The Jonnie Thailand Elite Card Program

[Maestro]

...Suspect this premium thing is just an ego trip for some people... ...feel they are superior to us "peasants" waiting in line....

In my opinion it is wrong to say that somebody who can afford and chooses a higher than mimimal standard of service is on an ego trip.

The OP has shown to us that for a long-term stay in Thailand one does not necessarily need to choose between the absolute minimum and the Elite Card and how he combined a standard visa facility with an add-on service offered by the Elite program to satisfy his personal need for comfort. I found this explanation interesting and think it may have been useful for other members, particularly since so far the Elite program appears to have been talked about only as the complete Elite Card package.

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Maestro

[jstumbo]

You are incorrect jonniebkk ! I am currently on my second APEC card and i

have kept up to date with the developments...........

Are you a US citizen with one of these APEC businessman's cards that allows you entry to Thailand, and other APEC countries, visa free entries over a period of years? The last time I researched it (about 1 year ago) the US was not a -participant in the scheme. If that has since changed, I am happy to stand corrected.

The US is now a conditional member. What that means is that people with an APEC card are allowed to use the diplomat channels at immigration in the US. APEC card members are also given expedited visa processing at US embassies. US citizens are still not able to get the card though, because the US is not a full member.

The US is scheduled to become a full member in 2010.

Since the card is for business purposes, it will not be any different than the person applying for a visa. If they could qualify for a business visa to come to the US, then they will approve them for travel on the APEC card. If they would not qualify for a business visa, then they will not approve them.

It will be just as safe as them giving someone a business visa. They give multi entry, multi year business visas all the time. Plus it will have the added security of having all the other countries also investigating and approve the person.

[jonniebkk]

The US is now a conditional member. What that means is that people with an APEC card are allowed to use the diplomat channels at immigration in the US. APEC card members are also given expedited visa processing at US embassies. US citizens are still not able to get the card though, because the US is not a full member.

The US is scheduled to become a full member in 2010.

Thanks for the updated information. I guess I'll just add a reminder in my calendar program to alert me to apply for the card in 2 years time

[thaigene2]

You can get them pretty easily in the UK at the Hull consulate though.

Multi B visas are pretty easy in the US. Much easier than trying to get one in the local area.

Why oh why would there be a Thai Consulate in Hull? BTW, are you the Hull guy that runs the translation service in BKK? If so, thanks - used it a few times! Happy customer. If not - I guess you're one of the many others in 'hull' with Thai wives - thus the Consulate?

[midas]

You are incorrect jonniebkk ! I am currently on my second APEC card and i

have kept up to date with the developments...........

Are you a US citizen with one of these APEC businessman's cards that allows you entry to Thailand, and other APEC countries, visa free entries over a period of years? The last time I researched it (about 1 year ago) the US was not a -participant in the scheme. If that has since changed, I am happy to stand corrected.

No I am Aussie also

But to make you feel better this is on the APEC website -

" Mexico is part operational at this stage but it is swiftly moving towards full participation in the scheme. Since February 2007 special APEC lanes at major airports were created . In October 2007 Mexico commenced processing foreign applicants from other economies.In January 2008 they satrted pre-clearing applications. It has been estimated that Mexico could be issuing cards to Mexicans by the second semester for 2008.

In September 2007, the United States became a "transitional member" of the ABTC scheme, with the aim of becoming a full participant within a three-year period. The U.S. currently recognizes the ABTC for expedited visa interview scheduling at U.S. embassies and consulates, and facilitates immigration processing through airline crew lanes upon arrival at U.S. international airports. Cardholders from non-Visa Waiver Program countries still need to present valid passports and obtain U.S. visas as required by United States law. U.S. passport holders are not yet eligible to apply for the ABTC."

I had heard before 2010 was the magic date for USA citizens so it will happen jonniebkk - hang in there !

[midas]

You are incorrect jonniebkk ! I am currently on my second APEC card and i

have kept up to date with the developments...........

Are you a US citizen with one of these APEC businessman's cards that allows you entry to Thailand, and other APEC countries, visa free entries over a period of years? The last time I researched it (about 1 year ago) the US was not a -participant in the scheme. If that has since changed, I am happy to stand corrected.

