| Thailand is considered one of Asia’s tiger | | | | Advice on this topic would fill an article in itself, but |
| economies, with many opportunities for | | | | the crux of it is simple. You will need professional |
| enterprising companies to make use of both a | | | | help with this task if you are to avoid getting |
| relatively cheap but well-educated labour force, | | | | bogged down in administration to the point of not |
| together with an increasingly efficient | | | | being able to focus on your own business needs. |
| infrastructure. | | | | There are many professional companies that |
| However, there are many pitfalls that need to be | | | | specialize in just this task, and you should get |
| avoided when looking to expand a business into | | | | quotes from at least three different companies. |
| Thailand for such a venture to succeed. | | | | Your checklist of factors to consider: |
| Making the initial foray | | | | · Once again communication is critical. Any |
| The Thai government offers a business visa to | | | | company you choose has to have the ability to |
| applicants wishing to come to Thailand to research | | | | communicate with you without misunderstandings. |
| the opportunities that might exist for their | | | | Check to see who will be your point of contact |
| company. This application is best made at the Thai | | | | on an ongoing basis. |
| consulate in your existing location, rather than | | | | · Check for a strong history of satisfied |
| entering as a tourist. | | | | customers. Go so far as to ask for references |
| This will allow you to stay up to 90 days at a | | | | and be diligent in checking them. |
| time and is renewable under the right | | | | · Choose a company that is conveniently located |
| circumstances. There are many websites that | | | | to your base. Bangkok can be troublesome to get |
| offer detailed advice on the best methods of | | | | around, so bear this in mind. |
| applying and also the best consulates to apply at | | | | · Always check the costs and try to make sure |
| with up to date information. | | | | you are comparing like for like. If a quote is not |
| Setting up an office | | | | clear, request further details so that you can |
| The best method of hitting the ground running is | | | | accurately see how one company’s service |
| to look into using a serviced office, at least to | | | | costs compare with another. |
| begin with. Not only will this offer you immediate | | | | · Negotiate as always, and use this as a way to |
| support services, you will be able to move into a | | | | test communication channels. |
| fully functioning office within a matter of hours. | | | | Once your company is set up properly, it will be |
| Most of the facilities you will need (phone, | | | | necessary to apply for an official work permit to |
| Internet, secretarial, fax, etc) will be immediately | | | | continue to work in Thailand. Again this is |
| available, together with an all important address. | | | | something that you can outsource and is probably |
| Remember too that Thai culture places a great | | | | in your best interests to do so. |
| emphasis on status, so make sure your serviced | | | | Getting started |
| office will impress both in terms of location and | | | | Many companies find the easiest way to start in |
| decoration. | | | | Thailand is to look for a Thai business partner |
| When looking for a serviced office, remember the | | | | right off the bat. This way, you can plug right in |
| following: | | | | to an existing network and take advantage of |
| · Communication can be a challenge in Thailand, | | | | partnerships that have been in place for many |
| so choose an office where you are able to | | | | years. |
| communicate easily with the staff. They will | | | | Of course, this means finding the right partner, |
| become invaluable to you when you need to talk | | | | which may not always be possible. |
| to other Thais. | | | | The alternative is to look for networks that you |
| · Location is critical, with Bangkok roads still | | | | can work into quickly and may include: |
| jammed on a regular basis. Make sure you choose | | | | Your embassy in Bangkok |
| somewhere close to the two train networks. This | | | | Clubs such as the British Club or American Club |
| will save you a great deal of time later on. | | | | Industry associations |
| · Keep an eye out for hidden costs. Some | | | | Expect to spend the first few months meeting as |
| offices will not be clear on just what is included, | | | | many new people as you can in order to start |
| so ask about VAT, phone, Internet and installation | | | | connecting with the right people. |
| costs. | | | | The one piece of advice that will be relevant |
| · Bargaining is a way of life in Thailand, so be | | | | throughout your time in Thailand is this: |
| prepared to negotiate a little. | | | | Always keep smiling and try to keep your |
| Setting up a Thai company | | | | temper. |