BANGKOK — Ms Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, Thailand’s tourism and sports minister is on an economic mission – to draw high-net worth individuals to the country not only to holiday, but also to live, invest and for retirement.
The drive is underscored by the Authority of Tourism’s series of large-scale international events to boost the tourist dollar and its special visa scheme to allow foreigners to stay in the country for up to 20 years.
“Many foreigners already bought condominium units in Thailand. Bangkok is a popular location among them, and I have heard that foreign buyers are spreading to other provinces such as Chiang Mai, Phuket and Pattaya area,” Ms Kobkarn said.
To capture more wealthy global citizens to live in Thailand, she said the country had made an aggressive push on extending its visa schemes, including allowing foreigners to live in the country for up to 20…
