Thailand's Elite Card Refuses To Die

[gerry1011]

My renewable 1-year visa costs me 1,900 Baht each year, and I pay 3,900 Baht for a multiple re-entry permit. Why would I want to shell out 2 million PLUS 20,000 Baht in annual membership fees? What's the incentive? Can I own land? No. Do I get tax benefits? No. Can I enter national parks free of charge? No. Do I get permanent residency? No. Will the silly 9-day reporting be scrapped? No. Oh yes, they're saying that scam card will entitle me to meet with one or another high-ranking official once a year. To discuss what? As if I would care...

You are obviously not the type of guy who would go for such a product.

You have smartly analyzed the pros and cons of this program and you found out that it did not offer you the benefits you would expect for "such a large amount of money".

You have been absolutely right to do so, it certainly does not offer any advantage to your present lifestyle, compared to the "huge" sum needed to enroll in the program.

You do not mind to queue for a visa, you don't mind a bit of hassle, if you are not old enough you take the opportunity of a visa run to make some cheap shopping or tourism, you don't play golf, you don't need anyone to wait for you at the plane to rush you out of the airport, you, anyway, don't travel enough, or far enough, to even need it, you can very easily find a public taxi and never wanted or even needed a more confortable transfer, you have a simple life so will never need to meet any high ranking official anyway, ... This program does not offer anything interesting for someone like you.

You are very happy like that and don't see the point of spending lots of money just for a bit more comfort. You are absolutely right, this is your lifestyle, it makes you perfectly happy and you make only smart choices that fit your lifstyle, the same as everyone else.

I don't think that any TE member would throw you a stone because you went for the cheap option (convenient and perfectly suited to you).

As a smart, respectful and sensible person, you certainly do not care at all where the other people throw their money in... Up to them !

As you would care other people's lives...

You just passed by this thread by coincidence and quickly posted your opinion, without any sentiment of envy, certainly not anger towards the people who have another lifestyle. For sure you don't care. Everybody has its own life.

I was 36 when I joined the TE program because it suited my lifestyle. You might not believe it, but I am also very happy about my lifestyle and TE helped to make it even more confortable

Happiness is not linked to money. If you are happy with your 1900b option, would you still allow other people to be happy with another option?

Of course you would, you are a nice guy for sure

I see what you did there.

Well done Sir. I like your style.

A+.

Thanks

But I'm afraid that this style is already too sophisticated for the Thaivisa members interested in (should say pissed off by) the Thailand Elite topic.

Short and basic statements, with some insulting words or comments, are more in trend here (The previous post is a great example )

Anyway, be happy

I love TE !

[Murf]

2 million for a gold card nothing... I wish i had thought of the idea.

I wonder if this reply is short enough...

Edited November 15, 2012 by Murf

[gerry1011]

2 million for a gold card nothing... I wish i had thought of the idea.

I wonder if this reply is short enough...

Not too bad, but you forgot the usual offensive comment to make your post "pure TV style"

But thanks for your contribution anyway

[Scully]

2 million for a gold card nothing... I wish i had thought of the idea.

I wonder if this reply is short enough...

Not too bad, but you forgot the usual offensive comment to make your post "pure TV style"

But thanks for your contribution anyway

You sound very happy being a TE member, which is great.

Personally I have very little knowledge about being a member, could you possibly tell me what you think are the greatest benefits of being a member ?. Also do you think it is value for money ?.

Thanks I am genuinely interested

[gerry1011]

2 million for a gold card nothing... I wish i had thought of the idea.

I wonder if this reply is short enough...

Not too bad, but you forgot the usual offensive comment to make your post "pure TV style"

But thanks for your contribution anyway

You sound very happy being a TE member, which is great.

Personally I have very little knowledge about being a member, could you possibly tell me what you think are the greatest benefits of being a member ?. Also do you think it is value for money ?.

Thanks I am genuinely interested

You can search for previous posts about this matter and will find the reasons why most members, myself included, are happy about the program. All members had their own reasons for enrolling in this program. The reasons vary a lot between Western members and Asian members (the majority of the members are from Asia).

If I explain you here why it is good value for money for a "certain kind of people", we will have to go through one more round of the same useless and childish comments coming from the same posters who don't know anything about the subject.

So, I prefer to save everybody's time... and keep it short

Edited November 15, 2012 by gerry1011

[Scully]

2 million for a gold card nothing... I wish i had thought of the idea.

