More than 39 million travelers visited Thailand in the last full tourism year, making now a pivotal moment to set up a travel & tourism agency in Thailand.

With market demand surging and digital bookings at an all-time high, getting established in this sector can position your agency for strong growth but only if you understand the legal and regulatory essentials.

Start travel tourism agency Thailand legal financial licensing market entry

Thailand’s rapidly evolving compliance standards demand that every agency owner addresses specific ownership rules, licensing timelines, and startup costs before first booking.

If you want proven steps and practical insight for legal setup, financial compliance, and market entry, you are in the right place.

Key Takeaways

  • Thai majority ownership is required: At least 51% of company shares and half of directors must be Thai nationals for any travel & tourism agency in Thailand.
  • Obtain a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) license: Select from Inbound (95,000 THB), Outbound (145,000 THB), or Domestic (245,000 THB) license types, each with a required security deposit of 10,000 to 200,000 THB.
  • Maintain a unique trade name and physical office: Your agency must provide office photos, lease documents, and a location map to secure TAT approval and pass regulatory inspections.
  • Complete registration and licensing quickly: Company setup typically takes 1-5 days, while TAT license approval can require 1-2 months; track applications closely to avoid delays.
  • Budget for significant startup and ongoing costs: Prepare at least 2 million THB in capital, account for office leases (30,000-100,000 THB/month), staff wages, and annual compliance fees of 10,000-50,000 THB.
  • Register for tax and VAT promptly: New agencies must secure a Tax ID within 60 days, register for VAT if turnover exceeds 1.8 million THB, and commit to annual audits and monthly filings.
  • Align your business plan to the Thai market: Build a plan with market research, competitor analysis, and niche service focus such as inbound culinary tours or outbound adventure travel.
  • Prioritize compliant marketing and staff development: Use a professional digital presence, targeted partnerships, and team training to attract customers and mitigate compliance risks.

To set up a travel & tourism agency in Thailand, your business must be a Thai Limited Company with at least 51% Thai national ownership.

At least half the company’s directors must be Thai nationals. The managing director must be aged 20 or over, legally reside in Thailand, and have a clear financial and legal record.

Foreign ownership is restricted by the Foreign Business Act. However, foreigners can participate if they:

  • Partner with Thai nationals
  • Ensure most directors and managers are Thai citizens
  • Obtain a work permit and business visa for legal management roles

Full details and eligibility requirements are listed by the Department of Business Development (DBD).

Mandatory Licenses & Compliance Steps

Operating without the proper license is a major risk. Under the Tourist Business and Guide Act, you must obtain a Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) license.

There are three TAT license types:

  • Inbound (THB 95,000)
  • Outbound (THB 145,000)
  • Domestic (THB 245,000)

Security deposits range from THB 10,000 to THB 200,000, depending on services offered.

Key compliance steps include:

  • Using a unique trade name not already licensed in Thailand
  • Maintaining a physical office with supporting documentation (photos, lease, map)
  • Renewing the TAT license every 2 years, starting 120 days before expiry

Find the current TAT regulations at the TAT License Guide.

Proper ownership, TAT licensing, and office setup are non-negotiable for legal operation. Ensure your business meets these standards from day one for long-term compliance.

Business Registration & TAT Licensing Process

Registering & Structuring a Travel Business

Registering to set up a travel & tourism agency in Thailand starts with reserving your company name through the Department of Business Development (DBD).

Prepare the following documentation:

  • Memorandum of Association
  • Certified list of shareholders
  • Articles of association and company objectives

Carefully select your office location, as proof of physical premises is mandatory. You must provide:

  • Lease or ownership documents
  • Interior and exterior office photos
  • A detailed location map

Common pitfalls include duplicating existing trade names or missing certification signatures.
For a reliable checklist, see the Thailand Board of Investment’s guide.

Applying for a TAT Tourism License

Begin by gathering required documents, including:

  • Registered company documents
  • Memorandum of association
  • Director backgrounds and identification
  • Office photos and lease/ownership proof
  • Signed TAT application form by a Thai director

Submit your file to the nearest TBGR (Tourism Business and Guide Registration) branch.

Expect:

  • 1-5 working days for company registration
  • 1-2 months for TAT license processing

Track your application closely and respond to requests swiftly to avoid delays.

A thorough, organized approach minimizes lost time and builds a foundation for long-term regulatory compliance. Setting up with care fuels smoother operations and long-term success.

