Thailand makes 18 sectors accessible to foreign workers

The Thai government recently unveiled a new set of rules designed to encourage foreigners to invest or work in 18 specific sectors in order to stimulate the economy.

There notepublished in the Royal Gazette, was signed by the Prime Minister on February 3. Gen Prayuth Cha-o-cha and the Minister of the Interior Gen Anupong Paochinda. It remains subject to the foreign worker obtaining a SMART visa.

THE SMART visa is a type of visa offered by the Thai government to encourage highly qualified foreign professionals to work and invest in Thailand.

SMART is an acronym that stands for "S = science and technology, M = medical and wellness, A = academic, R = research and development, and T = technology".

The SMART visa is designed to attract foreign talent in fields such as science, technology, research, education, engineering and other key industries. Those eligible for the SMART visa are those with outstanding qualifications, skills and experience in their field, as well as a job offer or business start-up project in Thailand.

SMART visa holders benefit from a longer visa validity than other visa types (4 years), as well as privileges such as faster immigration procedures and the possibility of working in specific sectors without having to apply for an additional work permit.

The Thai government has even dedicated a website to this process: https://smart-visa.boi.go.th/smart/

Here is the list of the 18 new sectors permitted with this visa:

1. Automotive industry
2. Electronics industry
3. Quality travel industry
4. Agriculture, food and biotechnology
5. Automation and robotics industry
6. Transport and logistics industry
7. Petrochemical and chemical industry
8. Digital industry
9. Medical industry
10. Defense industry
11. Circular economy industry, e.g. fuel production from waste and water resource management
12. Aviation, aircraft and aerospace industry
13. Developing human resources in science and technology
14. Environmental and renewable energy management
15. Technology, innovation and start-up ecosystem management
16. Targeted technological development
17. International business center
18. Alternative dispute resolution service

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