Thailand is planning a major reform to make it easier and faster for foreign companies to do business in the country, according to ASEAN Briefing.
At the centre of the plan is a new “super licence” system that would allow companies to apply for multiple permits through a single process, instead of going through several ministries and agencies one by one.
Under current rules, restrictions under the Foreign Business Act often force companies to set up complex ownership structures to operate legally. A unified licensing system is intended to reduce the need for these arrangements and make market entry more straightforward.
Rollout within a year
The government aims to introduce parts of the system within 180 days, while the full legal reform is expected to take about a year.
The changes will be introduced gradually, meaning some approvals may become faster before the full legal framework is in place.
Faster hiring of foreign staff
Visa and work permit rules are also part of the overhaul.
These processes currently affect how quickly companies can bring in foreign managers and skilled workers. Streamlining approvals would make it easier to set up and run regional operations from Thailand.
The push comes as Thailand faces slower economic growth, with forecasts for 2026 between 1.2 and 1.6%, down from 2.4% in 2025.
