Elite Card Useless Now?

[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

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.

Thanks Richard

JohnB

[richard_smith237]

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. : )

And this is as intelligent as your discussion of the Thai Elite service gets?

Would my phallus be smaller than yours if I drive a bigger / faster / more powerful car? Or does your fixation with the measurement of another mans ‘piece’ or ‘member’ involve only his ‘time piece’ and ‘memberships’?

Edited May 1, 2008 by richard_smith237

[gerry1011]

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. : )

Other departments? Euuuh... Don't understand what you mean

But indeed, being part of the "small overly bla bla bla..." thing, I have a few of the usual Rolex (no all with diamonds though), but also some Patek Philippe (my favorite, quite discreet), Breguet, and of course a Cartier (like everyone). But also a few cars (all overpriced), house, etc... I never went to any beauty salon for a manicure, but I will think about it

I love TE

[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?

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.

So in your response to this over-a-month-old-post, you are admitting that your previous posts were erroneous as you claimed before to having been their offices on 2 different occasions according to your posted timelines.

I don't view Thailand with contempt. If they have nice cookies at their offices, I'm very interested.

Did you ever decide over all this time to actually purchase a Card yourself?

[sriracha john]

Hi Buddy, PM me and we meet up for a drink, never really talked to Germans even thou i live in Pattaya.

I find they keep to themselves mostly

Guess lot of them are still sour since we dropped a couple of nukes on them, back in the day during WW2,

If nothing else, this thread getting bumped up by palm served as a revival for the great Jeffery Stanthorpe to make a posting return to Thaivisa earlier in the rejuvenation of this thread....

Good luck on your purchase of the Card, Mr. Stanthorpe.... you should fit in nicely with the Elite crowd.

Edited May 1, 2008 by sriracha john

[LivinLOS]

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.

Hows that work then..

I have returned about 30% per annum the last 4 years.. So 1MB spent means 300k baht per annum lost. Even at a paltry 10% per annum it is 100k lost.

Each year I get my visa for the cost of 110 GBP (it used to be 90) and a couple of postage stamps while I take a much needed vacation outside of the country (I am under 50, not married etc).. So lets see I get +300k baht and minus what 15k visa costs ?? I am rarely incounty for 90 days without needing a break.

So the difference on ROI for me is about +280k per annum. I get an EXTRA 1 million in 4 years by not buying one.

I dont play golf etc.

[naka]

Been reading about the Elite card for a few years now and the thing I find most curious

is that the literature/website provides only hints about savings on Golf, Spa's etc. never

any guarantees whatsoever.

Even more curious is that the owners of these cards do the same. Never once have I heard a

member give a factual report such as ... I go to Big Mango golf course once a fortnight

and get a 40% reduction. Now why is that ?

Naka.

[PeaceBlondie]

...Would my phallus be smaller than yours if I drive a bigger / faster / more powerful car? Or does your fixation with the measurement of another mans ‘piece’ or ‘member’ involve only his ‘time piece’ and ‘memberships’?

There should be a rule in usernet and web-forum rules for how many posts it takes before a poster says "You must have a small dick because you are richer/more powerful/bigger spender than I am."

[gerry1011]

... Never once have I heard a member give a factual report such as ... I go to Big Mango golf course once a fortnight

and get a 40% reduction. Now why is that ?

Naka.

Because most members don't care about getting any discount. They don't "need" any discount. And they surely don't need to "report" to you

By the way, golf courses with TE are not "discounted", it's free (but I don't play golf anyway, so I don't even care)

I love TE

[grantbkk]

I purchased a card from something called the Thailand Longstay Management Company about 14 months ago. The card allows me to use The Elite Card counter, Diplomatic counter or Fast Track counter both leaving any arriving at the major airports here in Thailand. I have never spent more that 1.5 minutes leaving or arriving at any Immigration counter I choose. The first year cost was Bt6,000. Two months ago I renewed but the price doubled to Bt12,000.

Information: http://www.thailongstay.co.th/home.php

[bendix]

Isnt this a rather silly debate.

