Thailand Elite easy access 500k THB card

[Stanley78]

Your pioneering is much appreciated

So far I've gathered it's a multi-entry tourist visa with a validity period of five years. Since there aren't many TE'rs around, I think you'll be the first one being able to report what's on the extension stamp.

Yes as you can imagine I paid THB 500k for purely altruistic motives. I did it just to see what would happen and report back here.

Just kidding of course it's my pleasure to try to help out.

The TE card is so much more than just that visa you mentioned though, you for example get 15% discount on all food at Mix Restaurant & Bar in Bangkok at Terminal 21!

It would be quite fun to go there, order, eat, ask for the bill and hand the waitress my TE card just to end up seeing her have no idea what it is and give me no discount.

That would make me feel very special, even elite.

[neverdie]

Quite simple - the Thai Elite card was introduced by you know who for wealthy individuals to come and go from Thailand when they wish without the worry of separate Visa's - not for someone living here - and if immigration notices too many 90 days stamps without leaving they may cause a problem.

You are incorrect fortunately. This is what Thailand Elite had to say:

"Member will get 5 years visa and per each entry they can stay in Thailand 1 year. After 1 year if they want to continue to stay in Thailand they have to go immigrant office to do another 1 year stay extension so in the period of 5 years visa they can stay in Thailand without leaving of country but have to do1 year extension in every year."

I would also like to point out that as a TE member you do not pass through the immigration in the way most people do. You use the special fast track line (ie not the Premium Lanes which you can use when flying business/first class etc. but the one where diplomats, VIPs etc. go) and you are escorted by a representative from Thailand Elite, hence eliminating the chance of issues.

Stanley,

Thinking about this for a while, if TE personnel are willing to walk people through Immigration Bkk for 90 reports, I assume the will also be willing to walk you through the 1 yearly extensions?

At the end of this, I will pass the hat around for you......then I will flip you for it?

[Stanley78]

Stanley,

Thinking about this for a while, if TE personnel are willing to walk people through Immigration Bkk for 90 reports, I assume the will also be willing to walk you through the 1 yearly extensions?

At the end of this, I will pass the hat around for you......then I will flip you for it?

As I understood it, they will do the 90 day reports for free (you don't have to go anywhere you just send them your passport and they send it back within 4 working days).

They can also assist with anything else you want for a THB 2000 fee, including the 1 yearly extensions if you prefer for them to go with you (that is of course in addition to the THB 1900 immigration fee).

Edited May 19, 2014 by Stanley78

[neverdie]

Stanley,

Thinking about this for a while, if TE personnel are willing to walk people through Immigration Bkk for 90 reports, I assume the will also be willing to walk you through the 1 yearly extensions?

At the end of this, I will pass the hat around for you......then I will flip you for it?

As I understood it, they will do the 90 day reports for free (you don't have to go anywhere you just send them your passport and they send it back within 4 working days).

They can also assist with anything else you want for a THB 2000 fee, including the 1 yearly extensions if you prefer for them to go with you (that is of course in addition to the THB 1900 immigration fee).

OK,

I am sure you won't need it, but for my friend, she might like it due to her situation.

Overall I'm so,what impressed with how this thread has progressed, the naysayers have steered clear so far and anyone else that comes along will read it and have all their questions answered and probably marvel out how many brilliant minds were needed to nut this out.

Someone could have a crack at their promotional material and it would be a lot clearer & probably sell more too. Anyhow, doesn't matter.

[Stanley78]

Overall I'm so,what impressed with how this thread has progressed, the naysayers have steered clear so far and anyone else that comes along will read it and have all their questions answered and probably marvel out how many brilliant minds were needed to nut this out.

I for one will defend this thread from false information and rants from "jealous" people who try to find or make up non-existing faults simply because they are unable or unwilling to afford TE and therefor choose to try to put it down.

Even if I have to use every word in the English dictionary I will do it.

[neverdie]

^ the thread speaks for itself.

Next step, you go thru the motions entering Thailand in June and if you are happy to report that, the thread could then be locked. Simple. 12 months later, they can open it when u report your first extension, then lock again. After that, nothing really matters.

The only other thing is that 'stuff' tend to change here, over time. No different to anywhere else really.

Good work. THUMBS UP !

