Hotel and Resorts For Sale for Americans by the Thai-U.S. Treaty of Amity
In recent years, Thailand has become an increasingly popular destination for American travelers. And, as American tourists have flocked to the country, so too have American businesses.
Under the Thai-U.S. Treaty of Amity, United States nationals (including companies) are permitted to hold a majority share in Thai companies carrying on hotel business.
This provision has spurred a wave of investment in the Thai hotel industry by American companies and individuals. And, as a result, a number of American-owned hotels and resorts have sprung up across the country.
Whether you're looking to invest in a Thai hotel and resort or simply curious about the American presence in the Thai hotel industry, here's what you need to know about American ownership of hotels in Thailand.
The Thai-U.S. Treaty of Amity
The Thai-U.S. Treaty of Amity is a bilateral agreement between the United States and Thailand that was signed in 1950.
The treaty provides for a number of bilateral economic and investment protections, including the right of American citizens and companies to own and operate hotels in Thailand.
Under the terms of the treaty, American investors are permitted to hold a majority stake in Thai companies carrying on hotel business. This provision has been a major driver of American investment in the Thai hotel industry in recent years also the are several resorts investment.
The American Presence in the Thai Hotel Industry
American investment in the Thai hotel industry has been on the rise in recent years.
A number of American companies and individuals have invested in Thai hotels, and a number of American-owned hotels have sprung up across the country.
The most notable American-owned hotel in Thailand is Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. The luxury hotel is owned by the U.S. investment firm, J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Other American-owned hotels and resorts in Thailand include the Shangri-La Bangkok, the Hyatt Regency Bangkok, and the Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok.
The Benefits of American Investment in Thai Hotels
American investment in the Thai hotel industry has brought a number of benefits to the country.
First and foremost, American investment has helped to boost the Thai economy. American companies and individuals have poured billions of dollars into the Thai hotel industry, and this investment has created jobs and generated economic growth.
In addition, American investment in Thai hotels has helped to raise standards in the industry. American-owned hotels are typical of high quality, and they offer a higher standard of service than many of their Thai counterparts.
Finally, American investment in Thai hotels and resorts has helped to promote Thailand as a tourist destination. American-owned hotels are typically well-known and respected brands, and they help to put Thailand on the map as a premier tourist destination worldwide.
Hotel or Resort Licenses and Permits
When starting a new hotel business, there are a few licenses and permits that need to be obtained in order to operate legally. The number of licenses you will need for your Hotel or Resort depends on the type of facilities and services your hotel will be providing. If your hotel will have more than 4 guest rooms or can accommodate more than 20 guests, you will need to obtain a license to operate a hotel business from the Department of Provincial Administration. This is for hotels located in Bangkok. If your hotel is located outside of Bangkok, you will need to obtain a license from the Provincial Governor’s Office.
If your hotel will be providing catering or restaurant services, you will need to obtain a permit for selling food, liquors, and cigarettes.
And finally, if your hotel will have conference room facilities or any places of entertainment, such as pubs, clubs, bars, or spas, you will need to obtain an entertainment permit.
Overall, the process of obtaining these licenses and permits can be time-consuming and confusing. But it is important to make sure that everything is done correctly and legally in order to avoid any problems down the road. If you have any questions or need help with the process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to assist you.
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