Elite Card Useless Now?

[lardy]

Just looked at the Elite card website again and now I see its a "bargain" price up to 1.5 million from 1 million , no 5 year visa just some 90 day extension or something Oh and a 30 year life too, wow if i was looking for somewhere to feel Elite Thailand would be at the bottom of the list with this " fantastic offer" Great marketing!! Buy now while stocks last hurry hurry hurry. How about all the original members do they still get the 5 years visa I know there were a few here? Grandfathered in or what?

[sriracha john]

I found this one on their site to be particularly funny...

What are the qualifications of the member?

4)Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any countries except for an offence committed through negligence.

[BigSnake]

Yes that Elite Card was a dream for the rich farang from the rich Thai man, now they both are gone.

[palm]

Just looked at the Elite card website again and now I see its a "bargain" price up to 1.5 million from 1 million , no 5 year visa just some 90 day extension or something Oh and a 30 year life too, wow if i was looking for somewhere to feel Elite Thailand would be at the bottom of the list with this " fantastic offer" Great marketing!! Buy now while stocks last hurry hurry hurry. How about all the original members do they still get the 5 years visa I know there were a few here? Grandfathered in or what?

Its limited to 30 years if you SELL the card to someone else. Otherwise it is a lifetime membership (until you die).

It is still a 5 year renewable Visa for life (until you die). You only have to report every 90 days, no need to leave the country at all if you don't want to. Makes traveling in and out of Thailand a breeze too.

How do I know this? I just visited them last week them to inquire about the card.

[sriracha john]

How do I know this? I just visited them last week them to inquire about the card.

I dropped by the Elite office on North Sathorn Rd a couple of days ago and met two reps from the company.

Do they have nice complimentary cookies and coffee at their offices? Is that why you go there weekly?

[Jingthing]

What is the current resale value of an elite card? If the resales are indeed more limited, surely they are worth less, yes?

[sriracha john]

The 450,000 Baht transfer fee might have an untoward effect on the marketability of reselling cards.

Edited April 6, 2008 by sriracha john

[sibeymai]

What is the current resale value of an elite card? If the resales are indeed more limited, surely they are worth less, yes?

Did you mean "worth less" or "worthless" ?

[lardy]

Just looked at the Elite card website again and now I see its a "bargain" price up to 1.5 million from 1 million , no 5 year visa just some 90 day extension or something Oh and a 30 year life too, wow if i was looking for somewhere to feel Elite Thailand would be at the bottom of the list with this " fantastic offer" Great marketing!! Buy now while stocks last hurry hurry hurry. How about all the original members do they still get the 5 years visa I know there were a few here? Grandfathered in or what?

Its limited to 30 years if you SELL the card to someone else. Otherwise it is a lifetime membership (until you die).

It is still a 5 year renewable Visa for life (until you die). You only have to report every 90 days, no need to leave the country at all if you don't want to. Makes traveling in and out of Thailand a breeze too.

How do I know this? I just visited them last week them to inquire about the card.

I looked on their website for this info and could not find it at all (5 year visa etc), They have upgraded thier website and my connection here Hua Hin is slow . Did you get it in writing?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

What is the current resale value of an elite card? If the resales are indeed more limited, surely they are worth less, yes?

Did you mean "worth less" or "worthless" ?

The latter.

[palm]

How do I know this? I just visited them last week them to inquire about the card.

I dropped by the Elite office on North Sathorn Rd a couple of days ago and met two reps from the company.

Do they have nice complimentary cookies and coffee at their offices? Is that why you go there weekly?

Sheeesh there are are bitter people on ThaiVisa. I've been to see the Thailand Elite people once to get some FACTS, which is something ThaiVisa is particularly lacking in with regards to this visa on offer.

But then the Elite card scheme is clearly not designed for the great unwashed hoards of riff-raff that seem to view Thais and Thailand with contempt, so I can see why it upsets some so much.

[bendix]

Notwithstanding that palm, it is kinda hard to defend a product which has increased 50% in price with seemingly no added benefits.

I'm a much maligned rose-tinted glasses kind of expat, but even I am struggling to see the value here.

