So you've fallen in love with Koh Samui... and now you want to start a business?
The beaches are dreamy, the food is tasty, and look! those local shops don't even have logos!
How hard can it be, right?
Wrong.
Starting a business on Samui is a whole different game - it may look sunny on the surface, but there are hidden currents beneath.
Here are the most common mistakes foreigners make when launching businesses on the island (and how to avoid becoming another surprised by the low season expat).
Top Business Mistakes Expats Make in Koh Samui and How to Avoid Them: Underestimate the Market
Foreigners arriving in Koh Samui see many family-run businesses steeped in tradition but lacking formal structure, and think it will be extremely easy to do better. They don’t understand that these local businesses operate under different requirements—they don’t need work permits and visas, face no job occupation limits, or restrictions on staff numbers. And those businesses are held together by more than SOPs and Guidelines, but a deep culture around family values.
Top Business Mistakes in Koh Samui and How to Avoid Them: Underestimate the Power of Social Media
Many believe that Koh Samui is different from big cities and that success will come easily, because the island is so small. In reality, Samui functions like a big city but with fewer people and fewer interpersonal connections because people come and go, making networking more challenging.
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Top Mistakes Expats Make in Samui: Skipping Official Requirements
Despite the risks, some foreigners still gamble with the laws to save a few baht. It's counterproductive to open a business only to pay the price for doing it incorrectly.
Top Business Mistakes Expats Make in Kho Samui: Not Adapting to the Island's Rhythm
Like the surrounding sea with its tides, Samui experiences tourist fluctuations that affect all businesses, as everything depends on tourism. It’s important to take all these fluctuations into consideration when planning the year. Newbies often see relaxed locals and expats and think they can accelerate the process without understanding how Thai business culture works.
Top Business Mistake: Not Budgeting Your Business
It might sound wild to anyone with a business degree, but many people in Samui jump into entrepreneurship without a clue about budgets, structure, or planning. Some figure it out on the fly—but if you don’t know your numbers, how can you know where you’re going?
Top Business Mistakes Expats Make in Ko Samui and How to Avoid Them: Don't Hire a Marketer to Help Launch Their Business
Expert guidance is more valuable than you might think. Thailand’s Tourism and Hospitality industry may seem simple, but as the saying goes, “Same, same, but different.” Starting with an experienced professional in Marketing will save you money and time.
At FAMEsolutely we have been launching businesses in Koh Samui for many years for our clients. We create a ready-to-use system that will make your Business absolutely famous! Don’t hesitate to contact us to learn more about our launch services.
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