Are you one of those people who frequently daydreams about owning a beach bar in a tropical country like Thailand? It sounds blissful doesn’t it? But, how would one go about actualising such a dream and is it worth it? What are the lifestyle benefits of owning a bar in Thailand (including the drawbacks)? Read on and we’ll take a closer look…

Independence

When it comes to owning and running a business in Thailand as a foreigner, independence is a double edged sword. On the one hand you will technically be your own boss, however, on the other, you can only legally own 49% of a business; the other 51% must be owned by a Thai national.

Of course, there are many reputable and reliable entrepreneurs in Thailand who will afford you respect and the freedom to do with your business what you please so long as it is in everyone’s best interest.

So, while you might not own the bar outright, technically, if you strike a deal with the right person, you can enjoy total independence as a bar owner in Thailand.

Dream location

Pick a spot on a map and go for it. Want to own a beachfront bar in Koh Samui? Go for it! Fancy trying your luck with a nightclub in Bangkok? Why not? You can look for land for sale around Thailand and you’ll see plenty of opportunities to develop your new business.

Either that, or you can purchase an existing bar and make it your own. There’s more than one way to skin a cat after all.

Legal residence

As a business owner in Thailand, you will be able to legally reside in the country permanently. This is arguably one of the biggest benefits of running a bar in Thailand.

Sense of community

Another wonderful benefit to owning and running a bar in Thailand is the sense of community. You can hire and manage your own team and get involved in the local community where you are established. This is a great opportunity to make life-long friends and put down some roots.

A great potential earner

While the hospitality industry is incredibly competitive in Thailand, there is a great potential to earn a good living as a bar owner. Certainly, much of your business will be seasonal depending on your location, however, with creative freedom and dedication, making your bar a success all year round is within the realms of possibility.

What are the drawbacks of owning a bar in Thailand?

• There are high start-up costs.
• Running a bar is expensive (particularly in off season).
• The market is saturated and you will be competing with a number of local businesses.
• You’ll be required to work long hours and late nights.
• It’s easy to slip into the habit of drinking too much (so you’ll need to make extra effort with healthy lifestyle changes).
• You are not guaranteed to succeed. Many people have had the dream of opening a bar in Thailand and failed miserably.

Final thoughts

All in all, there are a number of amazing lifestyle advantages to owning and managing a bar in Thailand. After all, what could be better than being able to sit around a bar that you own on a tropical island in the heart of SouthEast Asia? However, make no mistake, it’s no simple process and establishing a successful bar will be an awful lot of hard work.

If you have passion and patience and carry out the necessary research (including finding a Thai national business partner you can rely on wholeheartedly), you shouldn’t run into too many problems.