Ready Business in Pattaya: 5 Profitable Ideas for 2025
Ready Business in Pattaya: 5 Profitable Ideas for 2025 That Actually Make Money
Pattaya is a city where tourism, expats, and long-term winter residents create a steady year-round demand for services. That’s why ready-made businesses here aren’t exotic — they’re a practical investment tool for those seeking higher returns than standard apartment rentals. Below are five directions that, in 2025, look the healthiest in terms of demand, margins, and resale liquidity.
1) Coffee Shop / Bakery by the Sea (or in a Busy Area)
The “morning + coffee + pastry” format in Pattaya is a must for both tourists and expats. Revenue peaks in high season, but even in low season, cafes stay afloat thanks to locals and long-stay visitors.
Numbers:
Risks: overpriced rent “for the view,” weak kitchen (no breakfasts = lower check).
Tip: Before buying, analyze POS revenue vs purchase orders and electricity bills — non-inverter ACs can eat profits.
Numbers:
- Entry: 2–3M THB for a 40–60 m² ready-to-run spot
- Rent: 40–120K THB/month (street/mall/first line) Staff: barista 15–20K, baker 25–35K, manager 30–40K
- Revenue: 900K–1.2M THB/month (200–350 checks/day)
- Cost of goods: 32–38% (coffee, milk, pastry)
- Net profit: 200–300K THB/month
Risks: overpriced rent “for the view,” weak kitchen (no breakfasts = lower check).
Tip: Before buying, analyze POS revenue vs purchase orders and electricity bills — non-inverter ACs can eat profits.
2) Boutique Hotel / Guesthouse (10–20 Rooms)
Airbnb and Booking.com provide constant demand — but success goes to those selling comfort and atmosphere, not just low prices.
Numbers:
Legal note: check hotel license, fire safety, and sanitary certificates before buying.
Growth point: partnerships with travel agencies, transfers, tours, and motorbike rentals.
Numbers:
- Entry: 15–25M THB for a ready-to-run property near the sea
- Rent (if without ownership): 120–250K THB/month + deposit
- Staff: 4–6 people at 18–22K each, manager 40–60K
- Room rates: 1,200–2,000 THB/night (standard), 2,500–3,500 THB/night (deluxe)
- Occupancy: 55–65% yearly, up to 85% in high season
- Gross revenue: 350–700K THB/month Net profit: 150–250K THB/month
Legal note: check hotel license, fire safety, and sanitary certificates before buying.
Growth point: partnerships with travel agencies, transfers, tours, and motorbike rentals.
3) Motorbike & E-Scooter Rental
“No bike — no Pattaya.” Clear format, stable demand, solid margins. Electric scooters are a rising niche — higher rent, lower maintenance.
Numbers:
Entry: 1.5–2.5M THB for 30–50 bikes
Rate: 250–350 THB/day or 3,500–4,500 THB/month
Utilization: 60–75% Revenue: 180–350K THB/month
Net profit: 80–150K THB/month
Risks: accidents, theft, wear and tear.
Solutions: deposits, insurance, inspections every 2–3 weeks, GPS trackers.
Location: near condos and hotels with strong foot traffic.
Numbers:
Entry: 1.5–2.5M THB for 30–50 bikes
Rate: 250–350 THB/day or 3,500–4,500 THB/month
Utilization: 60–75% Revenue: 180–350K THB/month
Net profit: 80–150K THB/month
Risks: accidents, theft, wear and tear.
Solutions: deposits, insurance, inspections every 2–3 weeks, GPS trackers.
Location: near condos and hotels with strong foot traffic.
4) National Cuisine Restaurant / Bistro
Italian, Japanese, Georgian, and creative Asian concepts perform best. Focus on quality and consistency, not lowest prices.
Numbers:
Tip: Use business lunches & delivery in off-season. Collaborate with hotels for breakfast/dinner vouchers.
Risks: high rent “for location,” chef dependency, volatile import costs. Control storage and food costing closely.
Numbers:
- Entry: 3–6M THB for a 60–100 m² venue
- Rent: 60–180K THB/month
- Staff: 8–12 people (18–25K each), chef 45–70K
- Avg. check: 300–700 THB/person
- Revenue: 1.2–1.8M THB/month (100–180 guests/day)
- Food cost: 28–35%, drinks 18–25% Net profit: 250–400K THB/month
Tip: Use business lunches & delivery in off-season. Collaborate with hotels for breakfast/dinner vouchers.
Risks: high rent “for location,” chef dependency, volatile import costs. Control storage and food costing closely.
5) Premium Spa / Massage
Hundreds of “street” salons don’t prevent luxury spas from thriving. The secret: peace, aroma, private rooms, hammam/sauna, skilled therapists, and online booking.
Numbers:
Key: hygiene and training — clients “vote” with their feet and reviews.
Numbers:
- Entry: 2–4M THB
- Rent: 50–120K THB/month
- Staff: 6–10 therapists (18–25K + %), admin 25–35K
- Rates: 450–650 THB/hour (Thai), 900–1,800 THB/hour (oil/spa)
- Revenue: 600–900K THB/month (18–25 sessions/day)
- Net profit: 150–250K THB/month
Key: hygiene and training — clients “vote” with their feet and reviews.
Comparison with Apartment Rental
- A condo worth $60-73,000 yields 25–35K THB/month net.
- Each business format above can bring 150–300K THB/month with a similar entry cost.
Return on investment is 5–8x higher, but so is responsibility — staff, licenses, accounting. If you’re ready to manage — choose business.
Legal and Thai Realities (Briefly)
- Ownership: Most companies must be 51% Thai-owned, 49% foreign. Exceptions: BOI projects, special regimes.
- Visa & Work Permit: 1 foreigner = 4 Thai employees (standard rule).
- Taxes: Corporate 20%, VAT 7% (above threshold), personal tax progressive.
- Lease agreements: Ask for a “holiday clause” (low-season discount) and fixed indexation.
Pro tip: buy a company with existing licenses and reporting history — it saves time and reduces risk.
How to Choose the Right Business
- Location: 100–300 m from large condos/hotels or on high-traffic streets (Jomtien, Pratumnak, Wongamat, Central).
- Traffic: count by hours and weekdays, not “by feel.”
- Documents: check licenses (alcohol, kitchen, hotel), lease terms, deposits, electric/ventilation condition.
- Finances: request POS data, invoices, and statements for at least 6–12 months.
- Team: key staff should stay after the sale — secure it in writing.
Quick ROI Calculator
- Add: rent + payroll + utilities + supplies + marketing.
- Add another 10–15% for surprises.
- Compare with real monthly revenue, not projections.
- If ROI > 36 months — negotiate or skip.
FAQ
Can a foreigner own 100%?
Only via exceptions (BOI, special zones). Standard: 49% foreign, 51% Thai.
What to buy first?
What you personally understand and can control: coffee, spa, rentals.
How to avoid “Thai surprises”?
Lawyer + accountant + employee contracts + liability & property insurance. Always.
Only via exceptions (BOI, special zones). Standard: 49% foreign, 51% Thai.
What to buy first?
What you personally understand and can control: coffee, spa, rentals.
How to avoid “Thai surprises”?
Lawyer + accountant + employee contracts + liability & property insurance. Always.
Conclusion
In 2025, Pattaya offers investors five “workhorse” models — coffee shops/bakeries, boutique hotels, bike rentals, restaurants, and premium spas. With the right location and management, they generate 150–400K THB net/month, pay off in 2–3 years, and remain liquid at exit. If you want higher returns than condo rentals and are ready for hands-on management — this is your shortlist to explore first.