New law allows foreign talent to thrive in Thailand

The government of Thailand has taken a huge step forward in attracting highly skilled foreign workers to the country, with the release of a new law that allows foreigners to work or invest in 18 select industries.

The Royal Thai Gazette website published a notice from the Ministry of Interior outlining the special permit for migrant workers, signed by Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Cha-o-cha and Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda on Friday, February 3.

This new law is an ideal opportunity for skilled specialists, investors, executives, and entrepreneurs to make their mark in Thailand and a sign that the Thai government is open to foreign investment and willing to support the growth of their economy.

The SMART visa program, introduced by the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI), offers a new type of visa for highly skilled workers with a maximum residency of four years, reported Khaosod.

The Ministry of Interior has revised its initial announcement, deleting a verse and focusing on the target industries for migrant workers, which includes executives and entrepreneurs for startups.

It is a smart move by the Thai government. Not only will it bring in talented individuals who can contribute to the growth of the country, but it also shows a commitment to economic recovery and foreign direct investment.

Experts, investors, executives and entrepreneurs for startups are allowed to work, invest, establish and oversee businesses in Thailand’s target industries, meeting BOI approvals set by the Cabinet. The targeted industries include:

  1. Automotive industry
  2. Electronic industry
  3. Quilyty travelling industry
  4. Agriculture, Food, and Biotechnology industry
  5. Automation and robotics industry
  6. Transport and logistics industry
  7. Petrochemical and chemical industry
  8. Digital industry
  9. Medical industry
  10. Defence industry
  11. Circular economy industry e.g. fuel production from waste and water resource management
  12. Aviation, aircraft, and aerospace industry
  13. Human resource development in science and technology
  14. Environment and renewable energy management
  15. Technology, innovation, and startup ecosystem management
  16. Targeted technology development
  17. International business centre
  18. Alternative dispute resolution service”

New law allows foreign talent to thrive in Thailand | News by Thaiger

Business NewsNewsThailand News

Thaiger Talk

Join the conversation and have your say on Thailand news published on The Thaiger.

Thaiger Talk is our new Thaiger Community where you can join the discussion on everything happening in Thailand right now.

Please note that articles are not posted to the forum instantly and can take up to 20 min before being visible. Click for more information and the Thaiger Talk Guidelines.

Bob Scott

Bob Scott is an experienced writer and editor with a passion for travel. Born and raised in Newcastle, England, he spent more than 10 years in Asia. He worked as a sports writer in the north of England and London before relocating to Asia. Now he resides in Bangkok, Thailand, where he is the Editor-in-Chief for The Thaiger English News. With a vast amount of experience from living and writing abroad, Bob Scott is an expert on all things related to Asian culture and lifestyle.

Related Articles