Thai Visa Elite Option

[AussieBob18]

A Thai Elite Visa is something that has interested me on and off for several years since it was started.  But IMO Thai Elite is a 'cobbled together' annual non-immigrant Visa option, that Thailand created in response to the other long term Visas on offer from other SEAsia countries to Expats. I really wish they would offer Expat Visas like other SEAsia countries that provide genuine long term Visas with benefits to Expats who want to stay in Thailand for a long time - some even permanently - and who are prepared to pay for that. 

 

So I figured why not write a post about my experiences, with some thoughts on why I do not like the Thai Elite Visa. But I decided to also provide my thoughts on how the Thailand Govt should setup and offer a viable and suitable Visa option for long term Expats (maybe wasted effort I know, but why not).  If what I am suggesting, or something like it, was implemented by the Thai Govt, then I would immediately get one - and I am sure thousands of others would also get one too. That would include not only the Expats already in Thailand, but those outside of Thailand who are doing what I did and are now looking at the options for retiring in SEAsia.

 

When I was in my mid-50s I had decided to retire early, but I could not retire early and live well if I was to stay living in Australia (very very expensive). I was divorced for over 10 years, and I was sick of the Aust feminists and the 'troubled ones'.  Several mates and many business/social contacts had married a second time, and then 5-10 years later they got 'financially pillaged' by their second wife - after having had the same thing done by their first (one bloke 3 times).  And that meant of course, that they couldn't retire and live OK, until they were at least 67 (pension age in Aust), and even then they could not live very well. I had decided that there was no way I was letting a stranger take almost half my house/money, just for living with me for 5+ years.  But I was also sick of all the trouble and costs to chase a girl, and then the troubles to get rid of some of them.  And I was sick of how much it cost to 'rent' one - and of course a 'good rental' quickly went up the food-chain (or down). 

 

I had decided to retire and live overseas for 10+ years (mainly for costs) and then return to Aust to get the pension. Some contacts I found and got to know, had moved overseas and after a few years of fun, they had married a local girl - some were from the Aust City I lived in, and we still meet up every year. It became clear very quickly that a country in SEAsia was my best bet - and after long research I made a list. Indonesia (Bali), Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand and India.

 

I researched for over a year about the Expats in those countries, and the Visas in those countries, and the services available in those countries, and I also visited them all. The list then became Malaysia, Philippines, Bali or Thailand.  In the end the main reason I chose Thailand, was because the Visa arrangements were quick and easy, like in Bali and Philippines, but I liked the feel of the place better than the others. 

 

The long term Expat Visas in most of the original list were clear and consistent, and they are still in place.  I did a quick recap before writing this, and they have only become clearer - the better ones are still Malaysia and Singapore. However, I have found that other SEAsia countries are now 'catching up' and are attracting the 'good' long term retired Expat market (couples and singles with money).  And they all offer more than Thai Elite does:

• The ability to become long term resident;
• No 90 day reporting;
• No TM30 type reporting or monitoring;
• 5 yr or 10 yr options with automatic yearly extension (no applications needed);
• No need to apply to leave and/or apply to re-enter - leave and return as many times as you like.
• Equality under the Law with a local citizen/resident.
• No annual 'hassle' to extend and no renewal costs.
• No ever changing rules and regulations to extend, report or provide new documents.

 

Malaysia had the best one and it still does - and the following are its key benefits and features:

• 10 years visa and all benefits guaranteed - they cannot be taken away.
• Any new benefits offered to new applicants, also become a part of your existing Visa.
• Automatic renewal after 5 years - simple application after 10 years.
• No minimum days to stay in Malaysia and no maximum days - 10 years is 10 years.
• You can get the visa and start staying when it suits you - even years later.
• You can stay for as long as you like, or as short a time as you like.
• You can go in and out of the country as many times as you like.
• You can start staying after getting the visa and never leave Malaysia.
• You can get a Govt ID Card for easier identification within Malaysia, and when leaving and entering.
• You are not required to have an address in Malaysia.
• You can live with your friends or stay anywhere you like.
• You don't have to report to anyone or any authorities on where you stay, or when you move.
• The option to become a resident is available and achievable.
• The option to become a citizen is available and achievable.
• No taxes on your foreign remittances into Malaysia.
• Your pension or savings can be remitted to Malaysia without any taxes/fees.
• You can bring in your pets and household effects with no customs-duty and totally tax-free.
• Your Parents, if they are more than 60 years old can be made dependents under your Visa.
• Dependent Parents can live in Malaysia as long as you do - they are given a automatic renewable 6-monthly visa.
• You can buy most property - but a minimum purchase price of RM500K applies (3.5M Baht).
• You can purchase one new car in the 10 year period and you pay no customs/sales taxes or duties.
• You can renew the Visa after 10 years using the same set of requirements that you have used during first application. 
• There will be no surprises and renewing the Visa is easy - no hidden/under-counter fees - no agents no scams - and no changes.

 

But the Malaysian long term Expat Visa does cost you money - but no exorbitant application fee.  Years ago the Thailand '12 Month Retirement Visa' cost about the same, but no where near as much as Singapore.  And it was simple and easy - and so was the Philippines.

 

The financial requirements of the Malaysian 10 yr Expat Visa are as follows (for Retirement Expats):

• Applicants over 50 have to show they have liquid assets over RM350,000 (2.6M Baht) in a banks/super/managed funds.
• Applicants over 50 have to show they have monthly income/pension RM10,000 (75K Baht - 900K Baht PA).
• Applicants over 50 have to place a Fixed Deposit in a bank account in Malaysia of RM150K (1.1M Baht).
• You can then withdraw up to RM50,000 (375K Baht) of the fixed deposit after one year to purchase approved expenses - such as for buying a house, medical insurance, or children’s education expenses, etc etc.
• You can use your 'car purchase grant' to withdraw another RM50K (375K Baht) of the Fixed Deposit after two years.
• You must maintain a minimum balance of RM100K (750K Baht) throughout the Visa period in Malaysia.
• Interest received on the Fixed Deposit is untaxed, and the amount can be fully withdrawn if the holder wishes to leave Malaysia permanently.

 

Compare all that above, to the Thai Elite Visa, and tell me which one offers the much better value?  It is very clear that the Thai Elite offers little in comparison, and Thai Elite actually costs more if you add up all the costs over 10 years. And if you add the financial value of the Malaysian benefits, it is far more costly in Thailand. 

 

The impositions required for an Expat living in Thailand with a Thai Elite are still there, because it is just another annual non-immigrant Visa, but they do provide services to make it easier.  Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and many other SEAsia countries have long-term Expat Visas that are much more than just extendable annual non-immigrant Visas. Thailand has introduced just more of the same, with little real benefits, but is charging a 500K Baht application fee (non refundable) and is requiring similar ongoing financial requirements. Thai Elite costs a lot more in comparison if you add up all the annual fees and charges. 

 

Sorry Thai Elite - but no thank you.  And if the current added impositions and costs for the standard Thailand 'Retirement Visa' had been in place 10 years ago, then I would have probably gone to the Philippines.  I know they dropped the TM30 impositions recently, but they are still on the books, and they have added many other things since 2010, and they have added more costs.

 

So how do I think that the Thai Govt could introduce a comparable long term Expat Visa to the others? By doing exactly what the other countries did. They need to create a separate new Govt group/dept, who are not subject to the same 'issues' that are in the Thai Immigration Dept.  This new Group/Dept also has to work under the authorities and laws that are provided to it from well above the Immigration Dept.  I would suggest like the other countries, that it is only one office and is located only in Bangkok.  That would become the only office that people can apply for the new Visa - both from outside and inside Thailand.  When a new Thailand Expat Visa has been approved and provided, then the holder should have a Govt ID Card and they should not be subject to all the impositions of a current annual non-Immigrant Visa. Plus they must be provided with the same/similar benefits as the list above for Malaysia Expat Visa. 