I wonder if this reply is short enough...

Not too bad, but you forgot the usual offensive comment to make your post "pure TV style"

But thanks for your contribution anyway

You sound very happy being a TE member, which is great.

Personally I have very little knowledge about being a member, could you possibly tell me what you think are the greatest benefits of being a member ?. Also do you think it is value for money ?.

Thanks I am genuinely interested

You can search for previous posts about this matter and will find the reasons why most members, myself included, are happy about the program. All members had their own reasons for enrolling in this program. The reasons vary a lot between Western members and Asian members (the majority of the members are from Asia).

If I explain you here why it is good value for money for a "certain kind of people", we will have to go through one more round of the same useless and childish comments coming from the same posters who don't know anything about the subject.

So, I prefer to save everybody's time... and keep it short

OK if you don't want to answer fine, if however I find a good product or service I tend to share it with others, but we are all different.

The reason I asked you is because as a satisfied customer you can give your input and maybe convert some of the neigh sayers.

I also can't be arsed trailing through hundreds of posts.

Sorry to say but all this negativity about TE sounds true unless you can persuade us otherwise?.

[hellodolly]

Rumor is they are going to sit on it for a year and then bring it out again with the added advantage all the free rice you can eat at designated locations.

This is to be a life time offer.

[DLock]

My renewable 1-year visa costs me 1,900 Baht each year, and I pay 3,900 Baht for a multiple re-entry permit. Why would I want to shell out 2 million PLUS 20,000 Baht in annual membership fees? What's the incentive? Can I own land? No. Do I get tax benefits? No. Can I enter national parks free of charge? No. Do I get permanent residency? No. Will the silly 9-day reporting be scrapped? No. Oh yes, they're saying that scam card will entitle me to meet with one or another high-ranking official once a year. To discuss what? As if I would care...

You are obviously not the type of guy who would go for such a product.

You have smartly analyzed the pros and cons of this program and you found out that it did not offer you the benefits you would expect for "such a large amount of money".

You have been absolutely right to do so, it certainly does not offer any advantage to your present lifestyle, compared to the "huge" sum needed to enroll in the program.

You do not mind to queue for a visa, you don't mind a bit of hassle, if you are not old enough you take the opportunity of a visa run to make some cheap shopping or tourism, you don't play golf, you don't need anyone to wait for you at the plane to rush you out of the airport, you, anyway, don't travel enough, or far enough, to even need it, you can very easily find a public taxi and never wanted or even needed a more confortable transfer, you have a simple life so will never need to meet any high ranking official anyway, ... This program does not offer anything interesting for someone like you.

You are very happy like that and don't see the point of spending lots of money just for a bit more comfort. You are absolutely right, this is your lifestyle, it makes you perfectly happy and you make only smart choices that fit your lifstyle, the same as everyone else.

I don't think that any TE member would throw you a stone because you went for the cheap option (convenient and perfectly suited to you).

As a smart, respectful and sensible person, you certainly do not care at all where the other people throw their money in... Up to them !

As you would care other people's lives...

You just passed by this thread by coincidence and quickly posted your opinion, without any sentiment of envy, certainly not anger towards the people who have another lifestyle. For sure you don't care. Everybody has its own life.

I was 36 when I joined the TE program because it suited my lifestyle. You might not believe it, but I am also very happy about my lifestyle and TE helped to make it even more confortable

Happiness is not linked to money. If you are happy with your 1900b option, would you still allow other people to be happy with another option?

Of course you would, you are a nice guy for sure

I see what you did there.

Well done Sir. I like your style.

A+.

Thanks

But I'm afraid that this style is already too sophisticated for the Thaivisa members interested in (should say pissed off by) the Thailand Elite topic.

Short and basic statements, with some insulting words or comments, are more in trend here (The previous post is a great example )

Anyway, be happy

I love TE !

If you didn't own the TE card already, would you invest the TE card today knowing the history and uncertain future of the card?

I can't fault anyone for buying the card if it offers them value, but I just don't trust the Government to be able to hit the fairly low expectations and maintain this card forever.

Sooner or later, it's got to end.

[gerry1011]

If you didn't own the TE card already, would you invest the TE card today knowing the history and uncertain future of the card?

I can't fault anyone for buying the card if it offers them value, but I just don't trust the Government to be able to hit the fairly low expectations and maintain this card forever.

Sooner or later, it's got to end.

