{"id":5921,"date":"2026-09-21T00:53:05","date_gmt":"2026-09-21T00:53:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/?p=5921"},"modified":"2026-10-14T10:27:04","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T10:27:04","slug":"industries-boi-zone-factory-development-thailand-copy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/industries-boi-zone-factory-development-thailand-copy\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Condo in Thailand as a Foreigner: 2026 Legal Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>TL;DR<\/strong> Foreigners can legally buy and own a condo in Thailand freehold, provided the development remains within the 49 percent foreign ownership quota and the purchase funds are correctly transferred into Thailand from overseas. Buyers should confirm quota availability, arrange the required foreign exchange documentation and complete legal due diligence before paying a deposit or signing the sale-and-purchase agreement. Buying a condo does not automatically provide Thai residency or a visa, while taxes, transfer fees and ongoing ownership costs should also be factored into the purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction:<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buying a condo in Thailand is one of the most accessible routes to direct property ownership for foreign nationals. Although foreigners cannot directly own land, they can hold a condominium freehold in their own name, subject to two key requirements: the building must remain within the 49 percent foreign quota, and the purchase funds must be transferred into Thailand from overseas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The framework is relatively straightforward, but before committing to a purchase, foreign buyers should confirm the unit\u2019s legal status and foreign quota availability, review the sale and purchase agreement, and undertake appropriate due diligence to make sure they don&#8217;t encounter any avoidable issues.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A condo purchase can also raise wider tax and immigration considerations, particularly where the property is being acquired as an investment or as part of a move to Thailand. Lex Nova Partners advises foreign buyers across the full transaction, bringing together real estate, tax and immigration advice within one Bangkok-based team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Points<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Foreigners can own condos freehold in Thailand, provided total foreign ownership does not exceed 49 percent of the condominium&#8217;s saleable floor area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Purchase funds must generally be transferred into Thailand from overseas in foreign currency, with the appropriate foreign exchange documentation obtained to support registration at the Land Office.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Buyers should budget beyond the purchase price. The standard transfer fee is 2 percent of the appraised value, while specific business tax, stamp duty and withholding tax may also apply depending on the transaction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Leasehold may be an alternative when the foreign quota is full, but the current maximum enforceable registered lease term is 30 years. Proposed 99-year leases have not been enacted as of August 2026.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal due diligence should be completed before paying a deposit. This should cover the title deed, seller, foreign quota, sale-and-purchase agreement, outstanding common fees and, for off-plan purchases, the developer and project approvals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can Foreigners Buy a Condo in Thailand?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. Foreigners can buy and directly own a condominium unit freehold in Thailand, subject to the requirements of the Thailand Condominium Act, formally the Condominium Act B.E. 2522 (1979).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 19 of the Thailand Condominium Act permits qualifying foreign nationals to own condominium units. The most important restriction is the 49 percent foreign quota. This quota means that foreign ownership cannot collectively exceed 49 percent of the total saleable floor area of a condominium building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This quota applies to each building rather than to the Thai condominium market as a whole. It also applies to foreign freehold ownership. Units held on a leasehold basis do not consume the building&#8217;s foreign quota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before paying a reservation fee or signing an agreement, foreign buyers should therefore obtain confirmation of the current foreign quota from the condominium juristic person or developer. This can be particularly important in popular foreign-buyer markets such as Phuket and Pattaya, where the available quota in some projects may fill relatively quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There have been proposals to increase the foreign ownership ceiling from 49 percent to 75 percent. However, as of August 2026, this proposal has not been enacted. Anyone buying a condo in Thailand should therefore make their decision based on the current 49 percent limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>How Do You Register Freehold Ownership? The FET Requirement<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a foreign buyer, paying for their chosen condo is not as simple as simply transferring the purchase amount from your Thai bank account. The purchase funds must also be transferred into Thailand correctly to support registration of freehold ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For foreign buyers, the purchase funds must be remitted into Thailand from overseas in foreign currency. The receiving Thai bank can then issue a Foreign Exchange Transaction form, commonly referred to as an FET or Thor Tor 3, documenting the transfer. Please note, this does not apply to Thai Permanent Residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FET, together with documents including the buyer&#8217;s passport and sale-and-purchase agreement, is presented at the Land Office when registering the buyer&#8217;s ownership on the Chanote title deed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Problems can arise, including not being able to register the transfer at the Land Office, when a buyer pays for the property from a Thai bank account in baht without establishing the necessary foreign-remittance trail. Even if the buyer has sufficient funds and the transaction itself is genuine, the absence of the required evidence can prevent freehold registration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one reason legal review is best completed before the transfer rather than after payment arrangements have already been made. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/expertise\/realestate\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thailand real estate lawyers<\/a> can review the ownership structure, purchase documentation and fund-remittance process before registration at the Land Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>What Does Buying a Condo in Thailand Cost? Taxes and Fees<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buying a condo in Thailand involves more than the advertised purchase price. Buyers should also budget for Land Office transfer costs and the ongoing expenses associated with owning the unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The standard transfer fee is 2 percent of the property&#8217;s appraised value. Depending on the seller and the circumstances of the transaction, specific business tax at 3.3 percent may also apply, calculated on the sale price or appraised value, whichever is higher. Where specific business tax does not apply, stamp duty at 0.5 percent may instead be payable. Withholding tax is also payable on the transfer, with the calculation depending on whether the seller is an individual or a company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These taxes and fees do not necessarily fall entirely on the buyer. In a resale transaction, specific business tax or stamp duty and withholding tax are generally borne by the seller, while the transfer fee may be paid by the buyer or shared between the parties. The agreed allocation should be clearly stated in the sale-and-purchase agreement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreign buyers should also be careful about the widely reported 0.01 percent transfer fee reduction. The measure, extended by the Cabinet on 30 June 2026 through 30 June 2027 for qualifying properties valued at up to 7 million baht, applies to Thai individual buyers only. Foreign buyers remain subject to the standard transfer fee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ongoing costs may include common area management fees, sinking fund contributions and annual land and building tax on the unit. Owners who rent their property should also remember that rental income is taxable in Thailand. Lex Nova can provide <a href=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/expertise\/tax\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">property tax advice in Thailand<\/a> alongside the legal work involved in the acquisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong>Freehold vs Leasehold: What If the Foreign Quota Is Full?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the 49 percent foreign quota has already been reached, a foreign buyer cannot register a unit as foreign freehold in that development. One alternative that may be used is registered leasehold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under current Thailand condo law, the maximum enforceable registered lease term is 30 years. Any lease that is valid for 3 years or longer must be registered at the Land Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buyers should be particularly cautious about arrangements advertised as &#8220;30+30+30&#8221; leases. In March 2025, the Supreme Court invalidated pre-agreed structures of this kind. A promise to renew a lease beyond its registered 30-year term should therefore not be treated as equivalent to a 60- or 90-year property right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There has also been discussion of extending permissible lease terms to 99 years. As of August 2026, the 99-year lease proposal has not been enacted. Buyers should assess a leasehold purchase on the basis of the current 30-year legal limit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using a Thai nominee company to circumvent foreign ownership restrictions is also not a legitimate alternative. The government&#8217;s 2025-2026 nominee crackdown, including new DBD source-of-funds rules taking effect in 2026 and Land Department cross-checks, has placed tens of thousands of companies under review. Nominee ownership should be regarded as a serious offense, not a workaround for the foreign quota.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/contact-us\/\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"362\" src=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/cta-articles-lex-nova.webp\" alt=\"lex nova partners\" class=\"wp-image-4666\" srcset=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/cta-articles-lex-nova.webp 1000w, https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/cta-articles-lex-nova-300x109.webp 300w, https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/cta-articles-lex-nova-768x278.webp 768w, https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/cta-articles-lex-nova-18x7.webp 18w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>What Should You Check Before Signing? Due Diligence Essentials<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before buying a condo in Thailand, buyers should carry out appropriate legal and financial due diligence on both the individual unit and the wider development. This can identify ownership issues, outstanding liabilities and contractual restrictions before the buyer becomes financially committed to the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The review should begin with the property&#8217;s title deed. Buyers should verify the Chanote, confirm that the seller is the registered owner and has the legal authority to complete the transfer, and obtain confirmation that sufficient foreign ownership quota remains available within the condominium. For an off-plan condo purchase in Thailand, the review should extend to the developer, its authority to develop and sell the project, and the relevant project registrations and approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sale-and-purchase agreement should also be reviewed before a deposit is paid or any binding commitment is made. Particular attention should be given to the payment schedule, completion and transfer conditions, default provisions, refund rights and any restrictions affecting the buyer&#8217;s intended use of the unit. Consumer protection rules in force since January 2025 provide additional safeguards regarding the circumstances in which deposits may be retained, but they do not replace the need for a proper contractual review before signing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Due diligence should not stop at the unit itself. Buyers should review the financial position of the condominium juristic person, confirm whether any common area fees or other liabilities remain outstanding against the unit, and check the condominium regulations for restrictions that could affect how the property can be used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is particularly important where the condominium is being purchased as an investment. Short-term accommodation is subject to Thailand&#8217;s hotel licensing framework, meaning ownership of a condominium does not, by itself, give the owner the right to operate the unit as short-term accommodation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For foreign buyers, the legal review should also be coordinated with the financial requirements of the acquisition, including compliance with Thailand&#8217;s foreign fund-remittance requirements and the documentation needed to register foreign freehold ownership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lex Nova Partners can advise on the transaction as a whole, bringing together legal due diligence, contractual review, tax structuring and foreign fund-remittance compliance. Bilingual English-French support is also available for foreign buyers who prefer to manage the acquisition in either language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Can Buying a Condo Get You a Thai Visa?