Visa
5-Year Professional Visas proposed for highly skilled professionals
Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Isara Vongkusolkij believes the scheme would boost the private sector and help increase the country’s per capita income

An umbrella trade group wants Thailand to offer a new type of visa for highly skilled professionals in order to attract talented foreigners.
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking said Tuesday it will submit a proposal for such five-year visas to the military government later this month at a joint meeting with government agencies.
Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Isara Vongkusolkij believes the scheme would boost the private sector and help increase the country’s per capita income as there would be a trickle-down effect as skills are transferred to local workers.
The most-needed groups are young professionals in research and IT, he said.
Expats obtaining the visa would be expected to work in Thailand at least five years and possibly be eligible for permanent residency status in the future, Isara said.
“We will need detailed background checks from their countries of origin,” Isara told Prachachat, anticipating push-back to the idea.
“Now we give visas case by case, which takes time to issue, and the time permitted to stay is short, which is why Thailand doesn’t have many talented researchers and academics.”
The joint committee representing industry, trade and finance trade groups is now developing a plan for such visas together with Thailand Development Research Institute.
Source: Business Group Calls for 5-Year Professional Visas for Expats

Tourism
Thailand eases travel restrictions for 56 countries
Tourists from 56 countries including Australia, United Kingdom, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States can now travel to Thailand without visas.

The Thai government is easing travel restrictions for citizens from 56 countries to help the country’s pandemic-hit tourism industry recover, but foreign visitors are still required to undergo a mandatory 14 days hotel quarantine.
(more…)Tourism
Thailand officially launches Special Tourist Visa (SVT) for long-staying visitors
This is a single-entry visa to Thailand, valid for 90 days and can be extended twice, each for a further 90 days at a cost of 2,000 Baht per 90-day period.

Visa
Thailand extends visa amnesty until 31 October 2020
The Royal Thai Government has extended visa amnesty for foreigners, who are unable to leave Thailand due to the country’s COVID-19 control measures, until 31 October, 2020.
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