Thai Cabinet Committee approves multiple campaigns to hopefully attract high-spending foreigners upon country reopening

National –

The Thai Cabinet Committee today, September 14th, has approved multiple tourism campaigns to attract foreigners upon Thailand’s reopening, including granting visas for 10 years, expecting to increase the country’s income by 1 trillion baht per year, according to them.

Government spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana told reporters after the cabinet meeting this afternoon that the committee has agreed, in principle, economic and investment stimulus campaigns in Thailand by initially attracting four target groups of high-potential foreigners for a long-term stay.

The groups include 1.) foreigners from countries with high prosperity rates, 2.) foreign retirees, 3.) businesspeople who want to work in Thailand, and 4.) special-skilled people.

The campaign consists of two main measures:

1. Long-term resident visa issuance for a group of high-potential foreigners: They will receive various exemptions and benefits, such as an exemption for long-term resident visas and smart visa holders to not require a notice when their stay exceeds 90 days.
2. Amendments to relevant laws or regulations: such as laws related to land ownership and work management to allow foreign workers to work for their employers inside and outside the Kingdom, exemption of the previous requirement of one foreign worker per four full-time Thai employees, and others related to taxes and customs procedures.

Foreign visitors who applied under the stimulus campaigns will benefit with 1.) a new Long-Term Resident Visa (LTR visa) valid for 10 years, including dependent partners/spouses and children, 2.) a work permit after LTR approval, 3.) income tax exemption for income from abroad, and 4.) right to own/lease long-term real estate (including land), etc.

The Cabinet expected that the measures will be initially implemented for five fiscal years (2022-2026) and will increase the number of foreigners living in Thailand to 1 million people, increasing 1 trillion baht of domestic spending, 800 billion baht investment, and 270 billion baht tax income.

Specifics on eligibility requirements were not made entirely clear and likely will not be until the final regulations are published in the Royal Gazette.

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