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How to Apply for a Residence Permit in Thailand

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  If you’re planning to make Thailand your long-term home, applying for a residence permit is a crucial step. While the process might seem complicated, breaking it down into manageable steps can help you feel more confident about navigating it. Here’s an easy-to-follow guide on how to get started. Who Can Apply? To be eligible for a Thai residence permit, you need to meet a few basic requirements: Visa Status : You should have a Non-Immigrant Visa and have been living in Thailand for at least three consecutive years using one-year visa extensions. Background Check : If you’re 14 or older, a criminal background check is required. Personal and Financial Details : You’ll need to show information about your income, assets, work history, and family connections in Thailand. Authorities may also consider other factors, like national security. Language Skills : Basic Thai language skills are necessary for the interview process. Application Categories Your application will fall into one of thes
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Starting a Language School in Thailand: Essential Guidelines for Foreign Investors

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Opening a language school in Thailand is a great business opportunity, but it does require navigating a few legal requirements. As a foreigner, you’ll need Thai partners to apply for a school license through the Office of the Private Education Commission. The regulations fall under the Private School Act B.E. 2550 and B.E. 2554. Although the law doesn’t define language schools as a separate category, they are grouped into different categories depending on the type of courses offered. Here’s a brief look at the possible categories: Life Skills Development : Suitable for language classes aimed at young children. Preparatory School : For language courses that supplement regular school subjects. Professional Skills Education : For courses focused on communication, business, or professional use. If your school plans to offer more than one category, you’ll need at least 100 square meters of space for each one, and each must be clearly separated from other activities. Who Can Own and Manage a
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Location: Ko Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
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Why You Need a Thai Lawyer When Buying a Condo in Thailand

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  Buying a condo in Thailand is a big step, and if you’re an expat, navigating the process can be a little tricky. While it might seem like having an agent on your side is enough, keep in mind that agents typically work for the seller. Their commission—usually around 3% of the sale price—is paid by the seller, which means their primary obligation is to get the best deal for their client, not necessarily you. That’s why having a dedicated Thai lawyer is so important. At Sukhothai Interlaw, we make sure your interests are fully protected. Our job is to carefully review the Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) and ensure that everything is fair and transparent. This way, you won’t find yourself caught off guard by any hidden clauses or unfavorable terms. Another critical role we play is making sure that the property’s documents are in order. We verify that the seller has legitimate ownership and that the condo is clear of any legal issues. This step is especially important for foreign buyers
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Location: Ko Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
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Lost Your Passport in Thailand? Here’s How to Handle It

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  Losing your passport while traveling can be stressful, but don’t worry. Here’s a quick guide on what to do if it happens in Thailand. Step 1: Gather These Documents First, make sure you have these items ready: Application Form  – Get this from the Immigration Office. New Passport and a Copy  – Visit your embassy to get a new one, and make a copy of the main page. Police Report  – Report your lost passport at the local police station and get a report. Certificate from Your Embassy  – Your embassy will give you a certificate with your new passport details. Step 2: Visit Immigration If You’re in Bangkok : Head to the Lost Passport Section at the Immigration Office. Fill out a form with your details, like your name, passport number, and when you arrived in Thailand. Check the info on your new passport. Give the police report to the officer, who will verify your entry to Thailand. If everything checks out, your visa will be moved to your new passport. If You’re Not in Bangkok : Go to your
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Location: Ko Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
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Thailand Attracts Hybrid Car Makers with New Incentives

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Thailand is offering new perks to hybrid car manufacturers in a bid to strengthen its place in the global automotive industry. The Board of Investment (BOI) has announced a plan to cut excise taxes for hybrid vehicles from 2028 to 2032. This is part of Thailand’s strategy to stay competitive as the auto industry shifts towards more sustainable options. To qualify for these tax breaks, companies need to invest at least 3 billion baht (around $90 million) over the next four years. They also have to use locally made parts, which is great news for local suppliers. Another condition is that the cars must include advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), reflecting the growing demand for technology in vehicles. For years, Thailand has been a major player in car manufacturing in Southeast Asia, hosting top carmakers from around the world. Now, Chinese companies like BYD and Great Wall Motor have started investing heavily in the country. These new incentives are designed to make sure Thailand
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Location: Ko Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
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Thai Government Updates Rental Business Regulations: Key Changes for Residential Leases

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  With more people choosing to live in condos and apartments in Thailand, the government has introduced updated rules for rental businesses. These changes, brought into effect by the Consumer Protection Board in 2024, aim to make rental agreements clearer and fairer for both tenants and landlords. The new regulations are known as the “Stipulation of Residential Property Leasing as a Contract-Controlled Business B.E. 2567 (2024).” What’s New in the 2024 Regulations? The updated rules apply to property owners or companies that rent out five or more residential units, excluding dormitories and hotels, which follow different regulations. Below are the key updates in the 2024 rental regulations: Lease Agreements Must Be Transparent: Rental contracts must still be provided in Thai, and the law requires that they include more detailed information to ensure fairness to tenants. Any clauses that give the landlord the right to terminate the lease must be highlighted, making them easy to spot. Up
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Location: Ko Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
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Why You Need a Medical Certificate to Work in Thailand

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  If you’re planning to work in Thailand, you might have heard that you need a medical certificate to get or renew your work permit. Many people wonder why this is necessary. Simply put, Thailand has regulations to ensure that the workplace remains safe and healthy. Under the Foreigners’ Working Management Emergency Decree, anyone who wants to work in Thailand must show that they are in good health. This means you need a medical certificate that proves you don’t have any serious health issues that could affect you or those around you at work. Specifically, the certificate must confirm that you do not have a mental illness and are free from six particular health conditions: Leprosy  – A chronic infectious disease that can lead to severe disfigurement. Tuberculosis (TB)  – A serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. Drug Addiction  – Dependence on illegal or prescription drugs. Alcoholism  – Addiction to alcohol, which can affect work performance and safety. Elephantiasis
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Location: Ko Samui, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani, Thailand
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