Thailand Elite easy access 500k THB card

[Stanley78]

I have used this forum to get a lot of information, such as how to get my pet to Thailand and as such I thought it would only be fair to give what little information I have which might help someone.

I've been following the recent Thai visa run discussions and noticed that there are some people who are in a similar situation to mine (way below the 50 year retirement age, do not need to work in Thailand to sustain their living).

I know that there are a lot of negative opinions about the Thailand Elite card here, which is understandable but that does not mean that it is not a useful solution for some people.

I would like to begin by pointing out that there are two different Thailand Elite cards, one is called Individual and costs THB 2m for 20 years with an annual fee of THB 20k (so in essence THB 2.4m for 20 years).

Personally I had no interest in that card. First of all THB 2m is a lot to pony up at once when:

1) I have no idea where I want to be in 20 years from now, that's almost an eternity.

2) Given the history of the card who knows if it will be around for that long.

3) I have little (read: no) interest in playing golf etc.

What I do have have interest in is spending as little time and hassle as possible on visa issues, and I am willing to pay a bit for that privilege.

Hence I got the other Thailand Elite card which is called Easy Access and costs THB 500k for 5 years (with no annual fee), which means that I pay THB 100k per year, or THB 8333 / month for it.

It has the same advantages as the Individual card, but without the golf/spa. It also cannot be sold on but I doubt anyone ever does that, and has "only" 24 free airport transfers per year instead of unlimited ones.

I realize for a lot of people paying THB 8333 a month for a visa is a lot, and they prefer to (or have to for financial reasons) spend their time on visa runs or on multi-entry visas of various types.

To each their own, it is not up to me to decide what people do to to be able to live in Thailand.

I am merely saying that for some, at least for me, THB 8333 is not a big cost to spend a month to completely hassle free get a 5 year visa for Thailand.

Also of course included in that are some (24) free airport transfers, as well as fast track through immigration without having to even pick up your own luggage. Which by itself is a service I sometimes use at other airports such as Moscow (no I'm not Russian, I'm Scandinavian) and pay 5000-10000 baht per time for.

The process for getting the Thailand Elite card is very simple, you just e-mail them and they send you a one page form where you fill in your vitals (name, DoB, address) and scan and e-mail it back to them together with a scan of your passport.

If they (whoever they are, Thailand immigration perhaps) accepts your application then you are asked to make a bank transfer for THB 500k and to send the original form together with a 1 inch photo of yourself which they will put on your Thailand Elite card to their office in Bangkok.

You then have a choice to either:

1) Have them send your Thailand Elite card and visa to your home address abroad, which you then take to the nearest Thai consulate/embassy for them to put in your passport.

2) or let them know when you will next be arriving in Thailand, at which point you will be met (if it's at Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui or Chiang Mai airport) by a representive at the gate where your plane landed, who will take you through fast track at immigration where you will be given your 5 year visa in your passport.

I realize once again that this is not for everyone, probably not for most, but I do hope that perhaps someone will find this information useful and I wish you all the best with getting your Thai visas, no matter how you go about it.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Stanley78

[stoneyboy]

That's a lot of cash to stay in a country on the verge of political meltdown and possible civil war.

But as you said each to his own.

Edited May 15, 2014 by stoneyboy

[Morakot]

I pay THB 100k per year, or THB 8333 / month for it.

In the fineprint we need to add some interest to these figures, unless of course one can really pay annually or monthly.

[Stanley78]

I pay THB 100k per year, or THB 8333 / month for it.

In the fineprint we need to add some interest to these figures, unless of course one can really pay annually or monthly.

No, it has to be paid in a lump sum. I merely showed those numbers to put it into perspective.

[Frank78]

What about spouse and immediate family?

[Stanley78]

What about spouse and immediate family?

I checked and as far as I can tell there are no rights for spouse nor immediate family on the THB 500k Easy Access card.

It is possible to get Family Membership cards for THB 1m + 10k per year and person if you have the Individual card (the one for THB 2m + 20k per year) but I somehow doubt that is the answer you were hoping for since that would add up to very large amounts (THB 5m + 50k/year for a couple with two kids).

Edited May 15, 2014 by Stanley78

[Pralaad]

Seems they have changed it a bit. From memory it use to be 1 million baht for 5 years.

[Stanley78]

That's a lot of cash to stay in a country on the verge of political meltdown and possible civil war.

But as you said each to his own.

Sounds to me more like a general Thailand issue than a specific Elite card problem.

If that is main concern then it might be better to avoid getting any visa, cheap or expensive, and go somewhere else safer.

[Morakot]

I pay THB 100k per year, or THB 8333 / month for it.

In the fineprint we need to add some interest to these figures, unless of course one can really pay annually or monthly.

No, it has to be paid in a lump sum. I merely showed those numbers to put it into perspective.

