Seriously thinking of getting a Thai Elite 5 -year visa, but also looking into the STV.  

 

Are they accepting Thai Elite visitors from High Covid countries?

 

 

Many posts of frustration with TE. People having trouble returning to Thailand.

As for STV that depends on which country your from. Haven't even had anyone enter on STV as yet. The first 150 where planned to arrive this week. 

The requirement of "coming from low risk country" only applies to STV.

OP this link to another thread indicates not plain sailing for TE holders

 

Edited October 7, 20205 yr by DrJack54

For Thai Elite, there is no restriction as to country you are from whereas STV is available only in countries with low COVID rates. So depending on where you are from , Thai Elite may be the only option of the two open to you.

 

TE also gives you longer stay than STV, may or may not matter depending on why you want to come.

 

That said, people are reporting delays and generally headaches entering in TE. But then, entering in other visa types is far form quick or easy as well.

Definitely check out the Thailand Elite Visa issues thread here.

 

It is giving you access in theory only at this stage. Hundreds of existing members are ahead of you in the line to get a Certificate of Entry. Only a handful were approved in the 7 weeks this TEMQ program has been open.

I think the major problem that both these options are currently having is the they rely on an additional MFA approval process that has to be initiated at the beginning of the process by the provider (not the applicant). Most of the issues and frustration that is being written about on Facebook and here comes from a lack of information and feedback once you have submitted the docs for the provider to initiate this MFA approval process. I don't fully understand what this MFA process actually encompasses in addition to checking visa history and Thai criminal record.

 

For sure the complaining posts/comments far outnumber the positive experiences (actually I have not seen any of these yet) to date but that may just be the demographic of Facebook and TVF.

 

Edited October 7, 20205 yr by MRToMRT

An article on TV a few days ago said that only 50 people with Elite visas have been allowed to enter the country since the borders were closed. You can spend a pile of money and apply for one, but it still doesn't mean you'll be able to travel back. Best to wait until next year when access may be easier.

Thanks for all the advice.  It does seem that the best option is to wait until things return to normal.

Its  like   asking do you want to amputate the right leg or  left leg