New Thailand Elite Visa packages from September 15th ?

[Tuvoc]

Apologies if this has already been posted. I got an email from one of my regular newsletters that all existing packages will no longer be able to be applied for after September 15th, and will be replaced by new packages. Has anyone else seen this ?   Presumably, the new packages will be at a higher cost ! 

[mokwit]

16 minutes ago, Tuvoc said:

Apologies if this has already been posted. I got an email from one of my regular newsletters that all existing packages will no longer be able to be applied for after September 15th, and will be replaced by new packages. Has anyone else seen this ?   Presumably, the new packages will be at a higher cost ! 

More requirements. Proof of exemption from military service in your home country maybe. Proof of free from Leprosy, TB, elehantisis etc. etc etc.

[DrJack54]

Just had a type chat with PE Visa agent.

Chat screenshots attached.

My question was "are there any planned changes to elite visa' 

 

Edited July 29 by DrJack54

[Klonko]

Are there many people considering an Elite visa but not qualifying for a LTR?  

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, Klonko said:

Are there many people considering an Elite visa but not qualifying for a LTR?  

There will be now.

Not everyone qualifies for LTR.

A PE visa is just a price tag.

 

They are not happy with overstays but otherwise it's simple process. 

[Jacques Clouseau]

It's a strange move.

Usually when what's on offer doesn't sell, you lower your prices, right ?

[BritTim]

One huge question that I have is: will the ability to upgrade from a five-year to a 20-year membership just by paying the difference in the membership price be retained? That is one of the biggest bargains currently on offer, and I think it may disappear.

[ukrules]

37 minutes ago, BritTim said:

One huge question that I have is: will the ability to upgrade from a five-year to a 20-year membership just by paying the difference in the membership price be retained? That is one of the biggest bargains currently on offer, and I think it may disappear.

That's what I'm thinking of - I plan on upgrading my current 5 year membership to a 20 year membership at some point.

 

Perhaps I should move quickly.

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Perhaps I should move quickly

 Certainly contact them.

BTW: I do not have a PE visa.

If I did I certainly would look into it.

 

[ukrules]

6 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 Certainly contact them.

BTW: I do not have a PE visa.

If I did I certainly would look into it.

 

Yeah, I'll contact them after all this weeks holidays are out of the way.

 

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Yeah, I'll contact them after all this weeks holidays are out of the way.

 

Can you report back to ASEAN NOW with update.

I'm sure some folk would be interested. 

[NativeBob]

1 hour ago, Jacques Clouseau said:

It's a strange move.

Usually when what's on offer doesn't sell, you lower your prices, right ?

Surprisingly not in LOS.
Besides, Thai-Elite is the membership to premium VIP services not a "5 y.o. visa". But now it goes exactly that way. 

[Pib]

Below Hawryluk Legal website that is a Elite Visa agent published below article in early April.   And it was sourced from the following Thai language news website....see this article for the Thai language version.   ttps://www.prachachat.net/tourism/news-1249510

 

English Language Version at Hawryluk Legal website

https://www.thailandelitevisas.com/thailand-privilege-card-to-undergo-major-rebranding/

April 4, 2023 in Thailand, Thailand Elite, Visa by Admin

Thailand Privilege Card To Reduce Card Types For Better Market Fit

The “Thailand Privilege Card,” also known as the Thailand Elite Visa, is going to undergo a comprehensive makeover. The company will concentrate on proactive marketing in each country, reduce the types of Elite Visa cards, price and benefits adjustments to reflect the current situation, addressing the demands of clients from the next generation. They plan to unveil a new image at the end of this year and hope to exceed 50,000 card sales.

 

Mr. Manatase Annawat, General Manager of Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a company that produces special membership card projects including the Thailand Privilege Card (also known as the Elite Card), has announced plans to rebrand. The company aims to improve the image of the Thailand Privilege Card by reducing the number of card types, adjusting prices, and amending the benefits for every type of membership card.

 

This is intended to make it more relevant and in accordance with the lifestyle and market of each country’s members. It’s currently in the process of examining the details at this time. In the last quarter of 2023, the program is expected to unveil a new image.

 

Expected changes include adjusting the marketing strategies to be more proactive and focusing on each country to reach the target audience more directly. Currently, the company advertises in significant places and major events overseas, such as Times Square billboards. They are also willing to collaborate with international media and influencers on public relations.

