Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing work authorization in Thailand. For those who are unaware, foreigners who come to Thailand and wish to undertake work, do need to obtain a Work Permit or some sort of work authorization, for example Smart Visas may have their work authorization embedded therein. There are certain visas associated with Representative Offices which may not require work authorization, again it is sort of embedded therein and as they have discussed, although we haven't seen it actually rolled out yet, the so-called Long-Term term Residence Visas which as we have discussed aren't actually Residence, they are just kind of a long stay type of Visa; these visas may also provide work authorization again depending on circumstances, depending on the category, and again we haven't actually seen it rolled out so it is going to be interesting to see how that works. 

But, something that I do think probably looks like it is going to be more promising for a lot of foreigners coming to Thailand, arose in a recent article from Thai PBS World, that is thaipbsworld.com, and I urge those who are watching this video maybe check out that article, a lot of information in there. The article is titled: Thai Cabinet Approves Eastern Economic Corridor Free Trade Zone. Quoting directly: "The Cabinet approved a proposal from the EEC, Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee today, Tuesday, to upgrade the status of the EEC from a "Special Economic Zone" to a "Free Trade Zone" in which incentives such as income tax breaks, further easing of employment restrictions for foreigners," and that's key for us here, "VAT exemption for tourists buying goods there and permits for 24 hours of recreational activities and liquor sales will be granted to businesses in the areas." Quoting further: "Foreigners in the EEC will be allowed to work in jobs which are currently restricted, tourists and travellers will be exempt from customs duties and excise taxes on the purchase of locally made products sold in the Aviation City for the first 10 years."

So interesting. There is a lot going on there. Exactly how this plays out for me remains to be seen, I am kind of a stumped as anybody so anything I talk about with respect to the practicalities of this would be pure speculation. But this is definitely a major sea change and if this comes about I think it will have tremendous ramifications for both businesses looking to invest in Thailand as well as foreign nationals looking to travel to Thailand to come and work here.