The US is now a conditional member. What that means is that people with an APEC card are allowed to use the diplomat channels at immigration in the US. APEC card members are also given expedited visa processing at US embassies. US citizens are still not able to get the card though, because the US is not a full member.

The US is scheduled to become a full member in 2010.

Since the card is for business purposes, it will not be any different than the person applying for a visa. If they could qualify for a business visa to come to the US, then they will approve them for travel on the APEC card. If they would not qualify for a business visa, then they will not approve them.

It will be just as safe as them giving someone a business visa. They give multi entry, multi year business visas all the time. Plus it will have the added security of having all the other countries also investigating and approve the person.

jstumbo can you get a business visa for the USA if you have a criminal

record because you certainly cannot get the APEC card if you have this ?

[jstumbo]

You can get them pretty easily in the UK at the Hull consulate though.

Multi B visas are pretty easy in the US. Much easier than trying to get one in the local area.

Why oh why would there be a Thai Consulate in Hull? BTW, are you the Hull guy that runs the translation service in BKK? If so, thanks - used it a few times! Happy customer. If not - I guess you're one of the many others in 'hull' with Thai wives - thus the Consulate?

I believe I read somewhere that the Honorary Consul in Hull is connected to Thailand somehow. That is probably why he is an honorary consul. The consulate being in Hull, is probably just because that is where he lives.

[midas]

You are incorrect jonniebkk ! I am currently on my second APEC card and i

have kept up to date with the developments...........

Are you a US citizen with one of these APEC businessman's cards that allows you entry to Thailand, and other APEC countries, visa free entries over a period of years? The last time I researched it (about 1 year ago) the US was not a -participant in the scheme. If that has since changed, I am happy to stand corrected.

The US is now a conditional member. What that means is that people with an APEC card are allowed to use the diplomat channels at immigration in the US. APEC card members are also given expedited visa processing at US embassies. US citizens are still not able to get the card though, because the US is not a full member.

The US is scheduled to become a full member in 2010.

Since the card is for business purposes, it will not be any different than the person applying for a visa. If they could qualify for a business visa to come to the US, then they will approve them for travel on the APEC card. If they would not qualify for a business visa, then they will not approve them.

It will be just as safe as them giving someone a business visa. They give multi entry, multi year business visas all the time. Plus it will have the added security of having all the other countries also investigating and approve the person.

Never mind jstumbo about answering my previous question because I have found the following :-

You're meant to apply for a visa to visit USA if you have a criminal record or been arrested EVER. But loads of people are just ticking NO to questions about convictions on the plane, travelling without visa and getting by no problem. However I'm sure with my luck we'd be stopped and that would be the end of our dream Disney holiday before it had begun. I know your criminal record cannot be linked to your passport when it's scanned otherwise all the people with past convictions would not be getting through under the Visa Waiver Programme. Some people apply for the visa and don't get it- or they get it but get refused entry into the US anyway so no wonder people are lying about their criminal records. I have convictions for theft/ breach of peace/no TV license from 16 years ago approx. Partner has 2 thefts/ 2 or 5 breach of peace from 10 years ago and a drink driving from 5 years ago. Does anyone think that one or both of us would be refused a visa and/or entry into the US? I'm worried sick - holiday is already booked and kids are looking forward to it.

US immigration officials have no direct access to UK criminal records (although the US government continues to press for this). Some information is automatically shared between the UK and the USA. This is likely to include details of people convicted of offences involving drugs, firearms, explosives or sexual misconduct but is unlikely to include the types of offence which you refer to.

So it is incorrect to compare the APEC card to a business visa for the USA because the APEC application DOES give

authorities plently of time to check your background while you can lie about this with visa applications and you may get away with it !

[jstumbo]

I was referring to JonnieBKKs post about how the US would not join the APEC card because of security issues. Because they would not let people that are from a country that needs a visa to enter the US on an APEC card, without a visa. I was just pointing out that whatever checks a person needs to get an APEC card approved for travel to the US would be at least what they needed to get a multi entry business visa. So there would not be a security implications. Like you say, it would probably be even more secure, because they would have even more time to investigate the people wanting to get APEC approval for the US.

