Weekly Column

Sunbelt Asia Weekly Column 5 January 2018

Sunbelt Asia Weekly Column

5 January 2018

Transferring a visa to a new passport

Question 1:

When transferring an existing and current visa from an expired passport to a new passport, is it correct that the documents required are:

  1. Copy of the old passport.
  2. Copies of the new passport.
  3. Copy of the visa.
  4. Completed application form for transfer, and required fee.
  5. Copy of most recent 90-day form.
  6. Completed foreigner information form.

Is anything else required, such as a letter from the embassy? Some people say yes, others say no. Please confirm what is required.

Sunbelt Asia Legal Advisors responds:

Yes, you do need a letter from your Embassy certifying the change of the passport and a copy of your TM card.

So the full list should read:

  1. Copy of the old passport.
  2. Copies of the new passport.
  3. Copy of the visa.
  4. Completed application form for transfer, and required fee.
  5. Copy of most recent 90-day form.
  6. Completed foreigner information form
  7. Letter from Embassy certifying the change of passport
  8. Copy of TM card

Getting divorced in Thailand

Question 2:

My Thai wife I both wish to divorce. She is lazy, helpless and pretty much refuses to look for an attorney, insisting she will use my attorney (I plan to retain Sunbelt). In the USA, mediation lawyers are available for couples that agree on everything (as we have) and it is cheaper and faster. Is this possible in Thailand? Short of this I will have to find and pay a lawyer to call her.

Sunbelt Asia Legal Advisors responds:

A mediation lawyer is an option in Thailand and there is no need to retain two lawyers unless there is a dispute and the two sides are suing each other. The Sunbelt Asia Legal Advisors team will be happy to help in the mediation. Please do contact us at legal@sunbeltasia.com for an initial free consultation.

Consumer confidence rose from 78 in November to 79.2 in December, a 35 month high according to the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. The Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at UTCC reported that the December consumer confidence index (CCI) rose for the fifth consecutive month to 79.2, the highest in 35 months. The rising number was due to improvement in economic condition, the steady growth of exports, strong tourism numbers, the government’s stimulus measures before the end of the year, and more stability in the political arena. The CCI remains below 100 because of concerns over price declines in many agricultural products and weak purchasing power in rural areas. However the center predicts agricultural prices should gradually rebound in the second quarter of 2018. The UTCC forecasts the Thai economy to grow by 4% in the first half of 2018 and 4.5% in the second half, with full-year growth in the range of 4.2-4.5%.

The Department of Airports launched a ten-year plan to increase capacity at the 28 airports under its management. After the ICAO lifted the red flag on Thailand’s civil aviation industry airlines have shown an increased interest in expanding destinations to smaller airports. The DOA plans on moving forward with a 10-year plan to invest 38 billion baht to increase the annual capacity of 28 airports to 30 million passengers in 2025 and 58 million in 2035. The DOA is looking to expand air access, accommodate increased traffic, adhere to international standards, and effective governance, to make Thailand an aviation hub of the region. The Department of Airports oversees such airports as Krabi, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Trang in the South, along with the North Eastern airports such as Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Roi Et, and Sakhon Nakhon as well as Northern airports like Mae Sot in Tak, Mae Hong Son, Nan, and Pai. However the department is looking at handing over management of Udon Thani and Tak airports to the Airports of Thailand.

The National Minimum Wage Committee will be meeting on January 15 where it is expected they will propose a 15 baht a day rise in the minimum wage and workers are expected to see that rise by the end of January. At the meeting the committee members will review the livelihood of workers, cost of living, employer’s affordable payment and their competitiveness, and minimum wage in neighboring countries in order to determine the appropriate rate. There hasn’t been a rise in the daily minimum wage in three years.

