Transcript of the above video:

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing Thai Passports. I thought of making this video after reading a recent article in the Bangkok Post, that is bangkokpost.com, the title was: New Government 'must act' and 'must act' is in quotes. But I went to a graphic that was in that article and we will go ahead and throw that up on screen. Under PM's Wish List and quoting under that: Phue Thai's key policies which Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has pledged to carry out. So for those who are unaware, Thailand has had a change in Government and we have an incoming Prime Minister and there are a number of programs that are being discussed in terms of promulgation of new legislation as well as implementation of new regulatory schemes in order to make some changes with regard to things in the Government. But one thing specifically here under number 9, quoting directly: "Ensuring Thailand has a "powerful passport" enabling a holder to go anywhere in the world." 

Yeah as of the time of this video, and I can say this with a pretty fair amount of knowledge as a naturalized Thai citizen myself, the Thai Passport in terms of travel options is not as "powerful" as perhaps some other passports even in the region, even in Southeast Asia. Comparing specifically to Singapore and Malaysia, Thailand's passport is a little bit "weaker" in terms of the places that one can go using that document. Now it remains to be seen whether or not we will see actual changes with regard to the "power" of the Thai Passport but it is interesting that the incoming Government has prioritized that. I do think it would be a good thing; it would be a boon to Thais to be able to travel to more countries around the world without the need for a Visa specifically, to be able to enter visa exempt. I would say this would be especially equitable considering the fact that many other countries can come to Thailand without the need for a visa, and many of those countries that don't need a visa to come here, Thais are required to have a visa to go there. So it makes sense to me to maybe look at changing the rule, or making inroads with other countries I should say, to go ahead and see to it that Thailand does have more options in terms of travel for Thai Passport holders in the future.