To Trust

Food Shop License in Thailand

Food Shop (Restaurant) License with SiamConsult

Ready to open a café, restaurant, street food stall, bakery, or takeaway in Thailand?
Before you can legally serve your first meal, you’ll need to obtain an official Food Shop License.

This license—sometimes called a Food Storage License—applies to any business that prepares, cooks, or sells food and beverages directly to the public, whether you’re operating a cozy café, a bustling market stall, or a fine-dining restaurant.

We serve clients in Krabi, Ao Nang, Koh Lanta, Phi Phi, Phang Nga, and Phuket.

What is a Food Shop License?
A Food Shop License is a permit required by Thai law for any retail food business serving customers on-site or for takeaway.

It covers everything from small noodle stands to large hotel restaurants, ensuring compliance with national and local standards for hygiene, kitchen safety, waste management, fire protection, and food handling. Before opening, you must pass site inspections and maintain strict cleanliness standards at all times.

For official food hygiene and safety regulations, see the Thai FDA.

How is this different from a Food Supplier License? It’s important to distinguish between a Food Shop License and a Food Supplier License:

Food Shop License: For businesses that prepare and serve food directly to customers, such as restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and food stalls. This is a retail license, focused on kitchens, dining spaces, and food hygiene for end-consumers.
Food Supplier License: For companies involved in large-scale production, packaging, or distribution of food and beverages to other businesses (hotels, supermarkets, wholesalers, etc.).
The Thai FDA regulates this license, covering food factories, importers, exporters, and bulk distributors—not typical restaurants or small food shops.

Why choose SiamConsult for your Food Shop License?
Securing your Food Shop License can feel daunting. Every municipality has unique rules and documentation requirements, inspections are strict, and language barriers can slow things down.
With SiamConsult as your partner, you gain:

Step-by-step guidance in English and Thai, from planning to inspection
Preparation and review of all application forms and supporting documents
Direct communication with district and municipal officials
Support for related licenses: alcohol permits, signage, and POS systems
Practical advice to avoid delays and penalties—so you can open on time

If you intend to serve alcoholic beverages alongside your food offerings, you will also need an Alcohol License to comply with Thai law.

To simplify financial management and ensure ongoing compliance, SiamConsult provides comprehensive accounting and audit services, as well as dedicated accounting services tailored to businesses in Thailand.

What happens if you skip the Food Shop License? Operating without a valid Food Shop License exposes your business to severe risks: forced closure, significant fines, removal from food delivery apps, and even possible criminal charges. Compliance is not just about legal protection—it’s about public trust and long-term business success.

Ready to get started?
Contact SiamConsult for your free consultation and let’s get your business licensed, legal, and ready to serve!

Food shop License – Step-by-Step Guide with SiamConsult

Launching a restaurant in Thailand should be an exciting adventure, not a paperwork headache.
Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy café, a bustling street food stall, or a five-star dining experience, you’ll need ALL the right licenses and permits to open your doors legally.

That’s why we always start together—with a free consultation.
From our very first conversation, SiamConsult will work with you to clarify your restaurant concept, map out the best license pathway, and help you every step of the way. Let’s make sure you can focus on great food and happy guests, while we handle the admin details.

For official regulations and standards, see the Thai FDA and Department of Business Development (DBD).

Step 1: We Clarify Your Restaurant Concept

We’ll sit down (in person or online) and discuss your vision: What kind of restaurant do you want to build?
The answer guides which licenses you need. Examples include:

Full-Service Restaurant: Sit-down dining with waitstaff?
Café or Coffee Shop: Drinks and snacks, casual seating?
Street Food Stall: Quick service, mobile or market-based?
Bar or Pub: Alcohol service, light food?
Bakery or Patisserie: Pastries, bread, and desserts?
Food Truck: Mobile, specialty menu?

Step 2: We Identify the Licenses and Permits You Need

Food License (Food Shop License): Required for any food-serving business. We’ll gather the paperwork and submit to your District Office. (Usually 30 days)
Alcohol License: For serving alcohol, we prepare your application and submit to the Excise Department. (Approx. 10–15 days) Alcohol License in Thailand
Music License: Needed if you’ll play music. We’ll help you apply with the performing rights agency. (Approx. 7–14 days)
Signage Permit: Any outdoor sign requires municipal approval. For full details, see our Signage Permit Thailand guide. (Approx. 10–14 days)
Fire Safety Certificate: Essential for larger spaces. We coordinate safety plans and inspections. (Approx. 14–30 days) Fire Safety Certificate Service
Building Permit: For renovations or new construction, we’ll prepare and submit your building plans. (Approx. 15–30 days) Building and Construction Permit Guide

Step 3: We Help You Gather the Right Documents

DBD business registration
Owner or manager’s passport or Thai ID
Lease contract or title deed
Restaurant and kitchen floor plan
Health and fire safety certificates
Your menu with pricing

Step 4: We Handle Submissions and Track Progress

We apply at the correct district or municipal office for you. For alcohol, we handle all communication with the Excise Department.
Our team submits every document, pays all required fees, and keeps you informed.
You’ll never have to chase paperwork—SiamConsult monitors your application until it’s approved.

Step 5: We Prepare You for Inspections

Health inspection for food safety and kitchen setup
Fire inspection for exits, alarms, and extinguishers
Building inspection for structural compliance

Step 6: Celebrate Together!

With all licenses in hand, you’re ready to open. SiamConsult stays with you for annual renewals and ongoing compliance—so your restaurant is never left behind.

For ongoing business support and compliance, see our accounting services in Thailand.

Ready to take the first step?
Contact SiamConsult for your free consultation and personalized licensing plan.