Here are Thailand’s statutory updates for 2024.
Effective upon Royal Decree Implementation
Incentives for Skilled Persons in Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
Under the Eastern Economic Corridor Act (EEC Act) of 2018, Thailand has introduced draft regulations to attract skilled professionals in technology and innovation to work in the EEC. The draft Royal Decree and Notification outline key incentives for “Skilled Persons,” which include rights to work permits, property ownership, and other benefits.
Key Incentives:
- Immigration Rights: Skilled Persons, along with their immediate family (spouse, parents, and children under 20), may reside in Thailand for up to 20 years, contingent on EEC Visa approval.
- Work Permit Rights: Qualified Skilled Persons may receive work permits for up to 10 years in target industries within the EEC.
- Property Ownership: Skilled Persons may own up to 1 Rai (1,600 sq. metres) of land in the EEC for residential purposes, as well as condominiums and certain types of registered Thai vessels and aircraft.
- Lease Rights: Skilled Persons are eligible for residential leases of up to 50 years, with an option to extend for an additional 49 years.
- Exemption from Registration Fees: Skilled Persons may be exempted from registration fees when acquiring property under the outlined rights.
- Excise Tax Refund: Skilled Persons may receive an excise tax refund on certain purchases, including:
- A car valued up to THB 1,000,000, manufactured in Thailand (not assembled from used parts imported from abroad).
- A yacht or marine vehicle for leisure purposes valued up to THB 5,000,000.
- Conditions: The Skilled Person must retain possession of the vehicle or marine item for at least 5 years, with the tax refund available after 1 year of ownership.
Eligibility: To qualify, individuals must:
- Have a background in technology or innovation, either through recognised achievements or a minimum of 20 years in relevant industries.
- Not have worked in the Special Economic Promotional Zone within the two years prior to the EEC Policy Committee’s resolution encouraging them to work in the zone.
- Work under a contract within the EEC for at least five years and hold medical insurance with coverage of at least USD 50,000.
Source: Lexology
Effective July 2024
Increased Tax Exemption for Severance Pay
The personal income tax exemption amount on severance pay for terminated employees is now increased to the employee’s last 400 days’ wages or THB 600,000, whichever is less. The new tax exemption shall be applicable to assessable income received as January 1, 2023.
Source: Baker McKenzie
Destination Thailand Visa
The Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) program, launched by the Thai government, permits eligible foreigners to temporarily reside in Thailand for up to 180 days for each visit. This includes freelancers, digital nomads, remote workers, and participation in cultural and other specified activities. A DTV holder can work for an international firm after it has been granted, but if they want to work in Thailand for Thai clients or employers, they still need a work permit.
In contrast to the separate remote work pathway allowed under the Long-Term Resident Visa, which has minimum income thresholds, may require high-level education qualifications (depending on the applicant), and otherwise imposes more stringent criteria regarding immigration, this new DTV category creates a more accessible immigration pathway for remote working in Thailand.
Source: Fragomen
Visa Exemption Expanded
Visitors from 93 countries and territories that are eligible for the 60-day visa exemption may extend their stay for a period not exceeding 30 days. The extension application must be filed with the immigration office.
Foreign nationals must inform the labour registrar in person at any international airport or labour office in Thailand to get an urgent work permit (UWP) to execute any necessary, urgent, or ad hoc employment activities as specified by the Employment or Labour Department. Processing of the UWP takes one business day. Its 15-day validity term can be extended for an additional 15 days, subject to a 45-day cooling-off period after the first UWP expires.
Source: Fragomen
Thailand expands visa-free entry to 93 countries
Visitors from 93 countries and territories can now double their stay in Thailand to 60 days, thanks to a recent government extension of visa-free travel. This extension applies to leisure and business travellers from the U.S., most European countries including the U.K., and all ASEAN members except Myanmar. It also covers China, which established mutual 30-day visa waivers with Thailand in March. Nationals from emerging markets such as India, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia, who receive visas on arrival, are also eligible for 60-day stays.
Source: Nikkei Asia