Wow !!! Nearly 18hrs without a silly or offensive post coming... Someone has achieved something here

The program (It is not a "card", it is a program in which you enroll, you never need to show your card anywhere) was created to attract wealthy people who wanted a comfortable and hasslefree stay in Thailand.

The idea was great and could be even better. I am convinced that the coming silver/gold/platinum levels will bring some pleasant surprises (for the members and future potential members) (who have the money, of course).

The people who enrolled found that the "value" offered by the program was greater than the "value" of 1 or 2 million baht.

But this "value thing" is of course very subjective.

If you are perk seeker the value you see in this program will be very different than the value seen by a wealthy European coming to enjoy his yacht 6 month in a row, an important Hong Kong businessman who visits Bangkok 5 times a month, or a Korean guy (Koreans are the biggest group in the TE members) passionate by golf. This is why there is no need to convince anyone on this forum because TE is not suitable for most TV members anyway, since these are looking for a different type of value.

The card was doing fine until the last administration (the Abhisit administration). Since this program had been launched during the Thaksin administration they, of course, decided to that it was a bad and evil program, did everything they could to discredit it, and finally tried to shut it down for that sole reason. Everything associated with the Thaksin name had to be scrapped.

As you have noticed, it did not happen because it was easier to say than to do... It was a pure political decision taken to discredit the Thaksin camp but very difficult to implement. With the new administration everything is back on track.

The funny thing is that the nature of the TE members (whichever country they come from) would naturaly make them have more in common with the Democrats and the local "elite" than the Thaksin camp. Still, its the Democrats who tried to destroy the program.

One of the reasons this topic is always "hot" on this forum is that everybody knows that under the Thaksin administration there was a sort of new guideline saying "get rid of the pensioners and backpackers / bring the wealthy ones instead". This was maybe too obvious. They should have worked on both groups...

You say that the card cannot last forever, and you are most probably right.

But we are also most probably not agreing on this point because of the same reason.

In my opinion, the more the economy of Thailand improves, the least they will need to try to attract "wealth from abroad".

So, we can assume that in a few years, if the economy improves, the price to enroll in TE will be more expensive (and it should, of course), till the day Thailand reaches the point where it does not need such a program anymore.

Maybe this is why they will make the new memberships for only 20 years. It gives them a better idea on when the program could stop by itself, without the need of shutting it down.

But there is still much time before we get to that point. In my personal opinion, of course, and I respect the opinion of others (who too many times are not as respectful...).

[Buchholz]

What is it? Is it a credit card? What is it used for, aside from showing off? Sorry, I'm not familiar with the first Elite card either

You're in luck.

There's 423 archived threads that discuss it

http://www.thaivisa....ch&fromsearch=1

And 82 current threads that discuss it

http://www.thaivisa....ch&fromsearch=1

The card was doing fine until the last administration (the Abhisit administration). Since this program had been launched during the Thaksin administration they, of course, decided to that it was a bad and evil program, did everything they could to discredit it, and finally tried to shut it down for that sole reason. Everything associated with the Thaksin name had to be scrapped.

You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but if you think there were no problems with the Thai Elite Card program between its launch in 2003 until December 17, 2008 when the last administration assumed office, that's a bit difficult to fathom and actually lowers your credibility when some of your other points are reasonable.

There are literally 100's of threads on its shortcomings over that period of time. The actual problems with the Card began with its launch and continued in many different forms over that period of time.

You allegedly have a card. Wonderful. It works for you. Great.

Stick with that and less with the other malarkey.

.

[rubl]

begin removed ...

The card was doing fine until the last administration (the Abhisit administration). Since this program had been launched during the Thaksin administration they, of course, decided to that it was a bad and evil program, did everything they could to discredit it, and finally tried to shut it down for that sole reason. Everything associated with the Thaksin name had to be scrapped.

As you have noticed, it did not happen because it was easier to say than to do... It was a pure political decision taken to discredit the Thaksin camp but very difficult to implement. With the new administration everything is back on track.

The funny thing is that the nature of the TE members (whichever country they come from) would naturaly make them have more in common with the Democrats and the local "elite" than the Thaksin camp. Still, its the Democrats who tried to destroy the program.

One of the reasons this topic is always "hot" on this forum is that everybody knows that under the Thaksin administration there was a sort of new guideline saying "get rid of the pensioners and backpackers / bring the wealthy ones instead". This was maybe too obvious. They should have worked on both groups...