 

Obviously to put that in place requires an authority well above the Immigration Dept, because it also involved Land and Property Authorities, Residential Rights Authorities, Taxes and Customs Authorities, Financial Authorities, etc etc.  In order to get this done and implemented, it requires the authority of the senior level of the Thai Government - the Executive Branch and the Cabinet.  Just like in Malaysia, this new office with its own new Visa, would operate above and across all the other Depts involved in the country. 

 

Where Thailand went wrong before is that they got the Immigration Dept to put together the Thai Elite Visa options.  Unfortunately the Immigration Dept can only work within it is own authority and rules, and they do not have the authority to create new laws and regulations.  The only way an Expat Visa comparable to what is being offered in other competing SEAsian countries can be done in Thailand, is to do what they did in those other countries. Thailand would need to create a new Authority, under new Laws and Regulations, and managed by the Executive/Cabinet - that IMO is the only way it can be done in Thailand.

 

If Thailand truly wanted to attract the 'good guys' and compete with those countries that are looking for those retiree Expats who have money, then they need to put in place a Visa option that justifies the costs to the Expat with money, compared to that on offer from other countries in SEAsia.  I can understand why an existing long term Expat married to a Thai and/or committed to Thailand, would pay the Thai Elite fees - so they dont have all the 'problems' they have now.  And I can understand why a wealthy businessman who comes and goes into Thailand would see the Thai Elite as a viable option.  But for an Expat who is looking to retire and live overseas for 10+ years, the Thai Elite Visa is not viable compared to what is on offer from other competing SEAsia countries.

 

The truth is that all the 'problems' with the current 'retirement Visa' in Thailand, and the costs of avoiding them to get the Thai Elite Visa, and the lack of benefits in comparison (and other issues), is why so few retiring Expats with money are looking at Thailand these days.  Thailand will still attract the budget Expats who live pension paycheck to paycheck, and right now Thailand is 'competing' with Philippines for the budget retired Expat.  But while the Philippines has made it easier for them since 2010, Thailand has made it harder and the Thai Elite is not a viable way to avoid those 'troubles' for the vast majority of retiring Expats 

 

I know two guys who are now married to a Filipino and they laugh when we talk about the latest Thai Immigration impositions and increased costs.  Thailand is not competing with the the other SEAsian countries when it comes to offering a 5/10 years 'retirement Visa' to Expats who have money - and that is why so few Expats with money are moving to Thailand compared to 10 years ago.  Everybody who looks at TV and others know about all the problems retired and working Expats are having in Thailand with the Immigration rules and regulations. Asking them to pay 500K Baht to avoid the problems that they created, is not a viable solution - they will and do go elsewhere.  I am a regular member of a 'retirement forum' in Australia, and compared to 2010 there are very few questions being asked about retiring or living in Thailand. Now the most often asked about locations are Vietnam, Bali (Lombok) and the Philippines. Even the budget retirees are not asking about Thailand as much.

 

 

[pixelaoffy]

The thing 'elite' about it is you have to be rather elite to get it! Having said that you seem to think Malaysia is an alternative then list the financial hoops which are pretty bad .. and it's not the sort of country for most Western expats 

Edited April 26, 2020 by pixelaoffy

[Yellowtail]

While cheaper and easier is always better. the visa thing in Thailand does not seem like that big a deal to me. 

[AussieBob18]

9 minutes ago, pixelaoffy said:

The thing 'elite' about it is you have to be rather elite to get it! Having said that you seem to think Malaysia is an alternative then list the financial hoops which are pretty bad .. and it's not the sort of country for most Western expats 

I agree - Malaysia not so great for the ordinary expat. But there are a lot of expats living there in very large 'gated communities' and they only leave to play golf and shopping etc,. and to do what they need to do.  

