In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mark Friedman, the managing director of Baan Thai Immigration Solutions. Mark shares his experiences navigating Thailand’s ever-changing immigration landscape and offers practical advice on setting up a business in the Land of Smiles. From visa challenges to cultural nuances, Mark's insights are essential for anyone looking to start a new chapter in Thailand. Discover the complexities and opportunities that make Thailand a unique destination for expatriates.

Expanding your business in Thailand? I can help.
https://www.scottpressimone.com/thailand-consultation/

00:00 Introduction
02:01 Mark's Legal Journey and Career Highlights
03:56 Falling in Love with Thailand
04:59 Navigating Immigration Challenges
09:17 Starting a Business in Thailand
13:34 Understanding Thai Immigration Law
22:00 Recent Changes in Thai Visa Policies
27:49 Qualifying for the DTV Visa
28:00 Recent Tax Changes in Thailand
31:48 Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)
33:49 Thailand Privilege Visa
35:19 Long-Term Stay Options
40:08 Permanent Residency in Thailand
46:04 Running a Business in Thailand
52:20 Decompressing in Thailand
55:56 Conclusion

GUEST LINKS:
https://btisolutions.co/
https://www.youtube.com/@baanthaiimmigrationsolutions
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-friedman-a8b93111/

SHOW NOTES:
https://madeitinthailand.com/ep13

DISCLAIMER:
Mark Friedman, our guest in this episode of Made it in Thailand, does not practice law in Thailand. He operates as the Managing Director and a shareholder of Baan Thai Immigration Solutions, a company that employs licensed Thai attorneys and legal counselors. While Mark can provide strategic immigration advice to individuals immigrating to the US, he does not engage in legal practice within Thailand. For legal matters, Baan Thai Immigration Solutions utilizes the expertise of its qualified Thai legal professionals. Our discussion during this episode is not meant as legal or immigration advice. If you require advice or legal guidance, you should consult with a Thai immigration attorney or counselor. 

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, we sit down with Stuart Pollington, co-founder of Easson Energy and owner of Smart Traffic and Smart Digital Group. Stuart shares insights from his journey from the UK to Thailand, his experiences in digital marketing, and how he ventured into energy efficiency. Discover how Easson Energy helps businesses reduce energy wastage and CO2 emissions, and learn about the importance of adapting to local cultures when doing business in Thailand. Tune in for valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, team building, and saving energy costs.

00:00 Introduction
03:45 Building a Career in Digital Marketing
05:47 Experiences in the Philippines
06:36 Comparing Business Environments: Thailand vs. Philippines
14:36 Taking Over and Growing Smart Traffic
19:36 Founding Easson Energy
37:42 Challenges and Opportunities in Solar Energy
38:07 Overcoming Objections and Hurdles
40:52 The Role of Easson's Partners
41:54 Strengths and Dynamics of the Team
48:13 Adapting Business Strategies in Thailand
52:32 Building a Strong Team Culture
55:34 Long-Term Business Planning and Advice
01:02:03 Navigating the Board of Investment (BOI)
01:06:11 Personal Insights and Future Goals
01:10:55 Connecting and Networking in Thailand
01:12:24 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

#thailand #business #entrepreneurship #leadership #energyefficiency #sustainability #automation #energycostsavings #renewableenergy #co2reduction #greenbusiness #expatlife #networking #BOIThailand #digitalmarketing #SEO #SmartTraffic #SmartDigital #EasonEnergy #dataanalytics #employeeengagement #companyculture #workplaceretention #adaptability #smartbusiness #investmentinThailand #careerprogression #businessgrowth #technology #ROI #solarpower #netzero #monitoring #energymanagement #financialsavings #remotework #worklifebalance #globalprojects

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I’m joined by Tim Grassin, a trailblazing entrepreneur who’s made a name for himself in the competitive startup scene of Southeast Asia. Tim reveals the strategic moves that led him to establish a successful banner business, explore offshore talent, and eventually choose Thailand as his home. We also dive into his experiences navigating the COVID-19 pandemic while running businesses in the Philippines, and his thoughts on the burgeoning fintech opportunities in the region. Don't miss this electrifying conversation that offers a wealth of knowledge for aspiring entrepreneurs.

