2,000 New Elite Card Users Targeted In '05

[bangkokian]

There are certain countries which allow foreigners to buy land. What do you think are reasons why these countries don't attract as much interest from foreigners? HIgh Property Taxes? national religion? Other laws that limit foreigners' rights or priveleges?--Just curious...no offence intended.

[ovenman]

There are certain countries which allow foreigners to buy land. What do you think are reasons why these countries don't attract as much interest from foreigners?

Good question. If you are looking in a southerly direction, I think it's just the general perception of a country not being as sanuk as Thailand.

[Baht Simpson]

I wonder if the establishment of the Elite Living card will sound the eventual death knell of the 1 year 'Retirement Visa'.

[Greer]

Up till I left there, it was possible to buy an apartment in Dubai and it came with a PR visa. I don't have the full details, but it was very attractive as Dubai had no income tax at that time, although they were talking of a 10% flat rate. That place attracts lots of investment and the country is racing ahead - despite the climate (46 degrees and 80% humidity on an average summer day). It is a great place to live - reminds me of a Middle Eastern Singapore - but more fun. Maybe Thailand should look at what makes other "third world" countries attractive, and see what can be done here. The Elite card basic concept was probably OK till they tacked on the silly price and couldn't leave the "benefits" alone...did it come with cuddly bears? Maybe that's why they don't sell....

[xbusman]

Investment in third world is almost entirely determined by risk. Real money looks at the profit margins and risk levels. Phillipines might be better to live, cheaper, easier to own property, can have everything going for it but the risk level is so high that foreign investment just wont go there. Thailand skews their risk level with all the weird inconsistant laws and then bypasses the whole mess through the greased door of corruption. What foreign investors count on is stability, owning a condo in a private name doesnt mean a whole lot in the scheme of things, just distorts real estate prices and creates a new market for dodgy schemes to bypass a lack of law.

[doodoo]

Absurd, ridiculous, preposterous, nonsensical, farcical and not to mention comical! Oh yeah and make it super spicy.

[alesypalsy]

I have to agree with all on this subject, it is an absolute joke, How can they continute to try to get customers for a card that is basically just fleecing you out of £13,000, I visit thailand around 8 times a year and spend at least £2500 on each visit, I know many friends that live there and all spend a ###### of a lot more than me,, so are they saying anyone without this card is not good for their economy? do they think only the card holders are good for the country? what a joke, its such a shame that such a beautiful country has such fanatics running it, if they opened their eyes and let in farang investment (including land rights) they may have a major surprise in the benifits it would have to there economy. As for now Thailand is not a poor country in my view only because of the tourists and falang investment which imho is only major companies and also mainly eastern companys who know a little more about investing here. I was considering the card a while back for the visa issue and owning property but of course now i would not consider it as it is just a ripp off, i will just goto the embassy and get a visa and if need be when in thailand for long term i will just grease the right palms or leave and re enter the place, as for owning property, balls to it i will just keep mine in the uk and rent it.

Regards to all on this site, it is a great place for free speech and all the information needed for the los

[dr_Pat_Pong]

PROGNOSIS Terminal as per previous launch attempts The philosophy ' if at first you don't succeed, try try again ' does not always work

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The card programme offers ....... as well as limited land ownership rights for foreigners.

So they've trotted out the old bait of owning land, even though it is still against the law for foreigners to own land in Thailand ...... unless inherited from a grandpaernt (maximum 1 rai), as a result of investing 40 million Baht for 5 years in an approved investment vehicle (subject to cabinet approval and maximum of 1 rai) etc etc etc (as Yul Bryner would say).

It's just a higher stakes version of the old "farang wanna buy house?" scam that resurfaces annually.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Forget the inheritance tale it is urban myth. Also, it seems a bit hard to see a Thai grandparent being able to find a farang grandchild

[No beleeeeve!]

Another little review...

Your sales goal at one million is horribly off so you reduce it to 20,000.

