Sunbelt Asia

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index Rises Amid Export Growth 📊🚢

Thailand’s Manufacturing Production Index increased by 1.7% year-on-year, supported by strong export growth in July, marking the highest level since March 2022.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀
- 🌍 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Exports grew by 15.2%, driven by slowing global inflation and rising employment and wages in major trading partner countries.
- 💼 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: For the year, exports have risen by 3.8%, totaling $171 billion, with an expected annual growth of 1-2%.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀: 𝗔 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🌍💎

While overall exports have been sluggish this year, the gems and jewelry sector continues to shine, with an expected 10% growth compared to last year. This industry, one of Thailand's top 10 exports, reached over $4.5 billion in the first half of 2024, marking an 8.5% year-on-year increase. Notably, 90% of gems and jewelry businesses are owned by small to medium-sized enterprises.

𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀

🚜 Agricultural Products: Including processed foods, sauces, and agro-industrial products.
🛠️ Industrial Products: Such as computers, equipment, parts, machinery, and mechanical components.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝗢𝗻𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀

🌐 100% Foreign Ownership: Export-only businesses allow full foreign ownership.
📈 Investment Opportunities: These businesses can qualify for Board of Investment (BoI) promotion.
💼 Requirements: 2 million baht capitalization per foreign work permit, import/export license, foreign business license, and VAT registration. A factory license may also be required.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

🛑 Income Sources: Export-only businesses must generate all income from manufacturing and exporting, with no domestic revenue.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗚𝗗𝗣 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗤𝟮 📈🇹🇭

Thailand's gross domestic product grew by 2.3% in the second quarter, up from 1.5% in the first quarter, surpassing expectations, according to the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀:

📊 Private Consumption: Increased spending by individuals.
🏛️ Government Consumption: Higher government spending.
🌍 Exports: Growth in goods exports and a nearly 20% jump in services exports.
🏨 Sector Growth: Transportation, accommodation, and food services saw the highest growth.

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗢𝘂𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸:

📈 Predicted Growth: NESDC forecasts full-year growth between 2.3% and 2.8%.
🔄 Contributing Factors: Continued recovery in tourism, increased government spending, and expansion of global exports.

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 🚔🌍

The government is targeting illegal tourism businesses with nominee shareholders. Since March, the Tourism Department has investigated 60 cases and revoked 38 licenses. Thai nominees face up to 2 years in prison, fines of 100,000 baht, and a 5-year business ban. Foreign illegal owners risk fines of 60,000 baht and 3 years in prison.

𝗪𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

🔍 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀: The Department of Business Development plans to examine 26,019 nominee cases in tourism, real estate, hotels, and logistics across key provinces.
🏢 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: Collaborating with the Tourism Department, Tourist Police, Immigration Bureau, and others, 495 businesses have been flagged for inspection.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

📝 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Majority shareholders must prove their investment to avoid being labeled as nominees.
📊 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘀: Requires 2 million baht in capital per foreign employee (1 million if married to a Thai) and a 4:1 Thai-to-foreign employee ratio.

𝗜𝗻𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 ✈️🌏

The revival of inbound flights is anticipated to drive a significant surge in tourism during the second half of the year, with 18.2 million foreign visitors expected, bringing the annual total to 35.9 million.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

🌐 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆: International flights are expected to reach 80% of 2019 levels, a 10% increase from last year, with about 22 million available seats.
🇨🇳 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: China is projected to lead with 3.6 million visitors, followed by Malaysia (2.6 million) and South Korea (1 million).
📈 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: Tourism revenues are expected to grow 25% year-on-year, reaching 1.46 trillion baht in the second half, for a total of 2.8 trillion baht.

𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁 𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀

🎯 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗲𝘁𝘀: The Tourism Authority of Thailand is also focusing on the Indian and Middle Eastern markets with targeted promotions.

𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲, 𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝘆 𝟵% 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝟯𝟬𝟬 𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗮𝗵𝘁

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

🌏 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀: Chinese franchises are seeing the highest growth.
🏥 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: While food franchises have slowed, service-related businesses such as spas, traditional Thai medicine clinics, dental clinics, beauty clinics, and language schools continue to grow.
🏢 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵: Franchises in provinces are expanding rapidly due to simpler business setups and brand recognition.

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸

📜 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗽: Establishing a franchise is similar to setting up any Thai limited company.
⚖️ 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: No specific franchise laws, but governed by the Thai Civil and Commercial Code, Trademark law, Trade Secret Act, and Unfair Contract Term Act.

Plans to legalize casinos in Thailand are advancing, with draft rules published for public review regarding 30-year casino licenses.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

🏢 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝘀: Proposed licenses would last for 30 years.
📜 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: The House of Representatives supports the establishment of casinos in large entertainment venues.
🌐 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Potential locations include Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Phuket, and Bangkok.
💼 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Casinos must be run by companies registered in Thailand with a paid-up capital of at least 10 billion baht.

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝟰𝟯𝟯 𝗕𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗕𝗮𝗵𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗱𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 🌍✈️

The government has approved a 433 billion baht budget for the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) to boost both international and domestic tourism during the low season.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀

💼 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀: TAT will collaborate with travel platforms like Agoda, Meituan, MakeMyTrip, Traveloka, Ascend Travel, Trip, TripAdvisor, Klook, and Tagthai to offer promotional packages for August and September travel.
🎉 𝗙𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Focus on promoting events such as the Chiang Mai Art and Music Festival, Chonburi International Music Festival in the Rain, and various events in Nakhon Sri Thammarat and Kanchanaburi.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🌱🚀

The Board of Investment has launched a matching fund for startups in sectors like electric vehicles, smart electronics, biotechnology, agriculture, food, and medicine.

𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

💰 Funding Range: 20-50 million baht
📜 Eligibility Criteria:
51% of shares must be owned by Thai nationals
Must be established in the Eastern Economic Corridor (Chonburi, Rayong, Chachoengsao)

𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝗘𝗖 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀

🏢 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀
Corporate tax exemption for up to 15 years
50% tax reduction for 1-10 years
Import duty exemptions on machinery, R&D equipment, and raw materials
Deductions for investment costs

🌍 𝗡𝗼𝗻-𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀
Land ownership rights in investment promotion zones
Condominium ownership rights in the EEC
17% flat income tax rate for certain categories of workers
Enhanced visa options for foreign workers:
EEC Visa “S” for specialists
EEC Visa “E” for executives
EEC Visa “P” for professionals
EEC Visa “O” for spouses and dependents

𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 🇹🇭📉

The Cabinet has approved a plan to offer personal income tax breaks to qualified Thai citizens returning to work in specific industries.

𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮

🎓 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Must hold a bachelor's degree and have worked overseas for at least two years.
📅 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: Must return to Thailand by December 2025.

𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀

💻 Electronics
🤖 Robotics
✈️ Aviation
🚗 Automobiles

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀

🎓 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘀: Those with advanced degrees from reputable institutions or high-level skills may be eligible for a 17% personal income tax rate (about half of the maximum rate).
🏢 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀: Companies employing returning professionals could also receive corporate income tax reductions.

𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 🌿🇹🇭

The Thai government has decided to abandon the attempt to relist cannabis as a narcotic, opting instead for stricter regulations on its growth and sales.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

🏛️ 𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀: The Bhumjaithai Party submitted a cannabis regulation bill in September, but it didn't pass the first reading before elections.
📜 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin initially proposed relisting cannabis as a narcotic but has since shifted to supporting new regulatory bills.
💼 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: Current cannabis business owners should ensure full licensing in anticipation of regulatory changes.

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗻 🇮🇳🇹🇼✈️

The new visa-free rules are anticipated to increase tourist arrivals from India and Taiwan this year, as reported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵

🇹🇼 𝗧𝗮𝗶𝘄𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀: Increased by 34% year-on-year in the first half of the year, reaching 533,000. Expected to hit 1 million by year-end.
🇮🇳 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘀: Predicted to reach 2 million this year, with over 1 million already recorded in the first half.

