Could a Golden Visa Revive Thailand’s Economy
A Golden Visa could offer a lifeline to Thailand’s economy as growth slows and tourism softens. Policy discussions at a recent conference highlighted a program that would grant residency in exchange for investments and property purchases. Proponents say the plan could bolster GDP, ease public debt pressure, and spur domestic spending.
Thailand’s current economic picture makes the proposal timely. Growth has hovered around 2% for much of the past decade, with forecasts for 2025 pointing to a potential dip. Tourism remains a key driver, contributing roughly 12-15% of GDP, but arrivals have cooled, especially from China, dampening local consumption and business momentum. In addition, new US tariffs on Thai exports could affect sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture, underscoring the need to diversify capital sources.