Thaksin Promotes Golden Visa and Plans Higher Travel Fees in Thailand

Key Takeaways

• Thailand’s 2025 Golden Visa reforms remove income requirements and expand eligible sectors for investors and professionals.
• Tourist entry fee of 300 baht delayed until at least Q2/Q3 2026 due to lower tourist arrivals and economic concerns.
• Global E-Visa and Digital Arrival Card systems introduced in 2025 improve visa application efficiency and border processing.

Thailand’s government, led by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is making major changes to its immigration and travel policies in 2025. The country is promoting its Golden Visa program and considering higher travel fees to boost tourism and attract more foreign investment. These moves come as Thailand tries to recover from a drop in international visitors and adapt to global economic changes. Here’s what travelers, investors, and the tourism industry need to know about these new policies and what they mean for the future.

Golden Visa Program: Major Reforms in 2025

Thailand’s Golden Visa, officially called the Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa, has seen its biggest changes since it started in 2022. In January 2025, the government made the program much more attractive for wealthy individuals, skilled workers, and families looking to stay in Thailand for the long term.

Key changes to the Golden Visa include:

• No more USD 80,000 annual income requirement for the Wealthy Global Citizens category. Now, applicants only need to show their net worth and how much they plan to invest in Thailand. This change makes it easier for people with assets, but without high yearly incomes, to qualify.
• Lower employer revenue requirements for Work-from-Thailand Professionals. The minimum company revenue dropped from USD 150 million to USD 50 million, opening the door for more mid-sized tech companies and remote workers.
• No limits on dependents. Families can now include as many relatives as they want, making Thailand one of the most family-friendly countries for investor visas.
• No work experience needed for Highly-Skilled Professionals and Work-from-Thailand categories. This helps younger entrepreneurs and tech workers who may not have years of experience but have valuable skills.
• More sectors now qualify. The program now welcomes professionals beyond science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), supporting Thailand’s goal to diversify its economy.
• Centralized immigration services. The new Thailand Immigration and Economic Services Center (TIESC) opened in March 2025 in Bangkok’s One Bangkok complex. This center brings visa, work permit, and other immigration services under one roof, making the process faster and easier for applicants.

The Thailand Privilege Program, also known as the Thailand Elite Visa, introduced a new Bronze membership tier in 2024. This tier offers a more affordable five-year visa with basic benefits, making long-term stays easier for people who don’t want to pay for the more expensive Platinum or Diamond tiers.

These reforms are part of a larger push by Prime Minister Thaksin to make Thailand a top choice for wealthy investors, digital nomads, and skilled professionals. By removing barriers and making the process simpler, Thailand hopes to compete with other countries in the region that offer similar programs.

Higher Travel Fees: Tourist Entry Fee Delayed

Thailand planned to introduce a new tourist entry fee, called the “Kha Yeap Pan Din” or “stepping onto Thai soil” charge, in 2025. The fee was set at 300 baht (about USD 9.26) for air travelers and 150 baht (about USD 4.63) for those arriving by land or sea. The money from this fee would go toward travel insurance for tourists and upgrades to tourism infrastructure.

However, as of July 2025, the government has decided to postpone the tourist entry fee until at least the second or third quarter of 2026. This delay comes after a drop in international tourist arrivals—about 17 million in early 2025, which is 5% less than in 2024. Other reasons for the delay include a stronger Thai baht, higher airfares, and possible new tariffs that could make travel more expensive.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Jakraphon Tangsutthitham explained that the government wants to watch how tourism demand changes during the 2025 high season before moving forward with the fee. Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham also said the delay gives time to make sure the fee is fair and the technical details are correct.

For now, travelers from countries like Malaysia and others will not have to pay this extra cost in 2025. This is good news for budget travelers and those who cross the border often, as it keeps travel costs lower during a time of economic uncertainty.

Other Immigration and Travel Policy Changes in 2025

Thailand has made several other changes to its immigration and travel systems to make things easier for visitors and residents:

• Global E-Visa expansion: Starting January 1, 2025, people from around the world can apply for most major Thai visas online through the E-Visa system. This means no more trips to embassies or consulates for many applicants, saving time and reducing paperwork.
• Financial proof for tourist visas: From May 2025, anyone applying for a tourist visa must show proof of at least 20,000 baht (about USD 550) in available funds. This can be done through bank statements or sponsorship letters. The goal is to make sure visitors have enough money for their stay and to reduce visa denials.
• Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC): Also in May 2025, Thailand introduced the TDAC system. All non-Thai nationals arriving by air, land, or sea must fill out an electronic arrival card at least three days before they arrive. This new system modernizes immigration procedures and helps speed up entry at the border.

Practical Implications for Travelers and Investors

These changes affect different groups in several ways:

For investors and wealthy individuals:

• The Golden Visa reforms make it much easier to get long-term residency in Thailand. There are fewer income and work experience requirements, and families can bring more relatives.
• The new TIESC center in Bangkok helps investors and professionals handle all their visa and work permit needs in one place, making the process less stressful.
• More job sectors now qualify, so people from a wider range of backgrounds can apply.

