So the BOI responded to my translation question by simply posting this link:
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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.
Interesting idea. But IMHO I don't think that's the case. I've talked to numerous Thais about visas and related topics and in my experience they have no clue what's going on. That's not to blame them, it's their country after all and they don't personally have to deal with these things.
Most people are working class and are, I think, much more concerned with immigrants from surrounding countries coming for their low paying jobs. Of course that's a different story altogether.
Thanks Rümï Guhö, I wrote a comment on that post. Let's see if they reply. It was really hard to hold back on the sarcasm for not publishing information targeted at foreigners in the de facto business world language.
Yes, that's also the way I see it. The $6000 salary barrier was just published first to discourage the 90% of people who hoped this was going to be applicable to them (fostered by badly executed PR by the government and misinformation in the "press").
Thanks for your efforts. There's probably also gonna be some delay until the word has spread (even within diplomatic circles) and website are being updated...
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.
I sure read it ;) But they also said back in August that "details will follow soon." Not that I won't be trying to follow the matter on my own, but history has taught us that things don't always go as planned in Thailand.
This is by far the most reliable and responsive FB group on Thai Visa stuff, it would be a pity to have Smart Visa-related news suppressed just because of the misconceptions that surround it. Hence my original "comment-as-a-post". :)
Ok, that's really news to me! When did they come up with this? Because from mid '15 to mid '17 I did a lot of extensions (some with TM30) but never had any such receipts.
Thanks for the info! I don't think there are gonna be any problems. Their computer systems would have to be interconnected (let alone all the hand-written data entered in the first place), that's only been scheduled for Thailand 7.0. Details following "soon" 😜