The Elite wants 500K for solving the 'problems' - but no benefits - and still things like 800K in bank, 90 day reports, annual extensions,  etc etc etc.

 

[jackdd]

14 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

Obviously to put that in place requires an authority well above the Immigration Dept, because it also involved Land and Property Authorities, Residential Rights Authorities, Taxes and Customs Authorities, Financial Authorities, etc etc.  In order to get this done and implemented, it requires the authority of the senior level of the Thai Government - the Executive Branch and the Cabinet.  Just like in Malaysia, this new office with its own new Visa, would operate above and across all the other Depts involved in the country. 

 

Where Thailand went wrong before is that they got the Immigration Dept to put together the Thai Elite Visa options.  Unfortunately the Immigration Dept can only work within it is own authority and rules, and they do not have the authority to create new laws and regulations.  The only way an Expat Visa comparable to what is being offered in other competing SEAsian countries can be done in Thailand, is to do what they did in those other countries. Thailand would need to create a new Authority, under new Laws and Regulations, and managed by the Executive/Cabinet - that IMO is the only way it can be done in Thailand.

Your understanding of the Thai Elite visa is wrong. When it was enacted it did involve the Cabinet, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior. So if they wanted they could have done everything that you said. It's not that they didn't have the power to do it, but they simply didn't want to do it. The main purpose of the Thai Elite visa is to generate revenue for the state.

Source (in Thai): http://web.krisdika.go.th/data/comment/comment1/2554/c1_0123_2554.htm

[NCC1701A]

excellent post. 

 

i would rather put my money in a Thai bank. 

i spend three hours a year renewing my retirement extension of stay. 

15 minutes four days a year for 90 day reporting.  

of course if you are not 50 then maybe the elite visa is a good idea. 

 

one thing i will say is the elite visa re-enforces my view that Thais are very status conscious at immigration. Something to think about while all the nicely dressed people's numbers are magically called before yours. 

 

 

[ubonjoe]

33 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

The impositions required for an Expat living in Thailand with a Thai Elite are still there, because it is just another annual non-immigrant Visa, but they do provide services to make it easier.

A Thai Elite PE visa is not a non immigrant visa. I has it own special category.

A Thai Elite PE visa is valid for 5 years and allows unlimited one year entries from the date of issue.

[Caldera]

I think Malaysia's program is great, but the simple truth is, most members of the target group prefer to spend their time in Thailand, even if that means having to deal with Thai immigration and their silly little annoyances. Ultimately, the reporting and yearly extension amounts to nothing more than that, annoyances.

[AussieBob18]

2 hours ago, jackdd said:

Your understanding of the Thai Elite visa is wrong. When it was enacted it did involve the Cabinet, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Interior. So if they wanted they could have done everything that you said. It's not that they didn't have the power to do it, but they simply didn't want to do it. The main purpose of the Thai Elite visa is to generate revenue for the state.

Source (in Thai): http://web.krisdika.go.th/data/comment/comment1/2554/c1_0123_2554.htm

I am sorry - I assumed they didnt do it because it was nothing more than a revamp of the existing Visas. How silly of me to think otherwise - unbelievable.  Thanks for the clarification. Obviously my suggestion will be a waste of time.

[AussieBob18]

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

A Thai Elite PE visa is not a non immigrant visa. I has it own special category.

A Thai Elite PE visa is valid for 5 years and allows unlimited one year entries from the date of issue.

Thanks Joe - you will of course be correct.

My points till stand about lack of any benefits for 500K - but are you saying no need for annual renewal application or payments.  Am I wrong about 90 days and the other reporting?

Edited April 26, 2020 by AussieBob18

[AussieBob18]

33 minutes ago, Caldera said:

I think Malaysia's program is great, but the simple truth is, most members of the target group prefer to spend their time in Thailand, even if that means having to deal with Thai immigration and their silly little annoyances. Ultimately, the reporting and yearly extension amounts to nothing more than that, annoyances.

