Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.

Thailand News and Discussion Forum | ASEANNOW

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.

Thailand Attracts 7,000 Pros via Long-Term LTR Visa Plan

Featured Replies

  • Popular Post

thailand-bangkok-night-time.webp

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program has attracted over 7,000 high-quality foreign professionals, generating more than 23 billion baht ($725.5 million) in economic value, according to the Board of Investment (BOI). Launched in September 2022, the initiative is drawing expertise from Europe, the United States, and Asia, significantly impacting Thailand's economy through visa fees, spending, foreign investment, and tax revenue.

 

The LTR Visa targets four key groups: highly skilled professionals, work-from-Thailand professionals, wealthy global citizens, and wealthy pensioners. In March 2025, the program underwent enhancements to widen its appeal, now including foreign faculty members in education and vocational sectors. These improvements aim to bolster Thai workforce capabilities in emerging industries.

 

The visa program's attractiveness has grown, with applications from wealthy individuals doubling compared to last year, reinforcing Thailand’s standing as a favored locale for investors and skilled professionals. Despite global geopolitical tensions, the surge in applications indicates ongoing international interest in Thailand. BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi highlighted this growth, noting the steady increase in applications over three years.

 

A significant benefit of the program is the technology transfer from foreign professionals to Thai workers, aiding local workforce development. This exchange prepares Thailand for industries like semiconductors, electronics, AI, electric vehicles, and robotics. To facilitate this, the BOI is upgrading digital services, integrating systems for streamlined visa processing, work permits, e-Payment options, and tax applications.

 

In response to the growing demand, the BOI opened the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) in March 2025 at One Bangkok. This facility centralizes services, including investment centers, visa processing, and work permit services, aiming to provide streamlined support for international investors and professionals.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Thailand's LTR program attracted 7,000 professionals, impacting the economy with $725.5 million.
  • Improvements in 2025 expanded the visa's appeal, including new sectors and education professionals.
  • The program facilitates technology transfer, boosting Thai workforce capabilities for emerging industries.

 

Related Stories

Visa Standoff: UK Threatens Hardball Tactics on Migrant Returns

US Visa Fee Surge Sparks Travel Woes: Total Jumps to $442

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-09-12

 

image.jpeg

 

image.png

  • Replies 62
  • Views 3.4k
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Most Popular Posts

  • Maybe look across the Mekong and see, how the Comrades are dealing with this.  A one-year visa with multiple re-entries and a work permit costs anything between USD 100 (if you do it yourself) an

  • Yes the salary is low but teachers, like cops, take bribes to pass students from families who can afford to pay up. They also make decent money from additional services like teaching after school hour

  • Seems like you belong more across the Mekong. Good luck. The rest of us in Thailand are happy and like it here. 😎

Posted Images

  • Popular Post
2 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Improvements in 2025 expanded the visa's appeal, including new sectors and education professionals.

 

yet teachers here still earn a pittance. i'd like to have that one explained

  • Popular Post

Yes the salary is low but teachers, like cops, take bribes to pass students from families who can afford to pay up. They also make decent money from additional services like teaching after school hours. 

  • Popular Post

Maybe look across the Mekong and see, how the Comrades are dealing with this. 

A one-year visa with multiple re-entries and a work permit costs anything between USD 100 (if you do it yourself) and USD 350-400 (if an agency and some elbow-grease is involved). 

Once a year the alien shows up, it takes the authorities a working week (4-5 working days) and off everyone goes. 

Vietnam and China relaxed their visa regulations and - poof - quality visitors arrive. 

The Thai goons at immigration still have A LOT to learn - possibly it is too late already! 

9 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

Maybe look across the Mekong and see, how the Comrades are dealing with this. 

A one-year visa with multiple re-entries and a work permit costs anything between USD 100 (if you do it yourself) and USD 350-400 (if an agency and some elbow-grease is involved). 

Once a year the alien shows up, it takes the authorities a working week (4-5 working days) and off everyone goes. 

Vietnam and China relaxed their visa regulations and - poof - quality visitors arrive. 

The Thai goons at immigration still have A LOT to learn - possibly it is too late already! 

Seems like you belong more across the Mekong. Good luck. The rest of us in Thailand are happy and like it here. 😎

  • Popular Post

Curse this headline, I am now sitting here muttering unkind words to the author of this article :annoyed:

18 minutes ago, Sydebolle said:

Vietnam and China relaxed their visa regulations and - poof - quality visitors arrive. 