As for prior convictions, like you say, unless they have a direct link into the UK criminal DB, I doubt very much that they would be able to tell you had a history. Maybe on a visa, since they at least have a little time.

Is your partner Thai? If so, you will probably need to show a clear relationship between you two to prove that he/she will be coming back to Thailand after the trip.

[torrenova]

Interesting take on things from the OP. I agree that if you're not "busy" then taking a few side trips to coincide with your 90 day visa stamps is a good way to go. With rumours of swampy taking longer and longer to get through then perhaps this additional service is worth looking at again.

Has anyone remembered to save the link ? Cannot remember the name - sorry.

[EmptyMind]

You can get them pretty easily in the UK at the Hull consulate though.

Multi B visas are pretty easy in the US. Much easier than trying to get one in the local area.

Why oh why would there be a Thai Consulate in Hull? BTW, are you the Hull guy that runs the translation service in BKK? If so, thanks - used it a few times! Happy customer. If not - I guess you're one of the many others in 'hull' with Thai wives - thus the Consulate?

http://www.thaiconsul-uk.com/

I guess you don't know Hull as well as you thought

[onzestan]

Interesting take on things from the OP. I agree that if you're not "busy" then taking a few side trips to coincide with your 90 day visa stamps is a good way to go. With rumours of swampy taking longer and longer to get through then perhaps this additional service is worth looking at again.

Has anyone remembered to save the link ? Cannot remember the name - sorry.

Thai Longstay Management : http://www.thailongstay.co.th/more.php

[midas]

You are incorrect jonniebkk ! I am currently on my second APEC card and i

have kept up to date with the developments...........

Are you a US citizen with one of these APEC businessman's cards that allows you entry to Thailand, and other APEC countries, visa free entries over a period of years? The last time I researched it (about 1 year ago) the US was not a -participant in the scheme. If that has since changed, I am happy to stand corrected.

The US is now a conditional member. What that means is that people with an APEC card are allowed to use the diplomat channels at immigration in the US. APEC card members are also given expedited visa processing at US embassies. US citizens are still not able to get the card though, because the US is not a full member.

The US is scheduled to become a full member in 2010.

Since the card is for business purposes, it will not be any different than the person applying for a visa. If they could qualify for a business visa to come to the US, then they will approve them for travel on the APEC card. If they would not qualify for a business visa, then they will not approve them.

It will be just as safe as them giving someone a business visa. They give multi entry, multi year business visas all the time. Plus it will have the added security of having all the other countries also investigating and approve the person.

Never mind jstumbo about answering my previous question because I have found the following :-

You're meant to apply for a visa to visit USA if you have a criminal record or been arrested EVER. But loads of people are just ticking NO to questions about convictions on the plane, travelling without visa and getting by no problem. However I'm sure with my luck we'd be stopped and that would be the end of our dream Disney holiday before it had begun. I know your criminal record cannot be linked to your passport when it's scanned otherwise all the people with past convictions would not be getting through under the Visa Waiver Programme. Some people apply for the visa and don't get it- or they get it but get refused entry into the US anyway so no wonder people are lying about their criminal records. I have convictions for theft/ breach of peace/no TV license from 16 years ago approx. Partner has 2 thefts/ 2 or 5 breach of peace from 10 years ago and a drink driving from 5 years ago. Does anyone think that one or both of us would be refused a visa and/or entry into the US? I'm worried sick - holiday is already booked and kids are looking forward to it.

US immigration officials have no direct access to UK criminal records (although the US government continues to press for this). Some information is automatically shared between the UK and the USA. This is likely to include details of people convicted of offences involving drugs, firearms, explosives or sexual misconduct but is unlikely to include the types of offence which you refer to.

So it is incorrect to compare the APEC card to a business visa for the USA because the APEC application DOES give

authorities plently of time to check your background while you can lie about this with visa applications and you may get away with it !

No this was just somone else's blog not me regarding how easy it is to

lie on visa applications