Immigration officials and real estate executives have clarified Thailand’s long-stay visa programme for foreign property investors, aimed at boosting demand and easing oversupply in the housing market.
The scheme, introduced in October 2025, offers renewable one-year visas to foreigners who purchase condominiums worth at least 3 million baht or rent properties from 85,000 baht per month. A third option allows a three-year lease valued at 3.06 million baht.
Phuket Immigration Office superintendent Pol Col Khemmachat Wattanaphakesem said early challenges have emerged as both applicants and officials adapt to the system.
Critics in Phuket’s tourism sector argue the low entry threshold could attract lower-quality investors, inflate property prices, and open loopholes for illegal business activities. Authorities stressed that strict screening, ownership rules, and 90-day reporting requirements will be enforced, with visas subject to revocation if violations occur.
Thailand Longstay Company CEO Piyapat Suban Na Ayudhya said the programme targets an oversupply of more than 280,000 units and aims to attract long-term foreign residents who contribute through taxes and domestic spending.
The briefing, hosted with Ayana Phuket, also sought to build confidence among key buyer markets including Russia, Ukraine, Taiwan and Singapore.