If you are planning to start a business here as a foreigner in Thailand, you need to be extremely careful of taking away from an existing business or opportunities from Thai people.
Thai people, with no real social security system, depend on their businesses, no matter how large or small, for their financial survival.
You may have the money to come in and start a business bigger and better than what is currently in that location.
However, if you step on someone’s toes and take income away from an existing family business, it will not end well for you.
Anything from physical violence to arson is in play here. Believe it!
It is ok if a Thai copies your business and opens right next door to you undercutting your prices.
However, it is not the same if you try to display or take money away from an existing business.
We may/may not be embarking on a new business.
However, before spending one baht, we are interviewing the village leaders and vendors in our community as to whether or not this will not displace others, and/or if it will be accepted a provide a benefit to the local vendors.
If we can provide a better facility and improve the quality of their businesses, it may be accepted.
However, a family in power that may be financially displaced, it is not worth physical violence or worse, to take business away from them.
This is a serious matter and you need to understand the law is not in your favor.
Also, if your business is not 100% legal, rest assured to locals will turn you into the police.
The reality is Thai people do NOT like to see foreigners making money, where they cannot.