[simon43]

Stanley, does this Easy Access Elite card also offer a guarantee that your entry and exit to/from Thailand will be processed by a happy, smiling young female immigration officer, as opposed to the miserable and rude officers who seem to abound, all of them suffering from post-period depression......?

[JB300]

i don't think the 1 year entry stamp can be anything to do with Thaksin (at least not directly) as it has only recently been introduced along with the revamped card. Holders of the original card (eg myself) only ever got 90 day stamps on entry.

Ah yes I forgot you have the original card.

If what I read on a news site (which I won't link here because I don't know if it's allowed) which was posted on the 21st of February this year is true, only 10 (!) of the new TE cards had been sold so far at that time.

For some reason they were still, according to that article, expecting to sell 1300 cards during 2014.

That of course means the likelyhood of anyone holding the new card, except for me, actually being a member on TV is quite limited (those 10 are probably chinese).

Is it worth referring to the 500k option as the "Easy Access" card to differentiate it from the "Elite" card as though both are issued by Thai Elite, those seems to be the formal names for the cards and it could help lessen the confusion/conflicting info. Edited May 19, 2014 by JB300

[Stanley78]

Stanley, does this Easy Access Elite card also offer a guarantee that your entry and exit to/from Thailand will be processed by a happy, smiling young female immigration officer, as opposed to the miserable and rude officers who seem to abound, all of them suffering from post-period depression......?

No, but I believe you are carried straight from your airplane seat on a chair made of solid gold (while all other passengers wait of course), carried by four stunning (virgin) girls who have been freshly bathed in breast milk while an other odd dozen or so of similar girls throw rose petals in front of you as you progress slowly with your Elite status through the airport.

They will then present you to a miserable rude officer, suffering from post-period depression after which you will be granted access to enter Thailand proper.

Edited May 19, 2014 by Stanley78

[Stanley78]

Is it worth referring to the 500k option as the "Easy Access" card to differentiate it from the "Elite" card as though both are issued by Thai Elite, those seems to be the formal names for the cards and it could help lessen the confusion/conflicting info.

I believe according to the TE site the three cards are called

1) Individual, 2M + 20k/year, valid for 20 years.

2) Family, 1M + 10k/year, valid for 20 years (which you can apply for if a close relative already has the Individual card).

3) Easy Access, 500k + 0/year, valid for 5 years.

[ukrules]

The one year driving license limitation isn't much of a problem I think.

I suspect most people will already have a license from their country of origin. I have a UK license and in December while I was still on my education visa I drove to the Hua Hin department which issues the Thai licenses and got a 1 year license. The place was empty and the whole process took about 15 minutes. I can handle doing that once per year.

When I travel internationally if I need to rent a car I can use my UK license.

[RigPig]

Great thread guys, civil and informative and IMHO a definite alternative with some useful advantages.

Slightly off topic, I thought with the drivers license after your 1 year "temporary license" you just had to apply (and get for a fee) the 5 year license. I certainly didn't realize it was dependant upon which visa you held. I have just re done my retirement visa, can you get the 5 year with that? Do you have to sit it again or do they just take your money and issue it from the 1 year?

Thanks

[ukrules]

I've been planning on going to the UK at the end of June for about a week and was going to pick up a triple entry tourist visa while I'm there.

I've been reconsidering my plans lately due to this Elite Easy Access program which I was previously unaware of.

The total cost of the trip which I was planning to the UK including a business class flight was going to be around 200,000 Baht including hotels, car rental, taxis, trains, etc.

Trips to the UK for triple entry visas at 200k a time plus 3 separate 'Out/In' trips each year to somewhere local in Asia add up over time.

An 'Out/In' trip for me can cost 35-50,000 Baht as I tend to make a little holiday out of each of them and stay in Bangkok for two or three nights on the way out of the country and on the way back in plus a night or two wherever I'm going. I like nice hotels and convenient flights which often means I spend more for comfort and convenience.

So in an average year I could spend 350,000 Baht on travel, hotels, car rental, taxis, etc just to stay current on my visas.

I think I'll probably cancel that planned trip to the UK and put this money towards to cost of the 'Elite Easy Access' membership.

This is going to be very profitable for me over the next 5 years, it will pay for itself within less than two years. Also I don't want to go back to the UK, it's a lot of hassle and a long flight. I generally hate travelling these days and avoid it wherever possible.

