This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on September 27, 2021 – October 3, 2021
EARLIER this month, Thailand relaxed its visa rules to make it easier for foreigners and long-term tourists to stay in the country, as it looks towards these groups to generate about THB1 trillion (RM127.2 billion) in new spending for the economy between 2022 and 2026, during which some one million foreign residents are expected to provide THB800 billion in investments and THB270 billion in tax revenue.
According to news reports, the target groups include global citizens, foreign retirees, remote workers and highly skilled professionals.
Thai government spokesman Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana was quoted as saying that one of the major measures is the introduction of a long-term resident visa, where a number of privileges are given, such as an exemption of 90-day reports to its immigration…