Financial, Tax & Cost Planning

Startup & Operational Costs (2025)

Setting up a travel & tourism agency in Thailand requires careful budgeting from the start. Expect capital requirements of at least 2 million THB for most agency types, plus mandatory security deposits tied to your chosen Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) license:

  • Inbound License: 95,000 THB fee with a 100,000 THB deposit
  • Outbound License: 145,000 THB fee with a 200,000 THB deposit
  • Domestic License: 245,000 THB fee with a 50,000 THB deposit
  • Office lease or purchase: Typically 30,000-100,000 THB/month depending on location
  • Staff wages: Average 20,000-40,000 THB/month per employee
  • Ongoing compliance and renewal costs: 10,000-50,000 THB annually

Tax, VAT & Financial Compliance

Timely tax registration is essential for travel agencies in Thailand. New agencies must:

  • Register for a Tax ID with the Revenue Department (within 60 days of incorporation)
  • Register for VAT if annual turnover is over 1.8 million THB, typically completed within 2 days
  • File corporate income tax returns and maintain audited financial statements
  • Stay compliant with VAT filings and annual audits; penalties for errors or delays range from fines to business suspension

Best practices include using experienced accountants, setting up monthly compliance calendars, and reviewing Thai Revenue Department guidance frequently.

Building a Successful Tourism Agency

Key Business Plan Essentials

Defining your business plan clearly sets the groundwork to set up a travel & tourism agency in Thailand in 2025.

Strong plans include:

  • In-depth market research on tourism trends, seasonality, and demand fluctuations
  • Competitor benchmarking and identification of profitable tourism niches
  • Strategic selection of service focus: inbound, outbound, or domestic travel

Selecting reliable partners and suppliers requires clear criteria on pricing, reputation and compliance with Thai regulations.

Hiring & Training Staff

Success relies on your people. Hiring and training the right talent is as crucial as licensing.

Use:

  • Legal contracts defining roles and responsibilities
  • Staff with multilingual skills and formal tourism/hospitality expertise
  • Consistent onboarding and skills development programs
  • Initiatives that build a strong employer brand and promote team retention

A competitive agency in Thailand thrives on strategic focus and talent. Systematic planning and staff investment are the keys to standing out, growing and sustaining long-term success.

Market Entry, Promotion & Risks

Marketing Strategies for New Travel Agency in Thailand

Reaching your target audience starts with a dynamic digital presence and a strong local reputation.

Effective marketing strategies include:

  • Ranking high in local search engines by optimizing for relevant keywords like “Travel Agency Thailand”
  • Listing on popular online booking platforms (Expedia, Agoda, Klook)
  • Forming influencer collaborations and engaging on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok

Offline approaches matter, too:

  • Participating in travel fairs and tourism expos
  • Building partnerships with local hotels and businesses
  • Advertising in print media to reach international and domestic travelers not active online

Brand compliance is crucial. Avoid misleading promotions, respect copyright rules and ensure all advertising materials align with TAT guidelines.

Common Challenges & Risks

Agencies face evolving regulations, high competition, and changing market trends.

Key ongoing risks include:

  • Navigating frequent regulatory updates and TAT audits
  • Managing intense competition from established brands and seasonal demand changes
  • Attracting, training, and retaining qualified multilingual staff

Practical solutions:

  • Attend industry seminars to stay up-to-date with regulatory changes
  • Diversify service offerings to smooth seasonal dips
  • Invest in comprehensive staff training and incentives

Smart strategy bridges today’s compliance with tomorrow’s opportunities. Start with strong systems, prioritize staff, and commit to ethical marketing to stand out and succeed.

FAQ: Travel Agencies in Thailand

Setting up a travel & tourism agency in Thailand requires clarity on ownership, licensing, compliance timelines, and penalties. Below are the answers to key questions every business owner should know before proceeding.

Key Requirements & Timelines

  • Foreigners cannot fully own a Thai travel & tourism agency. At least 51% of shares and half of the directors must be Thai nationals, according to the Foreign Business Act.
  • The TAT tourism operator license usually takes 1-2 months for approval. Company registration can be completed within 1-5 business days, while a tax ID and VAT registration typically take 2 days.
  • The business must maintain a unique trade name and a physical office in Thailand, with photographic and map evidence required.

Licensing, Renewal & Penalties

  • TAT license renewal is required every two years. Begin your renewal application no later than 120 days before your license expires.
  • Operating without a valid TAT license can result in fines between 100,000 and 500,000 THB, or business closure.
  • The Tourist Business and Guide Act strictly regulates compliance; penalties are enforced without exception.

A well-prepared agency owner should anticipate licensing steps, adhere to compliance timelines, and budget for license renewals and security deposits.

Plan ahead and stay compliant to secure your agency’s success in Thailand’s competitive tourism sector.

Conclusion

Launching a travel & tourism agency in Thailand delivers lasting opportunity when you structure your business, licensing, and compliance with precision from the very first step.

Start strong: reserve your company name, secure the right TAT license, establish transparent financial systems, and invest in the right team to power your agency’s reputation.

Ready to advance with confidence? Contact us to navigate every regulatory challenge, streamline your legal setup, and accelerate your agency’s journey. Themis Partner delivers the clarity, compliance, and ongoing support you need for sustainable success.