Q's Regarding Setting Up a Business in Hua Hin

rd · Novice Joined: 14 May 2008 Posts: 1

Dear All,

I am looking to set up a restaurant in HH and would like your viewpoint/experiences in similar endeavours. I have been to HH in 2006 for a week and to BKK several times in the last 8 years.

1. Can I own the land for the restaurant ? There is some confusion on ownership issues, some suggest setting up a company.
2. I need to bring in 4 qualified staff to do the actual cooking , is that legally permissible ? If not what are the remedies ?
3. If ownership not possible what is the ballpark rent in the main tourist area of HH for a 2000 - 2500 square feet of space.

I have substantial experience in running restaurants and am running 2 in New Delhi, India. I would love to recreate to experience in HH.

Thanks in Advance for all your help.

RD

Super Joe · Guru Joined: 22 Sep 2006 Posts: 587

JW · Ace Joined: 11 Sep 2005 Posts: 1399 Location: hua hin

Hi rd,

If you have a operating business then that company can take ownership of land. You can get work permits for chefs and managers. Rent is very dependant on location - up to 150K a month for the best location - down to around 30K for something of the main street.

What sort of restaurant would you look to create - as a real food lover any new restaurant iis great news. Look forward to hearing your plans.

Cheers

JW

buksida · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject:

I'll have a go at this but may not be 100% on it so maybe some others can confirm.

1) No, you cannot own the land unless you are Thai. You can only own 49% of a company also and need 6 Thai shareholders for the remaining 51%.

2) Yes, if you want a work permit through your company you need to employ (and pay insurance for) 4 Thais, they will check up on this.

3) Expensive! Rents in downtown Hua Hin are often in excess of 100k per month.
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Wanderlust · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 8:31 pm Post subject:

rd,
Correct me if i am wrong, but i think your hope was to bring in 4 non Thais to work for you? I don't think this is possible unless you are employing another 16 Thais as well, and your company would also have to be valued at a hefty sum (which i think affects the tax you would pay also). Also even with these things it might be hard getting work permits for the 4 you want, as I think there are plenty of chefs and other catering staff in Thailand and there is a list of jobs that it is nigh on impossible to get work permits for, and I think this is one of them. It would depend on how highly skilled they are I think.
Not wishing to put you off but look into this very carefully before proceeding, and good luck!

JimmyGreaves · Guru Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 589

buksida · Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 10:14 pm Post subject:

Does that mean we can now boot four of ours out or will that involve mass expense and 12 reams of paper?
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Named must your fear be before banish it you can.

JimmyGreaves · Guru Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 589

JimmyGreaves · Guru Joined: 17 Oct 2005 Posts: 589

margaretcarnes

rd - Wanderlust is right there about non-Thai workers. The capital investment held by a registered company increases mega-fold for each additional work permit holder, and every non-Thai you have MUST hold a work permit.
I would guess the capital needed for the company ownership alone, with 5 non-Thais (including yourself) could be from 8 to 16 million baht. But get a good lawyer and check it out.
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