rossetti Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Dear Valued Thaivisa Members,Thaivisa is in the first stages of designing a special Thailand Expat Gold Card with VISA/MasterCard functionality.. Your input is requested as this card/program will offer as many features possible for you (membership cost is to be determined). This is not an attempt to duplicate the Thailand Elite Card, we want it designed by the Expats for the Expats of Thailand. Here are some features, members please add to the list, feedback and comments appreciated. 1. SMS messaging worldwide from the forum 2. SMS Thailand News Alerts option (breaking news) 3. 1000 MB [email protected] email account POP3 and WebMail 4. Private access to Card member information website, newsletters and forum 5. Travel and Airline discounts (THAI Airways, Bangkok Airways etc); Royal Orchid Mileage Plus 6. Restaurant Discounts 7. Hotel Discounts (Special Member World-Wide Hotel Booking Online) 8. Real Estate Sources 9. Visa & Business Consultations (Sunbelt Asia) 10. 24/7 Emergency Law service hotline (Sunbelt Asia Attorney) 11. Business/Work Permit/Startup Packages (Sunbelt Asia Attorney) 12. Health Care/Dental/Insurance Discounts, VIP service (BUPA, AIA) 13. Golf/Fitness Discounts 14. VISA/Master Card/Bank/ATM/Commerce Services 15. Car/pickup/motocycle rental discounts <added> 16. Internet access (Dial up/ADSL/Satellite) <added> 17. Discounted mobile/telephone call packages <added> 18. Sports activities, bowling etc. <added> 19. Currency exchange services, bank services (internet banking, on-line statements etc) <added> 20. Preferential rates with Indo-siam.com, SunbeltAsia.com <added> ... And much more... Please post your ideas! Thailand Expat Card sample: Note: No Thai work permit required - No credit check ups - No credit reporting Some of the mentioned sponsors and partners are still under negotiations. We reserve the rights to change card functionality, design etc. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kremlin Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Here are some quick suggestions... EGV - Grand Cineplex ticket discount or a deal for snacks. Thai phone-based translator Discount for your children at an International School, 1rst 3 months or something. Issue an expat guide / book / calender or newsletter with the card. Reserved seating, waive cover charge at CM2 Disco. Is there a mobile Car wash and detailing service you can strike a deal with. Laundry / dry cleaning pick-up and return service? Is there a popular chain of barber shops? Free shampoo rinse or manicure with haircut. Extra 30 min of massage at a Thai traditional massage place. A psychiatrist specializing in expats? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelope Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 It might be worth thinking about a silver card for "beginners/tourists" and a gold card for long-term expats. This might help to sort out the apples from the pears in many ways. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Visa levels ------------- standard - entry level gold - pretty standard aswell these days, dont need a high income, just a steady income, a few more perks available ie: trael insurance platinum - high salary individuals,business travellers, higher limit, more perks etc.. infinite - high net worth invididuals , invite only etc... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totster Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 It might be worth thinking about a silver card for "beginners/tourists" and a gold card for long-term expats. This might help to sort out the apples from the pears in many ways. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Visa levels ------------- standard - entry level gold - pretty standard aswell these days, dont need a high income, just a steady income, a few more perks available ie: trael insurance platinum - high salary individuals,business travellers, higher limit, more perks etc.. infinite - high net worth invididuals , invite only etc... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Great ... we can all stoke our ego's.... Don't take this the wrong way... but it's a stupid suggestion.. totster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossetti Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 It sounds like a good idea. However, I have been living here for about 10 years now and presently have an AMX and a Thai MAstercard. For my purpose I require that somehow the use of the card whether against pre-paid funds or on loan allows me to establish a good credit standing. I would like to purchase a house here someday but will need a loan and / or mortgage to make things happen. Will the card allow me to establish credit through it's use? T. Rossetti Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Totster Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Will the card allow me to establish credit through it's use? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I can't see how it would... seeing as you are not taking credit from the company... but that obvious isn't it.. totster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossetti Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Will the card allow me to establish credit through it's use? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I can't see how it would... seeing as you are not taking credit from the company... but that obvious isn't it.. totster <{POST_SNAPBACK}> No not entirely obvious There are companies i the U.S. that allow for establishment of credit by observing your account usage and deposits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TonySmith Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 how about having discounts for bowling? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Very interested and make Medical insurance available to all expats not just those that have been here three yrars or more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hutchworld Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Huski, I worked briefly with the govenment sponsored organization that developed the Elite Card concept. Despite adding benefits up the ying yang...from 5 year visit visa's to free daily massage, the consumer offtake was way under target (i.e., tens of thousands rather than hundreds of thousands). The Elite card does not offer any credit facility and perhaps that's where it begins to fail. My suggestion: card benefits can get old real quick low interest rates are likely to make the card popular for longer. Marketing by committee can sometimes leave you with the preverbial Camel. An ecconomical Expat credit card with quality benefits is in itself a fine idea for Thailand and beyond, be careful not to kill the fatted "Camel." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~G~ Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 (edited) Making the card non-baht currency will make the discounts on baht-priced services/products loose most of their value. Discounts on USD-priced services/products, such as flight tickets, will still be useful. Same currency prolems with charging the card. So.. if my income is in baht - - I am charged forex comission when I charge the card - I am charged forex comission when I pay for baht-priced service/product What will be left of the discounts, I wonder? Edited July 11, 2005 by ~G~ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crushdepth Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Hi George Great idea. The list of potential features is very impressive. In a practical sense restaurant discounts and maybe gym membership or insurance would be the main thing I'd get stuck into, but having access to emergency legal services etc is a great idea... Just one thing - could you please change the name to something with a little more zing? I suggest it should be called the 'Thailand Elite Gold Card'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dr_Pat_Pong Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
