As an investor in the Thai Stock market for almost 2 decades I usually ask if they have money they are willing to risk. If the answer's no, then your chances of making money in Thailand are almost zero - try the employment listings!
No I'm not a broker, nor am I trying to sell you anything. However, if you have money you are willing to invest then the Stock Exchange of Thailand is one of the best places to begin with.
WHY INVEST IN THAI STOCKS?
- Investing is one activity that foreigners don't need work permits or business licenses for.
- Ownership of publicly listed company shares are registered and regulated, with ownership rights on par with local Thai owners.(There are a few exceptions but for most aspects not a problem)
- The Stock Market is a market of existing businesses, many with long term verifiable track records and audited financial statements.
- Value investing method is a proven long term method for growing wealth.
- It's much easier to sell or liquidate your investment in shares than it is in a privately owned business.
- Tax advantages of the Stock Echange of Thailand:
- No capital gains tax for individual investors
- Also tax credits from corporate taxes on dividends allow individual investors to claim these back on annual tax returns
- Thai property developers are a legal backdoor way for foreigners to invest in Thai property and land. This is subject to 49% foreign ownership limits of course but, since most property companies are greater $200 million in valuation, this will not be a problem for most private investors.
HOW DO I START?
- Visit the Stock Exchange of Thailand website: http://www.set.or.th/en/index.html
- Choose a broker from the member list to open an account with.
- Fund your account. I'm starting with 330,000 Baht - about $10,000 - but as brokerage is quite low you can of course start with much less, or much more.
- Choose your stocks.
......to be continued --->