It's one of the strange things about Thailand. If a product doesnt sell, increase its price. I've come across that a few times in the last couple of years.

[smartecosse]

and its applied to everything from property to cars to .................

[ericB]

Notwithstanding that palm, it is kinda hard to defend a product which has increased 50% in price with seemingly no added benefits.

I'm a much maligned rose-tinted glasses kind of expat, but even I am struggling to see the value here.

It's one of the strange things about Thailand. If a product doesnt sell, increase its price. I've come across that a few times in the last couple of years.

Firs time in year I have to agree with Bendix (usually he express with brio the complete opposite of what I think/feel/believe).

But yes in Thailand, when somehting not sell/rent, the price is incrased, as proof in my condo, some appartment have not buyer /renter since month, the owners just push the price ... up. They want farangs, and they believe farangs confuse hight quality with hight price. It'scertainly true in palce like french riviera, but not here. Saddly, those sppartments are still empty, as is the elite card (btw us , someone able to spend 1 M of bht on something like that without problem will certainly look for more attractive places, such french riviera or gold coast or even Cocoy in Ivory Coast than the right to share beer with the usual sexpat in Nana).

On the other hand, trully wealthy foreigners having business in thailand (good position such as Bendix, or owner of SME as I know some) will simply discard the card because it does not give and bang for the bucks... The rest of us anyway can not afford to throw 1 M bht by the window, as we all know regulations may changes at one moment or another (life time .... anyone here have ever buy an appartment that he/she planned to let to grand kids after he/she pass away? noone can even be sure he/she will still owne legally the appartment in 6 month, nor if she or he will be able to come legally to enjoy what they bought, so a card even elite... sound a big bet to me)

[Jeffery Stanthorpe]

Just looked at the Elite card website again and now I see its a "bargain" price up to 1.5 million from 1 million , no 5 year visa just some 90 day extension or something Oh and a 30 year life too, wow if i was looking for somewhere to feel Elite Thailand would be at the bottom of the list with this " fantastic offer" Great marketing!! Buy now while stocks last hurry hurry hurry. How about all the original members do they still get the 5 years visa I know there were a few here? Grandfathered in or what?

Its limited to 30 years if you SELL the card to someone else. Otherwise it is a lifetime membership (until you die).

It is still a 5 year renewable Visa for life (until you die). You only have to report every 90 days, no need to leave the country at all if you don't want to. Makes traveling in and out of Thailand a breeze too.

How do I know this? I just visited them last week them to inquire about the card.

So you can still get the 5 year visa ?? I could swing with that for 1.5 mil, anything to make life a little easier in LOS.

The only concern i have is if the whole thing goes under, is that a possibility ??? - i know this is thailand etc etc, but is it , like , protected by the goverment or something ?

i guess you can also go to the fast track queue in the airport ? right !! that would be cool !

Do they have an office in patts ?? think i might get me one !

thanks for your input in advance

[Beardog]

What is the current resale value of an elite card? If the resales are indeed more limited, surely they are worth less, yes?

Did you mean "worth less" or "worthless" ?

Exactly when it is a ZERO -worth less & worthless are Same Same!

[Scott]

Sometime after the Tsunami, when tourism was really bad, I was going someplace (not affected by the Tsunami). I called to book a room at a hotel that I read was having trouble. They had actually increased the room rates! And quite substantially, I might add.

[grantbkk]

How do I know this? I just visited them last week them to inquire about the card.

I dropped by the Elite office on North Sathorn Rd a couple of days ago and met two reps from the company.

Do they have nice complimentary cookies and coffee at their offices? Is that why you go there weekly?

Sheeesh there are are bitter people on ThaiVisa. I've been to see the Thailand Elite people once to get some FACTS, which is something ThaiVisa is particularly lacking in with regards to this visa on offer.

But then the Elite card scheme is clearly not designed for the great unwashed hoards of riff-raff that seem to view Thais and Thailand with contempt, so I can see why it upsets some so much.

