The government revealed eight business sectors in which foreigners can operate without needing permission, following the Cabinet's approval of the principle. Ratchada clarified that the draft ministerial regulations on foreign business "do not represent unregulated liberalization," emphasizing that these businesses remain governed by specific laws and are strictly controlled.
On 13 May 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, explained that reports claiming the government allows foreigners to conduct business without permission are a misunderstanding of the draft subordinate legislation under the Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
The spokesperson stated that the draft law is not an unregulated liberalization allowing foreigners to run businesses without oversight. Instead, it updates certain business categories, mostly in high-tech sectors or those already strictly regulated by specific laws and government agencies, aiming to reduce redundant approval steps, facilitate business operations, and align regulations with the modern economic context.
Businesses granted exemption must still strictly comply with their specific laws, such as:
Telecommunications businesses remain under the supervision of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).
Money management centers operate under regulations set by the Bank of Thailand.
Securities and futures trading businesses are supervised by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Petroleum drilling businesses remain strictly regulated under energy laws and relevant agencies.
Ms. Ratchada said this move reduces redundant procedures, enhances investment agility, and boosts the country's competitiveness, clarifying it does not mean the government is removing oversight or allowing foreigners to operate businesses freely without conditions.
Additionally, the government continues to prioritize protecting Thai entrepreneurs. Regarding the "software development business," the Ministry of Commerce has removed it from the draft ministerial regulations following concerns from related agencies about impacts on Thailand's digital industry, aiming to balance investment promotion with maintaining domestic business competitiveness.
The spokesperson added that this regulatory update targets five strategic objectives:
1. Reduce unnecessary licensing procedures.
2. Increase fair and transparent competition.
3. Attract advanced technology and high-level experts to Thailand.
4. Support Thailand's development as a regional service and business hub.
5. Benefit the overall economy, investment, and employment.
"The government affirms that all economic measures must go hand in hand with protecting the country's interests, Thai entrepreneurs, and economic security. This regulatory update improves supervisory efficiency and is not an uncontrolled liberalization as misunderstood," Ms. Ratchada said.
Eight businesses foreigners can operate without permission
The draft ministerial regulations on foreign business exemptions specify eight sectors where foreigners do not require permission to operate:
1) Telecommunications services.
2) Money management centers.
3) Administrative management services, human resource services, and information technology services.
4) Domestic debt guarantee services.
5) Leasing partial space for installing electronic devices used for financial services and vending machines to serve and facilitate company employees.
6) Petroleum drilling services.
7) Businesses governed by securities and exchange laws.
8) Services as agents, traders, consultants, or fund managers for futures contracts where the goods or reference variables are not under the Futures Trading Act B.E. 2546 (2003), allowing foreigners to operate without permission.