Rejigged Thailand Elite card seen as a key tool in promoting the country as an oasis for the wealthy to flock to

The Thai government appears to be doubling down on pursuing its quality not quantity approach towards foreign tourism which is now being extended into the provision of work permits to members of the Elite Card visa access scheme which is targeting larger personal investment from foreigners coming to Thailand even as the Covid 19 crisis squeezes foreigners who are existing small business holders in Thailand on non-immigrant visas.

Many have already splashed out for the Thailand Elite card scheme introduced by Thaksin Shinawatra’s government in 2003 and which, as well as luxury perks, offers a visa for up to 5 years and crucially, at this time, access to Thailand via a certificate of entry and use of the alternative quarantine scheme. In May, this year, Thailand’s richest man, Dhanin Chearavanont, outlined an opportunity, during this Covid 19 world crisis, for Thailand to…