Ronuk

Even with the new options, makes me glad that I bit the bullet nearly a decade ago in the early days of the program - unlimited everything for LIFETIME, for 1M Baht at the time, no VAT or anything as well. Just for kicks, I keep a general track of the number of airport transfers I've used over the years. If you assume one way transfer value is 1,000 baht, I have recovered over 25% of the cost of the card in airport transfer services alone!

In Bangkok a taxi to the city is less than 300 baht. What is your reference point using 1000 baht?

Ermmm....You won't get a Chauffeur driven BMW 7 series Limo with the driver waiting in arrivals to take you anywhere in the City and not driving like a mad man for 300bt

How many people without a Thai elite would pay for this? My guess is less than .05% of the people leaving the airport.

People obviously do. There are enough Limousines running around Bangkok 24/7 with clients that want to travel that way, and they are not all TE members. Not everybody wants to have a row about putting the meter on and who is going to pay the Toll road fees.

TE members enjoy making one simple phone call or send an email and the TE staff and Limo driver does the rest.

We don't even need to collect our Luggage, that is also taken care of while we enjoy a cold refreshing drink

Their website doesn't seem to have been updated though and when you click to join, the "Elite Superiority Extension" isn't an option. There is a downloadable FAQ for it though:

http://www.thailandelite.com/downloadable_form_file/downloadable_form_file40.pdf

Keep in mind that it is a "Privilege Entry Visa - Renewable 5 year multiple entry visa with extendable 1 year length of stay per entry"

So yes Virginia, you do have to renew it every year just like a regular Extension, but as it appears now, you don't have to prove any financial assets and, if you live in one of the "big 4" areas (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Pattaya), they will do the 90 day reports for you.

I also note that they will provide assistance with other things "Assistance can range from immigration, facilitating to obtain a Thai driving license and work permit to our special government and business services."

so it would appear that you can work with this visa, unlike the Non-O(A)/Retirement/Marriage extension. That alone would make it very attractive for a lot of people I imagine.

Oh look - they have the "Foreign National Information Form" available for download as well: http://www.thailandelite.com/downloadable_form_file/downloadable_form_file41.pdf

Obviously this may not be everyone's cup of tea. I renew my extension and re-entry permit every year for just under 6,000 baht and about 90 minutes of time (over a 2 day period), and do 4 x 90 day reports (around an hour each time counting travel time and waiting) so 6,000 baht and 4 1/2 hours per year.

With this Privilege Extension I would pay (averaged out) 50,000/year over the 20 year validity, plus the same 6,000 baht/year for the extension and re-entry permits and the same 1 1/2 hours(ish) each year to do the extension.

I would save 4 hours of time by not having to do the 90 day reports, and I wouldn't have to fiddle around making sure my 800k has been in an account long enough to be used as proof of sufficient funds. I would also be able to get a work permit (providing I met the other requirements needed of course).

The only other benefit for me personally would be the FastTrac at the airport but I'm probably not going to be flying as much in the future as I was in the past so that's not really a major factor for me (though it would be for a lot of the guys still working offshore).

You DO NOT have to renew the extension every year unless you never leave the country. If you left the country everyday, every week, every month, you get a new 12 month stamp every time you enter the Kingdom. You also DO NOT have to purchase re entry permits as it's a multiple entry Visa valid for 5 years each time.

Does anyone do the Elite if over 50 and can instead go for the retirement visa?

Yes, quite a lot of us. We like the convenience and hassle free way of life. Permit free travel, the cars to and from the airport, expedidated immigration services and knowing we have 5 years or whatever package you choose of not needing ever to deal with immigration. If you live in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chang Mai or Phuket, even your 90 day reports are taken care of for you should you wish them to be.

Are you sure they will take care of 90 day reports outside of bangkok? Last I heard it was only for people living in Bangkok.

It has since been extended for a while to Pattaya, Changmai and Phuket. If you go to post No 2, look at the table left hand side, second from the Bottom **90 day report then move across to the right hand side of the table. **Bangkok,Pattaya, Changmai and Phuket.

I have mailed the member center regarding the 'Elite Superiority Extension' option to clarify it is a 20 yr option in it's own right and had an answer immediately. Unfortunately as it's the weekend, nobody can give me a definitive answer until Monday morning.

I have been considering the 500 K 5 year for me. Now they have an 800 K for 10 year. That is getting down to a very decent and competitive price for 10 year visa and the convenience of just one year extension. Now if they would just get rid of the nutty 90 day report and make that yearly also, I am sure they would get a lot more business

You only need to do a yearly extension on any of the packages if you don't leave the country at all for 12 months.

Whenever you leave the country and reenter,you get a a new stamp good for a further 12 months.

I doubt that the 90 day reporting will end anytime in the near future as that would be a big step forward for immigration to make.No idea where you live but if your in Bangkok, Chang Mai, Pattaya or Phuket, the TE people will do the 90 day report for you anyway.

Another option would be if you live near a border, just pop over and back inside the 90 days, get a new 12 month stamp and no need to do the 90 day report.

Does anyone do the Elite if over 50 and can instead go for the retirement visa?

Yes, quite a lot of us. We like the convenience and hassle free way of life. Permit free travel, the cars to and from the airport, expedidated immigration services and knowing we have 5 years or whatever package you choose of not needing ever to deal with immigration. If you live in Bangkok, Pattaya, Chang Mai or Phuket, even your 90 day reports are taken care of for you should you wish them to be.

The 'Elite Superiority Extension' is an interesting addition.

When they say 'Extension' I wonder what it actually means. Can people buy this on its own or is it literally an extension for one of the existing shorter 5 or 10 year memberships.

It certainly appears to be a no frills standalone 20yr package from how I'm reading it.

