The Thai Examiner has reported that Cabinet has approved a package called the ‘Thailand Plus package’ that includes measures aimed at addressing the TM30 controversy and work permit environment. This is to make it easier for foreigners to comply with Thailand’s immigration laws.
This news comes just 11 days after it was reported that the Chairman of the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT), had said that an influential unit within the Thai government responsible for eradicating red tape, had recommended the abolition of TM30 altogether and that his organisation had made submissions to Thai authorities for easing the hardship caused by the regulation
The Thai Examiner report provides no useful detail of the mooted changes to immigration laws. These eagerly awaited changes have “not yet been clarified.”
Other measures in the package are aimed at making life easier for employees of foreign firms setting up in Thailand. The scope of the package was outlined by Mr Kobsak Pootrakool who is a spokesman for the ruling Palang Pracharat Party and former minister at the Office of the Prime Minister.
The new package of measures gives a generous corporate tax cut of up to 50% to firms who invest ฿1 billion or more by 2021 in Thailand with a 5-year range of benefit. This would be in addition to other exemptions available for smaller investments.
The package also proposes increased incentives for foreigners and foreign firms setting up educational businesses and advanced training centres. Under the new government plan, there is also provision for elements of direct financial assistance.