Wow Palm! "Unwashed Hoards of riff-raff..." seems just as bitter as whatever in the world your complaining about. People just don't see the value of the Elite Card which is definitely losing value as the cost is on the increase. No one but a tax lawyer can defend the high price coupled with the low value. My friend has had one since the beginning. Being of sound mind he wishes that he never purchased his. I think the worst that can happen is that he gets his Bt1M back.

Chill out.

[ThaiPauly]

Notwithstanding that palm, it is kinda hard to defend a product which has increased 50% in price with seemingly no added benefits.

I'm a much maligned rose-tinted glasses kind of expat, but even I am struggling to see the value here.

It's one of the strange things about Thailand. If a product doesnt sell, increase its price. I've come across that a few times in the last couple of years.

. Saddly, those sppartments are still empty,

Why is it sad that they are still empty when the owners are trying to fleece us Farangs?

[Payboy]

Makes traveling in and out of Thailand a breeze too.

the only chance of breeze these days would be to stand downwind from the seriously downgraded fat tart waiting for you with the golf cart at the gate....

i've cleared immigration faster than elite card holders on most ocassions these days and they got their luggage after mine as well...

outbound last week i even witnessed a card member and his elite escort return to join the end of the line at tg business class section after finding the unmanned elite immigration counter....

[gerry1011]

1,5 million is still too cheap

A membership at 3m would be better in order to avoid that any "cheap people" join the program

[richard_smith237]

Here are my opinions from some one who actually has Thai Elite Membership.

I have not been able to fault the Thai Elite card.

The Elite card will pay for itself in 7-8 years of usage at 1MB.

The 1.5m has reduced the value… but the costs can still be recovered in 12 years.

For some one not working in Thailand, not wishing to marry for an O visa, and with 30 or so years to go to retirement age there is no other option.

The service is excellent: 5 year renewable visa, Golf, massage, Airport expedition for my frequent trips.

Only one risk exists for me and that’s the risk of the Thai Elite service folding. There are promises of compensation in this case, although I’m not holding my breath.

IF the program lasts and I’ve heard no indications beyond speculation in Thai Visa that it wont, then at 1MB, 1.5MB, life time or 30 years, people will recover their outlay and after an initial period save money.

For the record: the Op is incorrect. The 5 year SE (special entry) visa (renewable every 5 years) remains, it’s effectively the same as a 5 year tourist visa would be, and people still have to report every 90 days.

I have friends who do not need the visa (they are work permitted or Married), but they also joined Thai elite because of the potential cost savings is provides. At 1MB it was a bargain when a little foresight was used.

For those with shorter vision of course 1MB is expensive, but look a little further (10 years) and we will save money.

I’d still be interested to hear from any Thai Elite members first hand who are not happy with service or regret buying it. I believe only that would give an unbiased opinion as they have been in the position to purchase membership in the first place.

For those who can’t afford it, that’s your lot, but knocking someone else because they can is a little narrow minded. You may not yourself be thinking from the same perspective. If I wasn’t as fortunate, I’d think it was too expensive also, but then again, a lot of people think fancy sports cars and 5 star hotels, business class flights are too expensive when all you need to do is drive from A to B or spend a night sleeping, or sit on a plane for 12 hours.

I’m not defending the logic of the price rise from 1MB to 1.5MB, I can’t understand this other than the fact that the Thai Elite management have realised that at 1MB is too much of a bargain. But, they still need to attract more members and a price hike does not seem a good way to do this. Better, accurate information and marketing would be a more logical way to move forwards IMHO. It would also put a stop to some of the inaccurate hearsay that circulates on forums like this.

[richard_smith237]

Makes traveling in and out of Thailand a breeze too.

the only chance of breeze these days would be to stand downwind from the seriously downgraded fat tart waiting for you with the golf cart at the gate....

i've cleared immigration faster than elite card holders on most ocassions these days and they got their luggage after mine as well...

outbound last week i even witnessed a card member and his elite escort return to join the end of the line at tg business class section after finding the unmanned elite immigration counter....

That’s quite right – on occasions the Thai Elite immigration counter is unmanned.

