What are the key updates and insights about Thailand's Smart Visa?

If anyone is interested in continuing the discussion, there's quite a bit of text in my most recent follow-up post. Facebook just collapses it all initially to draw attention to the vastly superior medium, i.e., the almighty video.

So the BOI responded to my translation question by simply posting this link:



The part about the Smart Visa starts around 7:30. Now, while there is not much new information in there per se (minimum salary for individuals, tough vetting process by different ministries, etc.) I think you might find some clues in there as to what this visa really is about: Lots of money.

Ignore the ironically inappropriate stock footage of backpackers strolling down Khao San Road and listen to the key parts of the interview: 1/ The reporter asks about an estimate of the positive impact the program will have on the economy. The Secretary General immediately jumps to "enhanc[ing] the attractiveness of Thailand as an investment destination" and that they expect "quite a significant improve [sic.]" of investment applications.

2/ Then the reporter corrects herself when asking the seemingly scripted question: "What groups or people do you think, well, not groups, what *countries* do you think will be interested in this Smart Visa?" Again, the SC talks about foreign investment and goes on to list examples of particular countries.

I'm going out on a limb here and predict that few individuals (who meet the requirements on paper) will get this visa, unless they are associated with a company that heavily invests in the "S-Curve" sectors. Essentially, it will simplify the process for foreign businesses to invest tax-exempt money while letting their employees come to Thailand with their families, hassle-free, as a bonus incentive.

If so, there's nothing wrong with that. Thailand can greatly profit from financial and intellectual investment from abroad. But so far, it seems the choice of name for the program isn't very smart (pun intended). It's essentially an investment campaign.

@Rümï *****

Thanks. All these articles give sort of a general idea about the visa, and definitely provide more information than what was available during the last 6 months. I'm looking forward to information about officially issued documents, such as full, detailed requirement lists for each of the 4 types, application forms and fees, description of the application process start to finish, etc.