Thailand SMART Visa framework is now startup-focused
BOI announcements dated 18 February 2025 superseded the former SMART Visa multi-category framework and retained a startup-focused measure.
Verification status: Confirmed
BOI Announcement Por.5/2568 and the replacement procedure in Por.6/2568 are dated 18 February 2025. Por.5/2568 records the Cabinet decision to retain only the special temporary-residence measure for foreign startup entrepreneurs and repeals the former SMART qualification framework.
What this corrects
Older official pages and third-party guides may still describe the former talent, investor, executive and other tracks, with fixed durations, salary, investment or industry tables. Their continued availability online is not evidence that those routes remain open.
Required action
Prospective applicants should use the current BOI SMART portal and the instruments listed on BOI's related-documents page. Obtain BOI confirmation and qualified Thai immigration and employment advice for transitional cases, duration, dependants or work rights.
Qualification endorsement, visa issuance, permission to stay and permission to work remain separate questions. No outcome is guaranteed.
Sources and review status
- BOI related documents, including Por.5/2568 and Por.6/2568
- Por.5/2568 English version, labelled an unofficial translation
Sources checked: 9 August 2026.
This correction is general information. Professional review was not performed; it has not received qualified Thai immigration, employment or legal approval.