THAILAND UNVEILS NEW MEASURES TO ATTRACT SKILLED FOREIGN WORKERS

BANGKOK, June 4 (Bernama) -- Thailand on Tuesday unveiled new measures aimed at bolstering competitiveness and attracting high-skilled foreign workers as part of its transition to a new economy.

Government spokesperson Chai Watcharong said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin is committed to boosting Thailand's competitiveness through new measures aimed at facilitating various types of visa processing.

"The Prime Minister prioritises attracting investment and enhancing Thailand's competitiveness. We believe that continuously improving and adjusting measures to align with current conditions will be crucial in attracting long-term foreign workers, stimulating investment in advanced, future, and target industries for the greatest benefit to Thailand," he said in the post-cabinet meeting here Tuesday.

With the new measures, he said Thailand aims to attract high-skilled personnel and investors, totaling about 56,000 people, through the One-Stop Service Center for visas and work permits.

At present, Chai said Thailand has approved visas and work permits for foreign personnel, including those working under investment promotion projects, Long-Term Resident Visas (LTR Visas), and Smart Visas.

He added that the Board of Investment (BOI) has been collaborating with the Immigration Bureau and the Labour Ministry to continuously facilitate skilled foreign experts, investors, and those wishing to live and work in Thailand.

"BOI data reveals that currently, Thailand has over 56,000 foreign personnel with approved visas and work permits," he said.

He said the government has reduced the personal income tax rate for skilled experts to 17 per cent and extended the reporting interval to the Immigration Bureau from every 90 days to once a year.

Chai said last month, the Cabinet approved a new type of visa – the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) – for skilled foreigners working remotely via digital means, such as remote workers or digital nomads.

"This visa aims to attract skilled foreigners who wish to work and travel in Thailand, and this measure aligns with the current lifestyle trends and is seen as a way to further attract high-potential foreigners to work in Thailand," he said.

-- BERNAMA