For NGO Registration in Thailand, foreigners will have to go for either Thai Registered Foundations or Foreign Private Organizations. Sounds confusing?
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We all know that a private organization engaging in charitable or social welfare activities is an “NGO”. Such organizations never conduct operations to earn profit. Thailand has become a sought-after destination for NGOs due to its advantageous location at the heart of South East Asia. Additionally, it is one of the host countries of the United Nations.
The registration of NGOs, however, is not specifically covered by Thai law. Instead, NGOs fall under one of two categories, i.e., foreign private organizations or Thai registered foundations. Let us take a quick glance at the difference between these two types of business structures.
Foreign Private Organizations Registered as NGOs in Thailand
Without creating a local entity, foreign NGOs are allowed to register their presence and apply for work authorization in Thailand. NGOs are categorized as Foreign Private Organizations in this case. However, it is typically advisable for foreign Organizations looking to operate in Thailand to create a foundation. This is due to administrative challenges associated with running a foreign NGO in Thailand without a local entity registration.
The Committee on Consideration of the Entry of Foreign Private Organizations must grant permission for foreign NGOs to function in Thailand. A foreign NGO will be given a limited license by the Committee to work in Thailand. For international workers and volunteers, obtaining work permits and visas to remain in Thailand are two different processes.
Yet, NGOs functioning as FPOs frequently face financial and legal challenges when it comes to day-to-day problems. Thus, it is often more appropriate to register a local Foundation under Thai law. It becomes mandatory when the NGO involves in any major work or financial activity in Thailand.
Thailand Registered Foundation as an NGO
To pursue their goals and carry out operations in Thailand, NGOs may create a local legal organization called a Foundation.
Thailand Foundations are non-profit organizations with authorization from the Thai Ministry of Interior. Such organizations can carry out charitable, religious, artistic, scientific, literary, educational, and other public interest endeavors.
The process needs a minimum of three board members to supervise either Thai or international volunteers. They must do so on a voluntary basis. Additionally, they must be able to show a minimum donation of 200,000 Baht to form a foundation in Thailand. To prove this, a supporting bank account statement is necessary.
Although not mandatory, yet, one of the board members should be a Thai native. It is because the NGO will undoubtedly benefit from having a member who speaks Thai well and is familiar with local practices. Officers of the Foundation must also get a police clearance from the national police force of their home country.
Regulations for NGO Registration in Thailand for Foreigners
For a developing nation, foreign NGOs offer a possible source of material and technological support. Yet, a complex bureaucratic structure necessitates foreign NGOs to apply for authorization. They must do so before opening a local office in Thailand. The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare oversees the operation of foreign NGOs in Thailand, and two main regulations govern this process:
- The Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare’s B.E. 2541 (1998) regulations on the entry of foreign private organizations that operate in Thailand.
- Governing principles for consideration and guidelines on the entry of foreign private organizations to operate in Thailand and the building of regional offices in Thailand, according to the Committee on Consideration of the Entry of Foreign Private Organization Regulation B.E. 2543 (2000).
The Committee on Consideration of the Entry of Foreign Private Organizations authorizes foreign NGOs to operate in the nation. It grants permission to foreign NGOs on the basis of the following criteria:
- The country’s strategy for societal advancement, economic growth, and national security
- Preserving positive ties between Thailand and other nations
- The foreign NGO’s objectives and methods of operation while requesting authorization to operate
- Relevant government department’s opinions and recommendations
- The advantages of permitting the foreign NGOs to operate in Thailand
It is significant to remember that Thai law defines the following terms:
- An “institution, organization, society, foundation or group of foreign persons who are in the private sector or who are receiving support from a foreign government” is a foreign non-governmental organization (NGO).
- The definition of “operation” as it relates to the running of a foreign non-governmental organization (NGO) is “an application to establish an office or to operate an activity in order to help or support regardless of whether the form of support is financial support, organizing seminars or exhibitions, donations, support in terms of materials or equipment or durable goods, offering knowledge and technological or other forms of support.”
If a foreign NGO has been given authorization to operate in one of the aforementioned ways, the Committee will provide them a license that is only valid for two years. The foreign NGO must abide by the particular requirements of the license, which include submitting a semi-annual report to the Committee outlining the outcomes of the NGO’s activity.
Foreign NGOs must seek legal advice before starting operations in Thailand due to the complexity of the laws and regulations in that nation. For complete assistance in the process, email us at [email protected] and our team will get back to you within 1 Thai working day.