I do agree and understand what you say - but for the money they make you keep in a bank account and all the other costs - surel;y 90 day reporting etc should be exempt, and maybe some recognition, or benefits??

[AussieBob18]

2 hours ago, NCC1701A said:

excellent post. 

i would rather put my money in a Thai bank. 

i spend three hours a year renewing my retirement extension of stay. 

15 minutes four days a year for 90 day reporting.  

of course if you are not 50 then maybe the elite visa is a good idea. 

one thing i will say is the elite visa re-enforces my view that Thais are very status conscious at immigration. Something to think about while all the nicely dressed people's numbers are magically called before yours. 

 

Cheers mate - appreciated.  

Speaking of 'magic', one day I was in the queue and waiting with wife (long time in CM), when I finally got to the desks - there were two IOs doing the work. When I had started this obvious 'elite' walked in and said a few things and then was taken and sat next to me. He handed about 5K Baht to one of the IOs who took it and placed in in the 'other' drawer. Then he realsied I saw it and looked at me. I just smiled and nodded - all good.  He stamped my paperwork immediately and away I went - no payment - like magic  ????

 

[wasabi]

Recent Youtube video on this topic. Most points we already know but some insights at the end about the cost. Also Thai visa gets a brief shout out LOL.

 

 

[Chivas]

Fool and his money is soon parted......

[AussieBob18]

37 minutes ago, wasabi said:

Recent Youtube video on this topic. Most points we already know but some insights at the end about the cost. Also Thai visa gets a brief shout out LOL.

 

 

I liked the background to the Thai Elite Visa he provided. But he did not provide any real details of the benefits - just read the PR brochures and explained what they meant.  But he did point out a few of the 'gotchas' and a few I didnt know about or mention.  What financial analysis he did was limited to comparing the 5 year to 20 year offer. There was no comparison I heard between Thai Elite and doing the normal annual renewal of Retirement or Marriage 12 mth Visas. And he didnt do any comparison against other country's similar options.  I have no doubt that Thai Elite is over-priced and not a worthwhile option - 500K Baht for 5 years, to not pay an agent (or do it yourself), is just not worth it IMO. Especially when there are nil benefits, other than that they just become your premium 'Visa agent'.

[wasabi]

7 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

I liked the background to the Thai Elite Visa he provided. But he did not provide any real details of the benefits - just read the PR brochures and explained what they meant.  But he did point out a few of the 'gotchas' and a few I didnt know about or mention.  What financial analysis he did was limited to comparing the 5 year to 20 year offer. There was no comparison I heard between Thai Elite and doing the normal annual renewal of Retirement or Marriage 12 mth Visas. And he didnt do any comparison against other country's similar options.  I have no doubt that Thai Elite is over-priced and not a worthwhile option - 500K Baht for 5 years, to not pay an agent (or do it yourself), is just not worth it IMO. Especially when there are nil benefits, other than that they just become your premium 'Visa agent'.

like in the video I ended up getting the 20 year Elite Visa option because I do expect to be in Thailand that long and it was the only one that made any financial sense to me. However I definitely wish there were lower cost options than the Elite for someone who doesn't want or can't get the other visa types.

 

A few of the differences I picked up between Retirement and Thai Elite is 1) No need for insurance. 2) Once you've paid no need to fill out more paperwork other than extensions if you don't leave the country at least once a year. 3) Don't have to be 50 years old.

 

You're right no comparison to the marriage visa other than providing details what it is. I do wonder though why would someone eligible for a marriage visa get an Elite visa?

Edited April 26, 2020 by wasabi

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, AussieBob18 said:

My points till stand about lack of any benefits for 500K - but are you saying no need for annual renewal application or payments.