Whenever this has happened to me, my T.E. escort and I walk past the diplomat queue to the table behind the booths and get processed immediately there.

When the airport is so busy that there are even 10 people in the diplomat queue and 20-30 or so in any of the normal queue’s I can’t see how anything could be quicker.

However, when the airport is empty there is little or no time advantage.

The T.E. Card in this case is only of real advantage the 80% of the time that the airport is busy with lots of departing or arriving flights.

Quoting a one off is ok, but I can confidently say that in my experience 80% of the time, the T.E. member is significantly quicker, through the airport, departing and arriving.

Usually after arrival – I’m in a car and on my way home 25 minutes or so after touch down (this also depends on baggage time – but flying business class bags are often the first group off).

And usually on a departure, I’m sitting in a lounge 10 minutes or so after arriving at the airport

Edited May 1, 2008 by richard_smith237

[dave111223]

I wonder do Elite Card members on a 5 year visa still have to get a re-entry permit every time they want to leave the country?

[Payboy]

Usually after arrival – I’m in a car and on my way home 25 minutes or so after touch down (this also depends on baggage time – but flying business class bags are often the first group off).

And usually on a departure, I’m sitting in a lounge 10 minutes or so after arriving at the airport

all points noted - but there's anyway a marginal difference if you travel business / first class (particuarly tg) - elite card or not...

[johnb]

Here are my opinions from some one who actually has Thai Elite Membership.

I have not been able to fault the Thai Elite card.

The Elite card will pay for itself in 7-8 years of usage at 1MB.

The 1.5m has reduced the value… but the costs can still be recovered in 12 years.

For some one not working in Thailand, not wishing to marry for an O visa, and with 30 or so years to go to retirement age there is no other option.

The service is excellent: 5 year renewable visa, Golf, massage, Airport expedition for my frequent trips.

Only one risk exists for me and that’s the risk of the Thai Elite service folding. There are promises of compensation in this case, although I’m not holding my breath.

IF the program lasts and I’ve heard no indications beyond speculation in Thai Visa that it wont, then at 1MB, 1.5MB, life time or 30 years, people will recover their outlay and after an initial period save money.

For the record: the Op is incorrect. The 5 year SE (special entry) visa (renewable every 5 years) remains, it’s effectively the same as a 5 year tourist visa would be, and people still have to report every 90 days.

I have friends who do not need the visa (they are work permitted or Married), but they also joined Thai elite because of the potential cost savings is provides. At 1MB it was a bargain when a little foresight was used.

For those with shorter vision of course 1MB is expensive, but look a little further (10 years) and we will save money.

I’d still be interested to hear from any Thai Elite members first hand who are not happy with service or regret buying it. I believe only that would give an unbiased opinion as they have been in the position to purchase membership in the first place.

For those who can’t afford it, that’s your lot, but knocking someone else because they can is a little narrow minded. You may not yourself be thinking from the same perspective. If I wasn’t as fortunate, I’d think it was too expensive also, but then again, a lot of people think fancy sports cars and 5 star hotels, business class flights are too expensive when all you need to do is drive from A to B or spend a night sleeping, or sit on a plane for 12 hours.

I’m not defending the logic of the price rise from 1MB to 1.5MB, I can’t understand this other than the fact that the Thai Elite management have realised that at 1MB is too much of a bargain. But, they still need to attract more members and a price hike does not seem a good way to do this. Better, accurate information and marketing would be a more logical way to move forwards IMHO. It would also put a stop to some of the inaccurate hearsay that circulates on forums like this.

Richard

Am I correct that you can also get two for one flight tickets with TG?

Johnb

[gerry1011]

Usually after arrival – I’m in a car and on my way home 25 minutes or so after touch down (this also depends on baggage time – but flying business class bags are often the first group off).

And usually on a departure, I’m sitting in a lounge 10 minutes or so after arriving at the airport

all points noted - but there's anyway a marginal difference if you travel business / first class (particuarly tg) - elite card or not...

I always travel First Class, I am always the first out of the airport (before the other First Class passengers) (those with no TE card)

I love TE

[richard_smith237]

Here are my opinions from some one who actually has Thai Elite Membership.