... end removed

Actually the EC program wasn't doing fine. It was supposed to attract 1,000,000 members within a year. It started in November 2003 and just for the moment assume k. Thaksin was at it till September 2006. At that time almost 2000 members, in June 2009 already 2570 members. Imagine a 25% increase. To some it was obvious the program costs more than it could ever recover, that's why now we only have 2562 members.

It was an ill-conceived idea. The fact that some of it's members seem to like it is no good reason for continuation, or at least not for trying to get more members and run up the deficit. Rich people should understand that

[rubl]

BTW although from July 2009 under the Abhisit government, this article gives clear reasons why the program is not a success.

Most of the reasoning should still be valid!

http://www.thaivisa....ram-in-tatters/

[Buchholz]

BTW although from July 2009 under the Abhisit government, this article gives clear reasons why the program is not a success.

Most of the reasoning should still be valid!

http://www.thaivisa....ram-in-tatters/

The original thread on Thaivisa prompts me to amend my earlier comment,

The actual problems with the Card began with its launch

to

The actual problems with the Card began before its launch

when the lack of details was quite evident as to what exactly was going to be included in the scheme

dr_Pat_Pong Posted 2003-07-22 08:41:29

To appeal to me the benefits of membership would need to be a lot more specific.

http://www.thaivisa....__-25#entry9474

.

Edited November 16, 2012 by Buchholz

[gerry1011]

What is it? Is it a credit card? What is it used for, aside from showing off? Sorry, I'm not familiar with the first Elite card either

You're in luck.

There's 423 archived threads that discuss it

http://www.thaivisa....ch&fromsearch=1

And 82 current threads that discuss it

http://www.thaivisa....ch&fromsearch=1

The card was doing fine until the last administration (the Abhisit administration). Since this program had been launched during the Thaksin administration they, of course, decided to that it was a bad and evil program, did everything they could to discredit it, and finally tried to shut it down for that sole reason. Everything associated with the Thaksin name had to be scrapped.

You're certainly entitled to your opinion, but if you think there were no problems with the Thai Elite Card program between its launch in 2003 until December 17, 2008 when the last administration assumed office, that's a bit difficult to fathom and actually lowers your credibility when some of your other points are reasonable.

There are literally 100's of threads on its shortcomings over that period of time. The actual problems with the Card began with its launch and continued in many different forms over that period of time.

You allegedly have a card. Wonderful. It works for you. Great.

Stick with that and less with the other malarkey.

.

My opinion was the opinion of a TE member. I was mostly responding to the ones who show such a virulent, irrational and disrepectful anger towards the members. I was not discussing about the business plan of TE.

There are always various angles from which we can look at a story.

For example, some people will always avoid to post any opinion on this forum, thinking that the TV members are just a bunch on bitter, envious, uneducated farang losers who can't analyze anything reasonably and will very quickly use bad words to qualify whoever is not of their opinion, putting an end to any interesting thread before it can even be discussed... That is their perspective and we cannot say that they are always wrong...

On the other hand, some other people look at it from another angle and are of the opinion that there must be some rational people on the forum with whom it is possible to discuss without the need of using "words"... I am part of the second group.

With TE it is the same.

Some people come, come again, and again, and again (...), with the same arguments and reasons to support their hate of the program, while they are not even concerned by any aspect of that program.

Yes there has been some mismanagement, like in many other businesses or administrations, the expectations were too ambitious, etc... All these points have been made countless times already, and speaking once more about the same thing is getting somewhat boring.

The other angle of looking at it is that a business plan can be adapted and corrected, the management improved, etc...

I prefer to believe in the second option and trust that things will be quickly improved.

One thing that is always (conveniently) overlooked is the real value of a TE member and the value that the TE program brings to the country.

If a person is wealthy enough to "buy some comfort" by enrolling in the TE program, it should be assumed that he is not the type of persons who will systematically look for the cheapest Leo beer or will prefer to walk back home to avoid being scammed by a tuk tuk.

If that person feels comfortable, welcome, and experiences a hasslefree stay in the country, he will certainly be more inclined to spend his money in Thailand than anywhere else.

The real value of the program is not the entry fee multiplied by the number of members minus the expenses. To measure the whole success of the program one should look at what a member brings and spends in Thailand, rather than elsewhere.

So, why not make an effort to look from a more positive angle (both TV and TE) ?

