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Tourism License
If you are looking to engage in tourism related business in Thailand, you should apply for a tourism license. This license can be obtained from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). Since tourism business is restricted to foreigners under the Foreign Business Act, a foreigner may only engage or invest in such business through a Thai limited company.
Tourism License
“Tourism business” is a business entity providing services for tourists, for example organizing or operating tours, sight seeing, guide services and more. What it does not include is leasing of vehicles, transportation of passengers or facilitating hotel bookings and reservations. Moreover, a tourism business operator cannot act as an agent, but must sell its services directly to the end users – tourists.
Application Requirements
In order to be eligible for obtaining a tourism license, the applicant needs to meet the following requirements:
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The business must be registered in Thailand, with a majority of Thai shareholding (individuals) and majority of Thai directors on the board. Only a Thai director is permitted to sign in binding the company for matters concerning tourism business, whereby the representative powers of such director can be limited to everything that concerns the tourism business.
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The business must have an office in Thailand which is clearly separated from other offices, and have a clear signboard with the full company name and TAT license number at the entrance. Sufficient documents should be provided by the legal owner of the property including a consent letter to evidence permission to use the address for recruitment business. Do note, virtual or serviced offices are usually not considered sufficient to operate a tourism business. A lease agreement of not less than two years should be provided.
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The Thai managing director must be at least 20 years of age, residing in Thailand, credit-worthy, not incapacitated, should never have been imprisoned unless for a negligent or minor offence.
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The applicant should prepare a business plan, to include information about how frequently the company will organise tours.
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The applicant should arrange an insurance plan for tourists and tour guides. A copy of the insurance policy will be required for submission during the application for the tourism license.
Credibility Records
Since tourism is essential to Thai economy and national reputation, authorities place a big importance on credibility of tour businesses. Those as such have to provide evidence of credibility of their operations, either by undergoing a screening at the police station or obtaining a reference from two licensed tour operators.
Security Deposit
Last step after obtaining a tourism license from TAT is to pay official fees and security deposit. The applicant will be required to deposit a security fee in cash, cashiers cheque or bank guarantee of:
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200,000 THB in case of outbound tourism
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100,000 THB in case of inbound tourism
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50,000 THB for domestic tourism activities
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10,000 THB if the tourism activities will only be organised in a specific area
Tourism License Validity and Extension
Once issued, the tourism license is valid for two years from the date of issue. To continue operating the business, the license must be renewed within 120 days prior to the expiry date. In the event of company dissolution, the license needs to be handed over to TAT within the last 30 days of its validity.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions About the Tourism License in Thailand
A tourism license is a legal permit required for businesses operating in the travel and tourism industry in Thailand. This license is issued by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and ensures that businesses comply with regulations designed to protect tourists and maintain service standards.
Any business that provides tour and travel-related services must obtain a tourism license, including:
- Travel agencies
- Tour operators
- Hotel and resort businesses offering tour packages
- Online travel platforms
- Adventure and eco-tourism providers
- Transport services related to tourism
A licensed tourism business gains credibility, legal protection, and the ability to offer services legally. Other benefits include:
- Permission to promote and sell tour packages legally
- Enhanced trust among customers and international partners
- Compliance with Thai tourism laws
- Eligibility for government tourism support programs
Applying for a Tourism License in Thailand
The process involves:
- Registering the company with the Department of Business Development (DBD)
- Preparing the required documents, including proof of company registration, director identification, and business location
- Submitting an application to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
- Paying the government fee and waiting for approval
To qualify, businesses must:
- Be registered in Thailand
- Have a Thai national as the majority shareholder (if foreign-owned)
- Appoint a tourism business manager who is a Thai national
- Pay a security deposit (varies based on business type)
The approval process usually takes 30 to 60 days, depending on the type of tourism business and the completeness of the submitted documents.
Yes, but foreign ownership is restricted. A foreigner can apply for a tourism license by setting up a Thai Limited Company where a Thai national holds at least 51% of the shares. Alternatively, foreign businesses can apply for BOI promotion to gain exemptions from foreign ownership restrictions.
Operating a Tourism Business in Thailand
Yes, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) issues licenses based on the type of tourism service, including:
- Inbound Tour License (for businesses bringing foreign tourists into Thailand)
- Outbound Tour License (for businesses organizing Thai citizens’ travel abroad)
- Domestic Tour License (for tour operators managing travel within Thailand)
Yes, online travel agencies and tour operators must also obtain a tourism license to operate legally. Failure to do so can result in fines or business suspension.
No, each tourism service (inbound, outbound, or domestic tours) requires a separate tourism license. If a company wants to operate all three, it must apply for multiple licenses.
Regulatory and Legal Compliance
Operating without a valid tourism license can result in:
- Fines of up to 500,000 THB
- Legal action and business closure
- Being blacklisted by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)
Businesses must renew their tourism license annually by submitting updated documents and ensuring compliance with tourism laws. Late renewal may lead to license suspension or revocation.
If a business provides transport services as part of a tour package, it must obtain both a tourism license and a transport permit from the Department of Land Transport.
Tax and Financial Considerations for Tourism Businesses
Businesses must pay a security deposit to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) as financial assurance for tourists. Deposit amounts vary:
- Inbound Tour License: 200,000 – 500,000 THB
- Outbound Tour License: 500,000 THB
- Domestic Tour License: 100,000 THB
Yes, tourism businesses are subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) at 7%, unless they qualify for special tax exemptions.
Additional Business Considerations
Yes, BOI-promoted companies involved in tourism, hospitality, or eco-tourism may be eligible for special incentives, including:
- Foreign ownership exemptions
- Tax benefits
- Reduced licensing restrictions
Applying for BOI promotion can provide significant advantages for tourism businesses.
Businesses should:
- Keep their tourism license valid and renewed annually
- Follow TAT regulations on advertising and marketing
- Ensure customer protection policies are in place
- Consult legal experts for regulatory updates
Professional Assistance for Obtaining a Tourism License in Thailand
The tourism license application process involves strict regulations, financial guarantees, and compliance requirements. Professional legal assistance can help with:
- Company registration and licensing
- Document preparation and submission
- Regulatory compliance and renewals
- BOI applications for foreign ownership benefits
Contact our team for a free consultation. We specialize in helping businesses navigate the tourism license application process, ensuring quick approval and compliance with Thai tourism laws.