If I get a chance tomorrow, I will email the member centre,get confirmation and report back.

Just curious - What is the 1.5 million upgrade under Thailand Easy Access? It would appear to upgrade the Elite Card to the Grand Package.

Yes. It upgrades you from the 5 year Easy access Visa to the full 20 year package. It is plus VAT though plus the yearly charge of 20,000bt

Technically the Airport is a 'neutral' area (at least in most countries and for most people). Staying within the airport does not mean you have officially entered the country. In order to enter Malaysia you have to pass through Immigration.

Returning to Thailand without a stamp showing you entered another country may raise questions.

You would also be the wrong side to clear security and get a boarding card.

I doubt it will go down to well even if you make the departure gate.

Is the 20 year card for 1 million a normal card without all the "extras" They call it Extension ?

Yes,that's what it appears to be as far as I am reading it. That's a very good deal.

They have also added some long haul transfer services too to some packages and included a package with no add ons.

Look on the left hand column.

100% you need a work permit even though you say your not being paid. Also, you will never get a work permit for the type of work you describe.

Foreigners even working on voluntary charity projects and community projects need work permits in Thailand even though they are not being paid.

If your caught, deportation and banned from returning is highly likely.

Right on time I got a text yesterday from Kasikorn Bank with a password for Internet banking. It was a bit awkward to set it up due to all the instructions being written on the welcome pack in Thai (I only noticed that bit yesterday) for security you need to change everything at least twice. It's pretty impressive once you have set it up though.

Just make sure you have pen and paper to hand to write down the changed passwords and if it is your user name or password lol

You will need your mobile phone at hand because everytime you need to change something, they text a code to input for security reasons.

This whole credit card with cash security doesn't seem to make much sense to me. If it's backed by cash then there's no credit, it's just a debit card with higher fees than a debit card right ?

The difference with a secured card is that your bank balance remains the same if you use the card. Then you get a bill to pay at the end of the month like a normal credit card.

Most secured cards are done for a fixed term account that has a higher interest rate than a savings account.

Thanks Joe. I like others, did wonder how they worked.

This may help you.
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/767868-ban-laem-visa-run-a-quick-guide-for-those-thinking-about-flying-solo/

Coming through both airports since the mid 70's, I cannot say I have actually read any of it. I travel all over the World and tend to know what I need before I arrive. I find that helps.

Here is one report claiming that the full 5K wasn't in the account for the 6 months, and they still got the visa. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/870548-the-multiple-entry-tourist-visa-topic-metv/?p=10231380

That was shortly after the METV was launched and I would suspect they will be less flexible now.

'I would suspect' is not a good response.

Harrison, give them a call to ascertain the correct requirement.

Simple.

Enjoy.

Unless you have the correct extension number be prepared to hold on for hours, yes and I do mean 'Hours' just to get someone to pick the phone up.

Without the correct extension number, it is hard work.I cannot think of a worse place to have to call than the Thai Embassy in London.

Good luck because you will need it!!

I have no idea regarding a credit card as I never asked for one. The last time (Before yesterday) I opened an account was 3 years ago and just a passport was asked for and 500 bt to open the account and a further 200 bt if you required an ATM card. Nothing else apart from a home or hotel address was needed.
I wonder if now the banks here have started to apply the Western culture where it is becoming virtually impossible to open an account without some evidence to back up who you really are (Credit checks, electoral role etc) because of money laundering? It is even becoming harder now to do electronic transfers from the UK without firm evidence of where the money is actually going.
Yesterday,Kasikorn had me filling in a form to do with Income Tax should I of been a US citizen. As a non US citizen, you just tick 'NO' to each answer then sign and date the form. There was nothing else on the form other than something the USA now requires.
I have to say that it did surprise me yesterday that they was adamant that a WP was needed. I certainly wouldn't be to confident that an METV would of been accepted at that particular branch anyway.
As I said, you could walk around and I suppose and eventually find somewhere that will help you but it does seem much more difficult to open an account than it once was.

Good information Ronuk,

I tried at Krung Thai bank and they were simply very unhelpful and almost down right rude. So it is interesting to hear your experience. Kasikorn has always been known to be a little bit more liberal in regards to opening accounts. I am happy with my Bangkok Bank account that is also a rabbit card for the BTS but others may have specific reasons to want a different account. I preferred Krung Thai only because they are the closest ATM to my condo.

Anyway thanks for the update and nice to see this thread seems to be back on track.

Kasikorn were adamant at first of the need for a work permit but I wasn't going to give in too easy

Is the need for a work permit normal these days for opening a new account? It used to be very easy. Mind you, the UK can be a nightmare to open anything than a cash card account too. They want a complete life history.

The Rabbit card sounds interesting. Do you just swipe it and the fare for the BTS comes direct from your account?

Ronuk, which type of bank account did you open? Is it a savings account?

Yes Maestro, it's a savings Deposit account with a passbook and Visa Debit/ATM card. No idea why it was minimum of 10,000bt to open though? Maybe that and the words 'Privileged Member' on the nice silver card is supposed to make you feel special? lol

Good evening Gerry. I am happy with Bangkok Bank but it was a little experiment I promised I would do after anotheruser attempted to open an account with his TE Visa.It all worked well I am pleased to say in my favour of having the TE. Something that is now clearly recognized I am happy to report, by Kasikorn Bank. I needed another bank account anyway after selling some assets in the UK and banks only being responsible worldwide for so much money per account in the event of failure.
No doubt you can walk around Bangkok and eventually get a bank to open an account even without a work permit. I was impressed getting an account though in the very first branch I tried once they realized what the TE was.

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.

Corruption is only possible because people are willing to pay to obtain something they are not entitled too.

Get rid of the element that creates the corruption to start with and it's problem solved.