Then, your sales are horribly low, so you RAISE the price from one to five million baht?

Wonderful strategy! "Hey dar boss man, these widgets ain't selling at one baht, let's raise them to five baht and they will fly out the door!

I have to retell the story of when my agent in BKK got me a TV commercial gig. It was for the Elite Card. The scene showed an older white guy getting driven around the airport in an Elite Card golf cart, stops near the customs check in, and two Thai girls walk up to him and escort him to the counter, carrying his passort for him (you know, cause it was so heavy).

I was supposed to play a young (well younger than the old guy) white guy walking by and acting surprised when I see this "Elite Card holder" like he was royalty.

They had to keep reshooting to make me act more excited to see him pulling up.

The commercial was a joke. I have no idea if it even got aired.

Anyway, the entire Elite Card is a scam. All the stuff they offer you you can get much cheaper than one million or five million baht, for the most part.

TIT!

Edited April 26, 2005 by No beleeeeve!

[ovenman]

I was supposed to play a young (well younger than the old guy) white guy walking by and acting surprised when I see this "Elite Card holder" like he was royalty. 

They had to keep reshooting to make me act more excited to see him pulling up.

Acting tip: you might have had an easier time playing your role if (in your mind) you were acting surprised that you were seeing some mark who actually parted with their money to buy an elite card.

[Zemran]

Membership numbers will be capped, he said, with TPC eventually adopting a new pricing strategy as the availability of slots declines, with membership fees potentially rising to as much as five million baht each in order to maintain the exclusivity of the programme.

This is the funniest bit of all. Can I declare the Elite Card programe "Dead on Arrival" and its architechts "Certifiably Insane" or are you guys going to make me wait another 6 months ?

If they added right to own a reasonable amount of land and residency with no visa bullshit...they just might sell some. Simple. Of course, it will never happen.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[Zemran]

Thailand is a middle of the road country, not rich but not poor. It is a good country to invest in and could certainly do with some leverage to encourage investment. Most countries, when wanting to encourage investment, provide incentives like tax cuts etc. to encourage those people that might consider investing good money in the country so as to strengthen the economy of the country. Thailand with its 'lets sponge off the farang' attitude decides to scam those very people that it should seek to encourage in what amounts to an insult. These people are mainly of a higher ability at spotting a scam, that is how they get their money, and are therefore put off before they consider entering the county. Anyone with money can get all the right offered at a cheaper rate then with the card. This is such a stupid venture that it has achieved a negative result. When will the Thai government realise that they benefit from foreign money and should want it? If Thailand wants to encourage investors, it should give this card for free to those that it sees as good investors. This is an alien concept to khun Thaksin - 'Give' - especially when used in the same sentence as foreigner but it is the only way that this card would make sense. The trouble is that the card's image is now so tarnished that no one wants to own one as ownership of the card is now synonymous with gullible.

[aletta]

I understand that of the 800 Elite cards in circulation a lot were actually given away free.Has anyone actually said the exact number?

[Thanh-BKK]

There are certain countries which allow foreigners to buy land. What do you think are reasons why these countries don't attract as much interest from foreigners?  HIgh Property Taxes?  national religion?  Other laws that limit foreigners' rights or priveleges?--Just curious...no offence intended.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thais, who travel to my country (Germany) on any kind of valid visa (tourist, student, whatever as long as it's valid) do immediately have the following rights and privileges:

Buy as much land as they can pay for (need to have the money for it only)

Buy as many buildings/houses/condos etc as they can pay for (again, need only the money)

Buy car/motorbike/aircraft and have it registered in their name (need valid passport with visa only)

Get german (european) driving license by visiting driving school, license valid for all european countries and much of the rest of the world, valid for lifetime (need german language skills only)

If a marriage visa is present, can marry german in germany. Immediately get work permit (unrestricted, any kind of work) and residence permit (as long as stay married, immigration might check that from time to time by "inviting" both partners to show up and sign a document stating they're still together).