[rubl]

Let's start looking at it and think positive:

1. The cabinet action allows a maximum expense of Bt100 million from the remaining registered capital

2. 10,000 new members in 10 years, paying 2,000,000 entrances fee and 20,000 yearly

3. TAT plans to recruit 1,300 members in the first year of the revived programme (2013) and more later

4. TAT hopes to earn Bt2.016 billion after the first year but the loss remains at Bt 117 million due to the accumulated deficit of Bt1.284 billion.

5. TPC should make a Bt 242 million profit in 2014 and pay off the accumulated deficit by 2017.

6. In 2042 TPC should have Bt 2.280 billion in cash or a profit of Bt 1.095 billion.

Some of these figures seem imaginative. 10,000 new members in 10 years time when k. Thaksin in three business booming years only managed 2,000 (he might see the new, solid plan as a personal insult)? The reference to TAT and TPC and switching frequently seems indicative for 'wishfull' thinking and budget manipulation. TAT spends and TPC earns ? The profit of THB 1.095 billion in 2042 compared with 242 million in 2014 might be less impressive if inflation correction is applied. Etc., etc.

As the plan still seems to lack good solid material to make a business case, it's difficult to end still thinking positive. The Thai EC may be a good offer for some, but that's not enough for a government agency to spent money, even if it is on needy foreigners

[RogueLeader]

From the website:

Both for business reasons and reasons of showing recognition to key figures in your organization, the special features of Thailand Elite Membership are specifically tailored to the requirements.

$50,000 for a piece of plastic that proves to yourself and others what a Very Important Person you are? I'm in the wrong business. There seems to be a lot of money involved in giving metaphorical handjobs to people with more money than sense.

[gerry1011]

Let's start looking at it and think positive:

1. The cabinet action allows a maximum expense of Bt100 million from the remaining registered capital

2. 10,000 new members in 10 years, paying 2,000,000 entrances fee and 20,000 yearly

3. TAT plans to recruit 1,300 members in the first year of the revived programme (2013) and more later

4. TAT hopes to earn Bt2.016 billion after the first year but the loss remains at Bt 117 million due to the accumulated deficit of Bt1.284 billion.

5. TPC should make a Bt 242 million profit in 2014 and pay off the accumulated deficit by 2017.

6. In 2042 TPC should have Bt 2.280 billion in cash or a profit of Bt 1.095 billion.

Some of these figures seem imaginative. 10,000 new members in 10 years time when k. Thaksin in three business booming years only managed 2,000 (he might see the new, solid plan as a personal insult)? The reference to TAT and TPC and switching frequently seems indicative for 'wishfull' thinking and budget manipulation. TAT spends and TPC earns ? The profit of THB 1.095 billion in 2042 compared with 242 million in 2014 might be less impressive if inflation correction is applied. Etc., etc.

As the plan still seems to lack good solid material to make a business case, it's difficult to end still thinking positive. The Thai EC may be a good offer for some, but that's not enough for a government agency to spent money, even if it is on needy foreigners

Well, you might be right. I also think it is a bit optimistic, but again, nobody knows the details of the new business plan. Let's wait and see.

Regarding the number of members I am also a bit biased, I must admit... I would rather suggest TE to concentrate on a very little number of high quality people in order to bring only high spending people in the country, than to go for bigger numbers. But this is because I personaly would prefer it to stay small (for some reasons). I guess they must have their own calculations. And I understand that there will be 3 levels, so the highest level will probably concentrate on this wealthiest group.

What I don't understand is that they will ask an annual fee of only 20.000b, while I think I remember that one member costs an average of 44.000 per year. But maybe they take into account the economies of scale when there are more members...

We should wait and see what will happen. They said that they will concentrate on Asian countries. It could be good for them. China is enormous and there are loads of very wealthy people there. Let's see.

Rather than only critics (like the useless and silly post above) it would be interesting to exchange ideas on how we would run this program if we had too. It's (only) a brain exercise, of course. Not suitable for everyone.

If I had to work, I would love to work in the TE executive team, it must be a nice challenge

[rubl]

Let's start looking at it and think positive:

1. The cabinet action allows a maximum expense of Bt100 million from the remaining registered capital

2. 10,000 new members in 10 years, paying 2,000,000 entrances fee and 20,000 yearly

3. TAT plans to recruit 1,300 members in the first year of the revived programme (2013) and more later

4. TAT hopes to earn Bt2.016 billion after the first year but the loss remains at Bt 117 million due to the accumulated deficit of Bt1.284 billion.

