Owning or operating a clinic in Thailand means more than offering quality care: every document, staff credential, and floor plan must align precisely with legal standards. With authorities now conducting surprise inspections and stricter licensing reviews, staying legally compliant is no longer optional.

Business owners and professionals seeking to enter Thailand’s dynamic aesthetics sector need a clear, actionable roadmap. One that demystifies licensing, zoning, and ongoing compliance requirements.

Aesthetic clinic Thailand licensing regulations approvals compliance

This guide empowers you to make confident decisions, avoid the most common pitfalls, and open your doors with clarity and certainty. Ready to turn careful preparation into legal success?

Key Takeaways

  • Obtain the correct licenses: Every aesthetic clinic in Thailand must secure a medical facility license, a medical director’s license, and valid credentials for all practitioners before opening.
  • Comply with ownership regulations: Clinics must be at least 51% Thai-owned unless granted special permission through a Foreign Business License or BOI promotion.
  • Verify zoning requirements early: Clinic locations must meet strict zoning laws, often excluding sites within certain distances from schools and temples, and require pre-approval from local health authorities.
  • Prepare comprehensive documentation: Submit complete SorPor forms, building plans, medical equipment registrations, and staff credentials to avoid delays in the 2-4 month approval process.
  • Expect rigorous inspections: Inspectors verify that clinic facilities match submitted plans, equipment is Thai FDA approved, and all signage is properly formatted with license numbers.
  • Maintain ongoing compliance: Renew the facility license annually, track staff certifications and equipment registrations, and expect random inspections focused on cleanliness and legal documentation.
  • Report all changes promptly: Any update to staff, facility layout, or equipment must be immediately reported to the Ministry using official forms to avoid fines or temporary closure.
  • Adhere to labor and advertising laws: Employment contracts must define licensed staff roles and privacy terms, while all advertising requires the official clinic name and license number with no misleading claims.

Key Laws & Authorities Overseeing Aesthetic Clinics

Starting an Aesthetic Clinic in Thailand begins with understanding the Medical Facilities Act B.E. 2541 (1998), which governs all medical clinics providing treatments like Botox, fillers, and lasers.

Licensing authority sits with the Ministry of Public Health, specifically the Department of Health Service Support.

Other critical regulators include:

  • Thai FDA (approves and registers all medical equipment and substances used)
  • Provincial Public Health Offices (inspect and approve provincial clinic locations)

Medical facility is a legal term meaning any site offering medical interventions; aesthetic clinic refers to regulated venues for cosmetic medical services; non-medical beauty establishments, like spas, are licensed differently.

Find full law texts and guidance at the Ministry of Public Health Thailand.

Only medical facilities with a licensed Thai doctor may lawfully provide injectable or device-based cosmetic treatments.

Zoning Rules & Clinic Location Restrictions

Before signing a lease, verify your premises meet strict zoning criteria for medical facilities.

Typically, clinics must be a certain distance away from schools, temples, and similar sites.

Key steps include:

  • Checking Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or local authority zoning maps
  • Securing approvals from local health officials
  • Confirming site suitability before committing

Common issues that lead to rejection:

  • Premises located too close to sensitive institutions
  • Inadequate parking or building access

For visual examples and further guidance, visit the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA).

Aesthetic clinic owners must prioritize legal site checks and compliance to avoid costly relocation.

Staying informed of regulatory bodies, legal definitions, and zoning rules is essential for launching your clinic without delays.

Required Permits, Licenses & Staff Qualifications

Essential Licenses & Certifications for Operation

To legally operate an aesthetic clinic in Thailand, you need a medical facility license, a medical director’s license, and valid credentials for all practicing physicians.

Key requirements include:

  • Medical facility license: Available to Thai nationals and majority-Thai companies, valid for 10 years
  • Medical director’s license: Only for Thai-licensed doctors, valid for 2 years
  • Licensed physicians: Must hold a Thai medical license and specialty board certification (e.g., dermatology or plastic surgery)
  • Staff: Only licensed doctors can perform procedures; support staff and nurses may assist but cannot inject or operate lasers independently
  • Distinct licenses: Aesthetic clinics require medical facility licensing, while beauty spas operate under separate health establishment regulations

Keep records of all devices and products with Thai FDA approvals. For full details on equipment requirements, visit the Thai FDA Medical Device Registration page.

Clinic Ownership Rules & Foreign Investor Limits

Ownership rules are clearly defined:

  • Under the Foreign Business Act, clinics must be at least 51% Thai-owned unless a Foreign Business License or Board of Investment (BOI) promotion is approved
  • Foreign investors can hold minority stakes and serve in management, but may not provide clinical treatment
  • Foreign physicians almost never receive permission to practice and must obtain Thai licensing to qualify

Company structures can be either sole proprietorships (Thai nationals only) or Thai majority-controlled companies. Learn more about BOI promotion and investment advantages at the Thailand Board of Investment.

Strict licensing isn’t a formality; it directly impacts eligibility, business structure, and compliance from day one. Careful attention to these credentials ensures lasting operational approval and avoids costly delays.

Clinic Licensing & Registration Process in 2025

How to Apply & Required Documents

To open an aesthetic clinic in Thailand, applying for a medical facility license is essential for legal operation. The process begins with preparing the SorPor application forms and gathering supporting documents that demonstrate compliance.

Key required documents include:

  • SorPor 1, 2, 5, 6, and 18 forms
  • Building plans and a floor plan showing treatment areas, entryways, and waste disposal access
  • Thai FDA registrations for medical equipment (e.g., Botox, lasers)
  • ID, house registration, and recent medical certificates for owner and medical director
  • Property lease or ownership contract, with landlord consent
  • Medical waste disposal contract with an approved company
  • Credentials for all physicians and support staff

In Bangkok, submit applications to the Department of Health Service Support at the Ministry of Public Health. For provincial clinics, apply with the Provincial Public Health Office. Processing typically takes 2-4 months.

