In forming a company in Thailand, company promoters are responsible for registering the company with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). The promoters must be individuals, not juristic persons and must be available to sign documentation during the registration process.

For a private limited company, there must be a minimum of 3 promoters and at least 15 promoters for a public limited company. The promoters of a private limited company must be 12 years of age or older while for a public limited company, the promoters must be 20 years of age or older.

Each promoter of a private limited company is required to be among the company’s initial shareholders immediately after the company’s registration and is required to hold a minimum of one share upon the company’s registration. They are generally free to transfer those shares to existing shareholders or third parties, thereafter, if they wish. It is not required for the individuals serving as promoters to reside in Thailand.

The promoters of a public limited company must also be among the company’s initial shareholders immediately after the company’s registration. All promoters must subscribe for shares, which must be paid up in an aggregate amount equal to or not less than five percent of the registered capital. Said shares may not be transferred before the expiration of 2 years from the date of the company’s registration, unless specifically approved at a meeting of shareholders. Nevertheless, it is required that one-half of the individuals serving as promoters have their domicile in the Kingdom of Thailand.

Promoter’s potential legal liability is generally limited to the par value of the shares they will hold after registration is completed. The promoters are also responsible for paying expenses associated with the company’s registration. After registration, however, the company may choose to reimburse the promoters for those expenses.

Interested in forming a company in Thailand, contact ThaiLawyers for more information.