the move

[frozen dozer]

hello all



I am making plans to move to thailand the end of this December. What can I say, i fell in love with the place, the The Ladies, the scuba diving and the life style.

I have a business Idea that I would like to pursue and have found a great lady who has the education and ambition to make it work out. This is were my delima starts out.

While I have every confidence in this ladies good intentions, still need to protect my investment and my status as a resient in the LOS.

I have reveiwed some of the business law that i could find on the internet, i have some questions and ideas that I would like to discuss with any one willing.

Some of the question i have is:

What type of visa do i need. I am not able to work in this business, other then do the books, so the majority of the business will be don by my TG. I would be happy to live as a permant tourist if that is the simplest.

When i was in phuket the second time i met some of the expat locals and say that there investment appeared to be below the minnimum that i have been reading about. The level of investment i have is limited as well, how do i bring the money into the country, or can i just withdraw the money from the ATM machine? Does the amount brought in have an influnce on the visa type applied for?


Can a non resident purchase an interest in a ltd partnership?

How do i get a thai drivers licence or will my canadian liceance be ok?
Can i buy a scooter and register it there?


these are just of the questions that i can think of now, hope to hear from some of you that are there.

fozen in the North

[Nicke]

Hi and welcome to the board. I think you can find most answers already in other posts here.

If you are going to run the business as a company (to protect yourself) then you should apply for B visa, it make things easier if you want to open phonelines, get adsl, buy motorbike/car and so on. You can still own a car without B visa (I am told) but I always had to give a copy of it. Getting tourist visas for long term stay is more problematic and many end up doing a visa run every month, its a hassle.

If you dont need a company, you can run the business in your gfs name, it also has benefits (cheaper for you).

2m baht requirement is only for work permit, you can still create a 1m baht company and have 49% share of it but you will not get a wp. I know a guy who builded and rent out houses/apartments with just a 1m baht company.

For money transfer, just open a bank account in Thailand and wire money into it.

Get an international drivers license or permit from Canada and convert it into a Thai drivers license here.

Just some short answers, there is a lot to be said about each topic,

[stevem]

Originally Posted by frozen dozer

I have a business Idea that I would like to pursue and have found a great lady who has the education and ambition to make it work out. This is were my delima starts out.

While I have every confidence in this ladies good intentions, still need to protect my investment and my status as a resient in the LOS.

The number of guys that I know of that have lost everything due to trusting their TG with their investments and companies in Thailand is disturbing. Make sure that you speak to a lawyer that is familiar with Thai law, and dont take as gospel what you read on public forums.

Bottom line, no matter how harsh it sounds, go into it trusting no one initially. Also if your "business idea" is unique to the point where it doesnt already exist on the island, be careful, as if you are successful someone will take a rather keen interest in it.

[marc26]

would you mind me askign how long you have known this tg?
only reason i ask is i cant see you making tons of money initially anyways
if you have not known her long enough, id suggest moving to thailand and living there awhile without working. i dont think it will make much of a difference financially the 1st year.
and then you can get to know the lady better

[LivinLOS]

Originally Posted by frozen dozer

hello all

I have a business Idea that I would like to pursue and have found a great lady who has the education and ambition to make it work out. This is were my delima starts out.

May I ask is this lady also emotionally / romantically involved with you.. If so do not make her part of the company (shareholding) and probably best not to be involved in running it truth be told. I have lost count of how many guys I personally know who have lost thier life savings in a year or two of doing business with thier spouses. Separate heart and finance.

Please say its not a bar or resturant..

What type of visa do i need. I am not able to work in this business, other then do the books, so the majority of the business will be don by my TG. I would be happy to live as a permant tourist if that is the simplest.

Many ways to skin a cat..

Non Imm B visa with a work permit (2m paid up capital.. 4 thai staff.. Taxes beinbg paid) is the legal way..

Non Imm B but not actively working in the job and doing 90 day visa runs is the grey way.

Tourist visa's is the black way..

When i was in phuket the second time i met some of the expat locals and say that there investment appeared to be below the minnimum that i have been reading about. The level of investment i have is limited as well, how do i bring the money into the country, or can i just withdraw the money from the ATM machine? Does the amount brought in have an influnce on the visa type applied for?

Bringing it in is easy.. Getting it out is less so.

I have never taken money out of Thailand (that says a lot !!) but I am told you need a tor tor 3 form (proof of sending money into the country) showing the money was transfered in or a recent fully paid up income tax statement covering the money is needed for large outbounds.. No experience actually doing it.

You can withdraw money from the aTM but with a 20k baht withdrawing limit (thats the thai machine limit) the costs would all start to make that a very bad idea I would think.

With 3 million baht invested (condo or gov bonds) you get a special investor visa.. 40m baht invested does the same and speed processes permanent residency.

Can a non resident purchase an interest in a ltd partnership?

yes up to 49%

How do i get a thai drivers licence or will my canadian liceance be ok?
Can i buy a scooter and register it there?