After five years, can apply for (and usually get granted) german citizenship (german language skills, knowledge of constitution required).

What do german citizens get in return?? The right to enter without visa and stay 30 days. Fullstop! Does the "Elite" card change anything? No. This is just a scam, ripping interested persons off 1 million Baht, and benefits are silently removed over time, of course the card holders will not be informed about that. I imagine it goes as with many other services - you never used it, but when you need it for the first time, you will be (smiling!) informed that "Sorry sir, this service has been cancelled six months ago".

T.I.T.

Thanh

Edited April 26, 2005 by Thanh-BKK

[The Coder]

Regarding several comments on the visa portion, I do not see any merit of getting the elite card for the "5-year" visa for people with the dosh. My understanding is you technically get a 3 month tourist visa on arrival and to stay longer must go to the immigration department in person, wait in line, and pay 1900 baht to get a 3 month extension which you can repeat for up to 5 years at which time you need to make a border run. As the visa process suggests, the elite card was never intended for expats and they actually discourage expats.

On the other hand, an investment visa or permanent residency visa seem more favorable because they last a year at a time and you simply bring in 3/10m baht that stays with you versus the elite card where you toss away 1m baht to join plus another 40k annually. Feel free to correct me if I am mistaken...

[CMguy]

I notice several Thai Visa members criticizing the Thai Elite card marketing practices, you imply that it is in someway flawed.

I personally see any accusations that the marketing strategy is flawed as preponderous.

Also I am offering for sale by invitation only, 100 1975 Reliant Robin’s, this is the most pristine example of three wheel motoring engineering . Each outstanding example has only 125,000+ miles and is priced below the comparably equipped 2005 Bentley Continental.

These Vehicle’s were previously on the market at 13,262

pounds sterling each and the price has been increased to reflect the value of owning such a fine piece of machinery. Now priced at 66,312 pounds sterling each, affording the discerning buyer a superb value indeed.

Normal maintenance cost at a Bentley dealership for this vehicle runs upwards from 90 pounds per hour, however as an added bonus repair work will be accomplished by Nigel on Soi3 at the greatly reduced price of 89.95 pound sterling per hour.

Fast track bathroom privileges will be available to you at Nigel’s urinary facility as you will be afforded the luxury of using said facilities on a priority basis. This offered to you with a small annual paperwork fee of 530 pounds annually.

As a bonus up .4 acres of land on the moon may also be purchased by the new owner of this wonderful automobile……

We are sorry to inform you that the land on the moon is no longer included in this offer.

Sincerely CMG

[aletta]

Sorry?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I notice several Thai Visa members criticizing the Thai Elite card marketing practices, you imply that it is in someway  flawed.

I personally see any accusations that the marketing strategy is flawed as preponderous. 

Also I am  offering for sale by invitation only, 100  1975 Reliant Robin’s, this is the most  pristine example of  three wheel motoring engineering . Each outstanding example has only  125,000+ miles and  is priced below the comparably equipped 2005  Bentley Continental.

 

These  Vehicle’s were previously on the market at 13,262

pounds sterling each and the price has been increased to reflect the value of owning such a fine piece of machinery. Now priced at 66,312 pounds sterling each, affording the discerning buyer a superb value indeed.

Normal maintenance cost at a Bentley dealership for this vehicle runs upwards from 90 pounds per hour, however as an added bonus repair work will be accomplished by Nigel on Soi3 at the greatly reduced price of 89.95 pound sterling per hour.

Fast track bathroom privileges will be available to you at Nigel’s urinary facility as you will be afforded the luxury of using said facilities on a priority basis. This offered to you with a small annual paperwork fee of 530 pounds annually.

As a bonus up .4 acres of  land on the moon may  also be purchased  by the new owner of this wonderful automobile……

We are sorry to inform you that the land on the moon is no longer included in this offer.

