
What the treaty gives
U.S. citizens or majority U.S.-owned companies can obtain a certificate from DBD to run certain businesses in Thailand with national treatment.
Activities still excluded
Excluded areas include communications, transport, fiduciary functions, deposit-taking banking, land ownership, professions and domestic trade in indigenous agricultural products.
Sequence
Register the company, obtain a nationality certification letter from the U.S. Embassy, then apply to DBD for the treaty certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Must all shareholders be American?
A majority must be U.S. citizens or entities, and most directors U.S. or Thai citizens; confirm current criteria with DBD.
Can the company own land?
No, the treaty does not cover land ownership.
Send your documents for our accounting team to review
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Sources
- Department of Business Development
- Office of the Council of State (Thai legislation)
- U.S. Embassy Bangkok
Reviewed by the accounting team at Thai Law & Accounting Services · Last reviewed 4 Oct 2026 · General information, not tax or legal advice for your specific case