Setting Up as an Osteopath in Thailand

I’d like to start by practicing my profession from my apartment. Is that allowed in Thailand?

Hi, it’s not allowed... but a commercial space doesn’t cost much...

Do you know the price of a consultation? There isn’t ONE price, but a range... it goes from 2 € up to maybe 200 €.

Thanks Thuan for the info! Apartments aren’t very expensive, so you’re right, a small office space should be affordable.

Hi Shanice,

As an osteopath and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, I get your idea, and I actually looked into it in Phuket. Yes, it exists—osteos and chiros are around. I even contacted this osteopath and had plans to set up there later. He didn’t do me any favors by referring me to the Thai embassy in France. So, I went straight there, and from one contact to another, I gathered info and formed my own opinion. He lives near where he practices, by the way. He’s in Rawai—you can go check him out.

What Thuan said makes total sense: you can’t mix your private life (the apartment where you live) with a commercial space because that puts you in a different category. Plus, it looks unprofessional and kind of cheap. Don’t forget that in Thailand, appearances matter. If you see clients at home, in your apartment, it won’t cut it.

Commercial spaces *are* accessible, but the real challenge is figuring out how to work—and that’s where things get tricky. To work in Thailand as a *farang*, you need a work permit. The simplest way is to set up a company with 40,000 €, hire 4 Thais, and if you want a second work permit, you’ll need another 40,000 € and 4 more Thais to hire. Oh, and don’t forget to find a reputable lawyer who can untangle problems and make your life easier. That part might cool your enthusiasm. But everything’s possible—Hua Hin, for example, has a lot of Germans and is very open to alternative medicine, with a solid client base.

For pricing, you’re free to set your rates, but keep in mind there are Thais with local salaries, wealthy Thais, and tourists. You’ll need to adjust based on your patients and adapt. Otherwise, this profession isn’t reserved for Thais yet, but you’ll need to be at a high level. Ads are allowed in the press, flyers, etc.

I don’t know where you’re at now, but maybe you already know all this and are already set up. If so, keep me posted! Best, Ted

Hi Ted,

Thanks for your reply—it gives me a little hope about working in Thailand! 🙂

Since the osteopath didn’t get back to me, I contacted a chiropractor who told me that osteopathy is illegal in Thailand, but chiropractors managed to get the right to practice there after 8 years.

However, if you’re saying an osteopath is already set up there and still practicing, there must be a way to work around the law! Unfortunately, I don’t have the financial means for that yet, so I’ll try to look into other ways to set up without such a big budget… maybe partnering with a massage center or a hotel complex… For renting an apartment, you’re right—it’s not very professional and also illegal…

I’m planning a trip to Thailand in the spring to gather more precise info and visit the osteopath working in Phuket in person.

If I have any updates, I’ll definitely keep you posted, and if you come across any other info in the meantime, don’t hesitate to write!

Thanks again for your reply!

Hi Shanice,

I don’t see why it would be allowed for chiropractors and not for osteopaths. Another idea: ask the Thai embassy for the list of professions banned for *farangs* (I didn’t see osteopathy on it). As for our colleague in RAWAI, PHUKET, he’s probably just worried about competition on the island. When you’re good, there’s room for everyone. I doubt you’ll get much info from him, but you never know. If you go to Phuket in the spring, I recommend Baan Chaba in KAMALA—the owner, KATIA, speaks French and is super helpful. You can even ask her to rent you a scooter. Book ahead, though—KAMALA is a bit out of the way, which is part of its charm. Our profession has a bright future there, and you can set up shop. Just search "ostéopathe Bangkok"—you’ll see there are already some. You could even ask them for advice. If you’re thinking of PHUKET, it’s better to get info from BKK first. They usually work in private clinics where they have their own practice. Whether it’s private, salaried, or something else—I don’t know. Anyway, I know if I were to set up there, I’d do it privately, even if it costs more. I’m so used to being self-employed. And if I could do it in France when it was illegal, I can do it in a country where it’s possible. Just make sure you do your research and gather as much info as possible. I definitely wouldn’t set up in BKK—Koh Samui, Phuket, Hua Hin, or Pattaya are better for me because there are tourists (they have the money) and good schooling options for my daughter. Most Thais have limited means, so you can’t rely on that clientele—the wealthy aren’t exactly everywhere. For me, it won’t be for a couple of years, and even then, I need to study the location more carefully. Financially, it’ll work out—I don’t *need* it, but I love my job too much and I’m too young to stop. It’s tough to hear, but you’ll need financial reserves to make it in Thailand—otherwise, you’ll face disillusionment. Plan ahead. Where do you want to settle? With family? Do you have kids? Are you ready to deal with the rainy season?... Where are you based now, and why do you want to leave France (I can guess)? Hang in there, and keep me posted on your progress. Best,

Ted

Hi Ted,

Sorry for the late reply—I didn’t have internet access. You’re right about the jobs forbidden to foreigners; I’ll go straight to the embassy to ask (I’ll let you know what they say once I have the answer!). I agree with you: there’s room for everyone to set up as an osteopath, especially since the profession isn’t well-developed there yet. It’ll take years before there are too many osteos!

Anyway, thanks for the contact in Phuket—I’ll keep it in mind. As for the osteopathy side, we’ll see...

