Answered5 years ago
Will Thailand's Smart Visa for Digital Nomads be implemented this year?
Smart Visa for "Digital Nomads": Gonna happen? This year? Ever? Any updates?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the anticipated Smart Visa for digital nomads in Thailand. While there are no confirmed updates yet, several comments indicate that the proposal is being considered but has been sidelined due to other pressing initiatives, like the Sandbox scheme. A senior officer at the BOI has mentioned that a Smart Visa related to this concept is in development, potentially to be ready "in months rather than years." Additionally, there is an unofficial name for a new visa type targeting remote workers, indicating that the government is taking steps towards creating suitable options for long-term residents.
28 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Frank-Steven ***********
OPJust got a written statement from the BOI: „We, Thailand Board of Investment, have not worked on the proposal on freelancer anymore. This issue has been changed to be taken care by the other agency instead. The government has set up task force to develop new type of visa and is having a new initiative for new types of visa which will be suitable for long term residents, and a visa for remote worker or digital nomad : Work-From-Thailand Professional (unofficial name) will be one of the significant parts of this initiative. The project is still in process.“
Frank-Steven ***********
OPAnother member shared a very recent video here before. No clue why he or someone else removed it. Be that as it may, in the following video, a senior officer at the BOI confirmed that a new SMART visa related to this is indeed in the making to be ready "in months rather than years". It seems the smart people there have understood, while still trying to make the junta share their economic reasoning:
**********************************
Frank-Steven ***********
OPOr starting at the relevant part:
**********************************
Garrett ***********
There's no "smart visa" in mexico.
Niclas ***********
Improving tax revenue would be so awful long term... I hope they start looking into this and realise the money they can make if it is done sensible.
Stuart *********
@Niclas **********
you are trying to apply logic to somewhere that it doesn’t exist. Stuart *********
Perhaps. In the foreseeable future? Not so sure. Nothing heard for ages on this one. I think they’ve sidelined it until the crazy Sandbox scheme is in operation at least.
Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Stuart ********
Are you referring to that Sandbox with the 5! required tests and ones own expense? Surely a big magnet for tourists ;-)Stuart *********
@Frank-Steven **********
yes. Every day there are new posts about what rules will apply. At this moment in time they are laughable. Who in their right mind would come for a holiday where they have to have 5 tests done per family member at a cost of around $500 per person only to find out if one of the notoriously unreliable tests proves positive that you or your family member are whisked away to hospital even if you have no symptoms or are not unwell. Oh and the rest of you have to then transfer to a ALQ hotel. Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Stuart ********
💯 %Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Stuart ********
I see. Isn't now the time for Thailand to attract long-term visitors, if regular tourists are not coming? Am I expecting too much from the Thai government? So many unanswered questions 😉Michael ********
@Frank-Steven **********
5555 your expecting goverment to act logicallyFrank-Steven ***********
OP@Michael *******
I fear you are right on all accounts. Either they don't care or are not competent enough, I assume. Sad.Michael ********
@Frank-Steven **********
there so much they could have done during this downtime of travel, to improve and make it simpler for marriage and retirement visas (also reported to be happening for years) Michael ********
@Frank-Steven **********
*************************************************************************************************
Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Michael *******
The original article seems to be equally „recent“, though. Shame that the press never seems to follow up on things dismissed or tabled by this government. ***********************************************************************************************************
*****
0Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Michael *******
I see. Hard to get reliable news sources around here. Still hoping they wake up and see the benefit of attracting long-term visitors especially now. Even a broken clock is right two times a day, right? 😇Michael ********
@Frank-Steven **********
its from the thaiger based on reports from the pattaya mail, just rehashing old stories to grab clicks.Not exactly rueters
Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Michael *******
I see. It is just that the article I linked seemed to be from just two months ago … so I was hoping maybe this is a current development. Michael ********
@Frank-Steven **********
But seriously Thailand and Indonesia were in big rush to offer a digital nomad visa a couple of years ago and nothings happened.Michael ********
@Frank-Steven **********
Latest stupid one today i read for domestic tourists to Phuket need valid negative covid test, Thais 1 week prior Foriegners 3 days 5555Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Michael *******
Guilty as charged. Stuart *********
@Frank-Steven **********
yes you are expecting too much. Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Stuart ********
Okay.Benjamin ******
No updates yet
Frank-Steven ***********
OP@Benjamin *****
Why not? And is that a good or a bad sign? Has it never been put before the cabinet. Did the cabinet refuse it? Isn't now the time for Thailand to attract long-term visitors, if regular tourists are not coming? Am I expecting too much from the Thai government? So many unanswered questions ;-) 
Frank ******
@Frank-Steven **********
ask and rant to decision makers !Benjamin ******
@Frank-Steven **********
>Why not?The SMART visa is a plan by the BOI, and has not been discussed yet. The government is focused on the sandboxes.
>Has it never been put before the cabinet.
It has not been proposed to the cabinet
>Isn't now the time for Thailand to attract long-term visitors
"Digital Nomads" are not long-term visitors.
>Am I expecting too much from the Thai government?
I wouldn't expect anything from the government
Activity
7 joined7
people
Related
25Is it better to use an agent for the DTV remote working Visa application from the UK or do it myself?
1.8k13243mo
Can I extend a Non-Immigrant Visa 'O' in Thailand as a father listed on my child's birth certificate?
9165144mo
Can I apply for a DTV in the UK and leave the country before my application is processed?
776664mo
Should I apply for the DTV visa myself or hire an agent?
2.4k20244mo
What should I know when applying for a Digital Nomad Visa from Dubai for Thailand?
670555mo
What are the best locations for applying for a Digital Nomad visa from Thailand?
6.6k271465mo
What should I know about applying for a Destination Thailand Visa at the Royal Thai Embassy in Jakarta?
625395mo
Can you get approved for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) after long stays in Thailand?
776471y
What is the timeline for obtaining a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
1.1k2161y
Why is the HCMC consulate requesting extensive documentation for my DTV application compared to my partner's simpler approval?
2.8k22251y
Will the TM6 digital arrival card be available in Thailand before May 1st?
3.3k22322y
Can I apply for a remote work visa in Thailand using my coding salary slips while transitioning to e-commerce?
503132y
Do I qualify for a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand with a remote job and sufficient income?
6.4k42862y
What should I do if tax returns are requested as part of my visa application while I have been traveling?
1.1k742y
What are the actual requirements and tips for obtaining the Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand?
885182y
How quickly can one get a Digital Nomad Visa (DTV) in Thailand as an Australian?
15k1041902y
What are the latest updates on the Thai DTV visa application process and its requirements?
24.4k1932662y
Does Thailand have a digital nomad visa or an alternative option?
3.7k30323y
What are the best visa options for digital nomads moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand?
3.6k31285y
What are the best visa options for digital nomads to stay long-term in Thailand?
5.8k56396y
What are the procedures and experiences of applying for a start-up smart visa in Thailand?
946568y
What are the benefits and eligibility criteria for working remotely in Thailand with Iglu?
50048y
What is the Smart Visa introduced in Thailand on February 1st?
782149y
What are the key updates and insights about Thailand's Smart Visa?
4.7k36519y
What are the best visa options for expats considering costs and requirements in Thailand?
4.2k35389y
Resources
Need help with your Thai visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served