The Thai goons at immigration still have A LOT to learn - possibly it is too late already! 

 

Vietnam and China both have visa regimes that are much stricter than Thailand's, even after their liberalizations.

  • Popular Post

I am surprised that the LTR has attracted/accepted ONLY 7000 people in 3 years! It is a fantastic visa for 50,000 baht (or 5000 baht/year over its 10-year life).  Why only 7000 LTR Visa holders? 

 

ltr1.JPG

ltr2.JPG

They may think teachers are smart and have knowledge in various areas thus they can enhance educating people here.

  • Popular Post

If I had 2 billion USD, I would definitely choose Thailand for my permanent  place to reside.

Also, I would get an agent to assist with a visa.

 

Thailand is the best place to live, no matter whether one is a Musk or not.

 

Musk loves Thailand, too.....

 

image.png.efd2c269af7ef216c8fb25f54a7dd92c.png

  • Popular Post

Fake news... Go to the BOI website... There have been 7000 total applications, but only 1000 for the highly skilled labor category.

I wonder what their definition of 'high-quality professional' is, or 'highly skilled professional'. 

 

How do they know one when they fall over one? What are the criteria? 

Compared to having a retirment extension to a Non-O visa the biggest stumbling block is the LTR requires medical insurance which becomes increasingly more expensive as you get older.  If you have or need the insurance then it is not an issue.  If you have medical coverage, but it does not specifically meet the Thai requirements, or you want to self insure then the cost is more  than just extending your retirement extension each year.  An option is to have idle funds in a bank account but the loss of income on those funds tends to outweigh the benefit of the LTR.    

1 hour ago, Tom100 said:

I am surprised that the LTR has attracted/accepted ONLY 7000 people in 3 years! It is a fantastic visa for 50,000 baht (or 5000 baht/year over its 10-year life).  Why only 7000 LTR Visa holders? 

 

ltr1.JPG

ltr2.JPG

 

Yep thats only 2,333 LTR visas issued a year...

 

The LTR is a much better visa than the 2-3-4 long term visas before it...Those visas were almost 100% ignored by expats...

I laughed when I read this headline. Obviously the headline writer doesn't know that a 'pro' is a slang term for a prostitute in some countries (albeit a somewhat dated one) 🤣

High net worth maybe, but not necessarily high quality. 

 

I'm sure some expats who are not rich are still high quality.

5 minutes ago, banyanman said:

I laughed when I read this headline. Obviously the headline writer doesn't know that a 'pro' is a slang term for a prostitute in some countries (albeit a somewhat dated one) 🤣

Oh dear, so what's a pro gamer? 😮 

15 minutes ago, banyanman said:

I laughed when I read this headline. Obviously the headline writer doesn't know that a 'pro' is a slang term for a prostitute in some countries (albeit a somewhat dated one) 🤣

 

Some of those imported foreign strumpets could be considered "highly skilled professionals."

 

 

53 minutes ago, Qman said:

medical insurance which becomes increasingly more expensive as you get older.

Not true with all insurance, especially foreign carriers.

  • Popular Post
23 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

thailand-bangkok-night-time.webp

File photo for reference only

 

Thailand's Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa program has attracted over 7,000 high-quality foreign professionals, generating more than 23 billion baht ($725.5 million) in economic value, according to the Board of Investment (BOI). Launched in September 2022, the initiative is drawing expertise from Europe, the United States, and Asia, significantly impacting Thailand's economy through visa fees, spending, foreign investment, and tax revenue.

 

The LTR Visa targets four key groups: highly skilled professionals, work-from-Thailand professionals, wealthy global citizens, and wealthy pensioners. In March 2025, the program underwent enhancements to widen its appeal, now including foreign faculty members in education and vocational sectors. These improvements aim to bolster Thai workforce capabilities in emerging industries.

 

The visa program's attractiveness has grown, with applications from wealthy individuals doubling compared to last year, reinforcing Thailand’s standing as a favored locale for investors and skilled professionals. Despite global geopolitical tensions, the surge in applications indicates ongoing international interest in Thailand. BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi highlighted this growth, noting the steady increase in applications over three years.

