Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing restricted occupations here in Thailand and we are discussing matters pertaining to real estate. I've discussed the restricted occupations in many, many other videos. There are a number of jobs that are just completely restricted to foreigners here in Thailand. Matters pertaining to real estate are one of them and it's one that Thais take very, very seriously. It's one that they are going to guard zealously, so it's something to keep in mind while we're going through this citation. 

I thought of making this video after reading a recent article from the Bangkok Post, bangkokpost.com, the article is titled: Phuket up in arms on long-stay Visa. I have done a number of videos made contemporaneously with this one where I get into what we're talking about here, but long story short, there are starting to be concerns from the locals regarding long-stay visas, as well as the thresholds associated with getting those visas. I urge those who are watching this video, go check out other videos on this channel for that information. That said, quoting directly: Quote: "This is contrary to Thailand and Phuket's aim to secure high-quality tourists over quantity," said Mr. Thaneth. This policy leaves a loophole for foreigners to conduct illegal actions, such as working or doing business without permits, he said, or buying several condo units and renting and renting them out to short-stay tourists." 

A couple of things going on here simultaneously. One, there are concerns from the locals regarding these matters; I've gone into that in pretty good detail in other videos. Specifically for this video though, is understanding restricted occupations and real estate here. Look I was involved in a case some years ago and I can point you to other legal advisors here who can tell you about cases involving foreigners merely renting out their own single condo and being determined to be in violation of Work Permit rules here in Thailand, because that was determined to be in and of itself a service. So saying nothing about the restricted occupations which specifically discuss matters pertaining to real estate, matters even in the Amity Treaty. For those who are unaware, Americans can own companies 100% in Thailand pursuant to the "National Treatment" provision under the Amity Treaty. Even under the Amity Treaty, matters pertaining to land, land development and land trading, and Land Services and things, Real Estate Services are considered still restricted.

So in light of the fact that we're seeing an article on the front page of the Bangkok Post pertaining to locals being up in arms about certain aspects of long-stay visas - I have also made videos talking about how in other jurisdictions - the issue of so-called nomads has sparked intense backlash. I'm not saying that is necessarily inevitable for Thailand, in fact far from it. I think if anything, Thailand is going to be far more accommodating than other jurisdictions. But if it is viewed as foreigners coming in and disrupting the overall harmony of Thailand, be it in the economy, or even in occupations which are restricted to foreigners, as well as matters pertaining to real estate which Thais are especially prickly about, we may see situations where there could be paradigm shifts with regard to policy here in the Kingdom of Thailand.