai tax resident if you stay in Thailand for 180 days or more in a calendar year. Residents are taxed on Thai-sourced income and on foreign income remitted to Thailand.

Question 21

When is the Thai tax filing deadline?

Accepted Answer

Personal income tax returns (PND.90/91) are due by 31 March for the previous tax year. Online filing extends this to 8 April. Corporate returns are due within 150 days of fiscal year-end.

Question 22

What is the SME corporate tax rate?

Accepted Answer

SMEs with paid-up capital under 5 million THB and revenue under 30 million THB enjoy a reduced rate: 0% on the first 300,000 THB, 15% up to 3 million, and 20% above.

Question 23

Do I pay tax on overseas income?

Accepted Answer

From 2024, Thai tax residents are taxed on foreign income remitted into Thailand in the same year it is earned. We help structure remittances tax-efficiently within the rules.

Question 24

Can foreigners own land in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Foreigners cannot directly own land in Thailand, but can own condominium units (up to 49% foreign quota per building), lease land for up to 30 years, or own land through BOI-promoted Thai companies in specific cases.

Question 25

Is a Thai will necessary if I already have a foreign will?

Accepted Answer

Strongly recommended. A Thai will covering Thai-situated assets (property, bank accounts, vehicles) avoids lengthy probate complications and conflicts with foreign jurisdiction.

Question 26

How long does a Thai divorce take?

Accepted Answer

An uncontested administrative divorce can be registered at the local district office in one day if both spouses agree. Contested divorces through the family court typically take 6–12 months.

Question 27

Do you handle court representation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our Thai-licensed lawyers represent clients in civil, family, and commercial courts throughout Thailand, with English-language case updates.

Question 28

Are your translations accepted by Thai immigration?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our certified translations are accepted by Thai immigration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, embassies, and Thai courts.

Question 29

How long does MFA legalisation take?

Accepted Answer

MFA legalisation typically takes 5–7 business days for standard service. Express service (2–3 days) is available for an additional fee.

Question 30

Do you translate languages other than English and Thai?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with certified translators in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, German, French, Spanish, Arabic, and more. Lead times may be slightly longer.

Question 31

Can I get a translation accepted overseas?

Accepted Answer

For overseas use, the translation typically needs MFA legalisation plus legalisation by the destination country's embassy. We handle the full chain.

Question 32

Can I renew my UK passport from Thailand?

Accepted Answer

Yes. UK passports are renewed via HM Passport Office's online service and posted to the UK for processing. The British Embassy in Bangkok no longer issues passports — but we manage the full UK-based process for you.

Question 33

How long does a UK passport application take from Thailand?

Accepted Answer

HMPO advises up to 10 weeks for overseas applications, though many complete sooner. First passports and replacements for lost or stolen documents can take longer.

Question 34

Do you handle Emergency Travel Documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If you need to travel urgently and your passport is lost, stolen or expired, we assist with the British Embassy's ETD process for one-way travel back to the UK or onward to your home country.

Question 35

Which visas legally require health insurance?

Accepted Answer

The Non-Immigrant OA retirement visa requires approved Thai health insurance with minimum 440,000 THB inpatient and 40,000 THB outpatient cover. Some long-stay categories such as DTV also expect proof of cover.

Question 36

Can you arrange insurance for over-65s with pre-existing conditions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We work with insurers that accept older applicants and many pre-existing conditions, though premiums and exclusions vary. We disclose terms transparently before you commit.

Question 37

Do you earn commission from insurers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — insurance products in Thailand are sold via licensed brokers who earn a commission paid by the insurer. Your premium is the same whether you buy direct or through us, and we provide ongoing claim support.

Question 38

Can you handle TM30 and 90-day reports on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With a signed authorisation we can file your TM30 address report and TM47 90-day report at Chonburi Immigration without you attending in person.

Question 39

Do I need a yellow book?

Accepted Answer

It is not mandatory, but a yellow tabien baan makes many tasks easier — driving licence applications, bank accounts, and proof of address. We handle the full application.

Question 40

Can you help me get a Thai driver's licence?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We prepare the documents, book your DLT appointment, accompany you on the day and translate during the eye, reflex and theory tests.