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Buying a condo in Thailand does not automatically provide a foreign owner with residency rights or an entitlement to a Thai visa. Property ownership and immigration status are governed separately, so owning a condominium does not, by itself, allow a foreign national to live in Thailand on a long-term basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Property investment can, however, form part of the eligibility requirements for certain immigration routes. In particular, qualifying investments in Thai real estate may be taken into account under the <a href=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/ltr-visa-for-wealthy-investors-in-thailand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LTR visa for wealthy investors<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/thailand-investment-visa-wealthy-pensioners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">LTR visa for wealthy pensioners<\/a>, provided the applicant also satisfies the other applicable financial and eligibility requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Foreign buyers planning to relocate to Thailand should therefore consider property ownership and immigration status as two connected but legally separate matters. The appropriate visa route will depend on the buyer&#8217;s circumstances, including their age, income, assets, employment or business activities and intended length of stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where a property acquisition forms part of a wider relocation or investment strategy, addressing both elements from the outset can help ensure the ownership structure and immigration arrangements are aligned. Lex Nova&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/expertise\/immigration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">immigration and visa services<\/a> can assess the appropriate residence options alongside the legal and tax aspects of the property transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>FAQ<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a foreigner buy a condo in Thailand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. A foreigner can legally own a Thai condominium freehold in their own name, provided the building remains within the 49 percent foreign quota and the buyer complies with the overseas fund-transfer requirements. The Thailand Condominium Act permits this form of direct foreign ownership, making condominiums different from land, which foreigners generally cannot directly own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a condo cost in Thailand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Entry-level Bangkok condominiums can start at around 2 to 3 million baht, while units in central Bangkok, luxury developments and other prime locations can cost considerably more. Buyers should also budget for transfer taxes and fees, common area charges and other ownership costs rather than assessing a property solely on its advertised purchase price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to buy a condo in Thailand as a foreigner?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, confirm that the condominium has sufficient space available within its 49 percent foreign quota. The title, seller and purchase agreement should then be checked before paying the deposit. Purchase funds should be remitted into Thailand from overseas in foreign currency so the necessary FET documentation can be obtained before ownership is registered at the Land Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a US citizen buy a condo in Thailand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes. A US citizen can buy a condo in Thailand under the same rules that apply to other qualifying foreign nationals. The Condominium Act does not provide a separate condominium ownership regime based on nationality. The US-Thailand Treaty of Amity concerns certain business rights for Americans and does not create separate rights for purchasing condominium units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is buying a condo in Thailand a good investment?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It can be, depending on the buyer&#8217;s objectives, property and location. A Thai condominium may offer rental-income potential and lifestyle benefits, but buyers should also consider foreign quota availability when reselling, local rental restrictions and currency movements. A purchase should therefore be assessed on its individual legal, financial and practical characteristics rather than assumed to produce a particular return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I live in Thailand if I buy a condo?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. Owning a condominium does not automatically grant a foreign buyer permission to reside in Thailand. A separate immigration status or visa is required. However, qualifying investment in Thai property may form part of the criteria for certain immigration options, including some Long-Term Resident visa categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Buying a Condo in Thailand: Plan Before You Pay<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Buying a condo in Thailand offers foreign nationals one of the clearest routes to direct property ownership in the country. However, the legal and financial requirements should be addressed before a deposit is paid or the buyer becomes contractually committed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three matters are particularly important. Buyers should confirm that sufficient capacity remains within the condominium&#8217;s 49 percent foreign ownership quota, ensure the purchase funds are transferred into Thailand correctly and supported by the required foreign exchange documentation, and complete legal due diligence on the unit, seller and development before proceeding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These steps are closely connected. An issue with the foreign quota, title, contractual terms or source-of-funds documentation can affect whether the acquisition can ultimately be registered in the foreign buyer&#8217;s name. Addressing them at the outset provides greater certainty before substantial funds are committed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lex Nova Partners advises foreign buyers throughout the condominium acquisition process, from initial due diligence and review of the sale-and-purchase agreement through to tax considerations, foreign fund-remittance compliance and registration at the Land Office. Our Bangkok team can also coordinate related immigration matters, with bilingual English-French support available throughout the transaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are considering buying a condo in Thailand, <a href=\"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/contact-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">contact our Bangkok office<\/a> to discuss the transaction before signing or transferring funds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Please note that this article is for information purposes only and&nbsp;<strong>does not constitute legal advice<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Does Thailand have an AI law?