Sincerely CMG

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[piet pompies]

Early Elite card holders will not have to pay annual fees. You do not have to stand in line for Visa renewal. An official waits for you at an appointed time. The main benefit is airport transfers and quick immigration, plus some arrangement for business contacts. The new system will be difficult to sell. Same benefits as Amex Centurion card for people who go to China, ( Fast track and transfers)but no upfront payment at Amex.

[ovenman]

The new system will be difficult to sell.

As opposed to the original system under which the elite cards were just rolling out the door faster than they could be stamped?

[dr_Pat_Pong]

The new system will be difficult to sell.

As opposed to the original system under which the elite cards were just rolling out the door faster than they could be stamped?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[sriracha john]

We are sorry to inform you that the land on the moon is no longer included in this offer.

Sincerely CMG

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry CMG, that's a deal breaker. I was hoping to use the acreage to grow rambuttans and mangosteens..

[astral]

But what exactly will I get for $1000 year, on top of the membership fee?

Does it look worthwhile to anyone??

[ovenman]

But what exactly will I get for $1000 year, on top of the membership fee?

Apparently, you are allowed the privilege of continuing to use the lifetime membership card you purchased, and that's about it.

[Teach]

Surely, if the new Govenor of Bangkok is to be believed that Bangkok will become a first class city within 20 years. It will take a monumental investment from foreigners, as the present cronies certainly won't pay for something that basically takes corruptive control out of their grasp. Therefore this Elite card will be defunct as the new wave of foreign incentives will include all that is missing now in order to pull it off????

Given that, I'll sit by and wait to see what happens next because international pressure will prevail, opening all manner of benefits to the expat as is in all world class cities.

Teach

[CMguy]

We are sorry to inform you that the land on the moon is no longer included in this offer.

Sincerely CMG

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry CMG, that's a deal breaker. I was hoping to use the acreage to grow rambuttans and mangosteens..

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thank you for you interest in my offer. It is my marketing strategy to remove benefits while simultaneously increasing cost, therefore adding to the exclusivity of the offer.

CMG

[Insight]

Predictions for the year 2008:

I'm no artist (obviously), so if anybody can do any better...

Edited April 26, 2005 by Insight

[gerry1011]

Well, ... I do have a card and I am very happy about it.

I have no problems with immigration (never must go there anyway), have a great welcome at the plane by two Elite attendants when I arrive in the country, have a quick passport check waiting in the Elite lounge, as well as my luggage delivered there, and a fast and comfortable transfer in limo to my luxury hotel in BKK (in which I always benefit of an upgraded suite).

I am in Thailand around 10 month a year. Although I reside in a large house in the north, I use the member call center service for all my reservations when I travel in or around Thailand. They are quick, efficient and extremely polite. They can arrange nearly anything (same as AMEX Platinum/Centurion service). I even ask them to arrange the trips of my friends, although these will not benefit of any upgrading or discounts.

But, of course, they can arrange only services that are up market oriented.

When I need to meet some key persons for business or other reasons, they arrange it too.

I am far too young to have a retirement visa, do not need to work in Thailand and don't want to, don't want to setup any business, do not want to marry (THAT would be too expensive ) , and, though I spend a lot of money here, I don't want to go through the trouble of investor visa.

I do think that the Elite card is perfect for those just want to get rid of any trouble and enjoy the country.

But there is a price to pay. Most think that the price is a rip off, a joke, a scandal, something only idiots would pay, etc...

Others just don't mind about the price. In fact, this product is aimed at those who don't care about the price...

This will, for sure, revive this subject for a while )))

[stumonster]

the present cronies certainly won't pay for something that basically takes corruptive control out of their grasp.

I think the present cronies are too busy jerking each other off over the money they will be able to make with this new bangkok riviera idea.

It will take someone with alot more commonsense than the incumbents to revive thailands flagging future.

Its no use investing in production units in thailand if the reliable infrastructure is not there.