George, who has trained in kickboxing for the past eight years, visited Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA last month. After observing the discipline of Thai martial arts students, he’s eager to open a Muay Thai club in Phuket.
Here’s the top opportunities for George to set up his Muay Thai club in Thailand:
1. A Special 90-day Muay Thai Visa
Did you know that foreigners can apply for a ’90-day Muay Thai Visa’ in Thailand? However, you’ll need a notification from the consulate affairs within 3 business days. Following that, you must coordinate with the Thai Embassy within 5-21 days for registration procedures. Finally, the Board of Muay Thai Boxing will ensure a final approval of the visa application process.
Advantages
- Easier access to the structured Muay Thai training programs
- Increase in collaboration with the martial arts community of Thailand
- Better chance to connect with certified Muay Thai trainers
Required documents to apply for a Muay Thai visa
- Copy of passport
- Certificate of Muay Thai camp ownership
- Certificate of Standard Muay Thai Camp approval
- Application form for the Muay Thai Training program
- Registration of fee slip (proof of payment)
Can I work in Thailand on a Muay Thai visa?
No.
The Muay Thai visa prohibits foreigners from getting employed in Thailand during its 90-day validity period. However, as a foreigner, you can work in Thailand by obtaining a work permit. This document is to be issued by the Foreign Employment Division of the Labour Department. Additionally, you’ll require a non-immigrant B visa despite having a Muay Thai visa.
To be eligible for obtaining a work permit in Thailand, the following conditions must be met:
- A limited company registered in Thailand with minimum share capital of 2 million THB
- Employment of a majority of Thai staff compared to foreign staff in a Thai-registered company
2. Better tourism promotion in Thailand
Muay Thai has a huge contribution in strengthening foreign relations in Thailand. It is a soft power asset that helps to build diplomatic relations through traditional martial art practices. This serves as a great business opportunity for Muay Thai club students and trainers.
In 2022, martial arts projects worth 2 billion baht were announced to promote Muay Thai among international fighters. Additionally, tourists in Bangkok can stay for 60 days, with a further option to renew for another 30 days. As a result, Bangkok is considered as the top destination for Muay Thai tournament revenue generation.
Documents needed for a tourist visa in Thailand
- A visa application form
- A passport of at least 6 months validity proof
- Passport-size photos
- Proof of return ticket
- Bank statement of the past 6 months
- Visa fee paid to the Thai consulate
To learn more about tourist visa registration, visit Tourist visa in Thailand.
3. Large-scale partnership benefits in Thailand
With an online commerce platform, Thailand positioned itself as the global hub for promoting Muay Thai products. Furthermore, the ‘Muay Thai Iyarin’ application provides an online community with users from 137+ countries.
It provides a larger opportunity for Muay Thai trainers to connect in an interactive platform. On 13th Dec, 2024, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) announced Muay Thai as a cultural ambassador in tourism promotion.
Can a foreigner set up company partnerships in Thailand?
Although limited partnership structures in Thailand are legal, a managing partner falls under certain obligations. To become a managing partner, the foreigner must require:
- A work permit
- A Non-immigrant business visa
- A foreign business license (if 49% of the investment is made)
Note: Under Thai law, joint venture parties are considered separate legal entities.
At Konrad Legal, our legal professionals provide reliable solutions for setting up a Muay Thai club in Thailand.
