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It is hard enough to succeed at a new business in one's own country. Trying to do so in another country without knowledge of the language, customs or culture is far more difficult.

There are the obvious formalities of taxes, licenses, permits, leases and insurance which are difficult to negotiate but possible. Then there are the less formal problems of reliable suppliers, effective advertising, finding & keeping reliable staff, who to pay off and how much.

Being a clueless foreigner, you will be squeezed in every way imaginable.

The most important thing for any business is, of course, customers. What would you be offering your prospective customers that they want and do not already have?

Sometimes it is just geography. Having a pizza franchise 50m from a high school is a big advantage. Sometimes it is personal service. If you are an extrovert and never forget a names & faces and get to know your customers names, preferences and friends you can develop a following. Sometimes it is just the owner's willingness to work 20hr days for just enough to eat that keeps a business going.

But if you are determined to procede here are some suggestions.

1. Real estate sales - there are plenty of new condo developments and time shares being built. Someone needs to sell them.



2. Publishing - There already so many magazines but if you like to write it is possible. Diving, Entertainment, Life Styles and Travel are some possible topics.



3. Education - There are many schools already but this is a big field and Thais are willing to pay for a quality education for themselves and their children.

Bars and restaurants are obvious but have a very high rate of failure.

But you asked how to, not why you shouldn't try. To have to best chance at success you must know the business, the market and the environment. To do this you should get a job in Thailand in the field you are interested in. Be willing to work for very little or, initially, even nothing but your visa. Volunteer to do anything and everything and do it well. Learn the language, talk & listen to your boss, suppliers, customers, police, bureaucrats and coworkers. After a few years you will have the knowledge and the contacts to decide the best way to procede..

Dreaming can be hazardous to your wealth.

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