I wouldn’t mind being an employee, so I’ll look into that. If it lets me settle without needing a lot of funds, even better! I’m also open to setting up in tourist areas for the clientele, since I know most Thais don’t have much money. That wouldn’t stop me from offering free consultations (or adjusting my fees) for those who need it but can’t afford it.

I’m saving up some money, but I’m nowhere near 40,000 €! Still, I’ll do my best to handle any surprises! I know Thailand well—I’ve been there three times, and it’s a country I love. Living in Thailand is now an obsession for me, and I’ll do everything to make this dream happen! I’ve also visited during the rainy season—it doesn’t bother me. That said, I’m aware we’re not safe from ecological disasters like the 2011 floods... I’ve been living in Marseille for almost five years now. My client base is growing, but not fast enough—since the new regulations, the number of osteos has exploded! I still do some fill-in work from time to time.

I love the Thai philosophy, their way of life, and the culture. Even though my practice is starting to grow, I’m ready to leave Marseille and start over! I think I’d build a client base faster than in France—there just aren’t as many osteos where I live now!

I don’t have kids, and I plan to go alone. It’ll probably be easier at first to settle in that way.

Thanks again for your great advice, and I’ll keep you posted if anything new comes up!

See you soon

hi shanice,

it was completely by chance that I stumbled upon your forum 'osteo et thailande', and I have to say that your dream of settling there is really appealing. to introduce myself in two sentences: I got my osteopathy diploma last year, then I dove headfirst into taking over a beauty and wellness institute with employees, where I planned to add my osteopathy practice... oh no, very poorly informed about tax law and management, etc., it was impossible to practice osteopathy without paying two URSSAF and two RSI contributions... in short, I’ve just barely made it out of this bureaucratic nightmare, and I’m looking for simplicity and a big breath of fresh air. so, simply put, thank you because your approach has given me some ideas—same on my end, since I have no ties, I’ve been planning (for a while now) to move abroad. just out of curiosity, do you speak another language? and do you happen to know any osteopaths who’ve settled abroad?

Hi Jonathan, Ted, and Shanice. I just read your messages carefully. Some are a year old now, but they’re still really interesting. I graduated in September 2012, and after doing a few locum positions, I’d like to move abroad. So I’m starting to look into different options—countries where osteopathy is tolerated or even appreciated, and where life is radically different from France. I was thinking about Indonesia (I spent a month there), but I’m only just beginning to research. I’d love to know where you’re at with your plans—whether you’ve managed to get your projects off the ground or anything else. Thanks in advance! Mickael

Hey mixwel, Good luck with your search! As for me, I’m heading to Thailand tomorrow morning to wander around—I’ll grab some info on the country and maybe I’ll hear something about Indonesia too.) See you in 3 weeks for a little debrief.. Good vibes Ciao

Safe travels, I went there for 3 weeks and it was amazing. Good luck with your search for information. mickael

hi Mixwei

All emerging Asian countries are interesting for settling down—you’ve got to find the one that aligns with you, which isn’t easy. There’s also Brazil. I’m planning to move to a country where my daughter (9 years old) can continue her schooling in French while also learning another language. France is losing its soul and its bearings; it’s becoming a mess, and I’d like to offer her the chance to experience something different. These countries have the advantage of offering a more authentic and genuine lifestyle, with respect and civility. Indonesia is great for that, as is Malaysia. The Philippines isn’t bad either. I don’t know the conditions for practicing in those other countries. I’m familiar with Thailand’s, where you’ve got to prove your financial stability—I get it. I deliberately chose Thailand because I’m trilingual (French, German, and English), but especially French-German. I also have a German diploma, and Germans have the highest purchasing power. Plus, they don’t just trust anyone for treatment, and having the language skills plus the diploma opens doors. So, Bangkok or elsewhere—why not? I’m finalizing everything for expatriation; you don’t open a new door until you’ve closed the previous one. If you read the message above, don’t come empty-handed—plan to live for a while without rushing. I expect to be operational by spring 2014, in time for my daughter’s 2014 school year. That’ll give me six months to prepare everything: house or apartment, place to live and work, logistics... I’m not rushing things, and in Thailand, even with good lawyers, it takes time. Since I want to keep a foothold in France, I’ll proceed step by step this year. Just a heads-up—from your messages, you all seem young, which isn’t my case anymore. I could even move there as a retiree (50 years old) and open my practice later. I love my job too much and feel too young to just be retired. And what would my daughter think if she saw a father taking it easy while encouraging her to work? That wouldn’t be serious—you’ve got to lead by example. Anyway, enjoy your vacation. In any case, France is *has been*—it’s time to change the air while there’s still time.

Best,

ted

Thanks for your reply :) There’s so much wisdom in what you said. I’m only 25, but I think there’s no age to try and change your life (not your job, of course ;)) and open up new opportunities. Indonesia and Brazil are two destinations that really appeal to me (I spent a month in one and 10 days in the other). I’ll look into the administrative side and try to see what job opportunities are available. Don’t forget to target the expat community—they’ll be a major source of patients (you can find info on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website). I’ll keep you posted if you’re interested. mickael

Hello, I know this discussion is several years old, but I’m giving it a shot. Have any of you been able to settle in Asia while practicing osteopathy? My partner moved to Chiang Mai for work, and I’d love to join him. I’m a physiotherapist (I know that’s not possible) and an osteopath with 10 years of experience. Do you think it’d be possible to exchange thoughts? Thanks in advance if my message gets any responses. Have a good evening, Virginie