Some might call this creative accounting.

[Frank78]

In this case, why not taking two 500K's for 2 people, or a single 500K's and a dependant visa for the spouse?

What about spouse and immediate family?

I checked and as far as I can tell there are no rights for spouse nor immediate family on the THB 500k Easy Access card.

It is possible to get Family Membership cards for THB 1m + 10k per year and person if you have the Individual card (the one for THB 2m + 20k per year) but I somehow doubt that is the answer you were hoping for since that would add up to very large amounts (THB 5m + 50k/year for a couple with two kids).

Edited May 15, 2014 by Frank78

[Stanley78]

In this case, why not taking two 500K's for 2 people, or a single 500K's and a dependant visa for the spouse?

What about spouse and immediate family?

I checked and as far as I can tell there are no rights for spouse nor immediate family on the THB 500k Easy Access card.

It is possible to get Family Membership cards for THB 1m + 10k per year and person if you have the Individual card (the one for THB 2m + 20k per year) but I somehow doubt that is the answer you were hoping for since that would add up to very large amounts (THB 5m + 50k/year for a couple with two kids).

Indeed. I didn't say I recommend getting the 2M and 1M cards. In fact I don't recommend any solution in particular and have no idea what is the best for anyone else and their particular life situation but my own.

I just wanted to let people know what exists in case anyone else would find it useful. The more information everyone has the better decisions they can make. Hopefully.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Stanley78

[Stanley78]

I pay THB 100k per year, or THB 8333 / month for it.

In the fineprint we need to add some interest to these figures, unless of course one can really pay annually or monthly.

No, it has to be paid in a lump sum. I merely showed those numbers to put it into perspective.

Some might call this creative accounting.

Well a lot of creative accounting should go into a lot of other visas as well.

What is the value of the time spent doing visa runs? For some surely worth it, for others that time has much more value than the money saved.

What is the annual loss on having THB 800k stuck in an account with low or no interest in order to get a retirement visa rather than having it invested somewhere where it gets a good ROI?

The list goes on and on.

[Pralaad]

In this case, why not taking two 500K's for 2 people, or a single 500K's and a dependant visa for the spouse?

What about spouse and immediate family?

I checked and as far as I can tell there are no rights for spouse nor immediate family on the THB 500k Easy Access card.

It is possible to get Family Membership cards for THB 1m + 10k per year and person if you have the Individual card (the one for THB 2m + 20k per year) but I somehow doubt that is the answer you were hoping for since that would add up to very large amounts (THB 5m + 50k/year for a couple with two kids).

Indeed. I didn't say I recommend getting the 2M and 1M cards. In fact I don't recommend any solution in particular and have no idea what is the best for anyone else and their particular life situation but my own.

I just wanted to let people know what exists in case anyone else would find it useful. The more information everyone has the better decisions they can make. Hopefully.

You are spot on and thank you for taking time to post.

Do ignore the usual internet professors who enjoy picking and twisting, rest assured if you posted the same card was available for 50K,, the very same one's would of been sending you emails asking for more details and where to get one.

It is called Elite for a reason, clearly not for everyone and clearly aimed at people with money, instead of those looking for cheaper beer

[Morakot]

What is the annual loss on having THB 800k stuck in an account with low or no interest

Somewhere in between X to minus Y amount of baht of loss per year.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Morakot

[Frank78]

And for this I'm really grateful.

Thanks.

////

Indeed. I didn't say I recommend getting the 2M and 1M cards. In fact I don't recommend any solution in particular and have no idea what is the best for anyone else and their particular life situation but my own.

I just wanted to let people know what exists in case anyone else would find it useful. The more information everyone has the better decisions they can make. Hopefully.

[Morakot]

And for this I'm really grateful.

Thanks.

////

I just wanted to let people know what exists in case anyone else would find it useful. The more information everyone has the better decisions they can make. Hopefully.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Morakot

[Langsuan Man]

If past history is any judge of the future how can anyone still think that the people who provide this card, not matter which one of the two, will be around in 5 years

There have been many negatives about the program here at TV, because there are many negatives about the program, unless someone else is footing the bill

[WhizBang]

Just curious. So you get a 5 year visa for your 500K baht. Right? Do you still have to do 90 day border runs (as I currently do on a non-O) and/or 90 day reporting to immigration?

If I got a 5 year visa and 5 year stay without 90 day border runs or reporting to immigration, I think it would be worth it.

Edited May 16, 2014 by WhizBang

[Frank78]

Just have been on their website, and no, you don't need to. Just have to exit once a year.

Just curious. So you get a 5 year visa for your 500K baht. Right? Do you still have to do 90 day border runs (as I currently do on a non-O) and/or 90 reporting to immigration?

