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Thailand PR Points Table: How the Score Works
Permanent Residence applications under Section 41 of the Immigration Act are scored on a points system: age, education, income, Thai-language ability, time in Thailand, and family ties. This guide breaks down each category.
TL;DR
Thailand Permanent Residence (ใบสำคัญถิ่นที่อยู่) applications under Immigration Act §41 are scored on a multi-factor points system administered by the Immigration Bureau. Categories include age, education, income, Thai-language ability, time in Thailand on Non-Immigrant status, and family ties to a Thai national or PR holder. The annual PR quota is 100 persons per nationality; the application window typically opens for 1-2 months per year.
Indicative Points Breakdown
| Category | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Income | ~25% | THB 80,000+/month tax-filed bonus weighting |
| Education | ~15% | Bachelor's, Master's, PhD scaling |
| Time in Thailand (Non-B continuity) | ~20% | 3 years minimum on extensions |
| Thai language ability | ~15% | Interview-based assessment |
| Age (40+) | ~10% | Older applicants commonly scored higher up to a band |
| Family ties | ~10% | Thai spouse / child / PR-holder relative |
| Discretionary | ~5% | Contributions to Thailand |
Three Application Categories
- Investment: capital invested in Thailand (commonly THB 10+ million).
- Work: minimum 3 consecutive years on Non-B extensions with same employer (commonly).
- Family: spouse / parent / child of Thai national.
Process Steps
- Confirm eligibility (3+ years on Non-Immigrant extensions).
- Watch for annual PR window announcement.
- Submit application with documents at Bangkok Immigration Bureau.
- Interview + Thai-language test.
- Royal Gazette publication on approval (1-3 years processing).
- Issue of Residence Certificate (red book) + Alien Certificate (blue book).
Common Mistakes
- Breaking continuous Non-Immigrant status by lapse before applying.
- Income under-reporting in earlier tax returns — PR review cross-checks Revenue records.
- Skipping Thai-language preparation.
- Missing the annual window — applications outside the window are returned.
FAQs
1. Can I work after PR?
Yes — PR holders have unrestricted right to work in most occupations (the restricted-occupation list still applies to certain reserved jobs).
2. Does PR lapse if I leave Thailand?
PR holders need a separate re-entry endorsement (TM10) before each departure; failure to use this can lose PR.
Related Reading
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