350k travel expenses per year for 5 years = 1.75 Million Baht

Elite Easy Access = 500k Baht - no travelling required although I'll still take the occasional little holiday around Asia as it's nice to have a little change of scenery every now and again.

It's a no brainer when you think about it. Sign me up !

Edited May 20, 2014 by ukrules

[ubonjoe]

Great thread guys, civil and informative and IMHO a definite alternative with some useful advantages.

Slightly off topic, I thought with the drivers license after your 1 year "temporary license" you just had to apply (and get for a fee) the 5 year license. I certainly didn't realize it was dependant upon which visa you held. I have just re done my retirement visa, can you get the 5 year with that? Do you have to sit it again or do they just take your money and issue it from the 1 year?

Thanks

There are people that have gotten 5 year licenses with a tourist visa. It can depend upon where you apply for it. At many offices it is whether you can get a certificate of residence from immigration or not. A letter from an embassy will only get you a one year license.

Then there are offices like the one up here where they give you a form for immigration to sign instead of a certificate of residence. Immigration here will not do a certificate of residence for getting a drivers licence. They tell you to get the form from the drivers license office.

[LivinLOS]

Its just the ease factor.. If I didnt have extensions.. It sure seems an easy way to have it handled for you.

[RigPig]

Great thread guys, civil and informative and IMHO a definite alternative with some useful advantages.

Slightly off topic, I thought with the drivers license after your 1 year "temporary license" you just had to apply (and get for a fee) the 5 year license. I certainly didn't realize it was dependant upon which visa you held. I have just re done my retirement visa, can you get the 5 year with that? Do you have to sit it again or do they just take your money and issue it from the 1 year?

Thanks

There are people that have gotten 5 year licenses with a tourist visa. It can depend upon where you apply for it. At many offices it is whether you can get a certificate of residence from immigration or not. A letter from an embassy will only get you a one year license.

Then there are offices like the one up here where they give you a form for immigration to sign instead of a certificate of residence. Immigration here will not do a certificate of residence for getting a drivers licence. They tell you to get the form from the drivers license office.

Thanks UbonJoe, I am in Phuket they used to give you that residence paper at Imm but that may have changed now it's been a while since I have had to do it. I guess I'll just have to cross the bridge when I get there, or pay someone hahaha. Do you have to re-sit it all or do they just issue you with it, if it happens?

Thanks

Tony

[harrry]

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I mentioned this option in the other thread a few days ago, but nobody seemed to take notice.

I investigated this for a female friend if mine. I believe the 90 day reporting still needs to take place but this is carried out by the Thai elite people for you and that it is quick and easy BUT still costs 1900 baht every 90 days.

However, it also eliminates the need to leave Thailand every year (or every 15 months) to another country to obtain another Non Immigrant O visa, therefore potentially saving airfare and other associated costs, visas, hotels, car hire or whatever.

If you looked at the interest lost, then deducted what would be saved by not having to travel abroad for visas the. the 5 year 500,000 baht thing starts to look very attractive and much cheaper than 8k baht per month (probably half of that).

THE BIG CATCH, is will the system still be operating next week, next year, or in 5 years time? When the Thai elite visa service shut down before, it's members weren't automatically reimburse for the part used portion of their membership, to gain that they would need to take legal action against, Thai elite and can you imagine how smoothly that would have progressed.

Why would 90 day reporting cost 1900 baht?

Presume its because theres an extension being discussed not a 90 day report.

It does seem a bit confusing that different implementations of the same sort of service over the different card levels.

Either way, the 5 year options is fairly attractive for those hoping in and out routinely. People I know pay for the fast track airport service, so having the limo 24 times a year, fast track, and visa is all beneficial.

But since that time Stanley has confirmed it's actually 5 year visa, 90 day reports (free, as reporting always is) and yearly extensions @ 1900 baht (also normal fee for extensions) Therefore the total cost of the 5 year one is 507,600 baht. (unless of course the annual extension fee increases).

That's it.

For LivinLOS friends, this is almost gold, coming and going as much as they like, fast track, limo service.

For my impaired friend, less frequent trips and no 90 day border runs, no leaving the country and flying overseas to get a further 90 day etc & with just 90 trips to her local immigration will make life allot easier for her. For her the savings are probably greater despite the fact shed rarely use any of the other services.

Anyhow, I am sure others will benefit from this to.

90 day reports do not need to be done in person so you could do them for her neverdie.