Special offer on serviced offices extended through November!!We are offering two types of serviced offices available at a special promotional deal

Office with space for two staff at 9,500 baht a month

Office with space for three staff at 11,000 baht a month

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Happy anniversary from all of us at Sunbelt Asia!!
A “Thank you” gift for our clients new and old!
Sunbelt Asia has been offering our excellent service to our clients for 15 years! As our 15th anniversary gift we would like to offer our professional services on retirement and marriage visa extensions at the very special reduced rate of 7,500 baht as a thank you to our clients new and old for their support over the years.

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Sunbelt Asia Legal Advisors can handle all your legal and business needs; from visas to work permits, prenuptial agreements to divorces, condo purchases and wills.

Be sure and contact our English speaking
legal advisors
for all your legal needs

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We at Sunbelt Asia see many of our clients regularly ask us legal questions regarding living and running a business in Thailand. To help out we have set up a FREE Expert Answers for Your Questions in Thailand Facebook page;
Sunbelt Asia Facebook Expert Advice Page

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Please feel free to contact us if you are in Thailand on (+66) 02-662-7004 to discuss any of these listings.

Sunrise Tacos franchise available in top Pattaya Terminal 21 location

Terminal 21 in Bangkok is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Bangkok due to its eclectic selection of both local and international shops and its fabulous food court with an extensive selection of restaurants. The Terminal 21 location for Sunrise Tacos is highly successful and extremely busy. The new Terminal 21 in Pattaya is under construction and Sunrise Tacos has been lucky to secure a key location in what is sure to be a huge success in Pattaya as well.

The location for the restaurant is right in the middle of the restaurant floor open on all sides, next to the Swensen’s Ice Cream; a great location and one sure to provide the lucky franchisee with plenty of customers. Sunrise Tacos is seeking a qualified franchisee for this fantastic location. The opening of Terminal 21 Pattaya is highly anticipated and there is a huge waiting line for space in the food court. The owner of Sunrise Tacos is very excited about this new location, he loves the Terminal 21 and this is a great location for great Mexican food.

This space includes enough area for seating, making it a proper restaurant for guests. Lease on the 77 sqm area is 2500 baht a square meter not including the Common Area Fees which are 360 baht per sqm. There is a 3 + 3 year lease available. Costs of the build out are not included – and will run around 6 million baht – but this prime space is only available for a new Sunrise Tacos franchise.

If you want to get in on the successful and popular Sunrise Tacos franchise in a top location then this is the opportunity for you.

TOTAL RENT: 192,000 baht a month plus Common Area Fees plus franchise costs
(BKK15789)

Rayong construction contracting business

This construction contracting business offers services across the board including metal fabrication, insulation, construction and manpower. The company has been in business in Rayong since 1997 and has earned a good reputation for quality work and has many large companies as customers including those in the gas, oil and chemical fields. This is a good business for someone looking for a turnkey business that has a steady stream of customers.

The business is well-run and has 40 experienced full time employees with a total monthly payroll of 900,000 baht. Sales last year reached 50 million baht and net profit is around 10 percent. The company is established in the busy area of Rayong and the 10 rai of land the business is on is included in the sale. The land is market valued at 15 million baht.

The owner is moving back to his home country and so is looking to sell this well-established ongoing business.

ASKING PRICE: 33 million baht
(BKK15703)

Renowned furniture import business & showroom in upper Sukhumvit location

Located in upper Sukhumvit this long-running and well-known furniture company has been in the business of importing and supplying modern classic furniture and lighting for ten years. In addition to a large showroom for retail sales to the public, the business also supplies furniture and lighting to many of the five star hotels, restaurants and property developments. The company is a mature, well-known brand in Thailand and has earned a top reputation in its ten years of business.

The showroom/warehouse/office is in a good location on upper Sukhumvit, the 1200sqm space has a 140,000 baht month a rent and a 6 year lease. There is ten full-time staff with monthly wages of 250,000 baht. There is a large database of active customers and the company is a regular exhibitor at many of the furniture fairs in Thailand.

Sales have reached an average of 25 million baht a year for the past 3 years, with yearly earnings of 5.8 million for the same period. Inventory valued at 4 million baht is included in the sale.

