Restaurant License in Thailand

Once your business has been registered. You need to obtain the appropriate food license. The type of license depends on the size of your restaurant:

• Restaurants under 200m²: Require a certificate of notification.
• Restaurants over 200m²: Require a food license from the local government or municipality.

Additionally, you must comply with the ministerial regulations on food hygiene (Form S.O.1). The certificate of notification and food license must be publicly displayed, as mandated by the Public Health Act, Section 38.

Food License Application Process

The costs for the licenses are as follows:

• Certificate of notification: Approximately 1,000 THB.
• Food license for larger areas: Approximately 3,000 THB.
• Small takeaway licenses (10m²): Approximately 200 THB.

These prices are subject to change, so check with local authorities for the most current information. The following documents are required for the application:

• Copy of the applicant’s identification card.
• Likewise a copy of the applicant’s house registration.
• Copy of the house registration for the restaurant’s location.
• Certificate of business registration (if the applicant is a company).
• Copy of the identification card of the company representative (if applicable).
• Health examination results or medical certificates for all food-handling employees.
• Map indicating the location of the establishment.
• Commercial name of the restaurant.
• Photographs of the exterior and interior of the restaurant.
• Detailed interior layout plan.
• Copy of the lease agreement.
• The size of the restaurant in square meters.

Staff must pass a food sanitation training course, and you must submit proof of this. Documentation varies by location; for example, in Pattaya, documents are submitted to the Pattaya City Office.

• Food Selling Place Hygiene Regulation: You will need to ensure the management of food preparation and serving areas are clean and well-ventilated. Adequate ventilation must be provided.
• Tobacco Products Control Act: In terms of the Tobacco Act you will need to adhere to regulations for public spaces. This including the separation and clear marking of smoking from non-smoking areas.
• Management of Toilet Facilities: Likewise you will provide an adequate number of well-maintained toilets. This as is required under the Public Health Act. Note that the number of toilets is typically based on the seating capacity as well as expected number of patrons. Likewise this is usually for establishments that can seat 20 or more people.
• Environmental Compliance: Note that grease must be filtered before wastewater discharge to meet environmental quality standards. This as which as been outlined in the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act.
• Management of Dried Foods: Additionally, Ingredients such as seasonings and additives must meet safety standards outlined in the Food Act.
• Prohibition of Cooking Gas Usage: Note well that cooking gas is prohibited as a fuel source for food preparation on tables or in dining areas. Likewise methanol or methyl alcohol is also prohibited for food preparation and cooking.
• Advertisements: Must adhere to specified rules and obtain proper permissions. Non-compliant advertisements may be ordered for removal or alteration by local officials. Advertisements containing content detrimental to public order, morality, or obscene content can lead to criminal charges. See also the signboard tax in Thailand.
• Zoning Compliance: Ensure your business complies with local zoning laws. Issues related to light and sound can result in conflicts with the local administration.
• Alcohol License: To sell alcohol in the country, an alcohol license. You as the business owner will need to complete the forms at the Excise Department. This would be where the business is located and pay the annual fee. In Thailand, obtaining an Alcohol License Type 2 for restaurants or retail shops involves different annual fees based on the establishment’s VAT registration status:

• For establishments without VAT registration, the annual fee is 330 THB.
• For establishments with VAT registration, the annual fee is 2,200 THB.

This differentiation ensures that businesses contributing to the VAT system pay a higher fee for the privilege of selling alcohol.

The information contained in our website is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advices. For further information, please contact us.