Bangkok—Thailand has seen a surge in the number of foreign nationals obtaining visas and work permits, with over 56,000 approvals reported by the Board of Investment. This figure encompasses approximately 50,000 foreign executives and experts engaged in investment promotion initiatives.
Mr. Chai Wacharong, spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, attributed this uptick to Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s initiatives aimed at enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness and transitioning to a new economic paradigm.
Efforts to streamline visa procedures have resulted in the approval of over 56,000 visas and work permits for foreign nationals. These include permits for experts under investment promotion schemes, Long-Term Resident Visas (LTR Visas), and Smart Visas, targeting high-skilled individuals and investors in strategic industries, facilitated through the One Stop Service Center.
Mr. Chai highlighted the collaboration between the Board of Investment (BOI), the Immigration Bureau, and the Ministry of Labor in simplifying processes for foreign talent, investors, and those seeking residency. The establishment of the One Start One Stop Investment Center (OSOS) has centralized services, incorporating the online visa and work permit system SINGLE WINDOW.
According to BOI data, the pool of approved foreign nationals includes not only executives and experts under investment projects but also over 4,000 LTR visa holders from countries like the United States, Russia, and Japan. Additionally, there are 2,170 smart visa holders and members of startup groups, mainly from the United States, Russia, and Germany.
The LTR visa, tailored to attract high-potential foreigners, offers a decade-long residency option for experts, remote workers, high net worth individuals, and retirees along with their dependents. Beneficiaries enjoy perks like unrestricted entry, exit, and employment opportunities, with income tax for experts reduced to 17 percent and reporting obligations to the Immigration Department eased to once a year.
The Cabinet has further introduced the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) to cater to remote workers and digital nomads, slated for launch in June. This move aims to draw more skilled foreigners to Thailand, aligning with the government’s commitment to fostering investment and enhancing competitiveness.
Mr. Chai emphasized the Prime Minister’s dedication to attracting investment and improving competitiveness through policy adaptation, envisioning a sustainable influx of foreign labor to drive investments in key industries for Thailand’s advancement.
