The Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations between the United States of America and the Kingdom of Thailand. The Treaty of Amity was signed on May 29, 1966 and secured two major trade advantages for the U.S.

1. The Treaty permits American companies to maintain a majority shareholding or to wholly own its company, branch office or representative office located in Thailand.
2. American companies receive national treatment, meaning U.S. firms may engage in business on the same basis as Thai companies, and are exempt from most of the restrictions on foreign investment imposed by the Alien Business Law of 1972.

Existing restrictions on American investment:

1. Owning land;
2. Engaging in the business of inland communication;
3. Engaging in inland transportation and communication industries;
4. Engaging in fiduciary functions;
5. Engaging in banking involving depository functions;
6. Engaging in domestic trade in indigenous agricultural products;
7. Exploiting land or other natural resources

Some U.S. businesses continue to pursue joint ventures with Thai partners and permit them to have a majority stake because of their familiarity with the Thai economy and local regulations.

Application Process

1. Register your business at the Ministry of Commerce
2. Obtain a "Certification document" at the U.S. Commercial Service, Bangkok
3. Submit "Certification document" and all required documents to the Ministry of Commerce

Note: Process takes about five weeks to complete

Documents

Treaty of Amity and Economic Relations