Over the next five years, the BOI anticipates an investment volume of more than USD 5.5 billion for electric vehicles (EV) and EV-related investments in Thailand. Import duties and excise taxes will also be significantly reduced. The automotive industry in Thailand will thus further expand its leading role in the Asia-Pacific region. There are great opportunities for vehicle manufacturers, but especially for suppliers, in a flourishing production market.
Watch out investors in the automotive industry: The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) is promoting Joint Ventures manufacturing automotive parts until 31.12.2025. Anyone investing in Thailand’s automotive industry has the option of extending the general exemption from corporation tax by 2 and up to 8 years. The regulation applies to both newly established Joint Ventures in Thailand as well as to existing companies that take on Thai partners.
In addition, access to the Japanese automotive industry beckons with the addition of a Thai partner.
The electronic signature (“e-signature”) of contracts in Thailand is regulated by the Electronic Transactions Act B.E. 2544 (“ETA”). The law represents a significant facilitation of business transactions in Thailand. Even foreigners can use the e-signature to process their contractual agreements with Thai companies. However, this does not apply to every contract, so you should always exercise caution when using electronic signatures.
Have you ever thought about signing a contract without holding the documents in your hand? Sanet Legal & Accountancy the Thai, English and German speaking lawyers in Thailand, will clarify whether and how this is permissible and when such contracts are legally binding.
As a general rule, a bonus agreement in a Thai employment contract is a voluntary benefit. However, under certain circumstances it may become mandatory. A clause that would eliminate the bonus in the event of a negative annual result would also be unlawful.
In the business world, employers particularly value those employees who perform productive work and are committed to the company. Many employers therefore offer employees the chance of a bonus in order to motivate them to work hard and commit to the company. Employees are usually paid such a bonus at the end of the year, depending on their performance. The amount of the bonus is at the discretion of the employer.
Yet, a legal dispute often arises when the employer exercises its discretion not to pay a bonus to individual employees or to all employees. The Thai Supreme Court has now delivered a judgment on the bonus in the Thai employment contract.