I have not been able to fault the Thai Elite card.

The Elite card will pay for itself in 7-8 years of usage at 1MB.

The 1.5m has reduced the value… but the costs can still be recovered in 12 years.

For some one not working in Thailand, not wishing to marry for an O visa, and with 30 or so years to go to retirement age there is no other option.

The service is excellent: 5 year renewable visa, Golf, massage, Airport expedition for my frequent trips.

Only one risk exists for me and that’s the risk of the Thai Elite service folding. There are promises of compensation in this case, although I’m not holding my breath.

IF the program lasts and I’ve heard no indications beyond speculation in Thai Visa that it wont, then at 1MB, 1.5MB, life time or 30 years, people will recover their outlay and after an initial period save money.

For the record: the Op is incorrect. The 5 year SE (special entry) visa (renewable every 5 years) remains, it’s effectively the same as a 5 year tourist visa would be, and people still have to report every 90 days.

I have friends who do not need the visa (they are work permitted or Married), but they also joined Thai elite because of the potential cost savings is provides. At 1MB it was a bargain when a little foresight was used.

For those with shorter vision of course 1MB is expensive, but look a little further (10 years) and we will save money.

I’d still be interested to hear from any Thai Elite members first hand who are not happy with service or regret buying it. I believe only that would give an unbiased opinion as they have been in the position to purchase membership in the first place.

For those who can’t afford it, that’s your lot, but knocking someone else because they can is a little narrow minded. You may not yourself be thinking from the same perspective. If I wasn’t as fortunate, I’d think it was too expensive also, but then again, a lot of people think fancy sports cars and 5 star hotels, business class flights are too expensive when all you need to do is drive from A to B or spend a night sleeping, or sit on a plane for 12 hours.

I’m not defending the logic of the price rise from 1MB to 1.5MB, I can’t understand this other than the fact that the Thai Elite management have realised that at 1MB is too much of a bargain. But, they still need to attract more members and a price hike does not seem a good way to do this. Better, accurate information and marketing would be a more logical way to move forwards IMHO. It would also put a stop to some of the inaccurate hearsay that circulates on forums like this.

Richard

Am I correct that you can also get two for one flight tickets with TG?

Johnb

Yep – but not with Economy only with full fare Business or First class flights.

The full fare is expensive and not worth it IMO as it works out at a similar cost as 2 business class tickets with Etihad (For example) who have flat beds.

[richard_smith237]

Usually after arrival – I’m in a car and on my way home 25 minutes or so after touch down (this also depends on baggage time – but flying business class bags are often the first group off).

And usually on a departure, I’m sitting in a lounge 10 minutes or so after arriving at the airport

all points noted - but there's anyway a marginal difference if you travel business / first class (particuarly tg) - elite card or not...

I always travel First Class, I am always the first out of the airport (before the other First Class passengers) (those with no TE card)

I love TE

Is there fast track immigration lane on arrival for First and Business class passengers flying on Thai Airways? In this case, yes… the difference in timing between touchdown and airport exit for first and business class arrivals compared to the T.E. arrivals must be negligible. Do other airlines passengers flying First and Business class get fast track immigration ? (if it exists).

Edited May 1, 2008 by richard_smith237

[Johpa]

How do I know this? I just visited them last week them to inquire about the card.

I dropped by the Elite office on North Sathorn Rd a couple of days ago and met two reps from the company.

Do they have nice complimentary cookies and coffee at their offices? Is that why you go there weekly?

Sheeesh there are are bitter people on ThaiVisa. I've been to see the Thailand Elite people once to get some FACTS, which is something ThaiVisa is particularly lacking in with regards to this visa on offer.

But then the Elite card scheme is clearly not designed for the great unwashed hoards of riff-raff that seem to view Thais and Thailand with contempt, so I can see why it upsets some so much.

No indeed, the Elite card was designed for the small overly manicured set of riff-raff that seem to view the world and humanity with contempt and who need overly priced trifles such as Rolex watches and Elite cards to compensate for imagined inadequacies in other departments. : )