 

A significant benefit of the program is the technology transfer from foreign professionals to Thai workers, aiding local workforce development. This exchange prepares Thailand for industries like semiconductors, electronics, AI, electric vehicles, and robotics. To facilitate this, the BOI is upgrading digital services, integrating systems for streamlined visa processing, work permits, e-Payment options, and tax applications.

 

In response to the growing demand, the BOI opened the Thailand Investment and Expat Services Center (TIESC) in March 2025 at One Bangkok. This facility centralizes services, including investment centers, visa processing, and work permit services, aiming to provide streamlined support for international investors and professionals.

 

Key Takeaways

  • Thailand's LTR program attracted 7,000 professionals, impacting the economy with $725.5 million.
  • Improvements in 2025 expanded the visa's appeal, including new sectors and education professionals.
  • The program facilitates technology transfer, boosting Thai workforce capabilities for emerging industries.

 

Related Stories

Visa Standoff: UK Threatens Hardball Tactics on Migrant Returns

US Visa Fee Surge Sparks Travel Woes: Total Jumps to $442

 

image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Khaosod 2025-09-12

 

image.jpeg

 

image.png

There’s more than 7,000 pro’s in walking street and soi 6 already 🤷🏼

  • Popular Post
3 hours ago, Cabradelmar said:

Fake news... Go to the BOI website... There have been 7000 total applications, but only 1000 for the highly skilled labor category.

 

Correct. And not only that; those 7,000 total applications include dependants (spouses and children of LTR visa applicants of all categories) who didn't qualify on their own merit.

4 hours ago, Tom100 said:

I am surprised that the LTR has attracted/accepted ONLY 7000 people in 3 years! It is a fantastic visa for 50,000 baht (or 5000 baht/year over its 10-year life).  Why only 7000 LTR Visa holders? 

 

 

The requirements are too high obviously.

2 hours ago, Caldera said:

 

Correct. And not only that; those 7,000 total applications include dependants (spouses and children of LTR visa applicants of all categories) who didn't qualify on their own merit.

And I suspect some of those 7000 applications will even be denied. 

7 hours ago, Tom100 said:

I am surprised that the LTR has attracted/accepted ONLY 7000 people in 3 years! It is a fantastic visa for 50,000 baht (or 5000 baht/year over its 10-year life).  Why only 7000 LTR Visa holders? 

 

ltr1.JPG

ltr2.JPG

 

Probably a large proportion of those, otherwise, would have just used other visa options...

2 hours ago, NorthernRyland said:

 

The requirements are too high obviously.

 

They are at level of the people Thailand wants to attract.

 

Also for the cheaper categories there is trouble down the road with the rapid socio-economic changes that occur now, Thailand getting expensive while foreign income doesn't keep up the pace. This is especially true when it comes to an aging population that faces steep health cost.

8 hours ago, Wake Up1 said:

Seems like you belong more across the Mekong. Good luck. The rest of us in Thailand are happy and like it here. 😎

You obviously don’t work here. You should respect people’s opinions we all have one.  
And every place in the world has good and bad and things they can grow and do better  one of thee largest things here is nothing stay stable. It’s a moving target that changes daily.  That’s why they’re not attracting a lot  lot of high dollar professional. No one wants to move to a country that isn’t stable and is going to change rapidly or frequently.  When you get to a certain point in money and career, you don’t need to deal with it. Coming here on vacation or get drunk or hang around the girls is different than trying to function here in a professional role. It’s honestly not that easy.  
❤️😊🙏

 

"Thailand Attracts 7,000 Pros via Long-Term LTR Visa Plan"

 

I thought Thailand already had tens of thousands of pros. Why do they need more?

48 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

They are at level of the people Thailand wants to attract.

 

 

Which gets them 7000 applicants over 3 years. What that means is Thailand isn't very attractive to the people they want to attract.

51 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

Also for the cheaper categories there is trouble down the road with the rapid socio-economic changes that occur now, Thailand getting expensive while foreign income doesn't keep up the pace

 

this is vastly overstated. Maybe this is happening in the tourist hot spots and parts of Bangkok but nowhere else in the country is going to challenge incomes in higher income countries which they are trying to attract. People on the DTV visa will easily be able to survive on 30,000 baht per month and that visa has minimal requirements in comparison.

 

LTR is basically a failure I'd say. Those types of people don't want to live in Thailand in any number and it's still cheap enough for digital nomads with low incomes so that's who they get in larger numbers.

Create an account or sign in to comment

Recently Browsing 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications

Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.