For tourists:

• There is no new tourist entry fee in 2025, which keeps travel costs down.
• The E-Visa and TDAC systems make it easier to apply for visas and enter the country, reducing paperwork and wait times.
• The financial proof requirement for tourist visas means travelers need to plan ahead and make sure they have enough funds, but it also helps reduce the risk of being denied a visa.

For the tourism industry:

• The delay in the tourist entry fee means the industry won’t get new revenue from the fee right away, but it also gives more time for tourism to recover.
• When the fee is eventually introduced, the money will help pay for better infrastructure and insurance for tourists, which could improve the overall visitor experience.

Key Stakeholders and Official Statements

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has been a driving force behind these changes, especially the push to promote the Golden Visa and revitalize the tourism sector. His government believes that making it easier for wealthy individuals and skilled professionals to live and work in Thailand will help the country’s economy grow.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Sports Jakraphon Tangsutthitham announced the delay in the tourist entry fee, saying that the government needs to see how tourism demand changes before adding new costs for travelers. Assistant Tourism Minister Chakrapol Tangsutthitham confirmed the delay and said the government wants to make sure the fee is fair and works well for everyone.

Background and Historical Context

The idea of a tourist entry fee is not new. It was first proposed in 2021 under then-Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, but it faced opposition and was delayed several times. The fee was meant to help the tourism industry recover after the COVID-19 pandemic and to pay for insurance for travelers.

The Golden Visa program started in 2022 and has been updated several times to keep up with changes in the global economy and Thailand’s own needs. The latest reforms in 2025 show that the government is serious about attracting more foreign investment and skilled workers.

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the tourist entry fee is expected to be introduced in mid to late 2026, but this will depend on how quickly tourism recovers and what happens with the global economy. The Golden Visa program will likely see more changes as Thailand tries to stay competitive and attract more investors and professionals.

Thailand’s digital immigration and visa systems will continue to grow, making it easier for people to visit, work, and invest in the country. These changes should help Thailand remain a top destination for both tourists and long-term residents.

Official Resources and Contacts

For those interested in learning more or applying for visas, here are some important resources:

• The Thailand Immigration Bureau provides up-to-date information on visa types, requirements, and application processes.
• The Ministry of Tourism and Sports offers updates on tourism policies and any upcoming changes to fees.
• The Thailand Privilege Program (Thailand Elite Visa) website has details on membership tiers and benefits for those interested in long-term stays.
• Thai embassies and consulates around the world can help with visa applications and questions about financial proof requirements.
• The new TIESC center in Bangkok is the main place for handling visa and work permit processing for investors and professionals.

What Should Travelers and Investors Do Now?

If you’re thinking about moving to Thailand or investing in the country, now is a good time to look into the Golden Visa program. The new rules make it easier for a wider range of people to qualify, and the process is more family-friendly than ever. Make sure to gather all the required documents and check the latest requirements on the official government websites.

Tourists planning a trip to Thailand in 2025 can enjoy lower travel costs since the entry fee has been delayed. However, be prepared to show proof of funds if you’re applying for a tourist visa, and remember to fill out the Digital Arrival Card before you travel.

For those in the tourism industry, it’s important to stay updated on when the new fees might be introduced and how they could affect your business. The delay gives you more time to adjust and plan for the future.

Conclusion

Thailand’s immigration and travel policies are changing quickly as the country tries to balance the need for economic growth with the realities of global travel. Prime Minister Thaksin’s focus on the Golden Visa and the careful approach to higher travel fees show that the government wants to attract more investment and visitors while keeping the process fair and efficient.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, these reforms put Thailand in a strong position to compete with other countries in the region. The combination of easier visa rules, digital systems, and a focus on family and investment makes Thailand an attractive choice for many people around the world.

Whether you’re a tourist, investor, or business owner, staying informed about these changes will help you make the most of what Thailand has to offer. Always check official sources for the latest updates, and plan ahead to take advantage of the new opportunities in this dynamic country.

Learn Today

Golden Visa → A long-term residency visa in Thailand for wealthy investors, skilled workers, and their families.
Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa → Official name for Thailand’s Golden Visa allowing extended stay for eligible foreign nationals.
Thailand Immigration and Economic Services Center (TIESC) → Centralized center in Bangkok for visa, work permit, and immigration service processing.
Tourist entry fee → Proposed charge for visitors entering Thailand to fund travel insurance and tourism infrastructure.
Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) → An electronic arrival form required to be submitted three days before entering Thailand.

This Article in a Nutshell

Thailand’s 2025 immigration reforms ease Golden Visa rules, expanding eligibility and family inclusion. The tourist entry fee is postponed to 2026. New digital systems streamline visa applications, making Thailand more attractive for investors and travelers amid global economic shifts.
— By VisaVerge.com