TL;DR:LTR gives a 10‑year residence for remote workers, wealthy individuals and highly skilled professionals with tax and dependent benefits; SMART is now mainly a startup (SMART‑S) route with shorter terms, no work permit for endorsed activities, and family privileges.
The Long‑Term Resident (LTR) visa is a 10‑year residence route designed to attract four groups: remote workers employed by qualifying companies, high‑net‑worth/wealthy global citizens, highly skilled professionals, and their dependents. Key benefits include a decade‑long multiple‑entry stay, preferential tax treatment for certain categories (eg, foreign‑sourced income exemptions or special flat rates for qualified professionals), wider dependent rights and streamlined entry procedures. Eligibility targets people in technology, digital and other promoted sectors, plus financial/investment thresholds and endorsement requirements (see Thai Embassy LTR page). The SMART visa is a specialised programme focused now on startup entrepreneurs (SMART‑S) after recent restructuring. SMART‑S offers shorter terms (typically 6 months–4 years), no separate work permit for endorsed activities, family visas with work rights for spouses in some cases, and expedited services for endorsed applicants. Most previous SMART categories were consolidated or phased to avoid overlap with LTR. For exact income, investment, endorsement and application steps consult the official Thai Embassy LTR guidance and recent legal updates from immigration specialists (eg, Fragomen or Siam Legal).
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