blacklisted for 12 months while on elite visa.

[blackprince]

Just now, thaibeachlovers said:

Perhaps that's why people dislike elite visa holders. Think they can push in 'cause they are rich.

They're paying for a different class of service, same as planes, trains, insurance etc

Just that some of them seem to a bit careless about reading the rules.

The big problem with EV is that you cannot work here - it's basically a long term tourist visa I believe

 

[robblok]

9 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Perhaps that's why people dislike elite visa holders. Think they can push in 'cause they are rich.

We pay for it so I don't see the problem. But yes I can understand that that gives some frustration to some people. But would you willing to pay that amount of money to go before others ?

 

I mean its easy to feel resentment but would you willing to pay it ?

 

Personally id rather have it that under 50 could just put 800k in the bank and I would not care if elite guys push before me as the price i pay is quite high for that privilege. 

 

You even have a premium service at grab where when you pay 15bt extra you get ahead of the cue. So paying extra to bump in front of a cue is not that unheard of in Asia.

 

Its frowned upon in Europe but yes for some services it still applies.

Edited December 7, 2021 by robblok

[robblok]

3 minutes ago, blackprince said:

They're paying for a different class of service, same as planes, trains, insurance etc

Just that some of them seem to a bit careless about reading the rules.

The big problem with EV is that you cannot work here - it's basically a long term tourist visa I believe

 

True you can't work but if you stay off the radar you can work just like on a retirement visa (also not allowed but hell they have to catch you first). Depending on the work you do they might not even care. 

 

But yes you can't work on it

[blackprince]

Just now, robblok said:

True you can't work but if you stay off the radar you can work just like on a retirement visa (also not allowed but hell they have to catch you first). Depending on the work you do they might not even care. 

 

But yes you can't work on it

Yes I do know one guy on EV who crows about his illegal work here. He's even daft enough to brag about it online.

 

I'm not very happy about foreigners working illegally in my country of origin, and I don't see why foreigners on this forum should advocate illegal working in Thailand either. Those of us who go to the trouble of starting legal businesses, getting work permits, employing people legally etc find the proud illegals on this forum quite amusing.

 

I have posted several cases of people getting deported for working  illegally. I'm not in the least sorry to see them ago, EV or no EV

[HampiK]

29 minutes ago, digbeth said:

could elite keep a better track of their client's entry stamp/extension and report status? sure if they have an exact record, they can try to contact the person harder as the matter becoming more urgent

And how Elite would have the record of a member coming back into Thailand?
Don't forget Elite is a private company, who take care that you become a visa which is valid for 5/10/20 years which allows you to stay in the country up to 1 year without problems. But after 1 year you have to leave or renew your permision to stay inside!

[thaibeachlovers]

12 minutes ago, robblok said:

We pay for it so I don't see the problem. But yes I can understand that that gives some frustration to some people. But would you willing to pay that amount of money to go before others ?

 

I mean its easy to feel resentment but would you willing to pay it ?

 

Personally id rather have it that under 50 could just put 800k in the bank and I would not care if elite guys push before me as the price i pay is quite high for that privilege. 

 

You even have a premium service at grab where when you pay 15bt extra you get ahead of the cue. So paying extra to bump in front of a cue is not that unheard of in Asia.

 

Its frowned upon in Europe but yes for some services it still applies.

Pushing in is pushing in. Unacceptable.

 

Why can't they make an appointment so they ain't pushing in? That would be different as the peasants wouldn't be cast aside while the rich trample them underfoot, as usual.

 

[scorecard]

16 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

Didn’t the people at the Elite Visa Agency advise him that he has two options to get the annual “quasi” extension:  

 

1) Leave the country and enter

2) Go to Immigration and pay 1900 Baht fee if one does not leave the country at least once a year.

 

Blacklisted and a 25,000 Baht fine after paying 500,000 or more for an Elite Visa?  Only in Thailand.  I would have called the Elite Visa agency from the airport and demand immediate assistance.  Elite Visa advertisement implies “VIP” type service.  I was considering this in the future if I decided that Thailand is the place to be for life.  Maybe not.  

 

For the fees people pay for this visa surely holders should expect that the 'EliteVisa' admin keep members well informed, in advance, about items/requirements like this.

 

 

 

Edited December 8, 2021 by scorecard

[robblok]

6 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

Pushing in is pushing in. Unacceptable.

 

Why can't they make an appointment so they ain't pushing in? That would be different as the peasants wouldn't be cast aside while the rich trample them underfoot, as usual.

 

An appointment has been made of course, how else would i be escorted by a lady. I send an email and they tell me what slots are available. Then im helped the instant i arrive.

[robblok]

11 minutes ago, blackprince said:

Yes I do know one guy on EV who crows about his illegal work here. He's even daft enough to brag about it online.

 

I'm not very happy about foreigners working illegally in my country of origin, and I don't see why foreigners on this forum should advocate illegal working in Thailand either. Those of us who go to the trouble of starting legal businesses, getting work permits, employing people legally etc find the proud illegals on this forum quite amusing.

