gerry1011

Just bought the new iPhone7.

Could not resist :)



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18 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Perhaps it was when the PE visa that allows one year entries became available. Prior to that they only got 90 day entries. I think they made an offer to change to the 20 year membership to get the PE visa but not aware of all the details.
 

Indeed.

The "founding members", who bought the lifetime membership for 1 million baht, have been offered the option to switch to the "new" 20 years membership.

The only difference is the PE visa (instead of SE) that comes with the one year stamp each time the member enters the country.

The members could switch to the new membership at no cost, the 20 years starting at the time the member would actually switch, and the yearly fee is waived.

I am one of the members who switched to the new 20 years membership. Even if I travel quite much, I thought that the one year stamp was cool
I guess I will make better use of the stamp when I get older and travel less...


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OK, they can cancel an extension of stay, or standard visa for a reason (and we all know there must be some reason to cancel it), but not if I pay 1 million Baht and buy the visa. If I pay this money, I want to be sure that unless I give them a reason, they will not cancel it unilaterally. This is one of the reasons I would consider buying this but if I have to worry that it can be cancelled any day, well, this is not so good offer in the end and does not make me sleep well. Why buy something with 20 years validity when it can be void the next day. I will stick to standard visa, they did not convince me with this offer, especially in a country ruled by the military, this can change anytime.

The main advantage of the Thailand Elite membership is the peace of mind. That is priceless.

haha 1mio for 20 years visa. What a punch in the face for the customers who paid 500k for 5 years.

I believe TE  is actually part of the Thai immigration department.

No idea why people keep on and on about whether the TE program could fail. Not a chance after it has been promoted throughout Asia.

It would be the biggest PR disaster ever to hit TAT. No a hope of it being allowed to fold with the high profile businesses and people on board.

Some people keep on and on about whether the TE program could fail... because they have no more arguments to speak against the program. It is the best option for those who can afford it.

The program started in 2003, it is still around, and will be around for many many more years.

The program is, and has always been under TAT, the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

The early members of TE already enjoyed over a decade (!) of comfortable stay, while countless others were moaning about their immigration problems.

I don't see what drives some posters on this forum to keep coming with the "risk" that the program will fail and stop.

It will not happen, the vast majority understands that, and that is why more and more people join this great program.

If the fee to become a member seems too much of a sum for someone, he should just forget Thailand Elite.

If the fee seems reasonable, he should not hesitate, and sign up today!

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9 hours ago, anotheruser said:

 

This actually looks like a fun event. I can't make it but if anybody goes please share what the experience was like. 

Unfortunately I can't go either. 

I hear that, besides the Pagani, there will be 8 kilos (!) of caviar too

I will go to the next one. 

1 hour ago, MalandLee said:

Been watching this thread with interest... 

 

MY WISH LIST.................. 

1. Include health insurance (Even at a public hospital) No medical required AND for ALL age groups
2. Include health insurance (Even at a public hospital) No medical required AND for ALL age groups
3. Include health insurance (Even at a public hospital) No medical required AND for ALL age groups

That's all, now I must stop dreaming.....

To be honest if they could develop a reasonably priced "Elite Membership" with a health insurance component - it would prove VERY attractive to many long term expats.....

It's actually a good idea. 

But it would come at a price. 

Insurance companies are in business to make money, so, with the terms that you wish in your post, it would come at a serious premium. 

But Thailand Elite could well try to include such insurance at a negociated "preferential rate". Why not. 

But... No public hospital for me

Personally I would only go for a "premium package". 

At the moment I pay over 120,000 a year for my insurance (worldwide except USA)... No way I would take anything less than that. But if Thailand Elite was able to offer different packages to its members, from reputable insurance companies... yes, why not.

11 hours ago, DipStick said:

I find this topic interesting, can anyone guide me from the following.

