Thailand Introduces “Golden Visa” Program for Foreign Investors

Thailand Introduces “Golden Visa” Program for Foreign Investors

At the recent Unlocking Thailand’s Future conference, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra unveiled 23 bold initiatives aimed at transforming the country – from green energy to AI development. Although no longer in office, Thaksin continues to influence national policy through the ruling “Pheu Thai” party, now led by his daughter.

Key highlight for international investors: the Golden Visa

🇹🇭 What’s known so far:

• 10-year visa for foreigners investing or depositing at least USD 1 million

• Citizenship option after 5 years (subject to specific conditions)

• Right to purchase property for personal residence (potentially including land)

• National goal: attract 600,000 investors and up to USD 600 billion in capital

A promising initiative – but with one major challenge:
To apply for the visa, you must transfer USD 1 million to a Thai bank account.
But without a visa, foreigners can’t open a Thai bank account.
No account = no visa. No visa = no account.

A bureaucratic puzzle Thailand will need to solve quickly.

Additional highlights from Thaksin’s vision:

• Increased airport fees and plans to develop Thailand into a regional hub for aviation, cargo, and services

• Massive shift to renewable energy (target: 40,000 MW)

• Free AI access (e.g. ChatGPT) after completing a certified online course

• Legalization of cryptocurrency transactions and experimental zones for gene technologies

• Public messaging to reassure Chinese tourists about safety in Thailand

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Tatyana Nesterova