“The Thailand Privilege Card Co. Ltd. is considering adjusting card benefits to fulfill customers’ demands in the current period. For those seeking a distinctive and exceptional experience, the company is more inclined to collaborate with new business partners to strengthen the Thailand Privilege Card’s competitiveness on the worldwide market.”

In an effort to improve its customer relationships, the company is developing a new CRM system that will focus on communication through social projects (CSR) while incorporating ESG principles in its management practices. Additionally, they are planning to increase service efficiency by leveraging technology, such as by implementing a call center to streamline organizational management.

“We anticipate that by the end of this fiscal year, there’s going to be a total of 30,000 cardholders, up from the present 24,700, and within the next three years, or by 2025, there will be a total of 50,000 cardholders.”

– Manatase Annawat

Mr. Manatase reported that the “Elite Easy Access” card is the top choice among foreign travelers, contributing 42% of the total memberships. The price is set at 600,000 baht. However, based on the current market trend, it was determined that foreigners are paying more attention to family cards. The company plans to lower the percentage of revenue derived from these types of cards to 38% while increasing the proportion of sales for other types of cards instead.

According to Mr. Manatase, immigration patterns are evolving globally, and with the relaxation of border controls, Thailand continues to be among the top choices for foreign travelers. This is good news for businesses that operate in the tourism industry.

 

However, based on recent reports, Mr. Manatase revealed that foreigners who enter Thailand illegally are capable of applying for a Thailand Privilege Card. In the past, the company used to thoroughly examine the applicants. However, when such a problem arises, the company conducts even more extensive investigations, which may delay the card authorization process.

 

The Thailand Privilege Card company carries out a criminal background investigation on every applicant. Once the application is received, the details are forwarded to the immigration office in Thailand. In some other countries, like China, the information needs to be provided to the government intelligence agency. This process typically takes 7 to 15 days, while an additional 45 days are required to verify the applicant’s criminal record and other relevant data.

In other news, Mr. Manatase Annawat, General Manager of Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. paid a visit to Hawryluk Legal Advisors, one of the top Thailand Elite Visa agents in Thailand today (April 4, 2023).  During his visit, he discussed several important topics to improve the elite program; extra benefits to make memberships cater to privileged lifestyle inside of Thailand, the potential increase in Elite visa fees, streamline of 90-day reporting, and more. Hawryluk Legal Advisors is known for its personalized approach to each client, ensuring that their needs are met through a careful and thorough evaluation.  Their clients can rest assured that they are receiving top-tier legal services and expert guidance throughout the Elite Visa application process.
 

[Pib]

1 hour ago, Jacques Clouseau said:

It's a strange move.

Usually when what's on offer doesn't sell, you lower your prices, right ?

I remember reading in some news article a few months ago that the Thailand Elite Visa Company felt they had too many PE visa choices which can possibly confuse potential applicants and the company wanted to streamline/update (i.e., reduce) the number of different PE visas...and while doing this they could also slip-in updated (i.e., increased) prices.   I think the article said they were considering going to only 5 different types of PEs vs the 7 or 8 they currently have.  

[jayboy]

32 minutes ago, Pib said:

In an effort to improve its customer relationships, the company is developing a new CRM system that will focus on communication through social projects (CSR) while incorporating ESG principles in its management practices

That's reassuring.

[Pib]

Just as FYI when an PE visa applicant use a PE visa "agent" to apply for an PE visa vs applying directly at the Thailand Visa Company website the agent receives a minimum 10% commission (a.k.a., sales remuneration) of each PE membership sold.   Like the Bt2M, 20 year Elite Ultimate Privilege membership would earn an agent at least Bt200K.  The lowest cost Bt600K, 5 year Elite Easy Access membership would earn an agent at least Bt60K.

 

This healthy commission is the prime reason behind so many agents/website, YouTube videos, etc., talking very highly of a PE visa.    

 

 

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bGZ5sckoHZl1HdJFiaD_5svGq53Pq0xE/view

[Pib]

See below The Nation 29 July 2023 new article for another slant on the upcoming changes to the Thailand Elite visa program.  See link below for the complete news article....and also a partial quote from the article is also below.

 

 

Triad crackdown: ‘No Thailand Elite Cards were sold to Chinese criminals’

https://www.nationthailand.com/thailand/general/40026211

 

Quote

 

Stricter background checks have been imposed on applicants for Thailand Elite cards since the crackdown on Chinese triads began last November, Thailand Privilege Card Co Ltd president Manatase Annawat said on Friday...

