Author: Andreas Seela

Andreas primarily focuses on corporate/commercial, tax law, and real estate law. He previously worked for an international law firm in Germany and has experience in the Asian legal sphere. He holds a Master’s degree in business law and economics (LLM.oec.) and is currently working on his Ph.D. thesis at Chulalongkorn University in international law.

Legal Blog

Thailand Moves to Tighten Rules on Nominee Shareholders: New Corporate Registration Measures Expected April 2026
ByAndreas Seela March 17, 2026March 25, 2026

New Department of Business Development measures expected to take effect on 1 April 2026 will expand verification procedures for corporate amendments involving foreign participation under the Foreign Business Act. Thailand’s Department of Business Development (DBD), operating under the Ministry of Commerce, is preparing to introduce additional regulatory measures aimed at preventing the use of Thai nationals as nominee shareholders…

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Thailand Cabinet Approves Draft Bill to Support Companies Affected by Top-Up Tax
ByAndreas Seela March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

New bill offers tax credits and refunds to help global companies manage Top-Up Tax while encouraging investment in innovation and sustainability. The Thai cabinet has approved in principle the draft National Competitiveness Enhancement for Targeted Industries Bill, a measure designed to offset the financial impact of the recently introduced Top-Up Tax on multinational enterprises. The proposed legislation represents a step in…

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Thailand Introduces Stricter Rules on Registered Office Addresses for Companies
ByAndreas Seela March 4, 2026March 4, 2026

New DBD requirements impose stricter verification for shared and serviced office addresses. Companies must now demonstrate genuine operational presence and regulatory accessibility. Thailand has issued a new administrative instruction tightening the rules governing registered office addresses of juristic persons, in an effort to strengthen corporate transparency and prevent the misuse of company structures. The instruction was issued by the Department of…

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Thailand’s Move Toward the Apostille Convention: Modernizing International Document Legalisation
ByAndreas Seela February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Thailand is preparing to join the Apostille Convention, a move that is expected to simplify the legalization of international documents and reduce administrative burdens. Thailand is taking steps toward joining the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (the Apostille Convention), a development that could simplify the way Thai public documents are recognised abroad. Currently, Thailand is…

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Stricter Company Formation Rules in Thailand
ByAndreas Seela January 13, 2026January 13, 2026

From 2026, forming a company in Thailand will require more documentation and a closer review of who truly owns and controls the business.  From 1 January 2026, Thailand has implemented stricter administrative requirements for the registration of Thai companies. While the underlying legal framework governing foreign ownership remains unchanged, the Department of Business Development (DBD) has introduced new internal…

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Thailand’s Draft Startup Promotion Act: A New Legal Framework for Innovation
ByAndreas Seela January 6, 2026January 9, 2026

The proposed law introduces a startup regime with flexible tools and incentives, while raising questions on foreign ownership and regulation. Thailand is preparing to introduce a comprehensive legislative framework aimed at strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem and supporting early-stage, high-potential companies. The Draft Startup Promotion Act, received approval in principle from the Cabinet in late 2024. It is…

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Risks of Shareholder Nominees in Thailand: What Investors Should Know
ByAndreas Seela November 5, 2025January 6, 2026

Thai authorities have intensified investigations into nominee shareholder structures. This article outlines the key legal risks and implications for investors. Recently, the Business Development Department of Thailand launched further investigations with the Department of Special Investigations into the use of nominee shareholder structures and found several hundred firms that may be acting as business nominees….

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Thailand Updates Labour and Immigration Framework: Key Changes Employers Should Know
ByAndreas Seela October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

Recent amendments to the Labour Protection Act and new immigration rules introduce extended employee benefits, employer reporting duties, and digital visa processing. Thailand’s legal environment is undergoing a reform in the fields of labour protection and immigration. In September 2025, several legislative and administrative changes were introduced that will affect employers, human resource departments and foreign employees working in…

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BOI Launches Incentive Package to Boost Thai Entrepreneurs Amid Global Trade Tensions
ByAndreas Seela August 13, 2025August 13, 2025

BOI strengthens support for Thai businesses with new tax incentives and tighter regulations in response to global economic shifts.

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The Importance of a Proper Land Due Diligence in Thailand
ByAndreas Seela July 15, 2025July 16, 2025

Secure Your Investment: Why Land Due Diligence is Critical for Property Transactions in Thailand Land due diligence is a crucial process for assessing potential risks when acquiring, refinancing, or renovating property in Thailand. It ensures clarity on ownership and uncovers issues that might impact investment decisions. The process involves verifying property details, reviewing legal records,…

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Thailand Implements Tax Exemptions to Bolster Role as Global Digital Asset Hub
ByAndreas Seela July 9, 2025July 9, 2025

Thailand’s Cabinet greenlights tax exemptions on digital asset gains to promote the country as a leading financial and blockchain innovation hub. On June 17, 2025, Thailand’s Cabinet approved a set of tax measures aimed at positioning the country as a leading Digital Asset Hub. These measures, outlined in a draft ministerial regulation proposed by the…

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Building Ownership in Thailand: Main Legal Considerations
ByAndreas Seela June 10, 2025June 10, 2025

Understanding Building Ownership in Thailand: Legal Options for Foreigners and Key Documentation Building ownership in Thailand offers unique legal complexities, particularly when separating land ownership from the structures built upon it. While Thai law generally assumes that the owner of a land plot is also the owner of the buildings situated on it, several legal…

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