5. TPC should make a Bt 242 million profit in 2014 and pay off the accumulated deficit by 2017.

6. In 2042 TPC should have Bt 2.280 billion in cash or a profit of Bt 1.095 billion.

Some of these figures seem imaginative. 10,000 new members in 10 years time when k. Thaksin in three business booming years only managed 2,000 (he might see the new, solid plan as a personal insult)? The reference to TAT and TPC and switching frequently seems indicative for 'wishfull' thinking and budget manipulation. TAT spends and TPC earns ? The profit of THB 1.095 billion in 2042 compared with 242 million in 2014 might be less impressive if inflation correction is applied. Etc., etc.

As the plan still seems to lack good solid material to make a business case, it's difficult to end still thinking positive. The Thai EC may be a good offer for some, but that's not enough for a government agency to spent money, even if it is on needy foreigners

Well, you might be right. I also think it is a bit optimistic, but again, nobody knows the details of the new business plan. Let's wait and see.

Regarding the number of members I am also a bit biased, I must admit... I would rather suggest TE to concentrate on a very little number of high quality people in order to bring only high spending people in the country, than to go for bigger numbers. But this is because I personaly would prefer it to stay small (for some reasons). I guess they must have their own calculations. And I understand that there will be 3 levels, so the highest level will probably concentrate on this wealthiest group.

What I don't understand is that they will ask an annual fee of only 20.000b, while I think I remember that one member costs an average of 44.000 per year. But maybe they take into account the economies of scale when there are more members...

We should wait and see what will happen. They said that they will concentrate on Asian countries. It could be good for them. China is enormous and there are loads of very wealthy people there. Let's see.

Rather than only critics (like the useless and silly post above) it would be interesting to exchange ideas on how we would run this program if we had too. It's (only) a brain exercise, of course. Not suitable for everyone.

If I had to work, I would love to work in the TE executive team, it must be a nice challenge

Somehow I get the impression that possible benefits from high spenders may not reflect on the TPC administration. The TAT is more likely to see high spending as part of their mission to promote Thailand. Aiming at rich in this region makes sense with only the number of Chinese millionairs or maybe billionairs rising nicely and expected to only increase. Still the 30,000 rich Chinese k. Thaksin envisioned for the first year (if I remember correctly) didn't materialize.

As I keep saying I can imagine the Elite Card can be a good business deal for some (rich) people, but I wonder about the other side. Didn't I read that one or two years ago those 2500 existing members managed to rake up THB 100 million in golf link fees in one year, to be paid by TPC?

[Baloney pony]

You should read the Thai elite card's webpage. There's a little asterix when talking about the visa benefits for the "special entry" it's subject to immigration bureau approval each time. The immigration bureau is a huge pain in the a$$ when it comes to these things so it wouldn't surprise me at all if someone paid 1.5 million for this piece of worthless junk then on top of that they were refused a long stay visa by immigration anyways.

There's virtually no benefit to paying 1.5 million for this thing. It makes no sense whatsoever especially when the maximum fine for overstay is 20,000 and there are many options for visas.

[gerry1011]

Let's start looking at it and think positive:

1. The cabinet action allows a maximum expense of Bt100 million from the remaining registered capital

2. 10,000 new members in 10 years, paying 2,000,000 entrances fee and 20,000 yearly

3. TAT plans to recruit 1,300 members in the first year of the revived programme (2013) and more later

4. TAT hopes to earn Bt2.016 billion after the first year but the loss remains at Bt 117 million due to the accumulated deficit of Bt1.284 billion.

5. TPC should make a Bt 242 million profit in 2014 and pay off the accumulated deficit by 2017.

6. In 2042 TPC should have Bt 2.280 billion in cash or a profit of Bt 1.095 billion.

Some of these figures seem imaginative. 10,000 new members in 10 years time when k. Thaksin in three business booming years only managed 2,000 (he might see the new, solid plan as a personal insult)? The reference to TAT and TPC and switching frequently seems indicative for 'wishfull' thinking and budget manipulation. TAT spends and TPC earns ? The profit of THB 1.095 billion in 2042 compared with 242 million in 2014 might be less impressive if inflation correction is applied. Etc., etc.

As the plan still seems to lack good solid material to make a business case, it's difficult to end still thinking positive. The Thai EC may be a good offer for some, but that's not enough for a government agency to spent money, even if it is on needy foreigners

Well, you might be right. I also think it is a bit optimistic, but again, nobody knows the details of the new business plan. Let's wait and see.