No need to apply for an extension unless you stay for a year without leaving for a new one year entry. No fees for anything other than 1900 baht for an extension if needed.

 

1 hour ago, AussieBob18 said:

Am I wrong about 90 days and the other reporting?

You need to do 90 day report if you stay longer than 90 consecutive day. Depend upon where you are staying Thai Elite will do your reports for you. You also can do them online or by mail.

The other report is a TM30 report by the owner of where you are stay or by you as the tennent. How often they are needed depends upon the office the report is done to. Those can also be done online.

[JimGant]

3 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

The Elite wants 500K for solving the 'problems' - but no benefits - and still things like 800K in bank, 90 day reports, annual extensions,  etc etc etc.

You no longer need to keep 800k in the bank (nor show 65k monthly remittance to Thailand). And, since I considered the 800k a sunk cost, i.e., I'll never see it again 'cause it'll have to sit in the bank, needed for annual extensions, until I croak -- well, paying 500k   and freeing-up 300k adds a new dimension to the consideration --- (Of course, 5 years down the road I'll need that 300k, plus another 200k, to renew the elite visa.....)

 

Anyway, if you're not very concerned about where that 800k needed for retirement extension will end up when you sign out, the elite visa just might fit into your estate planning. In fact, denying my worthless Thai nephews and nieces of 500k sounds kind of satisfying (but, conversely, depriving a soi dog foundation of a possible windfall because of an elite visa, hmmmmm).

 

I don't travel, so the perks about limos and airport escorts don't resonate. Plus, since I don't travel, I'll have to show up at Immigration once a year to get the one-year renewal stamp (if I traveled, I'd get that stamp upon re-entry into Thailand). And for many of us oldsters of sufficient means, not going  to Immigration at all during the year is worth quite a bit.

 

So, elite visa, please re package your program to: Have the limo show up once a year at my front door to fetch my passport to deliver to Immigration for another one-year stamp. Then, return it to my front door. And, assuming online 90 day reporting doesn't work, send the limo back to my place quarterly. Thank you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[AussieBob18]

41 minutes ago, wasabi said:

like in the video I ended up getting the 20 year Elite Visa option because I do expect to be in Thailand that long and it was the only one that made any financial sense to me. However I definitely wish there were lower cost options than the Elite for someone who doesn't want or can't get the other visa types.

A few of the differences I picked up between Retirement and Thai Elite is 1) No need for insurance. 2) Once you've paid no need to fill out more paperwork other than extensions if you don't leave the country at least once a year. 3) Don't have to be 50 years old.

You're right no comparison to the marriage visa other than providing details what it is. I do wonder though why would someone eligible for a marriage visa get an Elite visa?

Looks to me like it is worth it to you and obviously you can afford it - especially if here working and the company pays for it ????.  Yep - the marriage option is definitely looking like the best option at this point when we return.

[AussieBob18]

19 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

No need to apply for an extension unless you stay for a year without leaving for a new one year entry. No fees for anything other than 1900 baht for an extension if needed.

 

You need to do 90 day report if you stay longer than 90 consecutive day. Depend upon where you are staying Thai Elite will do your reports for you. You also can do them online or by mail.

The other report is a TM30 report by the owner of where you are stay or by you as the tennent. How often they are needed depends upon the office the report is done to. Those can also be done online.

Thanks for confirming Joe.

[AussieBob18]

12 minutes ago, JimGant said:

You no longer need to keep 800k in the bank (nor show 65k monthly remittance to Thailand). And, since I considered the 800k a sunk cost, i.e., I'll never see it again 'cause it'll have to sit in the bank, needed for annual extensions, until I croak -- well, paying 500k   and freeing-up 300k adds a new dimension to the consideration --- (Of course, 5 years down the road I'll need that 300k, plus another 200k, to renew the elite visa.....)