....The company plans to increase sales of the cards to wealthy foreign nationals.

 

It will double the number of cards sold from the current 24,000 to 50,000 by the start of fiscal year 2025, which begins on October 1, 2024, Manatase said.

 

About 38% of existing cardholders are Chinese nationals, followed by Japanese (8%), American (6%), and British nationals (6%), he said.

 

The company targets increasing the number of cardholders to 30,000 this fiscal year, Manatase said. The fiscal year ends on September 30.

 

More cards will be sold to Russian nationals, Manatase said, explaining that Thailand has become a refuge for people fleeing economic turmoil and conflict.....

 

Manatase said their prices could rise but did not say by how much or when this would happen.

 

 

 

Edited July 29 by Pib

[aldriglikvid]

2 hours ago, Jacques Clouseau said:

It's a strange move.

Usually when what's on offer doesn't sell, you lower your prices, right ?

Not really sure what's this comment is based on. Look at this graph, and remember 2023 isn't even in it - and according to Bangkok Post they're currently growing +50% YoY in 2023. 

Nah, TE will increase their prices +40% to 50% across the board, because demand is simply through the roof. 

I would advise anyone under the age of 50 aiming to be in Thailand long term, to acquire a TE before the 15th of September. Prices gonna be nuts. 

[Jacques Clouseau]

1 hour ago, aldriglikvid said:

Not really sure what's this comment is based on. Look at this graph, and remember 2023 isn't even in it - and according to Bangkok Post they're currently growing +50% YoY in 2023. 

Nah, TE will increase their prices +40% to 50% across the board, because demand is simply through the roof. 

I would advise anyone under the age of 50 aiming to be in Thailand long term, to acquire a TE before the 15th of September. Prices gonna be nuts. 

This graph is cumulative.

It states "members by fiscal year" and not "new members by fiscal year".

And "active members" not "new active members".

My understanding is that they've been stuck at +5000/year since 2019.

Now who are those 5000 people?

The term used is "members" not "holders" so I wouldn't be surprised if that 5000 figure was the sum of holders and their families.

If that's the case, it would mean that the real number of new holders each year is much lower than 5000.

In other words, their scheme doesn't work as expected.

They don't make enough money.

Edited July 29 by Jacques Clouseau

[aldriglikvid]

2 minutes ago, Jacques Clouseau said:

This graph is cumulative.

It states "members by fiscal year" and not "new members by fiscal year".

And "active members" not "new active members".

My understanding is that they've been stuck at +5000/year since 2019.

Now who are those 5000 people?

The term used is "members" not "holders" so I wouldn't be surprised if that 5000 figure was the sum of holders and their families.

If that's the case, it means that the real number of new holders per year is much lower than 5000.

In other words, their scheme doesn't work.

They don't make enough money.

Your understanding is simply wrong. You have the assumption that they want this to be a volume scheme, couldn't be further from the truth. 

TPC reached profitability in 2021 (it was mainly the unlimited SPAs and Golfs that made it unprofitable). It's a LTD, with a proper P&L, but government owned nonetheless. 

 

They are increasing prices because demand is through the roof, and most importantly, because they can. 

The amount of cards sold 2021 Oct - 2022 Sep (TPC fiscal year) was 1950 cards generating 1,2 billion thb. Next FY, they sold +5000 cards in only 6 months (Oct 2022 - Mar 2023), generating 3.2 billion in revenues. This FY, ending in ~1.5 months, is set to rake in 10 000 new memberships generating 6-7 billion in revenue. It's an absolute profit center. 

 

They know they're priced too low, and they gonna increase prices substantially. It's a no-brainer: more revenue with less of the fix costs (less security and immigration fast track, less EPA to be hired shuttling passengers throughout the Airport). 

TE might have been a failure when it started, 20 years ago, but today (Russian exodus, Chinese exodus, European Civil-war/islamist takeover, work from home exodus etc.) it's an absolute success. 

The 20 year elite superiority extension I bought for 1m last month, not gonna sell for less than 2.5m this autumn. Just wait, son ????

[Jacques Clouseau]

18 minutes ago, aldriglikvid said:

You have the assumption that they want this to be a volume scheme, couldn't be further from the truth.