Get an IDP (not IDL) before you come.. That can be converted into a Thai DL once here without taking the driving test (which is a joke anyway).. An IDP is good enough though. Even just using your canadian is ok for most police stops but usually leaves you uninsured.

[frozen dozer]

no bar no eating establishments, I think its nice to go to a bar and have fun, but to operate one, no thanks, and food joints...gotta be crazy. And No...no internet cafe(but i think there is an opportunity there) as the current market is over served.


While the bar might be nice to run for a while, i dont think i would like to be tied down so completely. One of the reasons i want to move there is for a slower life style. Now if i had the opportunity the guest house business looks like it could be interesting...

can any body sugest a lawyer that i could talk to in Bangkok or phuket?

thanks for the feed back

[LivinLOS]

Depends what kind of law.. For small business law and accounting I have used (and many do) Khun Joy on Nanai Rd.. Have her tel if you need..

Someone had mentioned on this forum bad service IIRC but I have had nothing but good experiences with her and many mates use her for thier tasks and small company accounting.

[frozen dozer]

i need a lawyer to advise me amd structure the business relationship so that i dont become one on the long list of farang that got cleaned out. I can do my own books for now but the legal work is another matter.

Thanks for the name, when i get closer to the time i get there, i will hit you up for her telephone number.

[LivinLOS]

For an ordinary company formation my understanding goes like this.

You can hold 49% (there are times when having even less is advisable.. <35% foriegn owned property companys may be 'inspected' less)..

You must have 7 Thai shareholders (none of which should be your GF).. These can be as low as 1% but of course must total the remaining 51%.

You can have the company set up with voting / non voting shares (prefferential shares).. So that 10% of the shares have 95% of the voting rights.. You own those.

You get undated pre signed resignation letters and shareholder transfer forms from each shareholder and or director. You should also do prefferential shares but some cheaper lawyers just do these letter blanks as its easier.

That forms a simple company.

Price for above ranges from 15k (cheapest I ever heard) to perhaps 35 max..

None of which really stops you getting 'cleaned out'.. The risks are legion..

[frozen dozer]

I was thinking of an Limited partnership with TG being managing partner and me just hitching along at the 35% level, making it easier to purchase land.

I know it may seem strang to give it away, but the partnership has no real capital, but would be lent by myself...with safe gaurds where posible.

And i f the business works and the TG doesnt then i still have an interest in a profitable venture...

dream on frozen dozer

As my X wife used to say, "I dont know what is worse, the dreamer or the guy that acts out his dream"

She's gone

[LivinLOS]

Well thats exactly the way that most people I know have lost thier money..

First you say it has no capital then you say its may own land..

Your aware of the 'paid up capital' requirement to form a company (1m basic.. 2m for work permit) I am thinking ??

Basically why would you immediately put yourself inb that position of such little power ?? Why immediately front all the money and giver her total control ?? Consider how little leverage that then gives you within the relationship ?? She or you start screwing around and you have to put up with anything otherwise lose your investments !!!

Rule 1 never mix business and pleasure.

Rule 2 never be worth more dead than alive.

[stevem]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Rule 2 never be worth more dead than alive.

Especially in Thailand, coz it is so easy to arrange.

[frozen dozer]

you all make some very good points and i appreciate all that you have to say.

sometimes i wonder myself...maybe i should just take the money and coast around for a couple of years, come back to canada during slow season and make a big thai fortune working for my current employer.

There were some other rules i learnt while i was there last. those rules are...

1. never go with the same BG twice in a row
2. never go to BG home village
3. Never give bar girl your phone number...(i know this one, still have BG calling me in canada...hello darling i miss you, i have motor cycle accident can you help?)
4. you pay them to leave in the morning
5. Never call bar girl, then they have your phone number

But back to business

my understanding the paid up capital is for corporations and not ltd partnership? The reason i am leaning toward the a scheme is that the idea i have is on the "not for farang list" of businesses.

You have given me much to think about. I am glad i reached out in this forum, I love thailand and i am looking to move there, i see many expats that seem to live a life that is very appealing to me and the purchase costs of businesses while low by my standards present some risk. The business that i plan to start does not need land, it was just a thought for something in the future.

As to your rules
#1 i understand and have been thru it, wasn't so bad. But noted, for the record i understand the risk
#2 I never plan to be worth more dead then alive, no life insurance, no sizable assets, big wage earner...

I have a good feeling about this ladie but i dont want to sound like those guys who say " my girls different" . Lets just say "she hasnt given me any thing to miss trust her" yet

[marc26]

Originally Posted by frozen dozer

you all make some very good points and i appreciate all that you have to say.

sometimes i wonder myself...maybe i should just take the money and coast around for a couple of years, come back to canada during slow season and make a big thai fortune working for my current employer.

There were some other rules i learnt while i was there last. those rules are...

1. never go with the same BG twice in a row
2. never go to BG home village
3. Never give bar girl your phone number...(i know this one, still have BG calling me in canada...hello darling i miss you, i have motor cycle accident can you help?)
4. you pay them to leave in the morning
5. Never call bar girl, then they have your phone number

But back to business

my understanding the paid up capital is for corporations and not ltd partnership? The reason i am leaning toward the a scheme is that the idea i have is on the "not for farang list" of businesses.

