Investor Visa

[Maestro]

In another thread I am asking for some clarification about annual extensions based on condo purchase.

I believe it is best to start a new thread regarding another option I am considering: the Investor Visa I just read about at http://www.thaivisa.com/275.0.html

INVESTOR VISAS. This is a new category of visa with issuance controlled by the Board of Investment. This visa can carry a residence permit for applicant and immediate family if a specified amount of capital is brought into Thailand for investment. Direct Investment: Applicable by aliens who bring into Thailand not less than Baht 10 million for investment in a new project which benefits the country's economy or a project subject to the approval and conditions set forth by the Committee for Granting Permanent Residence; or

Investment in Securities: Applicable to aliens who bring into Thailand money to buy special-type bonds prescribed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand. Persons granted visas must not transfer or redeem the bonds for a period of 10 years.

In my case I would invest the 10 million Baht in securities. Does anyone know what these “special-type bonds prescribed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand” are and what their yield is?

Presumably, I shall have to pay income tax in Thailand on the interest and/or dividends paid on these securities. What is the tax rate?

[solo siam]

Cant see any Visa being worth tieing up 10 million baht in bonds.

[Maestro]

Cant see any Visa being worth tieing up 10 million baht in bonds.

I am thinking that if the bonds pay a decent yield I can spend these earnings during the 4 or 5 months my wife and I plan to spend in Thailand every year. For example, at 5% it would pay me THB 500,000, enough and more considering that I have a condo and need not pay rent.

Generally, I prefer not to have all liquid assets in stocks but have some in fixed-interest instruments.

This brings me to another question: would I need to keep the original bonds for at least 10 years, or could I shift them around? Anyway, some bonds probably have a shorter than 10-year life.

[The Dude]

Hey Maestroo my man, that 10 mil. investor visa has been changed, the new visa has been changed to a 3 mil. baht visa. Please hang up and try your call again. 3 mil. baht is a far more diggable number

[Maestro]

Hey Maestroo my man, that 10 mil. investor visa has been changed, the new visa has been changed to a 3 mil. baht visa. Please hang up and try your call again. 3 mil. baht is a far more diggable number

Thank you, Dude. Now I dig it.

I am still interested, though, what is on that list of “special-type bonds prescribed by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Thailand”, and their yield.

I don’t mind investing in bonds in Thailand per se; it all depends on the yield.

[Sunbelt Asia]

This 10 million Baht scheme was for a resident permit. It was a 4 year program which ended 30th of June 2003 and is no longer valid.

www.lawyer.th.com

[astral]

When you invest that money remember to factor in the rate of the baht

and what it will be/may be in 5 years time.

History is a good indicator!!

[BalthazarBeefheart]

When you invest that money remember to factor in the rate of the baht

and what it will be/may be in 5 years time.

History is a good indicator!!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually for someone planning to be resident here I would think the rate of inflation here would be of far more relevance when considering govt bond investment.

Maestro I too am interested in this area but can't seem to find out about tax implications. I have copied two links which may assist you.

Cheers

http://asianbondsonline.adb.org/how_to_buy..._Market_Name=TH

http://www.bot.or.th/bothomepage/BankAtWork/Bond/bond_e.htm