Now that we've gotten the bad news out of the way, we do want you to know there is some good news: There are people and places where you can get help doing business in Thailand. Most people are unaware that their tax dollars fund trade representatives at foreign embassies, whose job it is to help their companies export goods and services. These people can prove valuable first contacts in any new country, as can local chambers of commerce:
- American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
- The American Chamber maintains a library of useful books on doing business in Thailand as well as reports written by member companies. Their directory of member companies may also provide useful first contacts.
- US Commercial Service
- The Commercial Service, which is part of the United States embassy to Thailand, is charged with helping American companies export goods and services to Thailand. You can contact them to arrange screenings and meetings with prospective Thai partners. It's your tax dollars at work, so best make the most of them.
- British Chamber of Commerce in Thailand
- The British chamber can provide useful contacts for UK companies wishing to do business in Thailand.
- Thai - Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- As with the other chambers, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce can help Canadian companies wishing to do business with Thailand.
- Australian Chamber of Commerce
- Australian companies should touch base with the Australian Chamber if they wish to do business in Thailand.
- AusTrade
- AusTrade is the Australian government's commercial service, tasked with helping Australian businesses export goods and services to the rest of the world.
Business Services
There are a number of companies offering services to help you get started doing business in Bangkok:
- MR Centre
- MR Centre provides temporary offices and other services to help you get started doing business in Bangkok.