Buying into a franchise is often viewed as a safer way to make a business investment. Thailand has kept pace with this trend and offers hundreds of franchise opportunities for the eager entrepreneur. Yet like many countries, its legislation has failed to keep up with this business model. Proposed changes to Thailand law are aimed at offering greater protection to franchisees.

Think Thailand films and you may believe it stops at Leonardo DiCaprio in The Beach. You would be wrong, of course. Hollywood has made plenty of other big screen hits in this tropical South-East Asian paradise and some of Thailand's home-made films have won critical acclaim. Greater support for filmmakers under Thai business law is strengthening this industry.

One of the challenges with living and working in a foreign country is the tax implications. For US expats living in Thailand these dual tax responsibilities became even more stringent last year, after the US passed a law requiring foreign banks to comply with new reporting standards. For US citizens working under a Thailand work permit it's time to get your taxes in order.

Few visitors to Thailand would be unaware of the severe penalties for carrying drugs into the south-east Asian nation, but there are other lesser known Thailand laws that also apply. Drinking alcohol in restricted areas could land you in jail while failing to declare cash or goods could put you on the bad side of the immigration service in Thailand.

It might be tempting to make some money while staying in Thailand but get caught working without a Thailand work permit and you risk deportment, fines or even jail time. Thailand law is extremely strict when it comes to foreigners working inside its borders, but with the right visas and permits there's no reason why a visit to this south-east Asian paradise can't combine business and pleasure.

The strengthening of Thailand laws to prevent foreign dominance of the nation's telecommunications industry has been controversial. Some have praised the new Thai business law regulations as offering protection to local operators, especially as the kingdom gears up for increased free trade within east Asia.

It may come as a surprise to western workers but in Thailand it is not illegal to discriminate against a job applicant on the basis of age or gender. While this south-east Asian nation's approach to labor management is considerably more relaxed than western nations, Thai and foreign firms need to be familiar with Thai labor law or risk getting caught out.

Thailand has positioned itself as a regional leader in the production of alternative energy and has its sights firmly set on attracting more foreign business investment to Thailand. An evolving socio-economic climate (including talk of increasing the minimum wage under Thai law) means this south-east Asian hub needs to adapt its development promotion strategies, according to one government ministe

Thailand's known as a great place to snap up a bargain - but most likely what seems like a steal is just that. Pirated movies, brand name clothing, perfume and digital gadget are proving a major obstacle in attracting foreign business investment in Thailand. Don't be put off - just know your rights and be prepared to use a corporate legal service in Thailand if you fall victim to piracy.

So-called loopholes in Thailand law's foreign land ownership restrictions may not only be risky, but illegal. The Thai land department has become more stringent in investigating the authenticity of Thai companies suspected of buying land to circumvent Thai law, which bans foreigners from owning land.

Thailand extends certain privileges - including tax exemptions - to foreign businesses that boost the nation's economic growth. In an attempt to decentralize its industrial base into poorer areas and boost production of key sectors, the Thailand Government established the Board of Investment (BOI) to attract key foreign investment.

American companies wanting to make a business investment in Thailand can overcome many legal barriers by operating under the Treaty of Amity. The US-Thai business treaty aims to promote trade opportunities by providing reciprocal legal rights between the two countries. For a US company, the treaty opens the door to improved trade and investment opportunities in this South-East Asian hub.