The Department of Business Development forecasts a 5%-15% increase in new business registrations this year, expecting between 90,000 and 98,000 new businesses.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀

🌍 Visa Regulations: Newly relaxed visa rules boosting tourism-related businesses.
💼 Corporate Tax Exemptions: Attracting overseas investors through the Board of Investment.

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗸𝘀 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗼𝗻 𝗡𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 🚔🏢

The government is targeting tour companies with nominee Thai shareholders offering illegal tourism services.

🚫 Closed: 10 tour companies shut down.
🔍 Investigations: 30 more firms under scrutiny.

𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝗔𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀

✈️ Illegal Services: Targeting illegal tour services and multi-level marketing schemes.
📜 Legal Ownership: Foreigners can co-own tour businesses but must meet Thai shareholder and director requirements.

𝗧𝗔𝗧 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗙𝗲𝗲𝘀

Outbound: ฿200,000 security, ฿500 fee.
Inbound: ฿100,000 security, ฿500 fee.
Domestic: ฿50,000 security, ฿300 fee.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Only Thai nationals may act as tour guides. Additional licenses may be needed.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝗶𝘅𝘁𝗵 𝗕𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘀 🌍🏆

Internations, the global expat community, ranked Thailand as the sixth best place in the world to work and live.

𝗦𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀

🌟 Quality of Life
🌐 Ease of Settling In
💼 Working Abroad
💰 Personal Finance
🏡 Expat Essentials Index: Covers housing, administration, language, and digital life.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗹 𝗙𝗲𝗲 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 🏨🌟

The Thai government has extended the exemption for the annual government fee for hotel business operations until June 30, 2026.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

📅 Extended Until: June 30, 2026.
💼 Previous Exemption: Set to expire on June 30 this year.
🎯 Purpose: To alleviate costs on hotel operators affected by insufficient tourist revenue.

The government aims to support the hotel industry, which continues to face challenges from reduced tourist arrivals, by halting the annual government fees for hotel businesses.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁 🇹🇭 🌏💼

Starting July 15, the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) is available. Open to remote workers, freelancers, digital nomads, participants in activities like Muay Thai, Thai cooking, seminars, music festivals, and families of DTV holders (spouse and dependent children under 20 years old).

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝘀
- 📅 **Validity:** 5 years with stays up to 180 days.
- 🛂 **One-time application:** Subsequent entries require a different visa.

𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀
- 💵 Evidence of 500,000 baht in the bank or retirement funds.
- 📄 **Documentation:**
- Document showing current residence (e.g., lease contract).
- Proof of employment in another country.
- Letter of acceptance for course participants.
- Proof of relationship for dependents (marriage or birth certificate).

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗵𝗼𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗕𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 🍹🇹🇭

After receiving a proposal from the Restaurant Business Club, the prime minister announced that the government would consider relaxing the afternoon alcohol sales ban at restaurants to boost tourism.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

📜 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱: The Restaurant Business Club urged the government to relax the 2-5 p.m. alcohol sales ban.
🏛️ 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗲: The prime minister is considering the proposal as part of efforts to enhance tourism.
🗳️ 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: In February, the proposal was rejected by the Public Health Ministry's alcoholic beverage control committee.
📅 𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁: The 2-5 p.m. sales ban was implemented in 1972 and is not covered by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

The three operators of inbound duty-free shops at eight international airports have agreed to suspend sales. This move is expected to increase retail spending by travelers.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀w

🛑 𝗦𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Inbound duty-free shops at eight international airports will suspend sales.
📅 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: The date for this change has not been announced.
📈 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: Expected to increase taxed retail spending by 3.5 billion baht.

This strategic shift aims to boost the local economy by encouraging travelers to spend more at retail shops.

Thailand announced the 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 for digital nomads. Details and the effective date are pending.

𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀

📅 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗱𝗶𝘁𝘆: 5 years with 180-day stays per visit and one extension for another 180 days.
💰 𝗙𝗲𝗲: 10,000 baht.
📜 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀:
Age 20+
Self-employed or employed by a business outside Thailand

𝗘𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘀

🖥️ Remote workers, digital nomads, freelancers
🥋 Participants in activities like Muay Thai, Thai cooking, sports training, medical treatment, seminars, music festivals
👪 Spouses and dependent children of DTV holders

𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

💵 Proof of funds (500,000 baht)
📄 Employment contract with overseas employer
📑 Insurance and salary proof for digital nomads
📚 Agreement with Thai activity providers

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴

📢 The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will announce the effective date once finalized.

🌐 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 💼

The DBD is planning to implement an online system for Foreign Business License and Foreign Business Certificate applications under the Foreign Business Act.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀

📝 𝗦𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀: New, easier formats for Foreign Business License and Foreign Business Certificate applications.
📄 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Introduction of standardized substitute documents.
💻 𝗢𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗯𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Online applications will have the same status as in-person submissions for certain business categories.

𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀

⏳ 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴: Streamlined process will reduce application times.
📈 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗘𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Simplifies the process for full business ownership within allowed categories under the Foreign Business Act.

he Senate is anticipated to pass the Marriage Equality Bill this month, potentially taking effect by year-end. The bill aims to amend marriage laws to ensure same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexual couples.

𝗟𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀

🏛️ House Approval: Passed on March 27.
📅 Senate Review: Passed the first reading on April 2; currently under review by a 27-member committee.
🗳️ Final Voting: Expected this month. If rejected, the House may pass it without Senate approval.

𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗦𝗲𝘅 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘀

💍 Marriage at 18 with parental consent, without at 20.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Adoption rights.
💼 Asset management and inheritance.
💔 Right to divorce.
🏛️ State welfare for civil servant spouses.
💵 Tax deductions.
🌐 Spouse visa for foreign same-sex couples.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱 📈🌍

Thailand's exports have risen for the second consecutive month, showing a 7.2% year-on-year increase, surpassing expectations after April’s 6.8% rise.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀

📅 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰: Exports rose 2.6% year-on-year.
📊 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗧𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁: The Commerce Ministry maintains its 1%-2% growth target for 2024, following a 1% decline in 2023.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 📈🌏

Thailand has jumped five places in the 2024 Competitiveness Ranking by the IMD World Competitiveness Center, surpassing Malaysia to secure the second spot in ASEAN.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗲

🌐 International Trade: Significant improvements in the international trade ranking.
💹 Economic Performance: Enhanced current account balance and overall economic performance.
📊 Domestic Economy: Strengthened domestic economy.
🏢 Business Efficiency: Boost in business efficiency.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

🏛️ Tax Policy and Social Framework: Remained flat.
🏢 Government Efficiency: No significant changes.
🏗️ Infrastructure: Remained unchanged.

𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗥𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀:

World Competitiveness Ranking - IMD business school for management and leadership courses Why a competitiveness ranking? An economy’s competitiveness cannot be reduced to just its GDP and productivity; political, social and cultural dimensions are a reality for enterprises, too. Governments play a crucial role, by providing an environment characterized by efficient infrastructure, inst...

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘹𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘈𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘦𝘵.

𝗣𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

📈 Condo Ownership: Increasing the foreign ownership limit from 50% to 75% of usable space in a condominium.
📅 Leasehold Length: Extending the maximum leasehold period from 30-50 years to 99 years.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲

🏘️ Property developers cite low local demand and high interest from foreign buyers.
🌍 Potential restrictions may apply to specific areas of the country.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀

💸 Foreign buyers must bring funds from overseas for purchasing a specific unit unless holding permanent residence or investment promotion status.
💼 Discussions are ongoing about relaxing rules for work permit holders, but no changes have been enacted.

