This article provides a comprehensive regulatory guide for restaurant operators in Thailand, covering four critical licensing requirements: building/land use compliance, food establishment permits/notifications (based on >200 sqm threshold), alcohol sales licenses, and service establishment permits for venues with entertainment. Key insight: misclassifying a business (e.g., filing as restaurant but operating as entertainment venue) is a common compliance failure. SME restaurateurs must navigate overlapping laws (Public Health Act B.E. 2535, Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560, Alcoholic Beverage Control Act B.E. 2551, and Service Establishment Act B.E. 2509) to avoid penalties and business suspension.