You have given me much to think about. I am glad i reached out in this forum, I love thailand and i am looking to move there, i see many expats that seem to live a life that is very appealing to me and the purchase costs of businesses while low by my standards present some risk. The business that i plan to start does not need land, it was just a thought for something in the future.

As to your rules
#1 i understand and have been thru it, wasn't so bad. But noted, for the record i understand the risk
#2 I never plan to be worth more dead then alive, no life insurance, no sizable assets, big wage earner...

I have a good feeling about this ladie but i dont want to sound like those guys who say " my girls different" . Lets just say "she hasnt given me any thing to miss trust her" yet

where in canada you from? im in vancouver
what kind of job do you do. if i could come and go at work i would do that

[frozen dozer]

Thats hard to explain. I work in this little native community 300 km north of Whitehorse, however I any where between 3 and 5 days a wekk in Whitehorse, while there I stay at my sisters.

I am the bean counter and Director for their Development Corp. NO ONE wants to come up here to work.

But Iam looking for a change, there are no women up here, and if you do find one, the rest of the family is f--cked up. As one of my freinds from small town yukon says "you know your in a bad place when even the white people are f-cked up

[LivinLOS]

Wow white horse !! thats the back of beyond and a little bit further..

I remember being chucked out of a downtown bar there (silver dollar or golden nugget or some such) which considering the state of the other drinkers seemed like quite an achievement !!

But Iam looking for a change, there are no women up here, and if you do find one, the rest of the family is f--cked up. As one of my freinds from small town yukon says "you know your in a bad place when even the white people are f-cked up

I remember some woman wrote a book about going to alaska to find a guy.. The sub name of the book was "the odds are good but the goods are odd"

[swiftdave]

I love Whitehorse, in the summer, except for the mosquitos and blackflies, HUGE!!!!

Is there are bar in the world you haven't been thrown out of LiL??

[frozen dozer]

Whitehorse is all one word, and we digress from the subject. You think Whitehorse is way past beyond, you should try this little place in the frozen north. Got nothing to do except search the web sites for mail order brides. Thought i grab myself a thai ladie, pretty and educated and hot. Thought i'd go there and meet up, wow what an education, didnt want to leave...cried on the plane.

Got back to this little town and cried, was reverse culture shocked. same color hair and eyes and skin. but not nearly the same looks.

Now maybe you two can understand what iam up against. White women piss me off and the other ones are a mess

[pablo]

Originally Posted by frozen dozer

Whitehorse is all one word, and we digress from the subject. You think Whitehorse is way past beyond, you should try this little place in the frozen north. Got nothing to do except search the web sites for mail order brides. Thought i grab myself a thai ladie, pretty and educated and hot. Thought i'd go there and meet up, wow what an education, didnt want to leave...cried on the plane.

Got back to this little town and cried, was reverse culture shocked. same color hair and eyes and skin. but not nearly the same looks.Now maybe you two can understand what iam up against. White women piss me off and the other ones are a mess

Ahhh...come on MAN!!!

Like country western singer, Hank Thompson sang....


"There's a salmon colored girl...Who set's my heart awhirl" etc..

"Squaw's along the Ukon...Are good enough for me!" 55555


Pablo

[swiftdave]

Originally Posted by frozen dozer

Whitehorse is all one word, and we digress from the subject. You think Whitehorse is way past beyond, you should try this little place in the frozen north. Got nothing to do except search the web sites for mail order brides. Thought i grab myself a thai ladie, pretty and educated and hot. Thought i'd go there and meet up, wow what an education, didnt want to leave...cried on the plane.

Got back to this little town and cried, was reverse culture shocked. same color hair and eyes and skin. but not nearly the same looks.

Now maybe you two can understand what iam up against. White women piss me off and the other ones are a mess

C'mon Buddy, you can't truly be Canadian ubtil you've had a squaw!! All it takes is a case of Blue!

[LivinLOS]

Hey I poked-a-hontas..

Took a wrong turn at toke junction (I think.. i was stoned and looked at the totem pole carving and missed the right turn) and it was 200 odd miles to the next town not enough juice to turn back !! Haines Alaska !!!

Got thrown out of a bar there too.. For breaking in thier kitchen and eating thier cheese !! I couldnt make this shit up.. My only excuse being I was very drunk at the time..

[frozen dozer]

ah come on guys, sqaws is a word that doesnt have a lot of respect attached.

I never said that i never had a salmon coloured ladie. one of the advantagous of this type of work is that you are not related to any one. You want action, no problem.

there are some pretty ladies in the north, like i said before, they maybe great but their family is a mess.

As a case in point, i was telling a storey about an ex gf and i injected, she was native. My freind laughs and says " All you girl freinds are native". I rest my case.

But in a town of 300 you might see 3 that would be worth being caught with, i.e. a boost to your ego. and the rest would just be a problem, believe me you dont want to go there, i have, its not nice. Had to blame it on the booze.