Regarding the number of members I am also a bit biased, I must admit... I would rather suggest TE to concentrate on a very little number of high quality people in order to bring only high spending people in the country, than to go for bigger numbers. But this is because I personaly would prefer it to stay small (for some reasons). I guess they must have their own calculations. And I understand that there will be 3 levels, so the highest level will probably concentrate on this wealthiest group.

What I don't understand is that they will ask an annual fee of only 20.000b, while I think I remember that one member costs an average of 44.000 per year. But maybe they take into account the economies of scale when there are more members...

We should wait and see what will happen. They said that they will concentrate on Asian countries. It could be good for them. China is enormous and there are loads of very wealthy people there. Let's see.

Rather than only critics (like the useless and silly post above) it would be interesting to exchange ideas on how we would run this program if we had too. It's (only) a brain exercise, of course. Not suitable for everyone.

If I had to work, I would love to work in the TE executive team, it must be a nice challenge

Somehow I get the impression that possible benefits from high spenders may not reflect on the TPC administration. The TAT is more likely to see high spending as part of their mission to promote Thailand. Aiming at rich in this region makes sense with only the number of Chinese millionairs or maybe billionairs rising nicely and expected to only increase. Still the 30,000 rich Chinese k. Thaksin envisioned for the first year (if I remember correctly) didn't materialize.

As I keep saying I can imagine the Elite Card can be a good business deal for some (rich) people, but I wonder about the other side. Didn't I read that one or two years ago those 2500 existing members managed to rake up THB 100 million in golf link fees in one year, to be paid by TPC?

The possible benefits from the high spenders may not reflect on the TPC balance sheet, that's a fact. But this is why I am of the opinion that we must see the bigger picture.

At the same time, I believe that it is not great science to make the TE program breaking even.

Khun Udom, an executive of TAT and president of the board of TE who gave an interview about this matter said that, in 2006, the TE members had contributed to the local economy for something like 3 billion during their visits in the country, and would invest over 21 billion. I can fully believe in these numbers but will refrain from giving examples on how and where TE members spend their money, ... to avoid the "silly squad" to tell me that TE members brag about their wealth...

While these are small compared to other industries or big businesses, it is interesting to keep these numbers in mind. Not all big spenders are TE members, but very few small spenders would enroll in the program.

Of course, 1 million backpackers or visa runners also bring something to the economy... but the potential for future investments or return from that group might be looking grimmer (except for the beer brewers, of course).

As you say, there was a problem with the golf privileges. It was mainly coming from the biggest group of members, the Korean members. They live "next door" and are golfing a lot more than it was anticipated. It has been corrected but since golf is very important in Asia it had to stay I guess (I don't play golf).

I think that TE should focus on making the life of the members even more confortable and easy, in order for them to come to Thailand even more often and spend even more. That is more important to the members than small perks (except golf, of course).

[rubl]

IN May, 2012 we had:

"Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC), operator of the Thailand Elite Card, is upbeat about the prospect of attracting 4,000 new members under a four-year plan to generate 3.5 billion baht.

The target is based on acquiring 1,000 members a year from 2013-16."

October, 2012

"According to reliable sources, the business plan outlines TPC’s claims that it can attract 4,000 new members under a four-year plan that could generate Bt3.5 billion. The target is based on acquiring 1,000 members a year from 2013 to 2016. The original business plan targeted 1 million members to make it financially viable to justify government financial backing.

...

Initially, new cardholders will get a 15-year membership instead of lifetime as in the past. The membership fee will be set at Bt100,000 per year, paid up front for the 15-year duration."

http://www.ttrweekly...lite-card-plan/

The OP

"It hopes to earn Bt2.016 billion after the first year but the loss remains at Bt 117 million due to the accumulated deficit of Bt1.284 billion.

TPC should make a Bt 242 million profit in 2014 and pay off the accumulated deficit by 2017. In 2042 when the elite card turns 20 years, TPC should have Bt 2.280 billion in cash or a profit of Bt 1.095 billion."

Neither TAT nor TPC shows clear business plans. There is a lot of 'being upbeat', 'could generate', 'hope'. If you'd go to a bank to try to acquire a loan I'm afraid the answer would be a smlie and a big resounding NO.

