Branch versus subsidiary comparison
Advice tailored to the legal, documentary and implementation requirements relevant to branch versus subsidiary comparison.
Corporate Law & M&A
Thailand Branch Office Setup
Establish a direct operating presence in Thailand while understanding the parent company's liability, licensing position and ongoing obligations.
The legal position
A branch can provide direct presence without creating a separate Thai company
A branch office is not a separate Thai legal entity. The relationship with the foreign parent should be understood from the outset.
A branch may suit a foreign parent that wants to operate directly in Thailand and is prepared to manage the legal and practical consequences. The right choice depends on revenue generation, control, proposed activities and where liability should sit.
The legal consequence of a branch
The branch is an extension of its foreign parent. Authority and responsibility should be documented clearly, and the parent may remain responsible for branch obligations.
The FBA question depends on what the branch will do
A Foreign Business Licence is not automatic solely because the presence is a branch. The relevant route may involve an FBL, FBC, treaty, promotion, exemption, sector-specific approval or an activity outside the permission regime.
Capital, filings and obligations should be confirmed for the route
Capital requirements depend on the Foreign Business Act position, the proposed activity and the legal basis on which the branch operates. Registration, tax, accounting, labour, immigration and sector licensing questions should be considered together.
How SBC Law can assist
Focused support built around the matter and its commercial context.
Our role is tailored to the route, the evidence and the outcome required—not a standardised package applied to every matter.
FBA and activity analysis
Advice tailored to the legal, documentary and implementation requirements relevant to fba and activity analysis.
Parent-company authority and evidence
Advice tailored to the legal, documentary and implementation requirements relevant to parent-company authority and evidence.
Capital, tax and compliance planning
Advice tailored to the legal, documentary and implementation requirements relevant to capital, tax and compliance planning.
Discuss your objectives
Advice shaped around the objective and the operating context.
Tell us what you are planning, what has changed and where you need clarity. Our Bangkok team will help identify the relevant legal pathway.