A new long term visa has emerged for foreigners, but you’ll need to be working in the government’s Eastern Economic Corridor.
The Thai cabinet has approved a new 10-year visa aimed at attracting executives and experts to work in the EEC, the zone to the east of Bangkok set aside for business, manufacturing and industry. The government says the move is intended to “support the development of targeted industries in the region”.
The EEC Office proposed the visa to attract specialists across various technical fields. It joins the similar Board of Investment Smart Visas which come as a 5 + 5 year visa package.
The visa, valid for 10 years, would permit multiple entries and exits, based on the duration of the employment contract. Initially, it allows stays in Thailand for up to five years. There are four categories for the EEC visa: specialists (EEC Visa “S”), executives (EEC Visa “E”), professionals (EEC Visa “P”), and spouses and dependents (EEC Visa “O”). Again, similar to the BOI Smart visas.
In addition to the special visa, specialists working in the EEC will benefit from a reduced personal income tax rate of 17%, compared to the current progressive rate that peaks at 35%.
