Looking Beyond France for Growth
As competition intensifies across Europe and operating costs continue to rise, many French businesses are looking beyond their domestic market for new growth opportunities. Thailand has emerged as one of the most attractive destinations for international expansion, offering a combination of lower operating costs, a strategic location in Southeast Asia, a growing economy, and a business-friendly environment.
France is one of Thailand’s leading European investment partners, with French companies operating across sectors including manufacturing, energy, hospitality, retail, healthcare, and technology. This long-standing commercial relationship demonstrates Thailand’s attractiveness as a stable destination for long-term foreign investment while creating opportunities for new French businesses looking to establish a presence in Asia.
For French entrepreneurs and companies seeking to improve profitability, access new customers, or establish a regional presence in Asia, Thailand presents significant advantages while maintaining strong commercial ties with Europe.
Since 2008, ATA Services has been supporting international businesses across Southeast Asia through company registration, Professional Employer Organization (PEO) solutions, Employer of Record (EOR) services, payroll management, visa and work permit support, accounting, tax compliance, and ongoing corporate administration.
This guide explains why an increasing number of French businesses are choosing Thailand as their next destination for growth in 2026 and how ATA Services helps simplify every stage of market entry and expansion.
One of the biggest challenges French companies face today is the cost of employment.
Hiring an employee in France is significantly more expensive than many business owners initially expect because employers must pay substantial social security contributions in addition to an employee’s gross salary.
A company does not simply pay an employee’s salary. It must also manage substantial employer contributions that significantly increase total payroll expenses.
Imagine your company wants an employee to receive a net monthly salary of approximately €2,000. Once employer social contributions, payroll taxes, pension contributions, healthcare funding, unemployment insurance, and other statutory obligations are included, the total monthly employment cost can approach €4,000.
While France’s comprehensive social protection system provides excellent employee benefits, it also creates a significant financial commitment for employers.
Thailand offers a more flexible employment framework, allowing businesses to recruit and scale more efficiently.
Employer social security contributions remain considerably lower, helping companies to recruit more efficiently, control payroll costs, and allocate additional resources toward business growth rather than administrative overhead.
ATA Services supports businesses through structured payroll management, workforce planning, employment compliance, and HR outsourcing designed specifically for companies expanding into Thailand.
When evaluating international expansion, labour costs represent only part of the overall picture.
Thailand also provides several structural advantages that support business growth.
| France | Thailand |
|---|---|
| VAT rate: 20% | VAT rate: 7% |
| Higher employer contributions | Lower employment costs |
| Centralised Labour Code | Flexible employment framework |
| More complex payroll administration | Streamlined payroll administration |
| Higher administrative costs | Competitive operating costs |
| Mature domestic market | Gateway to Southeast Asia |
Rather than replacing operations in France, many companies use Thailand to improve operational flexibility while supporting regional growth strategies.
Thailand continues to attract French businesses thanks to its stable business environment, modern infrastructure, and long-term growth potential. In addition to competitive operating costs, companies benefit from reliable banking services, international transport and logistics networks, and access to a growing middle-class consumer market.
Eligible businesses may also benefit from incentives offered by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), including corporate tax exemptions, import duty incentives, and simplified visa and work permit procedures for qualifying investment projects. ATA Services advises eligible investors on BOI applications and helps businesses structure their investments to maximise available incentives.
These advantages make Thailand an attractive destination for French companies seeking sustainable growth and long-term regional expansion.
Thailand is the gateway to one of the world’s fastest-growing economic regions: Southeast Asia.
Establishing business operations in Thailand creates access to key regional markets including:
ATA Services supports businesses not only in Thailand but also across Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, allowing companies to benefit from consistent support as they expand throughout Southeast Asia.
While these opportunities make Thailand an attractive destination, successful market entry still depends on proper planning and compliance with local regulations.
Expanding into Thailand involves much more than registering a company.
Businesses must manage company incorporation, foreign ownership regulations, payroll administration, tax registration, employment compliance, visa applications, work permits, accounting obligations, and ongoing corporate governance. Businesses unfamiliar with Thai payroll obligations can also benefit from understanding the country’s payroll framework before hiring their first employees.
Without experienced local support, these administrative requirements can slow market entry and increase operational risk.
ATA Services provides structured advisory aligned with current Thai regulations while delivering practical operational support throughout every stage of expansion.
Our integrated corporate services include:
Working with ATA ensures:
Since 2008, ATA Services has been supporting international companies across Thailand and Southeast Asia through company registration, PEO services, Employer of Record solutions, payroll outsourcing, visa support, accounting, tax compliance, and ongoing corporate administration.
Whether you are planning your first Thailand market entry, expanding your regional operations, or looking for a trusted partner to manage payroll and compliance, our team provides the expertise and local support needed to help your business grow with confidence.
Contact ATA Services today to discuss your expansion plans and discover how our regional expertise can support your long-term growth across Southeast Asia.
Ready to Expand Your Business to Thailand?
From company registration and payroll to work permits and BOI incentives, ATA Services helps French businesses enter Thailand and scale across Southeast Asia with confidence.
Yes. Foreign investors can establish businesses in Thailand under several legal structures, although certain sectors may require specific approvals or partnerships depending on the activity.
The timeframe depends on the business structure and regulatory approvals required. ATA Services helps streamline the registration process while ensuring full compliance.
Not always. Many business activities allow foreign ownership, while others may require compliance with the Foreign Business Act or BOI promotion.
Most foreign business owners require the appropriate Non-Immigrant Business Visa together with a valid work permit before carrying out employment activities.
Yes. ATA Services provides both Professional Employer Organization (PEO) and Employer of Record (EOR) solutions, allowing businesses to hire employees quickly without immediately establishing a local entity.
Depending on eligibility, BOI promotion may provide corporate tax incentives, import duty exemptions, simplified visa and work permit procedures, and additional investment support.
3656/49-52 Rama 4 Road, Green Tower, 16th Floor, Klongton, Klongtoei, Bangkok 10110 Thailand
2/51 Bangna Complex, 11th Floor Soi Bangna Trat 25, Bangna Nua, Bangkok 10260 Thailand
4th floor, IMC Tower, 62 Tran Quang Khai Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
No 338, Trillion Tower, 24th Floor, Jln Tun Razak, Kampung Datuk Keramat, 55000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