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝗔 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝟭𝟬𝟬% 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 🏢🌏

For foreign businesses aiming for full ownership in Thailand, establishing a branch office is a viable option, but it comes with specific requirements under the Foreign Business Act.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀
- 📜 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲: Mandatory for operation.
- 💵 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀: Minimum of ฿3 million brought into Thailand.
- 25% (฿750,000) within three months post-approval.
- 50% within the first year.
- Remaining 25% in the second year.
- 🧑‍💼 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: At least one local agent must manage operations.

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗢𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀
- 📊 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Branch offices can engage in trading and earn income within Thailand.
- 📝 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲: Required to file taxes on income earned.
- 🔍 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: Parent company must show the branch’s benefits to Thailand.
- 🛡️ 𝗟𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Parent company liable for actions of the branch.

This structure allows for direct control and revenue generation within Thailand while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

The government is actively developing strategies to streamline processes and bolster the growth of various dynamic sectors.

𝗙𝗼𝗰𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

🎥 Film Industry: Simplifying business operations for film production.
🎤 Music Festivals and Concerts: Speeding up the approval processes to facilitate large-scale events.
🍲 Food and Healthcare: Accelerating approvals for food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

📈 The Department of Business changes aim to expedite business and product registrations.
🛠️ Work permit exemptions proposed for foreign workers in 10 critical industries, including telecommunications and petroleum drilling.
🎬 Film coordinators may now obtain work permits on behalf of their teams, simplifying the process for international film productions.

𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 🏞️💰

Media reported significant changes to the laws governing land ownership for foreigners in Thailand, aimed at encouraging economic contributions.

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

📈 Foreigners investing ฿40 million can now purchase one rai of land, provided the investment benefits Thailand’s economy or is within a Board of Investment (BoI) company.
⏳ The investment must be maintained for at least three years.
📍 The purchased residential area must be located in Bangkok, Pattaya, or another designated municipality.

𝗜𝗻𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱

📜 Foreigners may now inherit one rai of land from another foreigner who was legally permitted to own land.
🇹🇭 This complements the existing rule allowing inheritance from Thai citizens, subject to Interior Ministry approval.
🔄 Land inherited by foreigners must be sold within one year.

𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

🕒 𝟯𝟬-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲: Can be renewed, but renewal terms cannot be pre-required in the agreement.
🔑 𝗨𝘀𝘂𝗳𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁: Grants usage rights to the holder.
📝 𝗦𝗮𝗽-𝗜𝗻𝗴-𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Provides additional property rights.
🏢 𝗕𝗼𝗜 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀: May own land for business operations and residences for management and specialists.

Thailand Mulls Taxing Expats' Foreign Income 💸🌏

The Revenue Department is reviewing potential changes to tax regulations affecting foreigners residing in Thailand for more than 180 days.

𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗧𝗮𝘅 𝗥𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘀 – Foreigners are taxed on overseas income only if it is brought into Thailand within the same year it is earned.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀 – The new rule would require taxation on overseas income regardless of when it is earned or brought into the country.

𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗼𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘅𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Adjustments are being considered for income earned in one of the 61 countries with which Thailand has double taxation agreements, including the USA, Canada, UK, Singapore, Germany, and Australia.

𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

Discussions are ongoing; it remains uncertain when or if these changes will be drafted and implemented.

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 🏞️📜

In Thailand, foreign land ownership is typically restricted, but there are specific avenues that allow foreigners certain rights under special conditions.

𝗕𝗢𝗜 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽

A Board of Investment-registered company with at least ฿50 million in capital can own land:
Up to 8,000 sqm for office space.
Up to 32,000 sqm for residential property for management and workers.
Properties must be sold within one year after the investment promotion status ends.

𝗔𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗢𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀

30-Year Leasehold: The common choice for most foreigners.
Sap-Ing-Sith (SIS):
Introduced in 2019 under the Sap-Ing-Sith Act.
Grants rights like property alterations, inheritance, and mortgage security without owner consent.
Applies to properties with a chanote title or condominiums, offering more rights than standard leases but limited to 30 years.