Misconceptions about Foreign Business Licenses (FBL) in Thailand Group 1: Core Misconceptions - Misconception 1: All foreign-invested service enterprises need to apply for FBL. Certain service sectors, such as hotel management, related enterprise services, securities trading, and services to Thai government agencies, do not require FBL for foreign ownership or sole proprietorship [1]. - Misconception 2: Holding an FBL allows unrestricted business operations. An FBL is issued for a specific business, and companies can only operate within the scope of that FBL, without expanding into other restricted industries [1]. - Misconception 3: An FBL grants the right to purchase land. FBL does not provide foreign entities the right to buy land; they must meet other legal requirements to do so [1]. - Misconception 4: An FBL allows for foreign sole proprietorship or control. The Thai Foreign Business Act has three lists: List One prohibits foreign ownership exceeding 49% and does not allow FBL; List Two allows FBL but limits foreign ownership to a maximum of 75%; List Three permits foreign sole proprietorship with FBL [1]. Group 2: Employment Restrictions - Misconception 5: Holding an FBL allows unrestricted hiring of foreigners. FBL does not exempt companies from employment restrictions for foreigners; compliance with regulations regarding foreign employment is still required [2]. - Additional Insight: Chinese enterprises are particularly interested in sectors such as retail, wholesale, and engineering services, which are also the most frequently approved for FBL [2].