For many travelers, Thailand is not just a holiday destination but a place to live and work. Whether it’s for business or personal reasons, living in Thailand can be an enriching experience. If you’re considering a move to the Land of Smiles, the Thailand Elite Visa program is an option that could make your transition smoother.
What is the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a long-term visa program that grants foreign nationals extended stay privileges in the country. The program is run by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, a state-owned enterprise under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.
The program offers a range of visa options with varying lengths of stay and benefits. It grants 5-year, 10-year, 15-year, or 20-year visa and a host of privileges and benefits, including:
- Unlimited stays in Thailand for up to 20 years
- No need for a visa extension or border runs
- Expedited immigration processing upon arrival
- Access to VIP lounges at airports
- Complimentary limousine service upon arrival and departure
- Discounts on hotels, golf courses, and spas
- Access to exclusive members-only events and activities
- Personal assistant services for business and leisure needs
- Annual health checkups at top hospitals in Thailand
What are the different Memberships?
GOLD Membership Package
The GOLD Package of the Thailand Privilege Visa avails members with a valid five-year membership at the expense of 900,000 Thai Baht, exempt from annual fees. This package includes a five-year multiple-entry visa and awards 20 privilege points annually to members, with no age limits on applications.
PLATINUM Membership Package
For those desiring extended membership, the Elite Platinum Membership Package (PLATINUM Package) is available. This ten-year valid membership comes with a five-year multiple-entry visa, renewable for another five years, priced at 1.5 million Thai Baht for the primary applicant and 1 million Thai Baht for additional applicants, with no yearly fees attached. The package also bestows 35 privilege points each year, welcoming applicants of all ages.
DIAMOND Membership Package
Individuals seeking more extended validity can opt for the Elite Diamond Membership Package (DIAMOND Package). This fifteen-year membership includes a five-year multiple-entry visa, renewable twice within the membership duration, and is priced at 2.5 million Thai Baht for the primary applicant and 1.5 million Thai Baht for additional applicants, both without annual fees. Members are granted 55 privilege points per annum, with no age constraints on applications.
RESERVE Membership Package
The exclusive Elite Reserve Membership Package (RESERVE Package) is offered by invitation only. Priced at 5 million Thai Baht (with no annual fees), it provides a membership that is valid for twenty years or more and includes a five-year multiple-entry visa, renewable three times during the membership. After the initial twenty years, members have the option to reapply for another five-year visa. This premier package generously grants 120 privilege points each year and is open to applicants of all ages, provided they have received an invitation.
How much does it cost?
The cost of Thailand Elite Visa varies depending on the package you choose.
The GOLD Package of the Thailand Privilege Visa is priced at 900,000 Thai Baht without any subsequent annual fees. With this package, members can enjoy a membership validity of five years, during which they will receive 20 privilege points annually. For individuals interested in a longer-term membership, the Elite Platinum Membership Package is available. The cost for the main applicant is set at 1.5 million Thai Baht, while additional applicants are charged 1 million Thai Baht, both without the burden of annual fees. This package offers a ten-year membership validity and grants 35 privilege points per year to its members.
For an even more extended membership duration, the Elite Diamond Membership Package is an excellent option. The main applicant fee is 2.5 million Thai Baht, and for additional applicants, it is 1.5 million Thai Baht, with no annual fees for either. Members under this package enjoy a fifteen-year validity and receive 55 privilege points per year. Lastly, the Elite Reserve Membership Package comes with a cost of 5 million Thai Baht with no annual fees, offering an extensive membership validity of twenty years or more and generously providing 120 privilege points per year to its members.
Who is eligible for the Thailand Elite Visa?
The Thailand Elite Visa is available to foreign nationals from any country. There are no age restrictions or requirements for language proficiency or financial stability. The program is designed to attract high-net-worth individuals, retirees, digital nomads, and anyone else who wants to live in Thailand for an extended period.
How to apply for the Thailand Elite Visa?
Securing a Thai Elite Visa starts with the submission of an application for membership and undergoing a background check. Whether residing within Thailand’s borders or overseas, you can initiate your application by transmitting a digital copy of your passport and the application form to a recognized Thai Elite Visa agent. This agent collaborates with the relevant entities, including the Thailand Elite Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Immigration Bureau, to execute necessary immigration and criminal background assessments. For the majority of applicants, this entire evaluation process usually concludes within a month, although individuals from certain countries might experience a waiting period of up to three months. The background verification segment of this process alone can take between four to six weeks.
Upon the approval of the application and clearing the background check, the next step involves the transfer of the Elite Membership Fee. Applicants will receive instructions to proceed with the payment, which varies between 900,000 Thai Baht and 2.5 million Thai Baht, depending on the chosen membership package. This transaction is facilitated through a bank transfer, and applicants are afforded a 30-day timeframe to finalize the payment.
Following the successful completion of the payment, the stage of Elite Membership Acceptance begins. The applicant will be issued a Membership ID, accompanied by guidance on the visa procurement process, typically within five to ten working days post-payment.
Finally, the Thai Elite Visa Issuance phase ensues. With the Membership ID in hand, members have the option to have the Thai Elite Visa affixed at a Thai embassy or consulate in their home country. For those who may find embassy visits inconvenient, the visa can also be obtained directly upon arrival at Thailand’s major airports, including Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Alternatively, for members who are already in Thailand, the visa issuance can be coordinated and facilitated at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok through assistance from a Thai Elite agent.
Is the Thailand Elite Visa worth it?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a significant investment, and the decision to apply should not be taken lightly. The visa offers many benefits that can make living in Thailand more comfortable and enjoyable, but it’s not for everyone.
If you’re planning to live in Thailand for an extended period, the visa can save you time and money by eliminating the need for visa extensions and border runs. The VIP services at airports and access to exclusive events can also make your stay more enjoyable.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, the visa may not be worth the cost. There are other visa options available that are more affordable, such as the non-immigrant visa, which allows for stays of up to one year and can be extended for a small fee. However, the non-immigrant visa requires regular visits to an immigration office, which can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
Another factor to consider is the length of your stay. If you only plan to stay in Thailand for a short period, such as a few months, the Thailand Elite Visa may not be worth the investment. However, if you plan to live in the country for an extended period, the visa can offer long-term benefits that make it a worthwhile investment.
Additionally, if you’re a retiree, the visa can be an excellent option as it offers access to healthcare, personal assistant services, and other amenities that can make your retirement more comfortable.
Overall, the Thailand Elite Visa is a unique and innovative program that offers many benefits to those who can afford it. If you’re considering a move to Thailand and have the financial means to invest in the visa, it’s worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there are other visa options available that may be more suitable.
Thailand Elite Latest Update
Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. recently announced that all active Thailand Elite Visa plans will cease after September 15, 2023. A fresh lineup of membership packages will be offered by TPC starting on October 1, 2023.
If you’re a member of the Elite Easy Access tier and are interested in upgrading, you may opt for either the Elite Superiority Extension or the Elite Ultimate Privilege. Begin this upgrade procedure at least three months ahead of your membership’s expiry date. Late upgrade applications, submitted within three months of expiration, will not be entertained.
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