The property sector in Thailand has seen rapid growth over the last decade, with many Thai and foreign investors purchasing units in condominium projects, for both investment and residential purposes.

This Japanese-language Guide to Doing Business in Thailand was prepared by Tilleke & Gibbins in collaboration with Nishimura & Asahi, the Lex Mundi member firm for Japan. Written for potential Japanese investors in Thailand, the guide provides an overview of the Thai legal system, structures for doing business, and foreign investment regulations. It introduces other aspects of Thai law relevant to investment activities, including the following:

Reproduced with permission from Law Business Research Limited. This article was first published in Getting the Deal Through – Dispute Resolution (published in June 2011; contributing editor: Simon Bushell). For further information, please visit www.GettingTheDealThrough.com.

Recognizing the importance of foreign investment for its economic growth, Thailand has through the years relaxed restrictive investment laws and regulations, thus favorably positioning itself as a prime market for cross-border M&A activity. Continuing the trend toward investment liberalization, the Bank of Thailand and the Ministry of Finance will implement the second phase of the Financial Sector Master Plan over the course of 2010-2014, which will grant waivers on income tax, specific business tax, and stamp duty for earnings on merger and acquisition activities.

One question that is frequently asked by individual shareholders concerns the utilization of tax credit on dividends granted under Section 47 bis of the Thai Revenue Code. This article will discuss the conditions for using tax credit and explain how the tax credit can benefit a shareholder.

The registration of a pharmaceutical product with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can be extremely time consuming, even for straightforward cases. In order to avoid any delays, it is important that the product dossier be meticulously prepared prior to submitting all relevant documents to the FDA, especially the quality part of the documentation.

Every day, you control your health and finances. You decide whether to go to the doctor when you become ill or are injured. You also decide whether to purchase, sell, or gift your assets. In case of severe sickness or injury or death, the law must take over to best carry out your wishes.In our July 15 column we discussed the importance of drawing up your will. Today we will discuss living wills and the right to refuse medical treatment.

This article first appeared on WTR Daily, part of World Trademark Review, in May 2011. For further information, please visit www.worldtrademarkreview.com.On March 23, 2011, the Department of Business Development of the Ministry of Commerce organized a public hearing on a new Act entitled the “Franchise Business Operations Act.”