 

Anyway, if you're not very concerned about where that 800k needed for retirement extension will end up when you sign out, the elite visa just might fit into your estate planning. In fact, denying my worthless Thai nephews and nieces of 500k sounds kind of satisfying (but, conversely, depriving a soi dog foundation of a possible windfall because of an elite visa, hmmmmm).

I don't travel, so the perks about limos and airport escorts don't resonate. Plus, since I don't travel, I'll have to show up at Immigration once a year to get the one-year renewal stamp (if I traveled, I'd get that stamp upon re-entry into Thailand). And for many of us oldsters of sufficient means, not going  to Immigration at all during the year is worth quite a bit.

So, elite visa, please re package your program to: Have the limo show up once a year at my front door to fetch my passport to deliver to Immigration for another one-year stamp. Then, return it to my front door. And, assuming online 90 day reporting doesn't work, send the limo back to my place quarterly. Thank you.

 

Very good - great idea ????  And I wonder if they realise how poor it is compared to other long term Visa options on offer from competing countries?  I genuinely dont think they have a clue about how things have progressed in the Expat retiree market in SEAsia.  I know it was hard to deal with the previous costly program that was highlighted in the video linked to before, but did they not count the benefits too? I think they only counted how much it cost them (Immigration) and didnt count to net benefits to the country.  That is how the other countries treat it - if they can get those with money to come and live there - they will get a net benefit overall.

 

Does anyone know why the original lifetime SE Visa was cancelled and re-badged as PE?   Anyone know how many benefits the SE Visa offered that made it close to insolvent?

 

  

 

[wasabi]

9 minutes ago, AussieBob18 said:

Does anyone know why the original lifetime SE Visa was cancelled and re-badged as PE?   Anyone know how many benefits the SE Visa offered that made it close to insolvent?

 

  

 

There are a few reasons I know. Firstly it was a lifetime visa. That's a long time to commit to any product. More problematic was this visa allowed you to transfer it to someone then that next person could transfer it etc etc and I believe every person got another lifetime visa so this could've gone on for generations. Lastly the benefits were TOO generous if you actually ended up using them. I believe they even had a convoluted tax scheme that let foreigners by land. If someone went crazy on golf and massages and their heirs all did too.... haha well you could see that not being a profitable program.

 

*** Bonus point Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. While still loved by many was and remains a persona non grata amongst the (ironically) Thai Elite. So they actually wanted to cancel it entirely perhaps to get rid of any trace of him. But I think someone figured out they could scale it back and still make it work. 

 

It was a tough decision for me personally to get the Elite visa because I hate feeling ripped off or that I overpaid for something but once I got it I have to say it felt good to know i was done thinking about and paying for a long term Thai visa. 

[Caldera]

4 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

I do agree and understand what you say - but for the money they make you keep in a bank account and all the other costs - surel;y 90 day reporting etc should be exempt, and maybe some recognition, or benefits??

If recognition is what you crave, as a foreigner, then Thailand simply isn't the right country - as far as the officialdom is concerned, I'm not talking about regular people's attitude towards foreigners.

 

The prevailing attitude of the Thai officialdom towards foreigners is suspicion.

 

Personally, I can live with that, because it's reciprocal - I view Thai officials with suspicion as well. ????

[looking for LIFE insurance]

7 hours ago, wasabi said:

There are a few reasons I know. Firstly it was a lifetime visa. That's a long time to commit to any product. More problematic was this visa allowed you to transfer it to someone then that next person could transfer it etc etc and I believe every person got another lifetime visa so this could've gone on for generations. Lastly the benefits were TOO generous if you actually ended up using them. I believe they even had a convoluted tax scheme that let foreigners by land. If someone went crazy on golf and massages and their heirs all did too.... haha well you could see that not being a profitable program.

 

*** Bonus point Former PM Thaksin Shinawatra. While still loved by many was and remains a persona non grata amongst the (ironically) Thai Elite. So they actually wanted to cancel it entirely perhaps to get rid of any trace of him. But I think someone figured out they could scale it back and still make it work. 