Edited May 20, 2014 by harrry

[neverdie]

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I mentioned this option in the other thread a few days ago, but nobody seemed to take notice.

I investigated this for a female friend if mine. I believe the 90 day reporting still needs to take place but this is carried out by the Thai elite people for you and that it is quick and easy BUT still costs 1900 baht every 90 days.

However, it also eliminates the need to leave Thailand every year (or every 15 months) to another country to obtain another Non Immigrant O visa, therefore potentially saving airfare and other associated costs, visas, hotels, car hire or whatever.

If you looked at the interest lost, then deducted what would be saved by not having to travel abroad for visas the. the 5 year 500,000 baht thing starts to look very attractive and much cheaper than 8k baht per month (probably half of that).

THE BIG CATCH, is will the system still be operating next week, next year, or in 5 years time? When the Thai elite visa service shut down before, it's members weren't automatically reimburse for the part used portion of their membership, to gain that they would need to take legal action against, Thai elite and can you imagine how smoothly that would have progressed.

Why would 90 day reporting cost 1900 baht?

Presume its because theres an extension being discussed not a 90 day report.

It does seem a bit confusing that different implementations of the same sort of service over the different card levels.

Either way, the 5 year options is fairly attractive for those hoping in and out routinely. People I know pay for the fast track airport service, so having the limo 24 times a year, fast track, and visa is all beneficial.

But since that time Stanley has confirmed it's actually 5 year visa, 90 day reports (free, as reporting always is) and yearly extensions @ 1900 baht (also normal fee for extensions) Therefore the total cost of the 5 year one is 507,600 baht. (unless of course the annual extension fee increases).

That's it.

For LivinLOS friends, this is almost gold, coming and going as much as they like, fast track, limo service.

For my impaired friend, less frequent trips and no 90 day border runs, no leaving the country and flying overseas to get a further 90 day etc & with just 90 trips to her local immigration will make life allot easier for her. For her the savings are probably greater despite the fact shed rarely use any of the other services.

Anyhow, I am sure others will benefit from this to.

90 day reports do not need to be done in person so you could do them for her neverdie.

Yes, true, but we don't live close. Plus ATM I am not there and it seems as if she will return to NZ for a holiday, then go thru the elite process (a weeks exercise basically). After that she will be whisked thru and back to her life. The expensive part for her when travelling is she takes her partner and they also do the business class thing (much easier for her), so in total like with UKRULES, a single trip can cost a small fortune.

Also H, I'm a bit scared to go into an Immi office, my picture is still on the wall and the REWARD $ has doubled Edited May 20, 2014 by ubonjoe
fixed quotes (space before and after [/quote] needed)

[harrry]

Also H, I'm a bit scared to go into an Immi office, my picture is still on the wall and the REWARD $ has doubled

I do not know where she lives but a business class trip is not needed if she just has to go to KL or Singapore it need only be a few thosand baht if she keeps away from the shops. If she asks for assitance from the airline (especially if she says she needs a wheelchair) She will be royally looked after.

It was a good try about you doing the 90day reports...I had allready aranged to split the reward with immigration.

[ubonjoe]

I a have removed a post containing an inflammatory comment and replies to it.

[Stanley78]

Since the Thailand Elite visa is in the end a glorified but convenient tourist visa.

Are there any forms of Thai identification which a person holding the TE "special entry" (I believe that's exactly what it's called in the passport) visa can get? Other than the aforementioned driver's license.

Edited May 20, 2014 by Stanley78

[ubonjoe]

Since the Thailand Elite visa is in the end a glorified but convenient tourist visa.

Are there any forms of Thai identification which a person holding the TE "special entry" (I believe that's exactly what it's called in the passport) visa can get? Other than the aforementioned driver's license.

There is no ID card you can get.

There is no identification other your passport that can used.

[neverdie]

Since the Thailand Elite visa is in the end a glorified but convenient tourist visa.

Are there any forms of Thai identification which a person holding the TE "special entry" (I believe that's exactly what it's called in the passport) visa can get? Other than the aforementioned driver's license.

Well you'd go for the 1 years Drivers license Stanley, it's a photo license now, not the old paper ones.

It's not that bigger deal to get the annual one done, once a year.

[neverdie]

Since the Thailand Elite visa is in the end a glorified but convenient tourist visa.