Those who have the card will always say they are happy with it. Those who don't have it will say it's a waste of money.

What's the big deal?

Me? I have visa options coming out of my arse, so no need for it from that perspective. I've got an APEC card, so I'm always at the front of the queue at the airport, and I wouldnt fly TG if you paid me, so free tickets aren't that attractive.

If the holders are happy with it, good for them.

[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...

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).

richard - there's no fast track immigration for airlines other than tg - but seriously, should clearing immigration faster be one of the usp's of a card for which they charge a 7 digit price?

fast track immigration is a rule rather than the exception in most countries - at least the ones with airports not as busy as bkk - even in hong kong with their long queues they have a fast track card for frequent visitors - no fees!

[Naam]

(Jeffery Stanthorpe @ 2008-05-01 21:59:21) *

Hi Buddy, PM me and we meet up for a drink, never really talked to Germans even thou i live in Pattaya.

I find they keep to themselves mostly

Guess lot of them are still sour since we dropped a couple of nukes on them, back in the day during WW2

american education at its best

[percy2]

(Jeffery Stanthorpe @ 2008-05-01 21:59:21) *

Hi Buddy, PM me and we meet up for a drink, never really talked to Germans even thou i live in Pattaya.

I find they keep to themselves mostly

Guess lot of them are still sour since we dropped a couple of nukes on them, back in the day during WW2

american education at its best

Where in Denmark is Germany?

Cheers

[skippybangkok]

I used to help the Elite Programme on the side lines ( in a way wont mention ), and alot of the holders were either given a free card, or were friends / connections who were asked to buy one to support the programme o make it look good. Alot of well to do Thai's living in the USA ( with american passports ) were asked to buy one.

It has been a flop ( business wise ) from day 1. IMHO.

[sriracha john]

I used to help the Elite Programme on the side lines ( in a way wont mention ), and alot of the holders were either given a free card, or were friends / connections who were asked to buy one to support the programme o make it look good. Alot of well to do Thai's living in the USA ( with american passports ) were asked to buy one.

It has been a flop ( business wise ) from day 1. IMHO.

Fully reflective of its innovator......

[PattayaParent]

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.

Not only no added benefits but they have actually increased the price and REDUCED the benefits.

They are losing a lot of money each year which is why the prices have been increased and the benefits reduced. Basic Thai economics, people aren't buying what I'm selling so I'm not making money so I'll increase the price to make extra money if someone does buy. Very soon the business run on that philosophy closes.

[mixed]

Judging on the input from the TE card holders, it would appear they biggest benefit for the card is how quickly thru immigration (with an escort!). Free golf and massage also gets a mention.

One poster says it will pay for itself in 7-8 years and now 12 years with the price increase. I can't see how this is possible. Exactly what kind of massage is on offer?

Edited May 2, 2008 by mixed

[steelepulse]

>>Not only no added benefits but they have actually increased the price and REDUCED the benefits.

Business in LOS 101.  Can't rent your unit, raise the rent.  Can't sell your condo, raise the price each year until you do.

[kmart]

(Jeffery Stanthorpe @ 2008-05-01 21:59:21) *

Hi Buddy, PM me and we meet up for a drink, never really talked to Germans even thou i live in Pattaya.

I find they keep to themselves mostly

Guess lot of them are still sour since we dropped a couple of nukes on them, back in the day during WW2

american education at its best

Jeffery just needs to paint a picture to erm,...illustrate his point. His artwork is second to none.

Welcome back Jeffery Stanthorpe.

[richard_smith237]

Been reading about the Elite card for a few years now and the thing I find most curious

is that the literature/website provides only hints about savings on Golf, Spa's etc. never

any guarantees whatsoever.

Even more curious is that the owners of these cards do the same. Never once have I heard a

member give a factual report such as ... I go to Big Mango golf course once a fortnight

and get a 40% reduction. Now why is that ?

Naka.

For me personally I thought it was because when I said free golf and free massage, that's what I meant and thought it was clearly understood. I have not paid for a round of golf in over a year (I've only paid caddy fees and caddy tips... And for a cart at place like Alpine and Laem Chabang GCC)....

