New ‘smart visa’ launched for specialists in targeted next-generation industries

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New ‘smart visa’ launched for specialists in targeted next-generation industries

By THE NATION



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THE CABINET yesterday approved a “smart visa” to lure specialists to work in 10 targeted industries.



Applications for the smart visa will begin on February 1.



Kobsak Pootrakool, minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, said the targeted industries included Thai-based industries known as the First S-Curve and new industries dubbed the New S-Curve.



First S-Curve industries include next-generation automotive, smart electronics, medical and wellness tourism, “food for the future”, and agriculture and biotechnology. The five New S-Curve industries are automation and robotics, aviation and logistics, biochemicals and eco-friendly petrochemicals, digital businesses, and medical hubs.



The smart visa is divided into four groups. The first group is for specialists in scientific fields where there is a shortage. Individuals who qualify must have a salary of at least Bt200,000 a month and an employment contract for at least one year. Their spouses and children can move and work in Thailand, except in prohibited careers.



They will get four-year visas, up from the 90-day visa that is currently available.



The second group involves investors of no less than Bt20 million in targeted industries. The third group involves investors in companies that in turn invest in targeted industries.



The fourth group is for company executives who work in targeted industries with salaries not less than Bt200,000 a month with experience of not less than 10 years.



The government estimated less than 1,000 people would apply for the smart visas so the would not affect the local labour market, Kobsak said.



Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/national/30336429


 
They will get four-year visas, up from the 90-day visa that is currently available.

But they will still have to report their address every 90 days, what a real boon.
 
Rice said:
They will get four-year visas, up from the 90-day visa that is currently available.

But they will still have to report their address every 90 days, what a real boon.
Click to expand...
Yep, they're way ahead of all other neighbouring countries as far as visas go. You know, I had to wait 4 days in Siem Reap to receive my 1 year, non reporting business visa. Travel agency had to send my pp to Phnom Penh and wait for it's return. Multi entry and cost about the same as hoop jumping, lucky to get, you be good now, we come visit you,Thai non o.
Malaysia has a very good one as well, very helpful I'm told. Yorky might know more about that one I believe.
 
Surin said:
Malaysia has a very good one as well, very helpful I'm told. Yorky might know more about that one I believe.
Click to expand...

I never managed to obtain one. The application was written in and had to be answered in Bahasa Malayu so I needed a local to complete it for me. They got it wrong twice and given that the rule was three strikes and out, I didn't bother applying again. Of course, that was over 20 years ago. Could be easier now.
 
Yorky said:
. Of course, that was over 20 years ago. Could be easier now.
Click to expand...

The Malaysians have been opening the welcome door with all kinds of new retirement visas. They don't treat them with all contempt as in Thailand. But mind you on my trip to SI last week, I found quite a congenial IO that kindly told me not to get O multis and get a one year extension it is not that hard. He was actually friendly. Shocked me from my last visit two years before when all I got was sneers, before I even opened my mouth. That just set up what happened next.
 
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