Are there any forms of Thai identification which a person holding the TE "special entry" (I believe that's exactly what it's called in the passport) visa can get? Other than the aforementioned driver's license.

There is no ID card you can get.

There is no identification other your passport that can used.

5 year license or 1 year is at least foto I'd, won't be accepted as I'd by immigration or whatever but I've used it endless times for I'd for other purposes.

there's a whole other topic here really, bout what you should and shouldn't do. I'm not big on carrying round a passport, never lost one either.

[Stanley78]

Well you'd go for the 1 years Drivers license Stanley, it's a photo license now, not the old paper ones.

I don't hold nor have ever held a driver's license. But if Thailand is willing to give me one anyway I will gladly accept it.

There is no ID card you can get.

There is no identification other your passport that can used.

I anyway shot off a quick e-mail to TE just to confirm if there's any form of Thai ID they can assist with acquiring and also to check if the TE card is valid as a form of ID since it has a photo, but it appears you are right: "I'm very sorry to say that the cabinet only allows us to issue visas for Elite members. "

[Evilbaz]

Thanks for a very informative thread.

I get carried from the plane door to the VIP Immi desk (no virgins bathed in breast milk and sprinkled with rose petals - damnit) for 120 baht.

Just order a wheelchair - last off, first through.

BTW - I hope the poster BOKOsummit who is getting 16 years of ED visas instead for the same Baht uses at least a few years in an English programme.

[ukrules]

I've started the process of applying for my 'Elite Easy Access' membership. I'll update here on how smoothly it works out.

My situation is a little different to Stanley78's as I'm currently in Thailand while I'm applying.

[chrisinth]

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LivinLOS, on 18 May 2014 - 11:50, said:

chrisinth, on 18 May 2014 - 07:23, said:

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neverdie, on 16 May 2014 - 10:27, said:

I mentioned this option in the other thread a few days ago, but nobody seemed to take notice.

I investigated this for a female friend if mine. I believe the 90 day reporting still needs to take place but this is carried out by the Thai elite people for you and that it is quick and easy BUT still costs 1900 baht every 90 days.

However, it also eliminates the need to leave Thailand every year (or every 15 months) to another country to obtain another Non Immigrant O visa, therefore potentially saving airfare and other associated costs, visas, hotels, car hire or whatever.

If you looked at the interest lost, then deducted what would be saved by not having to travel abroad for visas the. the 5 year 500,000 baht thing starts to look very attractive and much cheaper than 8k baht per month (probably half of that).

THE BIG CATCH, is will the system still be operating next week, next year, or in 5 years time? When the Thai elite visa service shut down before, it's members weren't automatically reimburse for the part used portion of their membership, to gain that they would need to take legal action against, Thai elite and can you imagine how smoothly that would have progressed.

Why would 90 day reporting cost 1900 baht?

Presume its because theres an extension being discussed not a 90 day report.

It does seem a bit confusing that different implementations of the same sort of service over the different card levels.

Either way, the 5 year options is fairly attractive for those hoping in and out routinely. People I know pay for the fast track airport service, so having the limo 24 times a year, fast track, and visa is all beneficial.

The reason I asked was that if the 5 year plan for the card gives you a one year entry to stay in country each time you enter, why would it need to be extended every 90 days (1,900 baht)? If it was just for normal 90 day reporting, then that is free unless you forget it and then it will cost you 2,000 baht.

Strange.

Edited May 20, 2014 by chrisinth

[neverdie]

The reason I asked was that if the 5 year plan for the card gives you a one year entry to stay in country each time you enter, why would it need to be extended every 90 days (1,900 baht)? If it was just for normal 90 day reporting, then that is free unless you forget it and then it will cost you 2,000 baht.

Strange.

Chris,

You may have missed a bit.

They are 90 Day reports, free.

The yearly extensions are 1900 baht. Therefore there's only 4 extensions for 1900 in the 5 years.

[neverdie]

The reason I asked was that if the 5 year plan for the card gives you a one year entry to stay in country each time you enter, why would it need to be extended every 90 days (1,900 baht)? If it was just for normal 90 day reporting, then that is free unless you forget it and then it will cost you 2,000 baht.

Strange.

Chris,

You may have missed a bit.

They are 90 Day reports, free.

The yearly extensions are 1900 baht. Therefore there's only 4 extensions for 1900 in the 5 years.