The owner is moving back home and so wishes to sell the business

ASKING PRICE: 16 million baht
(BKK15796)

Modern day-spa in Thonglor neighborhood

This stunning modern day spa has been in business since 2013 and is near the popular Thonglor area. The spa has four VIP rooms with a shower in each room, and four Thai massage beds and three foot massage chairs. Well reviewed on Trip Advisor and featured in a popular online magazine, this full featured spa also offers Swedish massages and aromatherapy treatments as well as body scrubs and facial treatments.

Rent on this gorgeous space is 100,000 baht on a 3 +2 year lease. There are eight staff with a total monthly payroll of 80,000 baht. Sales last year reached 2.8 million baht and broke even, with an active busy owner this business can easily grow.

The owner is selling as he is starting a new business.

ASKING PRICE: 2.5 million baht
(BKK15727)

Executive apartment building and land in top Rachada location

Ratchada is one of the top locations for offices and businesses and with access to the nearby MRT station this executive apartment building is in a key location. A rare gem in Bangkok, the sale includes not just ownership of the building but of the 200sqw land the building is set on.

The apartments have a high occupancy rate, reaching 98 percent all year round. There is a gym and elevator and a regular steady clientele of residents that work in nearby offices. Sales last year reached 12 million baht with a profit of 8 million baht.

The value of the land and building alone are over 80 million baht. The owner is moving overseas and is forced to sell this profitable business.
ASKING PRICE: 210 million baht
(BKK15760)

Alcohol import business with agents around Thailand and large customer base

With a large customer base and agents around Thailand, this alcohol import and distribution company is a turnkey ready business for someone wanting to get in to the F&B industry. The business was established in 1999 and has a large customer base with many top hotels and restaurants in Bangkok as well as agents in Phuket, Samui, Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Koh Chang, which are included in the sale.

The company owns the building the business is set in, 670 sqm over four floors and includes a fully equipped gym, and a cigar lounge. There is a separate fully insulated area for wine storage as well. This Bangkok based business can easily be expanded both with on-site business but added wholesale customers.

There are six full time employees with wages of 80,000 baht. Annual sales have been around 20 – 24 million baht with a net profit of 2 – 6 million baht a year. Inventory valued at 20 million baht is included in the sale as is all furnishings, fixtures and equipment along with two buildings and four vehicles valued at 30 million baht.

The owner is moving overseas and so is selling this for a very reasonable price

ASKING PRICE: 60 million baht
(BKK15728)

Logistics software business seeks investor to expand business

Providing logistics and supply chain businesses with key software in Thailand, India, Malaysia and Indonesia for the past 12 years, this leading specialist software provider is seeking investors to expand the business. The company is looking to expand further into Thailand and a total of eight countries and is seeking a committed investor to fund the centralized team that will manage the expansion The company already has joint venture partners in every country show share 49% – 50% in those countries. By the end of 2017 the company should be operation in 8 – 10 countries.

They are seeking a 49% investor for 122.5 million baht

ASKING PRICE: 122.5 million baht for 49% shares
(BKK15742)

Home lighting decor manufacturer and showroom

This long running home décor business has been manufacturing lamps and other light fixtures since 2004 and has built up a good reputation for design and quality. The unique and beautiful designs are used in lighting and other fixtures as well as home décor and the company has become known as a leading designer of natural lamps and light designs.

The factory is 7,000 sqm and has a renewable three year lease with a monthly rent of 176,000 baht. The security deposit is not included in the sale. There are around 65 employees with a total monthly payroll of 1.1 million baht

The Thai Limited company is included in the sale but inventory is excluded. Fixed assets including equipment, computers, tools, company truck and leasehold improvements are included in the sale. Also included are the product designs, and showroom with samples. Remaining inventory can be purchased at cost. Sales have reached 70 million baht with a total profit around 20 million baht. The owners are moving back to their home country and so which to sell the business.

ASKING PRICE: 33 million baht
(BKK15766)



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