 

I have posted several cases of people getting deported for working  illegally. I'm not in the least sorry to see them ago, EV or no EV

I know a guy who worked for an US company online had an EV. For some reason was checked (maybe someone ratted on him). They did not do a thing as there were no Thais or Thai companies involved. They just ignored it.

 

Would have been a different thing though if he had been working with Thai customers in a Thai office. But this was online scripting for an US company with only US clients. 

[Dialemco]

Well he now knows not to waste his money in Thailand so many foreigners come with money and go home with done. 

[blackprince]

36 minutes ago, robblok said:

I know a guy who worked for an US company online had an EV. For some reason was checked (maybe someone ratted on him). They did not do a thing as there were no Thais or Thai companies involved. They just ignored it.

 

Would have been a different thing though if he had been working with Thai customers in a Thai office. But this was online scripting for an US company with only US clients. 

Yes, I can understand an immigration officer may have turned a blind eye to that. On the other hand I know of cases where people teaching online working for a US online outfit were deported - a large number - half a housing compound!

 

The key issue is that it's illegal, and banking one's security here on an immigration officer turning a blind eye seems pretty immature to me, never mind the risk.

 

Those of us with substantial roots in Thailand obviously prefer to do things properly.

[robblok]

1 minute ago, blackprince said:

Yes, I can understand an immigration officer may have turned a blind eye to that. On the other hand I know of cases where people teaching online working for a US online outfit were deported - a large number - half a housing compound!

 

The key issue is that it's illegal, and banking one's security here on an immigration officer turning a blind eye seems pretty immature to me, never mind the risk.

 

Those of us with substantial roots in Thailand obviously prefer to do things properly.

Indeed when possible do it properly. However that is not always possible. In case of the US guy he would have to have to set up a Thai company employ 5 Thai employees (that could not do a thing to help) and when he went that route the lawyer said get ghost employees (not proper again) 

 

Thailand needs to make it easier for those who work abroad online, im pretty sure most are willing to pay taxes and all. But the biggest problem is the 5 Thais for one WP or you need to BOI with really high financial requirements. Not really something an online scripter is going to do.

 

I think Thailand misses out on a lot of income this way. But that is just my personal view as i know many digital nomads. They usually make nice money but not THAT nice that they can afford to pay 5 Thais a salary for doing nothing. You just can't always have Thai employees.

 

They made this law to protect Thais from foreigners stealing their jobs, but digital nomads are not doing that at all. Anyway like so many rules in so many countries there are always problems.

[blackprince]

9 minutes ago, robblok said:

Indeed when possible do it properly. However that is not always possible. In case of the US guy he would have to have to set up a Thai company employ 5 Thai employees (that could not do a thing to help) and when he went that route the lawyer said get ghost employees (not proper again) 

 

Thailand needs to make it easier for those who work abroad online, im pretty sure most are willing to pay taxes and all. But the biggest problem is the 5 Thais for one WP or you need to BOI with really high financial requirements. Not really something an online scripter is going to do.

 

I think Thailand misses out on a lot of income this way. But that is just my personal view as i know many digital nomads. They usually make nice money but not THAT nice that they can afford to pay 5 Thais a salary for doing nothing. You just can't always have Thai employees.

 

They made this law to protect Thais from foreigners stealing their jobs, but digital nomads are not doing that at all. Anyway like so many rules in so many countries there are always problems.

I can't agree Rob. Unless I've misunderstood you the simplest thing for your friend would have been to go back to the US and work legally. You and i both know he's working illegally here, regardless of whether he's getting away with it or not.

 

I've worked all over the world - legally - the Thai rules are pretty standard. For example an American can't work illegally online from the UK. A Brit can't work illegally online from the US. The same is true for all countries that I'm aware of.

 

The best deal in the world for legal international work is the EU, but even that is restricted to member nations.

Edited December 8, 2021 by blackprince

[VocalNeal]

18 hours ago, 3421abc said:

His elite visa is good for another 2 years. To add salt to the wound he had to pay 25,000 baht fine for overstaying.

Why didn't he check his passport? 

[toolpush]

16 hours ago, Ohyesuare said:

A lot on the EV don't even know that you still have to do 90 day reports as well. In some cities, there is an agent that will do it for you free of charge, included with the EV fee. But ya, even though you are paying so much, don't really expect to be treated like an elite or that it really gives you any special status or get out of jail free card.

It is nothing more than a glorified tourist visa.  But it is really the only option for someone under 50 yo that wants to stay longterm without having to marry a local.

[toolpush]

11 hours ago, EricTh said:

So this elite visa is not really 'elite'. Why pay so much when we have to exit from Thailand every 12 months? It's ridiculous.

No need to exit, can extend another year at any immigration office.

[toolpush]

11 hours ago, fangless said:

And so he paid how much  of a fine for missing all those reports?

The answer is peanuts!

(if I remember correctly it is about 1500 Baht no matter how many reports you miss) and no record on your passport!