 

It was a tough decision for me personally to get the Elite visa because I hate feeling ripped off or that I overpaid for something but once I got it I have to say it felt good to know i was done thinking about and paying for a long term Thai visa. 

More problematic was this visa allowed you to transfer it to someone then that next person could transfer it etc etc and I believe every person got another lifetime visa so this could've gone on for generations. Lastly the benefits were TOO generous if you actually ended up using them. 

 

As usual, TV members speaking about things they 

1. Have ZERO experience with

2. Have NO functional knowledge about the subject matter

 

I have had the original lifetime, super deluxe , luxurious, , swank , 2-door model.  Almost 19 years now.

 

I am not going to go point by point as I feel it's not for everyone and I'm not here attempting to convince strangers but this Visa is only transferable ONE (1, UNO, satu, nung) times, the fee to transfer is 200,000 BHT.  So this generational Visa is B**sh*t .  Learn about what you comment on.

 

And if it was generational, what does that have to do with you?  Why do you care what others are doing?  How they stay here legally is their business.

 

Edited April 26, 2020 by looking for LIFE insurance
changed my mind

[Mapguy]

Zing!  Well, I hope that shuts off idle speculation!!

 

Cheers!

Edited April 26, 2020 by Mapguy

[jackdd]

10 hours ago, AussieBob18 said:

Looks to me like it is worth it to you and obviously you can afford it - especially if here working and the company pays for it ????. 

Why would a company pay for a visa which doesn't allow the person to work?

[Yellowtail]

how is B800K in an interest bearing account a sunk cost?

 

At the end of five years you still have your principle and about B70-80K in interest.

 

When I looked at the Elite visa, I figured it only made sense to me if I wasn't working and traveling a lot.  There was no real benefit when I was working, and now that I'm retired I only travel to the US a couple times a year.

[AussieBob18]

13 hours ago, Caldera said:

If recognition is what you crave, as a foreigner, then Thailand simply isn't the right country - as far as the officialdom is concerned, I'm not talking about regular people's attitude towards foreigners.

 

The prevailing attitude of the Thai officialdom towards foreigners is suspicion.

 

Personally, I can live with that, because it's reciprocal - I view Thai officials with suspicion as well. ????

Ditto.  I never talk to Thai 'authorities' without my Wife there to ensure things go as well as possible. 

Otherwise it is - 'mai puud thai'

 

[AussieBob18]

6 hours ago, jackdd said:

Why would a company pay for a visa which doesn't allow the person to work?

The Thai Elite Visa is svery much designed for someone that does business or works in Thailand. Someone who is retired can also get it - in fact anyone can who is over 20.  In terms of someone that works or does business in Thailand, especially if they come and go a bit, it makes a lot of sense to get Thai Elite Visa.

 

But I was comparing The Thai Eliote Visa to what other countries offer specifically only for over 50 retiree Expats looking to live in their country long term - and I used the Malaysian MM2H Visa as a comparison. MM2H stands for 'Make Malaysia Second Home'.

 

[AussieBob18]

1 hour ago, Yellowtail said:

how is B800K in an interest bearing account a sunk cost?

At the end of five years you still have your principle and about B70-80K in interest.

When I looked at the Elite visa, I figured it only made sense to me if I wasn't working and traveling a lot.  There was no real benefit when I was working, and now that I'm retired I only travel to the US a couple times a year.

I was comparing the 800K required under the limited Thai 'retirement visa' with the money required to be kept in the Malaysian MM2H visa.  Under Thai Elite the 500K is not refunded - it is the cost to 'buy' one - no refunds. 

 

I did the same thing - we traveled back to Australia 1-2 times a year - it didnt add up - still doesnt.

 

Maybe I should do a cost comparison against someone on a Thai Marriage Visa versus the Thai Elite 5yr 500K.

On the list for 'projects to be completed' ????