Branch Office, Representative Office and Regional Office

It may only carry out non-revenue activities: sourcing goods or services in Thailand for head office, inspecting and controlling quality of goods head office orders, advising on head office products, disseminating information, and reporting on business movements in Thailand. It may not sell, take purchase orders, or negotiate contracts. All funding must come from head office remittances.

A branch is not a separate legal entity, so the foreign parent is directly liable for its debts, and the branch is itself a foreigner requiring permission for restricted businesses. A Thai-registered subsidiary is a separate Thai juristic person limiting shareholder liability, and needs no FBL if Thai nationals hold the majority.

The minimum prescribed by ministerial regulation — generally THB 2 million, or THB 3 million per business category where applicable — remitted in instalments over the prescribed period from commencement. Keep the foreign remittance evidence for every instalment; the Registrar does ask for it.

Typically the parent company's certificate of incorporation, a shareholder list or evidence of the authorised signatory, a board resolution approving the Thai investment, and a power of attorney for the representative in Thailand. Each must be certified in the country of origin, then translated into Thai with the translation certified before filing with the DBD.

Only non-revenue activities: sourcing goods, inspecting the quality of goods purchased by the head office, advising on the head office's products, disseminating information, and reporting business movements to the head office. It cannot invoice, accept purchase orders, or negotiate contracts. Funds must be remitted from abroad, with a minimum of THB 3 million injected in stages.

A limited company suits businesses needing limited liability, outside investment and work permit sponsorship. A registered partnership is cheaper to maintain but the managing partner carries unlimited liability. A representative office may only perform non-revenue activities such as sourcing, quality inspection and market reporting for the parent. Issuing invoices or receiving payment through a representative office is treated as operating beyond its permitted scope.