To Clarify - On any of the Courses listed on the Thai Elite website I play for free and only have to pay for the Caddy fee (and golf cart if it's a course where we have to have one)

This means, In Bangkok:

• Summit Windmills,

• Green Valley,

• Lakewood,

• Muang Keaw ,

Can all be booked as late as an hour before the same day (if the course is open) I pay Caddy fee (and Tip only). My friends get 10% green fee discount.

• Alpine,

• Navatanee,

Must be booked 3-5 working days in advance - I play for free and have to pay for the Cart and caddy.

Edited May 2, 2008 by richard_smith237

[richard_smith237]

Judging on the input from the TE card holders, it would appear they biggest benefit for the card is how quickly thru immigration (with an escort!). Free golf and massage also gets a mention.

One poster says it will pay for itself in 7-8 years and now 12 years with the price increase. I can't see how this is possible. Exactly what kind of massage is on offer?

Its a simple matter of working out how much I used the services and the money I save each time I do so.

This is just for the usage that I have got from Thai Elite and this is just for the services. On top of this I save 10% at most of the shopping malls and duty free (not a big deal so I didn’t count it), and get 20% discount at a lot of the good restaurants (i.e. Marriot riverside Sunday Brunch etc)... I have not put a financial value on the excellent Visa benifits and the time saving when travelling through the airports 20+ times per year.

This is how I worked out that it would pay for its self in approximately 7-8 years, After usage this year it looks like about 6 years, but I imagine some years I could play less golf etc...

Golf at 2000 Baht per round: Playing 2-4 times per month: 4000 B to 8000 Baht per month.

Massage at 1600 Baht per massage: 2-4 times per month: 3200 B to 6400 Baht per month.

Airport transfer: 2 times per month (*See comment below): 2000 B to 4000 Baht per month.

Totals Per Month: 9200 B to 18400 Baht per month.

Totals Per Year: 110,400 B to 220800 Baht per Year.

1 MB Cost Recuperated after: 9 years to 4.5 years.

*Airport transfers in a BWM 7 series, so I estimate 2000B for the cost, but at the low end I’m also considering normal AOT taxi at what I used to pay before I joined Thai Elite which was 1000B per trip

(Edit for typo's)

Edited May 2, 2008 by richard_smith237

[steelepulse]

Judging on the input from the TE card holders, it would appear they biggest benefit for the card is how quickly thru immigration (with an escort!). Free golf and massage also gets a mention.

One poster says it will pay for itself in 7-8 years and now 12 years with the price increase. I can't see how this is possible. Exactly what kind of massage is on offer?

Its a simple matter of working out how much I used the services and the money I save each time I do so.

This is just for the usage that I have got from Thai Elite and this is just for the services. On top of this I save 10% at most of the shopping malls and duty free (not a big deal so I didn't count it), and get 20% discount at a lot of the good restaurants (i.e. Marriot riverside Sunday Brunch etc)... I have not put a financial value on the excellent Visa benifits and the time saving when travelling through the airports 20+ times per year.

This is how I worked out that it would pay for its self in approximately 7-8 years, After usage this year it looks like about 6 years, but I imagine some years I could play less golf etc...

Golf at 2000 Baht per round: Playing 2-4 times per month: 4000 B to 8000 Baht per month.

Massage at 1600 Baht per massage: 2-4 times per month: 3200 B to 6400 Baht per month.

Airport transfer: 2 times per month (*See comment below): 2000 B to 4000 Baht per month.

Totals Per Month: 9200 B to 18400 Baht per month.

Totals Per Year: 110,400 B to 220800 Baht per Year.

1 MB Cost Recuperated after: 9 years to 4.5 years.

*Airport transfers in a BWM 7 series, so I estimate 2000B for the cost, but at the low end I'm also considering normal AOT taxi at what I used to pay before I joined Thai Elite which was 1000B per trip

(Edit for typo's)

For golf, couldn't you just buy a membership at a few clubs, hope they appreciate, and sell later at a profit? 