Inspection & Final Approval Process

The inspection checks if your clinic matches the submitted floor plan, confirms sanitary standards, and verifies that equipment and waste management meet Ministry guidelines. Inspectors also review clinic signage for correct format and licensing information.

Common inspection focus areas:

  • Cleanliness in all treatment and staff spaces
  • Accurate placement of signage with license numbers
  • Operational and approved medical equipment
  • Proper documentation on-site for all staff

If issues arise, corrections may be submitted within a defined period, usually two weeks. Typical licensing fees include 1,000 THB for a ten-year facility license and 250 THB for a two-year medical director’s license.

A well-prepared clinic can receive a license in as little as two months, helping business owners avoid costly delays and setbacks.

With the right preparation and understanding of the licensing sequence, business owners can move confidently from paperwork to opening day.

Compliance & Ongoing Regulatory Duties

Post-Licensing Compliance Requirements

Staying compliant after opening your clinic involves meeting strict renewal, documentation, and inspection requirements every year.

Your core obligations include:

  • Renew the facility license annually and the medical director license every 2 years (expect 500 THB/year for the clinic and 250 THB per medical director renewal).
  • Keep detailed records of all equipment registrations and staff certifications. These must be promptly updated for every new device or hire.
  • Ensure an active contract with a licensed medical waste disposal company, with invoices and logs maintained for audits.
  • Expect random, unannounced inspections focusing on cleanliness, signage, equipment approvals, and documentation.

How to Report Changes to Authorities

Every change, whether you appoint a new medical director, complete renovations, or add new medical equipment requires prompt notice and sometimes updated permitting.

To stay compliant, clinics must:

  • Report all operational changes to the Ministry of Public Health, using their official forms and ensuring public signage is current.
  • Update all public records, including the BMA database if in Bangkok, within required timeframes.
  • Understand that late reporting or incomplete updates can result in fines and possible temporary suspension.

Strict reporting of all material changes is critical: proactivity protects your reputation and legal standing.

Staying organized and proactive with ongoing compliance, meticulous documentation, and transparent communication with regulators is the foundation for a thriving and legally protected aesthetic clinic in Thailand.

Many new clinics in Thailand run into legal trouble by misunderstanding ownership and licensing rules. Ownership must meet Thai majority requirements, with foreign investors limited unless they secure special permissions.

The most frequent licensing pitfalls include:

  • Setting up the wrong company structure that does not meet Foreign Business Act guidelines
  • Using unregistered medical equipment or products without Thai FDA approval
  • Hiring staff who lack proper Thai medical licensing, including foreign doctors without a Thai license
  • Overlooking thorough documentation, leading to delays or rejections

Top 10 risk hotspots for 2025:

  1. Incomplete SorPor form submissions
  2. Unapproved premises location
  3. Absence of current equipment certificates
  4. Lapsed medical director credentials
  5. Incorrect clinic signage format
  6. Gaps in waste disposal records
  7. Unlicensed promotional offers
  8. Misclassified staff roles
  9. Missed insurance requirements
  10. Delays in reporting clinic updates

Labor, Contract & Advertising Compliance Tips

Labor and contract mistakes can create significant risk for clinic operators. Every employment agreement should include:

  • Defined staff roles and license requirements
  • Clauses on confidentiality and patient privacy
  • Termination terms aligned with Thai labor laws

Advertising rules for aesthetic clinics are strict:

  • Only medically approved procedures can be advertised
  • All social media and physical signage must include the official clinic name and license number
  • Promotions must not mislead or promise guaranteed results

Regular legal consultation, especially during clinic setup and after any regulatory updates, is key to ongoing compliance.

For regulatory updates, consult Thai Medical Council Regulation Updates.

Staying alert to changing regulations, investing in documentation accuracy, and seeking ongoing professional advice empowers clinics to operate confidently and avoid unnecessary legal obstacles.

FAQ: Opening an Aesthetic Clinic in Thailand

Can Foreigners Fully Own an Aesthetic Clinic?

No, foreign majority ownership is generally restricted. Clinics must be at least 51% Thai-owned unless special approval is obtained through a Foreign Business License or BOI promotion.

Can Nurses Perform Medical Treatments?

No, only licensed Thai physicians registered with the Medical Council can perform procedures such as injectables or laser treatments.

Note: This rule applies even to foreign doctors unless they obtain a rare Thai medical license.

How Long Does Clinic Licensing Take in 2025?

Expect 2-4 months from application to approval, depending on your documentation, inspection readiness, and location.

Clinics in Bangkok may experience additional inspection steps compared to provincial areas.

What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Operation?

Criminal penalties can include up to 5 years of imprisonment or a 100,000 THB fine, with strict enforcement. Unlicensed practitioners are also subject to prosecution.

Clinic operators should prioritize robust compliance systems, as regulatory checks and legal obligations are strictly enforced. Taking the correct steps at the outset protects your business and professional reputation.

Conclusion

Launching an aesthetic clinic in Thailand is an opportunity to build a respected business provided you prioritize compliance, documentation, and careful legal planning from the start. Each step you take now not only secures your license but protects your investment and reputation long-term.

To ensure your clinic’s foundation is strong, take these actions today: verify zoning and site approvals, confirm all licenses and physician credentials, prepare thorough documentation, proactively schedule compliance checks, and implement a system for reporting operational changes.

If you want absolute confidence at every stage, contact us. Themis Partner will guide you through each regulatory requirement, help you avoid common mistakes, and customize solutions to support your growth and compliance.