Doing Business in the United Kingdom VS Thailand – A Comparison
Choosing between the United Kingdom and Thailand for business expansion depends on your priorities. Thailand offers low costs, proximity to Southeast Asian markets, and an improving infrastructure. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom provides a stable legal framework, easy company setup, and wide access to global markets.
The United Kingdom: Known for its consistent legal system, investor protections, and government-backed support for SMEs and foreign entrepreneurs.
Thailand: Offers growing opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, and tech. However, bureaucratic processes and occasional political instability can impact investor confidence.
Taxation
The United Kingdom: Corporate tax is fixed at 25%, with reliefs for SMEs, R&D credits, and exemption schemes for certain capital gains.
Thailand: Corporate tax is 20% for most businesses. Tax holidays and zone-based incentives are available through the Board of Investment (BOI).
Thailand: Incorporation takes 5–7 days and requires more paperwork, including local shareholder requirements for certain company types.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
The United Kingdom: Offers predictable costs, especially for startups using company incorporation services. Costs vary by region.
Thailand: Features low wages, cheap office space, and lower living costs, which appeal to small businesses and digital nomads.
Access to Markets
The United Kingdom: Provides strong trade access across the EU, US, and Asia.
Thailand: Located strategically in Southeast Asia, with access to ASEAN markets. However, fewer global trade agreements compared to the UK.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference.
Factor
United Kingdom
Thailand
Business Environment
Stable, transparent, pro-investor
Growing sectors, bureaucratic risks
Corporate Tax Rate
25%
20%
Capital Gains Tax
Taxable with exemptions
Not generally applied to most gains
Ease of Incorporation
Fully online, completed in 24 hours
Paper-based, takes 5–7 business days
Business Costs
Moderate, region-dependent
Low labour and rental costs
Market Access
Global network of trade agreements
Strong ASEAN access, limited global deals
Benefits of Choosing 3E Accounting
When it comes to starting a business in the United Kingdom, navigating the legal and administrative processes can be complex without the right support. That’s where 3E Accounting comes in. As a trusted partner for company incorporation, we provide tailored solutions for entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish a strong business presence. Whether you need help with company registration or expert guidance on setting up businesses in the UK, our experienced team ensures a smooth and efficient process.
The United Kingdom is much faster. Company incorporation in the United Kingdom is fully online and can be completed in one day. Thailand takes around 5 to 7 business days with more manual paperwork.
Thailand offers a 20% corporate tax rate, while the UK imposes a 25% rate. However, the UK provides more generous incentives for R&D and SMEs.
Thailand has lower costs overall, including labour and office space. That said, the UK offers predictable pricing and access to efficient company incorporation services.
Yes, but differently. The UK taxes capital gains with exemptions available. Thailand generally does not apply capital gains tax to most personal investment gains.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.