What information should a company sign include?
Unthika RoekwibunsiCompany signage is the first medium customers see and is also part of legal compliance. Before ordering production/installation, business owners should consider both brand communication and safety/local regulations to avoid removal orders, modifications, or sign taxes (reference: Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, 2025).
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Sign content must be readable from near and far
Order information by importance: Company/Shop name (most prominent) → Logo → Short descriptive phrase (1–3 words) → Contact channels
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Know which types require permit submission
Large signs, projecting signs, freestanding high signs, or signs with lighting/structures that resist wind usually require submission to local authorities
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Prepare complete documents and drawings to reduce rework
Application form, drawings, site photos, structural/electrical details, engineer/building-owner approvals
1) Clear name or distinctive design
- The company/shop name should be the heart of the sign: Make the name prominent, legible, and readable from the intended distance by choosing appropriate letter height, stroke weight, and sufficient contrast — avoid thin fonts or decorative treatments that slow reading.
- Design elements should support the message : Use graphic elements, color, or silhouettes to draw attention to the name, but do not let graphics compete with or obscure legibility of the lettering.
Practical recommendations :
- Letter height: Calculate based on viewing distance (example formula: letter height (cm) ≈ 0.833 × viewing distance (m)) to ensure legibility at the desired distance
- Stroke weight: Choose strokes that are not too thin; if using a thin typeface, increase size or add an outline (stroke) to improve clarity
- Color contrast: Provide high contrast between letters and background — avoid gradient or patterned backgrounds that interfere with reading
- Typeface: Avoid script or highly ornamented typefaces for long-distance reading; use clean, legible fonts
- Logo / other elements: If including a logo, size it subordinate to the name and avoid allowing it to overpower the primary text
- Mock-up testing: Test full-scale or scaled mock-ups under real lighting conditions before production to confirm legibility
2) Which signs typically require permits
- Large signs (example reference threshold: > 3 sq.m.)
- Signs projecting from a building beyond a permitted distance (example: > 1 m)
- Freestanding / pole-mounted signs of significant size (e.g., Pylon/Tower)
- Illuminated signs with electrical systems, or signs with load-bearing/wind-resisting structures
Note: Actual thresholds vary by municipality/province — always confirm with the local authority.
3) Relevant laws and regulations
Consider the Buildings Control Act B.E. 2522 (1979) and related ministerial regulations, which may classify certain signs as part of the building and require structural safety. Signs must not block emergency exits, ventilation openings, or reduce traffic visibility. Local administrative bodies (subdistrict administrative organizations / municipalities / BMA) have different forms and guidelines — follow the regulations of the installation area directly.
4) Documents and drawings to prepare
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Application form required by the municipality | Downloadable from the local authority |
| Sign drawings (front/side views / actual dimensions) | PDF / DWG files specifying dimensions and materials |
| Current site photographs | Show the actual installation location |
| Structure / mounting details | If the sign projects or has a frame, show mounting method and specifications |
| Electrical system specs & Power Supply | For illuminated signs, attach specifications and wiring method |
| Engineer / architect certification | Required for large signs, load-bearing signs, or signs projecting over public space |
| Owner’s consent letter | When the applicant is not the building owner |
5) Sign tax and fees
Local authorities have the power to levy sign taxes. Generally, taxes are calculated from the sign area (width × height) multiplied by the prescribed rate. Some jurisdictions set minimum rates. Check with the local office in advance to budget accordingly.
6) Practical checklist
- ☐ Contact the municipal/engineering office to verify local requirements
- ☐ Prepare company name/logo files (AI/PDF)
- ☐ Determine sign location and dimensions (W×H×depth) and take site photos
- ☐ Specify materials and electrical system (if any) + Power Supply/Driver specs
- ☐ Produce drawings and structural details (PDF/DWG)
- ☐ If sign > 3 sq.m. or projects > 1 m include engineer certification
- ☐ Check local sign tax / permit fees
- ☐ Keep copies of approval documents after installation
Legal precautions (summary): Avoid installing signs that block emergency exits, ventilation openings, or reduce traffic visibility. For illuminated or large signs, obtain an engineer’s certification and submit permit applications in advance; otherwise you may face removal orders, fines, or permit revocations.
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FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Do small signs require permits?
If a sign does not project outward and is very small, it often does not require a permit — but always verify with the local municipality.
Does an illuminated sign need engineer certification?
If the sign has a structural frame, supports loads, or projects over public areas, engineer certification is recommended before applying for permits.
Is sign tax payable every time?
That depends on local policy. Some areas charge sign tax while others have minimum thresholds — check with the local authority.
References
Warning — Please read before proceeding: Carefully review the references below before using this information. The content on this page is general guidance and may change according to laws and local regulations. For legal certainty or specific procedures, contact the relevant local authority or consult a legal advisor / licensed engineer before starting work. If you need assistance, Octopus is available to help with drawings, permit coordination, and full production/installation services — contact us.
- Bangkok Metropolitan Administration — Permit for installation of advertising signs in public places: https://webportal.bangkok.go.th/citylaw/page/sub/8018/
Need help? The Octopus team is ready to review drawings, coordinate paperwork, and provide end-to-end production and installation. See our signage category: https://www.octopus.co.th/collections/signage or contact us here