Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing Thai Smart Visas, specifically we are discussing whether or not there are any downsides to Thai Smart Visas.

Now what are we talking about? Well a Thai Smart Visa depending on the category you come in on, there are various Thai Smart Visas for investors and entrepreneurs as well as people with specific talents and skill sets who are looking to come and live and work in Thailand in a more long-term capacity. We are talking about multi-years here. As we have discussed in other videos on this channel there are some major upsides to it for example Thai Smart Visas have the work authorization associated with them inherent to the visa so you don't need a Work Permit, it is built into the visa. 

Now my opinion, there is a downside to that insofar as the scrutiny associated with your Visa is also associated with your work authorization. So I think there is a higher level of scrutiny associated with these Smart Visas. I have seen it. I have seen a number of them. We did videos on this about a year and a half ago when we were first starting to see some of these applications through and they were denying some of them. Not just some, there were a number of denials associated with the Smart Visa. So, a) it is not a foregone conclusion that you are going to ultimately be approved for it and also this sort of inherent work authorization creates a higher level of scrutiny associated with that application. The other thing I would say about Smart Visas is in a really fundamental way they are rigid; they are not overly flexible. Things like for example a standard Business Visa, if you are just in Thailand, you are working for a company, you are on a standard Business Visa it is possible if you change employment for example, now it is not just as easy as 1, 2, 3; you have to go through a process but it is possible to change to for example another employer. Or, if you are in one type of visa status it may be possible to convert to another, again depending on the circumstances of your case. With Smart Visas, it is sort of a pipeline that is the only way I can describe it. You are sort of on a conveyor belt if you will and you have to stay on that path to maintain your status whatever, that path may be. Conversion is in my opinion very difficult, let's say that. 

So for this reason, those are looking into the Smart Visa, it might be a good idea to contact a legal professional, gain some insight and guidance into what may best suit you under your specific set of circumstances because one might find themselves in a position with a Smart Visa where they are actually in a situation that doesn't really suit their needs.