Import, Export and Manufacturing in Thailand: 5 Steps to Launch in 2026

Thailand has firmly established itself as the premier gateway for international entrepreneurs looking to tap into Southeast Asian trade. With ASEAN membership, world-class port infrastructure, and a competitive cost base, it offers a compelling combination of market access, logistics, and regulatory frameworks that few regional rivals can match. But between the business idea and the first shipment lies a complex landscape of licenses, ownership restrictions, and labour laws. This guide breaks down every critical step.

Quick Answer

• 100% foreign ownership of an import-export company is possible — but only via a Foreign Business License (FBL) or BOI certification

• Minimum registered capital for a foreign-majority company is 2 million THB per Work Permit issued

• A Factory License is mandatory for facilities employing 50 or more workers, or operating machinery exceeding 50 horsepower

• Thailand's minimum daily wage in 2026 ranges from 370 to 400 THB, depending on the province

• As an ASEAN member, Thailand benefits from zero or reduced tariffs when exporting to 9 neighbouring countries

• The BOI (Board of Investment) programme offers corporate tax holidays of up to 8 years and full foreign ownership without requiring an FBL

Scenarios and Options

Scenario 1 — Import-Export Company with Full Foreign Control

Thailand regulates foreign business activity through the Foreign Business Act (FBA). Domestic retail trade falls under List 3 of the FBA, meaning foreigners are prohibited from engaging in it without special authorisation. However, pure export operations and wholesale trade of imported goods can be structured legally through a Foreign Business License issued by the Department of Business Development.

The practical path forward: register a Thai Limited Company with foreign shareholding capped at 49%, or pursue BOI certification, which removes ownership restrictions entirely. A third route — the US-Thailand Treaty of Amity — grants American citizens 100% ownership rights, but this is not available to most other nationalities.

Critical warning: Using nominee Thai shareholders to artificially inflate local ownership is a criminal offence under Thai law. Penalties reach 1 million THB in fines and up to 3 years imprisonment. The Department of Special Investigations (DSI) actively prosecutes nominee arrangements, and enforcement has intensified significantly in recent years.

Scenario 2 — Garment Manufacturing for Export to ASEAN and Beyond

Thailand is Southeast Asia's second-largest textile manufacturing hub after Vietnam. Production costs are typically 30 to 40% lower than in China at comparable quality levels, making it an attractive base for export-oriented manufacturing.

Key steps to launch a manufacturing operation:

• Company registration — Thai Limited Company or BOI-certified entity
• Factory License — obtained through the Department of Industrial Works (DIW)
• Land and premises — foreigners cannot own land directly; ownership must be structured through a Thai legal entity or within designated industrial estates
• Staffing — Thai labour law requires a minimum ratio of 4 Thai employees per 1 foreign worker
• Export logistics — Laem Chabang Port handles over 8 million TEUs annually and ranks among the world's top 20 container terminals

Shipping routes to Europe, the Middle East, and other global destinations are well-served from Laem Chabang. A 40-foot container typically costs between $3,500 and $5,000 depending on the destination and season, with standard transit times ranging from 25 to 35 days.

Scenario 3 — Importing International Goods into Thailand

Thailand's import market presents significant opportunities across multiple product categories. High-demand segments include:

• Fertilisers and agrochemicals — Thailand imports over $2 billion worth of fertilisers annually
• Steel products and metal goods
• Wheat and flour — Thailand produces no wheat domestically and relies entirely on imports
• Cosmetics and personal care products — international brands are gaining traction via Shopee and Lazada
• IT solutions and enterprise software
• Dietary supplements and sports nutrition
• Petrochemical products

For food and supplement imports, registration with the Thai FDA is mandatory. The process typically takes 2 to 6 months and requires laboratory testing, product certification, and Thai-language labelling compliance.

Comparison Table

Main Risks and Mistakes

1. Nominee shareholder arrangements. The most common and dangerous mistake foreign entrepreneurs make. The DSI has significantly increased enforcement, with a record number of cases filed in 2025. The consequences — criminal prosecution, fines, and potential business closure — far outweigh any perceived convenience.

2. Underestimating bureaucratic timelines. Obtaining the full set of licences for a manufacturing operation can take 4 to 6 months. Budget accordingly for both time and operating costs during the setup phase.

3. HS code misclassification. Errors in Harmonised System tariff codes on customs declarations lead to cargo delays, financial penalties, and potential confiscation. Always engage a licensed customs broker — the cost is negligible compared to the risks.

4. Overlooking Thai labour law protections. Thailand's Labour Protection Act is strongly pro-employee. Terminating a worker without justified cause can result in severance payments equivalent to up to 400 days of wages for employees with more than 20 years of service.

5. Wage compliance failures. Paying below the statutory minimum wage is a criminal offence, carrying fines of up to 100,000 THB and potential imprisonment of up to 6 months.

6. Operating without a Work Permit. Even company directors and majority shareholders are not exempt. Working in Thailand without a valid Work Permit attracts fines of up to 100,000 THB and deportation. This is a non-negotiable compliance requirement.

FAQ

Can a foreign national open an import-export company in Thailand? Yes. The two clean routes are obtaining a Foreign Business License from the Department of Business Development, or securing BOI certification. Under a standard Thai Limited Company structure, foreign shareholding is capped at 49%.

What does company registration cost? Legal fees for registering a Thai Limited Company typically range from 20,000 to 50,000 THB. Minimum registered capital starts at 2 million THB per Work Permit applied for.

What is BOI and why does it matter? The Board of Investment is Thailand's investment promotion agency. A BOI certificate unlocks: 100% foreign ownership, corporate tax holidays of up to 8 years, land ownership rights within industrial estates, and streamlined visa and Work Permit processing.

Is a Factory License required for small-scale production? No — if the facility employs fewer than 50 workers and operates machinery below 50 horsepower, a full Factory License is not required. However, notification to the Department of Industrial Works is still obligatory.

What is the minimum wage in Thailand in 2026? 370 to 400 THB per day, varying by province. Bangkok and major tourist zones apply the upper rate. Skilled factory workers typically earn 15,000 to 25,000 THB per month.

Can food products be imported into Thailand? Yes, provided the importer obtains registration from the Thai FDA. The process takes 2 to 6 months and requires laboratory analysis, product certification, and compliant Thai-language labelling.

What taxes apply to export-oriented companies? Corporate income tax is 20% (reduced to 0% for BOI-approved companies during the incentive period). VAT on exports is 0%. Personal income tax for foreign directors ranges from 5% to 35% on a progressive scale.

How can profits be repatriated? The Bank of Thailand permits full profit repatriation. Supporting documentation — including tax returns and proof of tax payment — must be submitted to the remitting bank. There are no foreign exchange controls on outbound transfers below $50,000 per day.

Where are the best locations for manufacturing? The Eastern Seaboard (Chonburi and Rayong) offers proximity to Laem Chabang Port and established industrial infrastructure. Nakhon Ratchasima and Chiang Mai offer lower rental rates and wage levels, making them attractive for labour-intensive production.

Thailand is not the easiest market to enter, but it remains one of the most rewarding in Southeast Asia — offering a rare combination of cost competitiveness, logistics capability, and ASEAN market access. The foundational rule is straightforward: structure your legal entity correctly from day one. Mistakes at the setup stage cost far more to fix than a qualified legal consultation would have cost to prevent.

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