OPINION
As Thailand begins to see out from behind the Covid curtain, many expats and potential travellers are questioning if much will change after 2 years of lockdowns, closures re-openings and re-entry ‘plans’. Will we see modifications in visas, property ownership, entry necessities and business laws? One of our YouTube commenters wrote in with his current ‘wish list’ (below).
As the Thai government shall be scrambling to attract travellers this year (along with most tourism-dependent countries), the constant narrative from senior ministers is to attract “high wealth individuals” to the Kingdom, for funding, basic journey, retirement and medical tourism. But when the rubber hits the road, the current laws still make it troublesome, or no much less than complicated, for foreigners to stay and conduct enterprise in Thailand.
In regards to the present entry into Thailand, the Thailand Pass, and notably elements of the Test & Go program, make any major reboot of tourism unpredictable, at least in the quick term. The first ten days of the Test & Go Version 2, since February 1, have fallen below expectations.
Property possession has at all times been considerably opaque for foreigners. There are plenty of historic ‘work arounds’ in place however few concrete methods for foreigners to ‘own’ land outright. (In this regard The Thaiger would all the time advocate you do loads of homework and consult with a reputable agent and lawyer before purchasing property in Thailand)
When it involves working in Thailand the system remains paperwork-heavy and restrictive. The development of the world’s digital nomads has been virtually fully ignored by immigration authorities. There is plenty of scope for visa updates that mirror a post-Covid working world.
So let’s hear what you wish to see change in Thailand so it turns into a more attractive location for funding, tourism, residing and retirement. Here’s the wish listing from considered one of The Thaiger’s YouTube commenters (republished with permission)…
Things that might assist somewhat..
1. Scrap Test and Go, proof of accommodation and onward flights.
2. Scrap the 60 day Tourist visa + 30 day extension and simply give a ninety day, 6 month or 1 12 months Tourist visa. (More visa choices in general can be nice. Bringing again the volunteer visa could be helpful to many people)
three. Allow ติดตั้งโซล่าเซลล์ to buy land and homes Even if it’s solely a certain amount per particular person. (If it’s for business use it will create native jobs and extra tax for the federal government. This would also appeal to more retirees who don’t like the concept of living in a apartment or renting)
four. Allow foreigners to personal a business outright. (They are decreasing the amount of potential traders and individuals who might grow a giant business over time. Which would once more lead to more jobs and more tax for the federal government.)
5. More job options for foreigners. (More folks, extra tax, more demand, more development etc)
All this stuff would make a shed load of money for the government, however they refuse to acknowledge any of them and simply seem to maintain tightening the noose, just focusing on the super rich to unravel the issue “quickly”. It’s insanity I tells ya.
Adam Stainer (The Thaiger YouTube Channel commenter)