Question 41

Do I need 800,000 THB in a Thai bank?

Accepted Answer

Yes — or 65,000 THB monthly income, or a combination totalling 800,000 THB per year. The money must be seasoned for 2 months on first application and 3 months on renewal.

Question 42

What is the difference between Non-O and Non-OA?

Accepted Answer

Non-O can be obtained inside Thailand and requires no health insurance. Non-OA is obtained from a Thai embassy abroad and currently requires qualifying health insurance.

Question 43

Do I need to leave Thailand to renew?

Accepted Answer

No. Annual extensions are handled at Chonburi Immigration without leaving the country.

Question 44

Can I work in Thailand on a DTV?

Accepted Answer

You can work remotely for clients or an employer outside Thailand. You may not be employed by or earn income from a Thai company on a DTV — that requires a work permit.

Question 45

How long can I stay on each entry?

Accepted Answer

Up to 180 days, extendable once for a further 180 days inside Thailand, so up to ~12 months per entry.

Question 46

Do I need 500,000 THB in a Thai bank?

Accepted Answer

No. The 500,000 THB can be in any bank account in your name — Thai or overseas.

Question 47

Do I need to be married in Thailand?

Accepted Answer

No, but the marriage must be legally recognised. Foreign marriage certificates need to be translated and legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be used for the visa.

Question 48

Can I work on a marriage visa?

Accepted Answer

Not directly — but a marriage visa makes it much easier to obtain a work permit, and the Thai-spouse rule reduces the capital and employee ratios required.

Question 49

What's the financial requirement?

Accepted Answer

400,000 THB seasoned in a Thai bank for 2 months, or 40,000 THB monthly income, or a combination.

Question 50

How fast can I get a work permit?

Accepted Answer

Once all paperwork is complete and the sponsoring company is compliant, we typically deliver in 10 working days.

Question 51

Do I need a Thai company to sponsor me?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a Thai-registered company with the required capital and Thai-to-foreign employee ratio is required for every work permit.

Question 52

Can my spouse get a dependent visa?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Once your work permit is issued, your spouse and children can apply for Non-O dependent visas.

Question 53

When is the report due?

Accepted Answer

Every 90 days from your last entry or last 90-day report, with a 7-day grace period before and after.

Question 54

What happens if I miss it?

Accepted Answer

Fines start at 2,000 THB and escalate quickly. Avoid this with our service.

Question 55

Do I have to be in Thailand to file?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The report confirms you are physically residing at your registered address.

Question 56

Can a foreigner own 100% of the company?

Accepted Answer

Standard Thai Limited Companies require 51% Thai ownership. 100% foreign ownership is possible via BOI, US Treaty of Amity, or a Foreign Business Licence.

Question 57

How much registered capital do I need?

Accepted Answer

Legally 15 THB per shareholder, but 2M THB is required if you want to sponsor a foreign work permit.

Question 58

Do I need a Thai address?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A registered office with a valid lease or landlord consent letter is required.

Question 59

Which activities qualify?

Accepted Answer

Tech, software, manufacturing, R&D, regional headquarters, advanced services and several creative industries — the list updates regularly.

Question 60

What tax benefits do I get?

Accepted Answer

Typically 3–8 years corporate income tax exemption, plus reduced import duties on machinery and raw materials.

Question 61

Is 100% foreign ownership guaranteed?

Accepted Answer

BOI promotion allows 100% foreign ownership for most promoted activities — but each case is reviewed individually.

Question 62

Can I sell alcohol without a licence?

Accepted Answer

No. Selling alcohol without a valid annual licence is a serious offence with fines and possible closure.

Question 63

Are restaurant licences city-specific?

Accepted Answer

Yes — restaurant licences are issued by the local municipality, with rules and fees that vary by area.

Question 64

How long do hotel licences take?

Accepted Answer

Hotel licensing under the Hotel Act commonly takes 2–6 months because it includes building and fire approvals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Business Services

Submit a question

Frequently Asked Questions

Business Services

Am I a Thai tax resident?Personal Tax Returns

When is the filing deadline?Personal Tax Returns

Submit a question