Those massages for 1600 baht, is that a traditional massage

1000 baht for a regular taxi to/from the airport.  I could have sworn those are about 300 max.

But in all seriousness, if you're happy with it that's all that really matters.  The best benefits I can see are the visa and the fast track at immigation if you travel often.  Worth 1.5 mil........... maybe.

Cheers

[Johpa]

...Would my phallus be smaller than yours if I drive a bigger / faster / more powerful car? Or does your fixation with the measurement of another mans ‘piece’ or ‘member’ involve only his ‘time piece’ and ‘memberships’?

There should be a rule in usernet and web-forum rules for how many posts it takes before a poster says "You must have a small dick because you are richer/more powerful/bigger spender than I am."

As a moderator, you have the ability to unilaterally impose such a rule on posters.

Edited May 2, 2008 by Johpa

[realmadrid25]

if you buy a ticket with a travel agent do you still get 1 free?

[disgruntled]

It's probably good for ManCity games because if I'm right Thaksin created it.

[palm]

For me the benefit of the card will be a lifetime visa - I am well under 50, not married, have a kid here, and 'retired'. It seems anyone else in that 'bracket' has limited options for long term stay in Thailand? I currently have the Investment Visa, which is fine for right now.

I really don't see the big deal of putting aside about 6 weeks of spare income to buy something that gives me maybe 50+ years of hassle-free entry into Thailand?

It's got to be the very best possible 'visa' available to foreigners.

[sriracha john]

It's probably good for ManCity games because if I'm right Thaksin created it.

Correct. He was the Flop Meister...

An article from one year in on the program....

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, above, speaks at the launch of the Thailand Elite Card

Playing with the wrong card

Even those rich enough to have bought a Thailand Elite Card are too embarrassed to talk about it. And even after it was put on the market a year ago with overt government backing - including the imprimatur of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra - not even the government bodies responsible for the card want to talk about it now.

Launched with great fanfare ahead of Thailand's hosting of last October's APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation) summit, the card confers exclusive benefits such as discounts on spas, a fast-track line at airport check-in and business introductions for "VIP foreigners who have high purchasing power'' and want to buy into what promotional materials say is the world's first "countrywide country-club.''

Costing US$25,000 (HK$195,000) each *currenty US$47,349 (HK$369,072)*, the Elite Card promised a whole new level of service and special perks, backed by powerful government support for self-identified "high-quality tourists'', in contrast, presumably, to the hordes of downmarket visitors already spending their vacation dollars in Thailand.

But the golden bloom logo - the pat bok, or ceremonial palm-leaf fan which "has been reserved throughout Thai history to designate VIPs'', according to the Elite Card website - is already looking tarnished.

The reason, at first, appears to be an unpaid bill for Elite Card advertisements broadcast on CNN. Local news reports say this amounts to 140 million baht (HK$26.29 million). There's no problem in paying the bill, officials say, but it's a puzzle how the spending was authorised.

An investigation was launched. Three current and former directors of Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), the company set up by the government to run the Elite Card, are being questioned about the advertising expenditure in an inquiry expected to last several months. Six resignations from the board of the state-owned TPC have now left it temporarily without a quorum and Tourism Authority of Thailand Governor Juttamas Siriwan *currently under indictment for corruption on other charges* has disclaimed responsibility.

After local papers claimed that "a minister'' had authorised the ads, it's become unclear whether an investigation is ongoing, or even if talks are under way about better management of TPC.

Requests to TPC for interviews and information went unanswered.

The professionally charming people answering the phones at the TPC office say: "We really can't answer this, maybe later.'' A quick peek behind the gauzy golden image used on its website and brochures shows the Elite Card concept faces bigger hurdles than a few unpaid bills.

Early targets of one million members have been revised downward; insiders suggest 10 per cent of that would be more realistic. *currently they are somewhere around 2/10ths of 1% of their goal.* The hope is that marketing agents for the card in Europe and East Asia - including Hong Kong - will collect at least 2,000 new members each over the next few years. *currently they have a bit more than 2,000 members.... world-wide... over the past 5 years*

So far the website says that 660 people have signed up - and some of those members were given their cards free as a promotional gesture.

