BCCT PROPERTY & INFRASTRUCTURE BREAKFAST “THAI PROPERTY – RECENT EVENTS AFFECTING FOREIGNERS – MARKET IMPACT” Date: Wednesday 31 January, 2007 Venue: Novotel Siam Square

Contents 1.Transit Visa Exemption. 2.Category B Non-Immigrant Visas. 3.Extension of Non-Immigrant Category B Visas. 4.Investment Visas. 5.Retirement Visas. 6.Charities and Foundations. 7.Three Year Non-Immigrant Visa. 8.Useful Websites.

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 1.Transit Visa Exemption.  Passport holders from 36 countries may enter Thailand without a visa and remain for up to 30 days (excluding countries with special MOU);  Effective 1 October, 2006: - –May only stay a total of 90 days in any six month period; –Unable to return for a further 90 days; –Regular “short stay” visitors not affected.  Visa on arrival (20 countries) who may stay up to 15 days on arrival and transit visa rules unchanged

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 2.Category B Non-Immigrant Visas.  Additional documents required from sponsor in Thailand, including: - –Business registration; –Affidavit/list of shareholders; –Audited financial statements; –Corporate income tax return; –Company profile/map; –List of foreigners employed by the company; –"Letter of Acceptance” from Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations  Royal Thai Embassies/Consulates instructed not to issue more than one single entry visa of this category.  Requirements of different embassies/consulates vary and may change at short notice

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 3.Extension of Non-Immigrant Category B Visas.  New requirements effective 1 October, 2006 include: - –Latest audited financial statements; –Last corporate income tax return and Revenue Department receipt; –Includes new companies!  Shareholders equity in the balance sheet must not be less than THB 1 million. –Will affect audited financial statements for year ends dated 31 December, 2006 onwards.  Company revenues must be sufficient to pay salaries and allowances to all employees including foreigners

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 4.Investment Visas.  THB 3 million investment visa withdrawn for new applicants effective 1 October,  Existing extensions continue to be renewed

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 5.Retirement Visas.  From 1 October, 2006 applicants must provide evidence of having THB 800,000 in their bank account for at least 90 days prior to application

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 6.Charities and Foundations.  Includes: - –Public charities; –Foundations; –Associations; –Foreign chambers of commerce.  Confirmation letter required from relevant “Chief Government Officer” (Grade 10 and higher).  No confirmation letter – visa may be approved for not more than 90 days at a time

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 7.Three Year Non-Immigrant Visa.  Implemented by Ministry of Foreign Affairs from September  Three year Non-Immigrant Visa.  Applies to foreigners who wish to conduct business in Thailand (not to work).  Cannot be extended in Thailand.  Cannot apply for a work permit.  Cost THB 10,000 (approx.).  Relevant to non-resident directors who need to visit Thai subsidiaries

Recent Amendments to the Thai Visa Regulations 8.Useful Websites.  Immigration Bureau –  Royal Thai Embassy, London –