Minimum Capital for a Thai Company: What Foreign Founders Actually Need

Three capital figures are often confused

Registered capital

This is the share capital stated in the company's incorporation documents. General company law requires the amount and share structure to be registered, but it does not impose one flat registered-capital figure for every private limited company.

Paid-up capital

This is the amount actually paid for the shares. Before registration, at least 25% of the value of each cash-payable subscribed share must be called and paid. A separate operating or permission route may require more.

Foreign-business minimum capital

A Thai-registered company can be treated as foreign when at least half of its capital is held by foreigners. The foreign-business rules then apply minimum-capital requirements to the business it will operate.

When do THB 2 million and THB 3 million matter?

• For a foreign business, the statutory minimum capital must not be less than THB 2 million.
• If the business is restricted and requires permission, the minimum must not be less than THB 3 million for each business activity.
• A licence, BOI promotion or another specific route may impose additional capital conditions.

These figures relate to the foreign-business operating route. They should not be presented as the universal cost of incorporating a company.

How should founders choose the capital?

• Confirm the exact business activities
• Confirm whether the company will be treated as foreign
• Check whether an FBL, BOI or other permission route applies
• Separate registered capital from the amount that must be paid up
• Allow for the company's real setup and operating expenses
• Check visa and work-permit planning separately where relevant

The practical conclusion

Do not select THB 2 million simply because it is the number most often repeated. Define the ownership and business route first, then set registered and paid-up capital that satisfy the applicable requirements and the company's actual operating plan.

This article provides general information. The applicable capital depends on the proposed ownership, activities and permission route.