Thailand’s SMART Visa is now a focused route for qualifying foreign startup entrepreneurs in targeted industries. Older articles often describe four broad SMART categories—Talent, Investor, Executive and Startup—but the Board of Investment’s 2025 reform repealed that earlier framework and narrowed the programme to reduce overlap with the LTR Visa.

Current-position warning: Do not plan an application from an old SMART T, I, E or S checklist. Use the current BOI announcement and portal for the exact startup criteria and application route.

Who is the route designed for?

The route is intended for founders whose proposed or established startup meets the programme’s innovation, targeted-industry and endorsement requirements. A company registration, business idea or investment amount by itself does not guarantee qualification. BOI and relevant agencies assess the business model, technology or innovation, ownership, funding, role and supporting evidence.

Application sequence

  1. Review the current BOI criteria and identify the targeted industry.
  2. Prepare the founder profile, business plan, company and funding evidence.
  3. Apply through the official SMART Visa system for qualification endorsement.
  4. Respond to technical or agency questions and wait for endorsement.
  5. After endorsement, complete the visa issuance process with the competent authority.
Endorsement and visa issuance are separate stages. An application, pitch deck or company registration is not permission to stay or work.

Why founders consider it

When approved, SMART Visa status can provide a longer and more practical immigration framework for the endorsed activity, with benefits defined by the current programme. Those benefits apply to the approved person, role and conditions; they should not be generalized to unrelated employment or business activity.

SMART Visa compared with LTR and Non-B

LTR targets different high-potential groups and has separate wealth, income, employment or professional criteria. A Non-B visa and work permit remain the standard route for many employees and conventional businesses. The correct path depends on the actual activity, company structure and eligibility—not the most attractive visa name.

Frequently asked questions

Are the old four categories still current?

No. The 2025 BOI announcement repealed the earlier framework. Current planning should use the reformed startup route.

Does every startup qualify?

No. The business must pass the programme’s substantive assessment and endorsement process.

Can dependants be included?

Family provisions depend on the current approved programme conditions. Confirm them during the endorsement process.

Official sources: BOI SMART Visa and BOI Announcement No. Por 5/2568.

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