Bangkok, Jan 15 (NationPress) Thailand has revealed modifications to its long-term resident visa initiative to enhance its attractiveness to global professionals, investors, and executives, aiming to boost the Southeast Asian nation's talent base and international competitiveness.

The adjustments, sanctioned by the cabinet this week, encompass the inclusion of additional sectors for highly-skilled individuals, extending to various non-STEM areas such as development, sustainability, and disaster risk management, as specified by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI).

In a bid to improve access for promising candidates in emerging sectors, the previous five-year minimum work experience criterion for professionals has been eliminated, according to a Wednesday statement from the BOI, which oversees the program.

Further updates include lowering the revenue requirements for companies that permit employees to operate from Thailand and abolishing the minimum annual income stipulation for visas under the wealthy global citizens category, shifting the emphasis toward aggregated wealth and investments within the country.

BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi stated that adopting a more inclusive and competitive strategy will enhance Thailand's standing as a global investment and talent hub, as reported by Xinhua.

“Efficient visa processes are crucial to our commitment to improving the ease of doing business,” Narit noted.

Launched in 2022, the long-term visa scheme provides a 10-year residency permit, a digital work permit, and tax benefits among other advantages, with over 6,000 individuals having successfully secured their visas to date.