penelope Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 (edited) It might be worth thinking about a silver card for "beginners/tourists" and a gold card for long-term expats. This might help to sort out the apples from the pears in many ways. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Visa levels ------------- standard - entry level gold - pretty standard aswell these days, dont need a high income, just a steady income, a few more perks available ie: trael insurance platinum - high salary individuals,business travellers, higher limit, more perks etc.. infinite - high net worth invididuals , invite only etc... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Great ... we can all stoke our ego's.... Don't take this the wrong way... but it's a stupid suggestion.. totster <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Those are the VISA International's current card levels that are available to issuers......not my suggestion, just passing on existing information. Besides, if it was my idea, I'd need to include the VISA "recycled cardboard" level to accomodate all foreign expats in LOS. Edited July 11, 2005 by penelope Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MekhongKurt Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 One problem with "debit type credit cards" issued by banks under the Visa, MC, and other names, is, you are not covered by loss/fraud laws of many countries, as is the case with regular credit cards, which require the card company to assume any fraud loss. Some issuers of debit type cards do indemnify you, but they are not legally required to do so.More food for thought. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I haven't researched this, so I'm just passing something along I read a couple weeks ago in the news media. Somewhere I saw a story saying that the U.S. Congress passed a bill limiting a debit card holder's liability to US$500 or some such. Not as good as *credit* card protection, sure, but if that's correct and a U.S. institution is used, at least there will be some protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 One problem with "debit type credit cards" issued by banks under the Visa, MC, and other names, is, you are not covered by loss/fraud laws of many countries, as is the case with regular credit cards, which require the card company to assume any fraud loss. Some issuers of debit type cards do indemnify you, but they are not legally required to do so.More food for thought. I haven't researched this, so I'm just passing something along I read a couple weeks ago in the news media. Somewhere I saw a story saying that the U.S. Congress passed a bill limiting a debit card holder's liability to US$500 or some such. Not as good as *credit* card protection, sure, but if that's correct and a U.S. institution is used, at least there will be some protection. Thanks for heads up regarding the consumer protection. I will check this up ASAP with the people we are having a dialogue with. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darkling Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 How about free money <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Yes that is availablke, but only if you don`t want it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RamTodatry Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Fantastic. What are the qualifications? Seems like you are taking on a lot even before you are out of the gate. May want to start with a smaller wish list and add services as membership grows. The bank is important. Please keep the details coming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
baht&sold Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I'd be happy if it had a paypal THAILAND type service option also...not sure if this was brought up already "pay online now with ThaiVisa" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khutan Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Whilst on the subject of "privelages" what are the chances of having a Voice Over IP or Internet telephony function ? Just a thought. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Whilst on the subject of "privelages" what are the chances of having a Voice Over IP or Internet telephony function ?Just a thought. Still illegal in Thailand. Or "technically illegal". TiT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I'd be happy if it had a paypal THAILAND type service option also...not sure if this was brought up already "pay online now with ThaiVisa" Added to the wish list! I think it will work if you have the card registered at Thai address, not sure. Will revert regarding this. Checking it up with Paypal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Khutan Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 <snip>Still illegal in Thailand. Or "technically illegal". TiT <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ok, for members who register thay live outside LOS ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mmail2you Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I am very interested in being a card user BUT what banks will we be able to pay the account at ? as this could restrict who can use the card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I am very interested in being a card user BUT what banks will we be able to pay the account at ? as this could restrict who can use the card. - Via SWIFT, TT or ETA at any bank office worldwide (incl. Thailand) - Via your internet banking in Thailand or elsewhere (if your internet bank allows international transfers) - Send a US dollar check via registered mail. - Western Union and similar institutions could be an option Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barryofthailand Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Great idea. I would put a good health insurance policy with say Bupa with a good discount at the top of my list, as i live in Thailand, i am retired, and i have a family. This year i paid 53,000 baht for health insurance with Bupa for a family of three. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chainat1 Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Got to be the discounted health insurance! That would be a nice perk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
george Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 Got to be the discounted health insurance! That would be a nice perk Very nice. We are in talks with AIA, BUPA and one more company. Will revert ASAP. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astral Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 You have a winner here George, especially if you can get the Thai gov to sign in as well. Then the card will work at the VISA desk in the airport (immigration). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Backpack_thailand Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I'd be happy if it had a paypal THAILAND type service option also...not sure if this was brought up already "pay online now with ThaiVisa" <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Added to the wish list! I think it will work if you have the card registered at Thai address, not sure. Will revert regarding this. Checking it up with Paypal. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Just a suggestion George, for several of our clients we use ThaiEpay.com for online payments. They're based in BKK and we've never had any problems with their service! Very similar to Paypal but the advantage of being based here! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Backpack_thailand Posted July 11, 2005 Share Posted July 11, 2005 I think expat members of TV should offer a discount for whatever services they offer to card holders, be it restaurants, office work, accountancy, recreation...whatever. It's easy to take, take, take but we should also give something back. I know that I would certainly be happy to offer a discount on web design via our company (First-One Media Ltd.) as a kind of "sponsor". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.png.3b3332cc2256ad0edbc2fe9404feeef0.png)
Recommended Posts