00:00 Introduction

01:30 Tim's International Background

01:45 Growing Up with a Diplomat Father

05:19 High School in Kenya and Early Exposure to FinTech

09:15 University Life and the Shift to Entrepreneurship

16:41 First Business Venture: Presentation Design

23:19 Second Business Venture: Digital Advertising

28:52 Selling the Second Business

29:50 Book Recommendations and Business Insights

32:03 Moving to Thailand: A New Chapter

34:05 Understanding the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

39:16 The Next Big Wave: Podcast and Coaching

46:08 Optimizing Business Growth Strategies

53:55 Final Thoughts

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, Simon Birkett joins me to discuss his remarkable career transition from commercial property to becoming a tech innovator in Thailand. Simon’s work with digital mapping revolutionized urban planning in Bangkok and even played a role in a U.S. presidential reelection campaign. Listen in as Simon reveals the highs and lows of doing business in Thailand, from initial setbacks to groundbreaking successes, and his current passion project focused on empowering young professionals.

00:00 Introduction

00:36 Meet Simon Birkett: From London to Thailand

01:22 Simon's Early Life and Career Beginnings

03:55 First Steps in Thailand: Opportunities and Challenges

04:46 Language Skills and Cultural Adaptation

08:34 The Business Landscape in 1991 Thailand

14:25 Tech Ventures and Networking in Thailand

25:29 Navigating Business Challenges and Competition

29:09 Reflections on the Financial Crisis

34:18 Lessons Learned and Advice for New Entrepreneurs

42:40 Bangkok's Transportation Data Overhaul

43:49 Visualization and MapInfo Collaboration

44:13 Clinton's Campaign and Bangkok's Tech Scene

45:59 The 90s Tech Buzz in Bangkok

48:35 Challenges in Thai Banking and Bureaucracy

51:59 The Birth of Tinman

56:46 Addressing Recruitment Challenges

01:02:23 Tinman's Approach to Better Job Matching

01:09:45 Improving Workforce Quality in Thailand

01:11:37 Connecting Students and Employers

01:24:08 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, Jirawat "Kao" Tariya takes us through his inspiring path from studying animation in Chiang Mai to becoming a prominent web and UI designer in Bangkok. Kao reveals how critiquing everyday designs fueled his passion and how his problem-solving skills set him apart in a fast-paced industry. Listen in as he discusses striking the balance between a familial work atmosphere and professional boundaries, and provides insights for aspiring designers and business professionals alike.

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I sit down with Nick Bernhardt, founder of a market research and business intelligence company in Thailand. Nick opens up about his 12-year journey in Thailand, the challenges and triumphs of learning the Thai language, and the unexpected path that led him to start his own business. We delve into the nuances of Thai market research, the intricacies of establishing a company under the Treaty of Amity, and the economic shifts in the region.

00:00 Introduction
01:31 Journey to Thailand: Language and Lifestyle
02:26 Challenges of Learning Thai
03:32 Fluency and Real-World Application
05:02 Starting a Business in Thailand
08:10 Unexpected Entrepreneurial Journey
15:35 Importance of Market Research
17:10 Client-Centric Business Philosophy
18:35 Adapting to Market Needs
33:59 Efficient Business Operations
34:42 Expanding Beyond Thailand
37:27 Navigating Freelancers and Business Costs
39:51 Market Trends and Economic Changes in Thailand
45:10 Tourism and Remote Work Opportunities
51:50 Household Debt and Financial Insights
01:04:02 Starting a Business in Thailand: Treaty of Amity
01:12:29 Community Involvement and Networking
01:16:02 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I sat down with Jan Rohweder, founder of Marketing Bear, a successful digital marketing agency in Bangkok. Jan shares his incredible journey from Germany to Thailand, initially planning for a short stay but ending up building a life and career there. We delve into the challenges he faced in business, his key moments of success, and his involvement with the Australian Thai Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Jan discusses the balance between business and family life, offering insights on raising a child in Thailand and the importance of work-life balance. Join us for valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, networking, and making a life in Thailand as an expatriate.