Generally 2000 baht, but can be up to 5000 baht

[toolpush]

10 hours ago, Pravda said:

Can't afford? Do you seriously think that? Yes, I'm overwhelmed with jealousy. It's a glorified tourist visa. It it wasn't would there even be such thing as 90 day reporting, overstay on a visa that allows you a 5 year stay, blacklist and a fine. Wake up!

 

As for benefits get more useful benefits with my wife's SCB card.

 

 

You are absolutely right. I had an Elite visa. Benefits other than the visa itself? None

[easydoor]

ROFLA: Rolling Over the Floor Laughing my <deleted> off.

Typical for people with to much money and thinking they don't need any knowledge of the rules.

We, in Flanders, have an expression for this: 'the most stupid farmer cultivates the biggest patatoes'.

Now he learned his lesson I hope.

 

[Mansell]

I’m not getting an Elite Visa, but I had no idea you had to report to immigration each year….I knew the ninety day was still in effect. What the hell is the point getting this visa….it seems like it offers you nothing, just the ability to pay 500,000 baht. For what? To get screwed anyway by immigration and get banned for a year.

They really don’t have a clue here to create a good and safe immigration process that works for everybody. Banning a guy who has paid 15,000 dollars for a misunderstanding that could be resolved with one of their beloved rubber stamps……It jus beggars belief. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot, more like the brain. I thought Asian people were smart….it doesn’t come across like that here.

[steven100]

18 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

 I would have called the Elite Visa agency from the airport and demand immediate assistance

I splutted my coffee on the keyboard ......    

[Skeptic7]

Shows exactly what that EXTREMELY overpriced "ELITE"(555 ????) truly is...worthless...other than to the scam artists taking your money. It's a joke! Doesn't get anyone anything that can't be gotten much cheaper. Still gotta leave or renew. It's an expensive status symbol which isn't worth the price at a 90% discount. 

[DrJack54]

Do not understand this thread in any way. The guy made a silly mistake.

As for all the chit chat about PE visa...what's that have to do with anything. There are options that suit people in various situations.

In my eye the PE is a very good option for some folk especially not married to a Thai and under 50.

There is also the option of investing in new build condos or bonds etc. Is it 10mil. Irrelevant.

Many countries have similar visa options. Just ask all the Chinese that have purchased real estate in Oz (my joint).

If I was under 50 ....I would purchase a PE visa in a heart beat.

All chit chat about this option is rubbish. Buy one or don't. As the saying goes ..."up to you".

The ONE thing this thread has highlighted is always be aware of requirements.

Isn't that obvious. 

[Scouse123]

Can he ask for a credit note for his elite visa for the 12 months he is banned?????

[Ohyesuare]

1 hour ago, toolpush said:

It is nothing more than a glorified tourist visa.  But it is really the only option for someone under 50 yo that wants to stay longterm without having to marry a local.

The only by the book, "legal" option, yes. For people with money, visa issues can always be solved unless it's too late like in this person's case.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Ohyesuare

[kg1947]

because other countries might place another type of " problem " 

that is more annoying .... If he has a good agent , this will be explained

already in detail .  besides -- if you can afford ELITE VISA , he can

afford the FINE .... T I T. .....

[chicowoodduck]

Done like a Sunday dinner…poor sod! ????

[Hummin]

I have to extend my retirement every year, and report every 90 days, not rocket science!

 

What I'm more concerned about, is the elite visa agency didn't remind him at all, as they normally take care of 90 day report for their clients!? 

[DefaultName]

2 hours ago, VocalNeal said:

Why didn't he check his passport? 

^^^ This ^^^

 

I'm only on a lowly Non-O with retirement extension, but any time anything happens in my passport, I check it immediately, before I leave Immigration, and set calendar reminders.  This stuff is too important not to.

[Tropposurfer]

19 hours ago, sqwakvfr said:

Didn’t the people at the Elite Visa Agency advise him that he has two options to get the annual “quasi” extension:  

 

1) Leave the country and enter

2) Go to Immigration and pay 1900 Baht fee if one does not leave the country at least once a year.

 

Blacklisted and a 25,000 Baht fine after paying 500,000 or more for an Elite Visa?  Only in Thailand.  I would have called the Elite Visa agency from the airport and demand immediate assistance.  Elite Visa advertisement implies “VIP” type service.  I was considering this in the future if I decided that Thailand is the place to be for life.  Maybe not.  

Sorry to hear of your friends ending up on the outer for all that time. I wonder what has led up to this lapse of awareness ? Perhaps all this covid situation has discombobulated him.

Yep seems he didn't put a reminder on his electronic calendar the very moment he was told of this condition. I'm one of those unlikable Elite people (hello ???????? to all those here who have a need to call us lucky people all sorts of interesting names).

By the way I was an unlikeable, snob way way before I had an Elite ????.

I'm curious where his Elite Visa liaison staffer was in not communicating his due date was approaching? I get a nice email about these things, and all sorts of spontaneous Elite support every year.

Edited December 8, 2021 by Tropposurfer