Are you willing to form non-profit organisations (NPOs) or non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Thailand? You should register as an Association in Thailand instead of a Foundation. Therefore, let’s have a look at how to register an Association in Thailand.
What is an Association in Thailand?
Section 78 of the Civil and Commercial Code governs the process of formation of an Association in Thailand. By forming an Association, you can carry out any activity that seeks continuous and collective involvement of persons. However, it should be other than the sharing of profits or incomes. Additionally, it must have its own regulations with registration under this Code.
Section 79 lists the following requirements to abide by the regulations of the Association:
- Name, logo and location of the Association. Additionally, the Association must include the word ‘Association’ in its name.
- Objectives of the juristic body intending to form the association.
- Address of the main office and all the branches.
- Rules and conclusion of membership.
- Membership fees and rates.
- Committee of Association rules namely:
- Number of Directors
- Appointment of the Directors
- Term and retirement of office of the Directors
- Meetings of the Committee
- Management rules including the bookkeeping standards, accounts and property of the Association.
What can Associations in Thailand do?
Associations may participate in activities that benefit the general public. Additionally, hobby groups, sports clubs, and religious organisations are examples of associations’ activities.
Moreover, one of the most prevalent legal forms for non-governmental organisations is a non-profit association (NGOs).
However, some of the major benefits of forming an Association in Thailand are as follows:
- As a juristic person, an association can sign contracts and engage in other legal activities.
- Opening and maintaining bank accounts in the Association’s name.
- The Thai government has given legal sanctions on the activities of the committee members.
- Ability to make money (but must still pay taxes).
- There is no need for registered capital.
Registration of an Association in Thailand
Basic Requirements
When registering an association, the following documents and requirements are necessary:
- The association’s regulations or bylaws.
- Three promoters and the minutes of their meeting leading to the formation.
- A list of the first ten members’ names, addresses, and occupations.
- List of at least three association directors’ names, residences, and occupations.
- Evidence of the organization’s headquarters, such as a map or a lease agreement.
- Three promoters’ background histories with confirmation from a department-level government official.
- All members and directors must provide a copy of their identification card and house registration book after verification and certification.
Regulations of an Association
The following information must be present in an association’s regulations:
- The organization’s name (the name must include the word association).
- Objectives of the organization.
- The address of the company’s headquarters and all of its branches.
- A set of rules governs the admission of members and termination of membership.
- Rates as well as a membership fee.
- Rules for the association’s committee:
- Number of directors.
- The selected directors.
- The directors’ term of office.
- Retirement of the directors from the offices.
- The committee’s meetings.
- Rules governing the association’s management, accounting, and property, as well as the annual general meeting.
Registration Process of Association in Thailand
The Ministry of the Interior requires the registration of an association. One has to file the application at the local district office in the location of the association’s main office.
At least three members of the association must submit the application in writing. The rules of the association, a list of at least 10 members’ names, addresses, and occupations, must accompany the application.
After submission of the application and determination of its compliance with regulations, the Ministry approves it. Therefore, for approval, one must forward it to the Ministry. Henceforth, the Ministry issues a registration certificate after approval of the application.
The Bottomline
Investors in Thailand who want to undertake business or other activities can choose from a number of companies. However, for non-profits or non-governmental organisations, you might want to consider forming an association. Konrad Legal offers a legal team that can help you register your Thai organisation quickly and easily.
For more details and assistance in forming an Association in Thailand, mail us at officer@konradlegal.com.
