Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing the Smart Visa. 

The Smart Visa is a relatively new invention of the Thai Immigration apparatus here in Thailand. It was created under the auspices of the Board of Investment. Traditionally, and by traditionally I mean it only goes back to about 2017 when it was created, it was ostensibly created to encourage innovation and innovative investment here in Thailand but it appears that under the current circumstances they are expanding certain criteria associated with the Smart Visa. 

Quoting directly from thaivisa.com, and they are quoting from Than Settakij, that is www.thansettakij.com. Quoting directly from this article: "Than Settakij reported that the BOI, that is the Board of Investment themselves, so that is pretty key here, we are not talking about folks tertiary to the people that can actually make policy decisions, this is BOI itself, are considering adjusting requirements for a so-called Smart Visa. Foreigners who buy an 8 million Baht condo and don't sell it for 8 years could get one.” I mean this is probably not going to have an impact broadly across folks here in Thailand but it is notable. There are a number of folks that may buy an 8 million Baht condo. It is not outside the realm of possibility and those who do could get a Smart Visa. 

Now as we have noted in other videos on this channel, Smart Visas are inherently work authorized so presumably if this presumptive new one operates similarly to the ones that come before, it would not need a Work Permit so someone would be able to work in Thailand with that Visa. 

Now again, this is all being discussed. We have yet to see any actual regulations promulgated by BOI so until that time it has to be placed in the category of speculation. That stated we will keep you updated on this channel as the situation progresses.