One person quoted as a satisfied backer of the card in promotional materials was contacted and said he had not said anything about the card recently and was unaware that his name was being used for promotion.

"I certainly wasn't so stupid as to buy one,'' he said when asked if he was an Elite Card holder.

It was an exciting idea at first, not least because it was widely seen as the brainchild of Prime Minister Thaksin, a leader who has shown that he is not scared to think outside the box.

Said one veteran foreign businessman in Thailand who asked not to be named: "Friends of mine liked the ease of getting through the airport. But the real thing was the right to own land.''

Not so. Thai law still prohibits the ownership of Thai land by foreigners, so this promise of the Elite Card was flawed from the first.

As for the golf courses, news reports say TPC has cancelled its golf course-building and expansion plans around the country. Card holders do get privileged access to some existing courses, however. *originally there were grandiose plans to build their own Elite golf courses around the country, but that plan was scrapped when they found out how much it costs to build a golf course*

A key card benefit remains having just one number to call to arrange everything one wants in Thailand, from cars to roses to dinners and appointments.

Additional scepticism exists in some quarters about some of these promises because any rich person staying at a top hotel in Thailand can enjoy such benefits through the concierge and guest services. Even non-rich people can have their own cars and drivers, and can hire fixers of many kinds.

"I think you have to distinguish between the rich and the super-rich,'' said the businessman. "The idea I think is to reach those rich people who are not yet at the level where everything happens for them automatically.

"Initially, I thought it was a good deal. But then for golfers, I think they are going to play where they want to play with or without this card so that special access is not of any use.

"I know one guy who bought the card but I reckon he'd be embarrassed to talk to you about it.''

Tourism experts and company managers who have acted as agents for the Elite Card insist the idea was novel and exciting. Only one other precedent can be recalled. This is a privilege offered in China where, for about US$5,000, fast-track passage through the airport and Immigration in Beijing is offered, said one agent.

But opinion remains divided as to whether a market exists for the concept large enough to make it viable in the long term.

"I must admit, we haven't been selling them very hard,'' said one authorised agent for the cards. "We feel that because the concept of TPC is still new it has some bugs that need ironing out.'' An editorial in The Nation newspaper argued that the card should be dropped and the TPC wound up before any more time and money is wasted on an interesting idea which did not work.

"The whole episode [over unpaid advertising bills] has severely damaged the reputation and image of the Elite Card,'' it said.

"If the Elite Card scheme were a normal business, it would have been shelved a while ago, or at the very least its business plan would be radically revised for the company to stay competitive.

"But since this project was the brainchild of the Thaksin government, nobody seems willing to stand up and admit that both the concept and the execution have flopped.'' *there's that "flopped" reference again*

- The Standard (Hong Kong) / October 24, 2004

[LivinLOS]

Golf at 2000 Baht per round: Playing 2-4 times per month: 4000 B to 8000 Baht per month.

Massage at 1600 Baht per massage: 2-4 times per month: 3200 B to 6400 Baht per month.

Airport transfer: 2 times per month (*See comment below): 2000 B to 4000 Baht per month.

Totals Per Month: 9200 B to 18400 Baht per month.

Totals Per Year: 110,400 B to 220800 Baht per Year.

1 MB Cost Recuperated after: 9 years to 4.5 years.

And as someone with assets what return does your money normally generate ?? 10% ?? 20% ??

So essentially keeping the money under investment and all these items (4x 1600 baht massages !!! Really ??) are paid for from investment returns.

[jstumbo]

For me the benefit of the card will be a lifetime visa - I am well under 50, not married, have a kid here, and 'retired'. It seems anyone else in that 'bracket' has limited options for long term stay in Thailand? I currently have the Investment Visa, which is fine for right now.

I really don't see the big deal of putting aside about 6 weeks of spare income to buy something that gives me maybe 50+ years of hassle-free entry into Thailand?

It's got to be the very best possible 'visa' available to foreigners.

If I was making $400,000 a year, I would get one too.