 

i am 69 years old, married to a little bit younger Chinese lady who runs a legitimate business in Thailand and has a valid work permit. I worked in BKK from 2002 - 2009 and in 09 left for China . We visit my wife's BKK office regularly, I being a Brit can get a 30 day visa on arrival, but my wife can only get 15 days. And with the hoardes of Chinese at airport Immigration who shout, hustle, queue jump , and are not even able to fill out the required immigration forms properly, this is becoming a severe embarrassment to my wife, so seems to be forever berating the peasants in Chinese then trying to apologise for her country folk to immigration

 

And the Koreans are alone ? Wake  up smell the coffee. Anyone can enter Thailand on a normal visa which is low cost, to commit crime. Why should criminals go the high cost route . Sorry don't k ow you but ridiculous comment

The Thailand Elite program could be something suitable for you. 

There are many members who have business interests in Thailand and just want to be able to fly in and out, in comfort, and as often as they want. Mainly Asians (Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea...). 

I believe that there are much fewer members who actually need a work permit. But there are quite a few. 

The Thailand Elite program would certainly eliminate the bad feelings you and your wife get when traveling to Thailand. And since you seem to come over on a regular basis, it is an interesting option. As a member, no more queues, and the whole process suddenly gets extremely smooth. 

You wife can very well become a member while staying on her other visa, as long as she needs the work permit. But she will benefit from all the other privileges... including the supperb airport assistance.  

There are new packages designed for foreign couples, you should have a look at the website www.thailandelite.com or visit their office when you are next in Bangkok. 

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5 hours ago, Ronuk said:

I have just checked into Suvarnabhumi Airport. I was amazed to see the amount of passengers using the TE service. Mostly non Farang.

The TE staff say the programme has really taken off since the 4 new options were introduced and have themselves taken on more staff.

Fantastic service once again from Condo in Bangkok to the airport lounge.

Good money coming in now for immigration and the government through this program. Imagine if just 1000 people take up the 20yr option. That's 1 Billion baht into the economy. I can see this soon being the government's preferred option for long term stayers in Thailand that are under 50 or not married or working.

Actually, the biggest group of Thailand Elite members has never been the farang group. It is the Asian group, Koreans being the biggest one. 

2 hours ago, theguyfromanotherforum said:

This is a good price. I am glad Thailand Elite listened to market demands and not the characters like Gerry who wanted to make visa even more expensive. At least the program has some future now. Heck, I'll even say 1 million for 20 years looks too good to be true. There you go. I just got my marriage extension in July, but this 20 year visa is something I will definitely consider in the future. 

 

Thank you.

Waaaaaa... We finally got you on board

You will now "definitely" consider the Thailand Elite option. What a smart (however late) (very late, actually) decision. 

Be welcome in the club. 

Maried or not, retired or not, wealthy or not (well, you need a "minimum" of wealth, of course), it is the most comfortable option. 

I am really happy that you finally will join us in this club of people who enjoy convenience. The sooner the better. 

Concerning a more expensive option, it is coming too (news soon) (but that one will not be for everyone, for sure). 

I've been living in Thailand in and out past 10 years. I have wife and son and seems like there won't be any other place I want to be. I will probably travel alone lot more in next few years so the convenience is there with elite option. I am 40 now so maybe wait couple more years and take that 20 years card. When you get older, you value more these things I guess.

Indeed, this program is for those who value "these things", such as convenience.

I am also under 50.

The program is the best - and only - option for those under 50, with a bit of disposable funds, who want to stay comfortably - and legally - in Thailand (No need for the usual posters to come up with the ED, tourist, METV, visa runs, etc... option, we all know that too).

For those who are above 50, it may not be the only option, but it is certainly the most comfortable.

I would not imagine switching from the Thailand Elite option back to the "Retirement option" once I reach 50. Unimaginable, really.

If you are not totally sure, go for the 5 years option first.

But if you go for the 20 years option you will not be disappointed.

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Bangkok Bank offers some good options if you put 2million BHT, I think it is in your account. They will still open a simple cash card (ATM) and passbook account on the strength of a temporary address and a passport. I did one quickly in December for a friend in Hua Hin. It all took about 30 minutes and you walk out with an ATM/Debit card and passbook. Vey quick and simple.

