HR, PEO & Employer of Record (EOR) Services in Thailand

Introduction

Thailand is a dynamic gateway to Southeast Asia, offering a strategic location, robust infrastructure, and a rapidly growing consumer market. Its competitive labor force, thriving tourism, technology, and manufacturing sectors, along with a business-friendly regulatory environment, make it an attractive destination for foreign investment. Companies expanding into Thailand can leverage these advantages to scale operations efficiently and tap into regional opportunities.

EOR & PEO Solutions in Thailand

If you’re looking to hire employees in Thailand without setting up a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) like Empleyo is the simplest and most compliant path forward. An EOR in Thailand acts as the official legal employer on your behalf, managing everything from payroll and HR administration to employment contracts and statutory employee benefits.

This model allows you to expand into Thailand quickly, while remaining fully compliant with local labor laws without the complexity or cost of registering a local entity.

What Is an Employer of Record in Thailand?

An Employer of Record Thailand (also known as an EOR provider) enables businesses to hire and onboard Thailand employees without having to incorporate in-country. The EOR manages:

You continue to oversee your team’s day-to-day tasks, while the EOR service handles legal obligations as the official employer on paper.

What’s the Difference Between EOR and PEO?

A Professional Employer Organization (PEO) typically supports businesses that already have a registered entity in Thailand, offering co-employment solutions for HR, payroll, and benefits. An EOR, however, is ideal when you don’t have a legal presence in Thailand but still want to hire full-time staff.

Whether you choose an EOR or PEO depends on your Thailand hiring strategy, budget, and long-term plans for the market.

Benefits of Using an EOR Service in Thailand

By using an EOR solution, companies can confidently build their team in Thailand, access top talent in Thailand, and stay focused on business growth — without getting tangled in bureaucracy.

Hiring in Thailand

Thailand is a thriving market with a growing pool of skilled professionals, making it an ideal destination for businesses looking to expand globally. But to hire in Thailand successfully, it’s important to understand your options especially when you don’t have a legal entity in Thailand.

That’s where using an Employer of Record in Thailand makes all the difference.

Your Hiring Options in Thailand

Businesses have two main paths to hire employees in Thailand:

The second option is faster, lower-risk, and ideal for companies that want to test the Thai market, launch quickly, or hire remote employees without permanent infrastructure.

Why Use an EOR to Hire in Thailand?

This approach is especially useful for startups, global teams, and growing businesses that need to hire quickly and remain fully compliant.

Employment in Thailand

Understanding how employment in Thailand works is key to managing your team successfully and staying compliant. Whether you’re hiring directly or using an Employer of Record (EOR), companies must follow Thai labor laws closely especially when it comes to employment contracts, payroll, and employee benefits.

That’s why many growing businesses choose to use an EOR in Thailand to handle these responsibilities with confidence.

Employment Contracts in Thailand

All employees in Thailand must be hired under a written employment contract, clearly outlining the job role, salary, benefits, working hours, and duration of employment. Contracts must comply with the Labor Code of Thailand, and are usually signed before or on the first day of work.

By working with a Thailand employer of record, you can ensure that all employment contracts in Thailand are properly structured, compliant, and aligned with local requirements without having to hire a full in-house HR team.

Payroll & Employer Contributions

Payroll in Thailand involves more than just paying a monthly salary. Employers are required to withhold income tax and make contributions to:

These deductions and employer contributions are calculated based on the employee’s gross monthly salary, and must be submitted on time to remain compliant. An EOR in Thailand handles this for you, managing all payroll, tax filings, and reporting on your behalf.

Employee Benefits and Leave

Thai labor law mandates several employee benefits, including:

Using an employer of record service ensures your team in Thailand receives all required benefits and that your business remains fully compliant with Thai employment law.

Termination & Notice Periods

Ending an employment contract in Thailand requires careful compliance with local labor laws, which specify notice periods, severance payments, and valid grounds for termination. An Employer of Record (EOR) ensures that all offboarding processes are handled lawfully, including calculating correct notice and severance, while minimizing legal and financial risks for the employer. This approach allows businesses to manage workforce transitions smoothly and professionally, maintaining compliance and protecting both the company and its employees.

Visas & Permits in Thailand

If you’re planning to hire employees in Thailand or bring in foreign talent, understanding Thailand’s visa and permit requirements is critical. Navigating these processes can be complex, but working with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) in Thailand makes it much easier.

An experienced EOR provider will ensure all permits are handled legally, so you can focus on building your team in Thailand with confidence.

Work Permits for Foreign Employees in Thailand

Foreign nationals who plan to work in Thailand must obtain the appropriate work permits and visas, a process governed by strict local labor and immigration regulations. An Employer of Record (EOR) simplifies this process by handling all permit applications, liaising with government authorities, and ensuring full compliance with Thai law. This allows companies to onboard international talent quickly and legally, while giving employees confidence that their employment status and rights are fully protected.

Types of Visas for Foreign Talent

There are several types of visas used to work or do business in Thailand, including:

Each visa type has specific use cases, duration limits, and documentation requirements. If you’re looking to hire in Thailand or send international staff temporarily, an EOR Thailand solution helps you identify the right visa and manage the application process end-to-end.

Business Permits for Foreign Companies

To operate directly in Thailand, foreign companies typically need to register a legal entity in Thailand and apply for a business license. This can be a time-consuming process that includes office registration, investment approvals, and compliance with Thai labor laws.

Alternatively, you can use an EOR in Thailand to bypass the need for a local entity. The Thailand employer of record is already registered and authorized to employ staff and manage payroll, contracts, and local compliance making it easier and faster to hire employees in Thailand.

Why Visas & Permits Matter for Global Hiring

If you’re hiring foreign employees in Thailand, or placing international staff in-country, it’s essential to stay compliant with immigration laws. The right employer of record service helps you:

Common Questions on EOR in Thailand

Why should I use an EOR in Thailand?

Utilizing an EOR in Thailand enables your company to quickly and compliantly hire employees without the complexities of setting up a local entity. The EOR handles all legal and administrative tasks, ensuring compliance with Thai labor laws and reducing the risk of legal issues.

Is using an EOR legal in Thailand?

Yes, employing an EOR in Thailand is legal. The EOR acts as the official employer for legal purposes, while your company retains control over the employees' day-to-day activities. This arrangement complies with Thai labor laws and regulations.

How long does it take to hire an employee through an EOR in Thailand?

Hiring an employee through an EOR in Thailand typically takes one to three weeks, depending on the role's complexity, the candidate's availability, and the required documentation processes.

What types of employees can be hired through an EOR in Thailand?

An EOR can hire Thai nationals as well as foreign employees, provided work permits and visas are obtained. This flexibility allows companies to access both local talent and expatriate professionals.

How does an EOR ensure compliance with Thai labor laws?

An EOR in Thailand stays updated with the latest labor laws and regulations, ensuring that all employment practices comply with local requirements. They handle all legal and administrative tasks, reducing the risk of non-compliance for your company.