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"No, Thailand does not have a standalone AI law as of early 2026. The country's AI governance currently rests on the PDPA, the National AI Strategy and Action Plan (2022\u20132027), and sector-specific regulations from bodies such as the Bank of Thailand and the SEC. However, the ETDA held public hearings on Draft Principles for AI Legislation in mid-2025, and a dedicated AI Act is expected to be prepared in 2026. Foreign businesses should prepare for a risk-based classification system that will impose specific duties on high-risk AI applications.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What is Thailand's AI policy for foreign companies?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Thailand's AI policy for foreign companies is defined by the requirements of the PDPA and the Foreign Business Act. Foreign AI businesses must comply with data protection obligations, obtain the correct business licence or BOI promotion for their activities, and secure work permits for foreign employees. The government actively encourages foreign AI investment through BOI incentives, including tax holidays and 100% foreign ownership.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How does PDPA affect AI businesses in Thailand?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The PDPA imposes direct obligations on any AI business processing personal data of individuals in Thailand. AI businesses must have a lawful basis for data processing, respect data subject rights to access, correction, and deletion, notify the PDPC of data breaches within 72 hours, and comply with cross-border data transfer restrictions. AI-specific risks include training data containing personal data, profiling obligations, and the need for formal data processing agreements with vendors. Non-compliance carries administrative fines up to 5 million THB and potential criminal penalties.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Can a foreign company use AI services in Thailand?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, a foreign company can use and provide AI services in Thailand, but it must comply with the Foreign Business Act and the PDPA. Most AI services fall under List 3 of the FBA, meaning majority foreign ownership requires either BOI promotion or a Foreign Business License. Companies providing AI services to Thai customers must also register for VAT on digital services and ensure PDPA compliance for any personal data they process. Obtaining a BOI promotion is the most common route for foreign AI companies because it provides tax incentives, full foreign ownership, and work permit facilitation.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What are the data privacy requirements for AI companies in Thailand?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"AI companies in Thailand must comply with the PDPA's full requirements: obtaining consent or establishing another lawful basis for data processing, providing clear privacy notices, respecting data subject rights, reporting breaches within 72 hours, appointing a Data Protection Officer where required, and ensuring adequate safeguards for cross-border data transfers. The PDPC has been actively enforcing the PDPA since 2024, with total fines exceeding 21.5 million THB as of August 2025. AI companies face particular scrutiny because training data, automated profiling, and algorithmic decision-making all create specific compliance obligations under the PDPA.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Does Thailand's BOI support AI and technology businesses?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"Yes, the BOI actively supports AI and technology businesses through investment promotion incentives. Software development, digital platforms, and digital content fall under Activity 8.1.1, which offers corporate income tax exemption for up to eight years, import duty exemptions, and flexible foreign employee quotas. The BOI has also designated digital and AI as a priority sector for 2025\u20132026, and total tech investment applications exceeded 500 billion THB in 2025.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"What licenses does an AI company need to operate in Thailand?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"An AI company in Thailand typically needs either a BOI promotion certificate or a Foreign Business License to operate with majority foreign ownership. If your AI application is active in regulated sectors such as financial services or healthcare, you may also need sector-specific licences from the relevant Thai regulator. The specific combination of licences depends on your company's activities, ownership structure, and target market.\"\n      }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"How do I set up an AI company in Thailand as a foreigner?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": {\n        \"@type\": \"Answer\",\n        \"text\": \"The most common route is to apply for BOI promotion under the software and digital services category, register a Thai limited company with 100% foreign ownership, and obtain work permits for your foreign team. The process typically takes four to six months from BOI application to operational readiness. Structure, tax, and immigration decisions must be coordinated from the start to avoid delays and restructuring costs. Professional legal support ensures the process runs efficiently and compliantly.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Foreigners can own condos in Thailand, subject to the 49% quota and legal requirements.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":5923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[52],"class_list":["post-5921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-corporate","tag-corporate"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5921","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5921"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5921\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5925,"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5921\/revisions\/5925"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lexnovapartners.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}