Even if the country might profit to a point where expenses by TAT and/or TPC are justified I would still expect a sound business plan. Till now the only justification I see is TAT spending money according to the business objectives set for them, promoting tourism. Attracting rich people to invest in Thailand is a responsibility of the BOI, MoC I would think.

TPC is only the operator of the Thai Elite Card and still wholly owned by the TAT I think. It's balance sheet should relate ALL related to sale and operation of the card scheme. If they cannot give a sound business plan, they have no right to existence and TAT should incorporate TPC back into it's own organisation.

TPC plans to promote and sell at least 1000 card a year. Such promotion aimed at the rich and affluent must be takes place at the right locations and occasions of course. Where can I apply for a job at TPC

[MikeOboe57]

As you are now recognized as a friend of the country, you are also treated as such.

http://www.thailandelite.com/membership.php

Give me money and I call you "my friend" - how appropriate. I think I won't call the "Member Contect Cretre"[sic!]

[OzMick]

As you are now recognized as a friend of the country, you are also treated as such.

http://www.thailande.../membership.php

Give me money and I call you "my friend" - how appropriate. I think I won't call the "Member Contect Cretre"[sic!]

Give me your money and I will be your (boy/girl/indeterminate) friend is a standard business model in Thailand. That PTP emulates the business model of whores should be no surprise to anyone.

[Semper]

Paying 2 Million Baht for a plastic card, sounds to me like being the worst scam in Thailand ever.

Correct, but there's one new expat born every minute.

[gerry1011]

Well, everything is said.

I let the Cheap Silly Squad take over for another round of short and basic posts "pure TV style".

Have fun

[MikeOboe57]

Well, everything is said.

I let the Cheap Silly Squad take over for another round of short and basic posts "pure TV style".

Have fun

I'm surprised you fail to see the insulting arrogance in the statement I quoted.

[AyG]

The corpse of the Elite Card still twitches.

According to the-newspaper-that-dare-not-speak-its-name, TPC (the company now behind the card) plans on selling at least 200 cards co-branded with a property developer (but which one not decided yet) in the next six months. Membership for one of the co-branded cards will be a mere 1,000,000 Baht (down from the regular 2 million Baht fee) with a 20,000 Baht annual fee. To get one of these prized cards you'll need to invest in a Thai property, and in return will get a five year visa and (unspecified) airport services.

Sounds to me like an irresistible offer. I'm checking down the back of the sofa as I type to see if I can find the money.

Watch out for the exciting advertising campaign promised to start on the 30th.

[steveromagnino]

Short odds are that it is Sansiri or SC Asset or another developer who supports the government.

Basically, this means that government money will promote the property developer, as people will see the ads for the developer paid by tax payer money, of which around 20% is skimmed straight away into someone's pocket within Peua Thai, and the developer gets the benefit of a free ad campaign, in return for a generous contribution to the party.

It works for everyone really well, except the tax payer who foots the bill.

Of course, I need to correct a few misconceptions. There have only ever been <2,000 PAID memberships to the Thailand Elite Card. The skim on advertising was around (estimated) 100m baht going to the various individuals associated with the scheme, while friends of the then PM received the cards for free. Basically, using tax payer ended up subsidising friends of the former PM. This time around, it will be a corporation who benefits. Fair enough, why not.

I need to get a piece of this contract, it sounds like one of those 'work from home and get rich quick' type schemes.

[animatic]

Short odds are that it is Sansiri or SC Asset or another developer who supports the government.

Basically, this means that government money will promote the property developer, as people will see the ads for the developer paid by tax payer money, of which around 20% is skimmed straight away into someone's pocket within Peua Thai, and the developer gets the benefit of a free ad campaign, in return for a generous contribution to the party.

It works for everyone really well, except the tax payer who foots the bill.

Of course, I need to correct a few misconceptions. There have only ever been <2,000 PAID memberships to the Thailand Elite Card. The skim on advertising was around (estimated) 100m baht going to the various individuals associated with the scheme, while friends of the then PM received the cards for free. Basically, using tax payer ended up subsidising friends of the former PM. This time around, it will be a corporation who benefits. Fair enough, why not.

I need to get a piece of this contract, it sounds like one of those 'work from home and get rich quick' type schemes.

Nice to get some coherent thoughts on the whole shooting match.

Nice to see you around again. Have a good one.

[GrantSmith]

Most likely to be SC Asset as we all know who owns the majority of that company...

If it is sansiri, I'll be most annoyed, as among other things they already have a co-branded card with SCB...