As I said the Thai Elite visa affixed in your passport will guarantee you need an additional document and an appointment will be set. They said just my passport and the card would be needed as my card is linked to my address I won't need any proof of where I live it is documented already.

Or that was the case for me in Bangkok anyway. Just remembered you are a member as well so maybe it isn't the case anywhere but that is the official policy I have been told by Thai Elite.

I am going to test the water when I next fly in in a couple of weeks. I agree though and I think it's the proper type of Bank accounts the TE give access too with a personal banking manager rather than just a cash card account which I have found possible to open in most places. If you look direct at the Bangkok Bank website, they do some good bank accounts if you can put a few bob in there. Lets us know how you get on anyway and what they offer you.

Well today I found the time to Test the water.

As I already have an Account at Bangkok Bank I thought I would attempt to open an account at Kasikorn Bank, Nana Nue Branch. I was greeted as per normal as I entered and was asked how they could help me. I explained I wanted to open an account, needed an ATM card and also needed Internet Banking. I was asked if I had my passport which I had. I was then asked if I had my work permit. I explained I don't work in Thailand so never had one. They insisted I needed a work permit with me insisting I never needed one because I don't work. No good Mr, you need work permit for bank account!

Now was the time to test the water with the PE Visa. I explained what I had and how I was entitled to stay in Thailand as long as the Visa was active.They looked and within 30 seconds, I had 4 of them looking. I was taken to a desk and asked to sit. Another girl came from out the back and asked me what I wanted and could she see my passport. She then picked up the phone and proceeded to talk in Thai to someone at there Head office explaining what my Visa was. I understood enough that they were telling her that as the TE Visa is a government backed program,it was good to open any account I needed and no work permit necessary.

Within 20 minutes I had the account book, ATM card (Extra 500bt), which is also a K-MY PLAY VISA Privileged Member debit card (Whatever that is!) and told I would receive a notice via email in 24 hrs of how to set up my Internet Banking. I was told that should I wish to open any other type of account, just to call in and they would do it for me. They are nice people there and a good service once we cleared the hurdles.

The minimum to open the account was 10000bt. All in all not too bad an experience once they found out what the TE Visa was.

Any members that now need a Bank account, try this branch of Kasikorn Bank which should now be a relatively straight simple process for you to open an account if you prefer Kassikorn to Bangkok Bank and not wish to wait to get a letter and appointment from TE.

I hope this helps TE members looking to open there first or another bank account.

That is a very interesting comment.

TE has an arrangement with Bangkok Bank.

Maybe Kasikorn is happy to pull a few "quality" customers away from a competitor...

Good for you

Yeah there are plenty of threads on all of the alternative options for sure. Also for the record I know how to plan a trip. TE just makes the planning much easier and makes it actually cost less.

The interesting thing is that - and I think you already said that - Thailand Elite members have the great privilege to be able to plan their trip whenever they want, as their schedule is not dictated by any requirement to leave the country.

Some members travel a lot, at their chosen dates, and feel welcome back in the country each time they fly in (with a fresh 1 year stamp in their passport each time they come back).

Other members take full advantage of the 1 year stamp, and extend the stamp once per year as long as they don't feel the need for a vacation abroad... till the end of the 5or 20 years' membership.

That flexibility is priceless.

Thailand is amazing.

Thai people are amazing.

Thais may well believe that I am here because their country is amazing.

If not, I will make them believe it.

15 years ago I came for the first time to Thailand by coincidence, and ended up staying. Amazing.

Amazing country.

Amazing people.

Concerning the VAT refund.

Just another angle... As a Thailand Elite member, I cannot get a refund in Thailand because I registered with my embassy and my passport is issued in Bangkok.

However, for those who do the same, the advantage is that when you buy something abroad, you can get the refund on the way back to Bangkok.

Same same but reverse.

Uhm Uhm...

Beer in Thailand: Hoegaarden.

Thai beer: Singha.

I think you guys all agree that Thailand Elite is a good program, of value to some, lots of value to others, but not everyone wants to buy it.

We do agree

Great