Not at all. I think they wanna make as much money as possible. As your graph shows, they've been unable to increase the number of eligible people applying for a couple of years now. So their only way to make more money now is to increase their prices (hoping to not lose too many future applicants in the process).

 

26 minutes ago, aldriglikvid said:

The amount of cards sold 2021 Oct - 2022 Sep (TPC fiscal year) was 1950 cards generating 1,2 billion thb. Next FY, they sold +5000 cards in only 6 months (Oct 2022 - Mar 2023), generating 3.2 billion in revenues. This FY, ending in ~1.5 months, is set to rake in 10 000 new memberships generating 6-7 billion in revenue. It's an absolute profit center.

What your graph shows is roughly 5000 people added each year since 2019.

I would be cautious with recent numbers because of covid.

As for speculations about their bright future... This is Thailand.

 

37 minutes ago, aldriglikvid said:

The 20 year elite superiority extension I bought for 1m last month, not gonna sell for less than 2.5m this autumn.

Yes. Very possible.

It doesn't mean their scheme is a success.

[ukrules]

51 minutes ago, aldriglikvid said:

The 20 year elite superiority extension I bought for 1m last month, not gonna sell for less than 2.5m this autumn.

Nonsense

[aldriglikvid]

12 minutes ago, Jacques Clouseau said:

Not at all. I think they wanna make as much money as possible. As your graph shows, they've been unable to increase the number of eligible people applying for a couple of years now.

 

You're only making stuff up now - how do you know about their goals? To the contrary, if you read quotes from the TPC board to local Thai financial news they are unable to satisfy all clients with EPA services - because there are so many new clients! If you want to debate, at least engage honestly. 

You argued it wasn't profitable - I showed you it was. 

You're telling me now that "it's no success" - according to who/what, your opinion? 

 

I'm out. 

[aldriglikvid]

3 minutes ago, ukrules said:

Nonsense

What official agents have been told is that the ESE is to be scrapped entirely, and replaced with a new 20Y visa costing +2m. We'll see ????

[Tuvoc]

5 hours ago, ukrules said:

That's what I'm thinking of - I plan on upgrading my current 5 year membership to a 20 year membership at some point.

 

Perhaps I should move quickly.

I saw on a youtube video that the ability to do that is in the contract that you signed, but that the contract also says that they reserved the right to change the price to do so. 

[Tuvoc]

I think that the price increase is as a result of the extra demand that they have now. All about making money.

 

To me there do seem to be too many packages at the moment and simplifying that would be a good thing.

 

I had planned to buy the 20 yr one at 1 million baht about 2 years from now. If that will go up by 20-30% then I have some thinking to do, it may make sense to buy now.

[Tuvoc]

Found it on the Thai Elite website itself:

 

Discontinuation of Current Thailand Elite Visa Membership programs by 15th September 2023 (thailand-elite.com)

[still kicking]

6 hours ago, Jacques Clouseau said:

It's a strange move.

Usually when what's on offer doesn't sell, you lower your prices, right ?

Not in Thailand 

[wordchild]

i have an original TE membership since 15plus years ago .

I do not use the visa (as not appropriate for me), but i use the "meet and greet" and (sometimes) limo service.

I am a regular traveller in and out of Suvarnabhumi (pretty much monthly) , and my comment would be that i see TE Greet Girls everywhere on any  arrival into TH. sometimes 4 or 5 of them waiting for the same flight.

I always chat about how things are going etc etc. In recent months the reaction has always been along the lines of "OMG! so busy now, we have so many new members" (Chinese mostly). From what i hear they are recruiting new staff and existing staff are being worked harder.

My impression is that the business is booming and i can understand why they would want to adjust pricing.

Actually for a wealthy (say) Chinese businessman the cost is still ridiculously low, given the benefits for such a person. 

[ukrules]

1 hour ago, Tuvoc said:

Found it on the Thai Elite website itself:

 

Discontinuation of Current Thailand Elite Visa Membership programs by 15th September 2023 (thailand-elite.com)

That is not the official page of Thailand Elite - it's merely an agent at best.

 

The official URL is www.thailandelite.com - this one has a - character in the domain so it's a completely different company.

 

This appears to be the latest official announcement and it's lapsed already :

 

https://www.thailandelite.com/news/64635900c09dcf531c2bc388/?category=privileges

 

 

Edited July 29 by ukrules