00:00 Introduction
01:26 Jan Rohweder's Journey to Thailand
04:08 Starting a Business in Thailand
06:01 The Birth of Marketing Bear
13:25 Marketing Bear's Unique Approach
24:54 Challenges and Growth
29:58 Networking and Community Involvement
47:37 Building Relationships Over Hard Selling
48:13 Journey to Becoming a Director
49:16 Leading the Digital Marketing Subcommittee
52:57 Mentorship and Paying It Forward
57:06 Hiring and Employee Development
01:06:13 Achieving BOI Certification
01:12:34 Balancing Business and Personal Life
01:22:19 Raising a Family in Thailand
01:26:41 Closing Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I had the pleasure of speaking with Joana Button and Damian Sutton, a power duo who moved from Australia to Thailand and successfully established thriving businesses. Joana shares her transition from the travel industry to founding Simple Scalable Solutions and the Scalify platform, while Damian delves into his passion for Agile methodologies and his role as a technology leader. Together, they discuss the challenges of cultural adaptation, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and their mission to simplify technology for small businesses. Join us for a compelling conversation filled with insights, experiences, and invaluable advice for anyone looking to find success in Thailand.

00:00 Introduction
02:27 The Beginnings: How Joana and Damian Met
04:23 Implementing Agile: Transforming Business Operations
12:51 Leadership Styles and Values
21:23 Challenges and Opportunities in Thailand
36:21 Helping Small Businesses: The Birth of Simple Scalable Solutions
45:58 Common Data Management Issues in Small Businesses
47:48 The Importance of Objective Leadership
49:33 Building a Comprehensive Platform
51:29 Challenges and Solutions in Business Integrations
53:46 The Value of Simplification in Scaling
58:07 Navigating Business Ownership in Thailand
01:07:42 Hiring and Mentoring the Right Talent
01:16:55 The Role of Education and Continuous Learning
01:23:37 Balancing Data-Driven Success with Joy
01:28:46 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I had the pleasure of chatting with Ryan Farley, a seasoned content creator who made the leap from a lobbying job in Washington D.C. to co-founding a successful content agency in Thailand. Tune in to hear Ryan's journey, his challenges with writing quality content for SaaS startups, and his insights into the nuances of client relationships. Dive into the world of freelancing, marketing strategies, and the rewards of working with startups in this engaging conversation.

00:00 Introduction
02:14 The Journey Begins: Hitchhiking and Adventures
10:19 Settling in Thailand: Teaching and Visa Challenges
17:34 Transition to Professional Life in Thailand
18:36 Navigating Thai Working Culture
22:45 Freelancing and Founding Pith & Pip
43:33 Challenging the Silo Mentality
44:41 The Importance of Connection in Client Relationships
46:54 Identifying Ideal and Bad Fit Clients
48:19 Experimentation and Client Trust
58:15 Balancing Freelance and Full-Time Work
01:07:14 The Challenges of Hiring Good Writers
01:14:59 Navigating Personal Relationships in Thailand
01:25:59 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of Made it in Thailand, I met with Adam Porteous, a dynamic professional who transitioned from journalism to marketing and sales, ultimately finding his place in Thailand. Adam shares his journey from playing collegiate soccer in the US to becoming the head of sales for a marketing agency in Bangkok. Discover the challenges he faced, the pivotal decisions that shaped his career, and why he believes Thailand is a catalyst for success. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with insights, anecdotes, and valuable advice for aspiring expats.

00:00 Introduction
00:30 Adam's Story: From a Small Village to Bangkok's Marketing Scene
01:20 Exploring Adam's Background and Career Shifts
04:03 The Academic Path: Journalism, Media Studies, and Beyond
06:33 Adventures Abroad: The American College Experience
21:16 Navigating Career and Freelance Opportunities
30:29 Choosing Thailand: A New Chapter Begins
31:38 Exploring Expat Life in Thailand: Choices and Opportunities
32:39 Navigating the Job Market: From First Steps to Work Permits
36:13 The Journey to a Sales Career in Thailand
37:32 Mastering Sales: Strategies and Real-World Applications
51:17 Living the Expat Life: Leisure and Safety in Thailand
54:25 Advice for Aspiring Expats: Making the Move to Thailand
59:44 Future Plans and Contact Information