If I got a 5 year visa and 5 year stay without 90 day border runs or reporting to immigration, I think it would be worth it.

[WhizBang]

Just have been on their website, and no, you don't need to. Just have to exit once a year.

Just curious. So you get a 5 year visa for your 500K baht. Right? Do you still have to do 90 day border runs (as I currently do on a non-O) and/or 90 reporting to immigration?

If I got a 5 year visa and 5 year stay without 90 day border runs or reporting to immigration, I think it would be worth it.

Better than 4 times a year, and would likely want to do at least one out of country trip per year anyway.

So I guess upon entry you get a 1 year (365 day) stamp, instead of the 90 day stamp I am currently getting.

That would save me 3 out of country trips per year, which most likely are running me more than 100K baht anyway. So it pays for itself.

I will have to look into this. Thanks.

[Frank78]

...providing you really will have extensions for X years...

Envoyé de mon iPad à l'aide de Thaivisa Connect Thailand

[WhizBang]

...providing you really will have extensions for X years...

Envoyé de mon iPad à l'aide de Thaivisa Connect Thailand

Yes, always the unknown factor. LOL

[Paul888]

Great post Stanley78. It was pitched wrongly to start, but now it actually looks like value for money, all things considered.

[Frank78]

only immediate and visible drawback is for guys like me that have a spouse. It become less interesting if you have to take 2 cards. unless you can have your spouse with some dependant visa of any kind.

[neverdie]

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.

[Frank78]

I would say that 6000 baths a year is nothing for a person that is able spend 500 000 to buy this =)

About the continuity thing, may be I am way too optimistic but I would tend to think that once a 5 years multiple entry visa is printed on your passport... well...

About the old thai elite system, I'm not sure that all the "x years visa" thing has been discontinued, for what I've read so far (but I still have a lot to learn and read about it) the legal actions was toward a lot of "privileges" that have been removed gradually. Like the possibility to buy land (through company) and marginal things compared to the multiple entries visa.

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.

Edited May 16, 2014 by Frank78

[PattayaPhom]

That's a lot of cash to stay in a country on the verge of political meltdown and possible civil war.

But as you said each to his own.

Seems like a bargain to me. Consider those on ED visas that are paying approx 4K a month for the priveledge of staying here and have all the hassles of reporting etc. Add in the airport transfers if you use them and it really is a steal...of course for those that aint the cash up front or prefer to bunce it on Chang and ciggies thats their choice.

[neverdie]

I would say that 6000 baths a year is nothing for a person that is able spend 500 000 to buy this =)

About the continuity thing, may be I am way too optimistic but I would tend to think that once a 5 years multiple entry visa is printed on your passport... well...

About the old thai elite system, I'm not sure that all the "x years visa" thing has been discontinued, for what I've read so far (but I still have a lot to learn and read about it) the legal actions was toward a lot of "privileges" that have been removed gradually. Like the possibility to buy land (through company) and marginal things compared to the multiple entries visa.

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.

Hi Frank,

It's not that simple. It's not a 5 years visa.

They are yearly visa extensions and one must still ensure the reporting process is carried out, albeit the rumour I had is that the elite staff either arrange it and you pay the 1900 baht, 3 times per year, then at the 12 month mark a new EXTENSION to the visa is granted for another 12 months and so forth until the 5 years elapse.

I'm not against it, but in looked into it for a friend and it would be wise to consider everything before jumping, especially given the current political climate.

I think once you consider the sums, depending on where you live and where you travel to to get annual non immigrant visas the cost for this option might not amount to any more than 4-5k per month, which of course is chicken feed for so e, especially when it comes to convenience.

There's people on this forum that far outspend that on liquid ale and cigarettes.

The Thai elite visa service still operates now, however it did shut down the visa service for a short time, a few years ago. There's other topics on TVF about this, actually you can even read the letter they sent out to their members regarding this.

Anyway, it's DEFINATELY an option for the cashed up under 50ies crowd and probably a whole lot of others as well. At least there is something.

Edited May 16, 2014 by neverdie

[KittenKong]

If you desperately want to have such a visa and if you intend leaving often and can use the airport transfers and fast track passes (which you would generally get free if flying business class anyway) then I suppose this card is a fairly good deal compared to the few other options that are available for persons under 50 or not married to a Thai. Especially as these other options are apparently all being made less easy to implement. Quite a lot of "ifs" though.

Personally if I could no longer get my cheap retirement extension (with no obligatory exit requirement or other costs attached) then I think I would be more likely to just go and live in another country. Thailand doesn't offer much extra for me that's worth paying a 100K/year fee for.

[Frank78]

I would be interested to read this letter, do you know where I can find it on the forum?

I would say that 6000 baths a year is nothing for a person that is able spend 500 000 to buy this =)

About the continuity thing, may be I am way too optimistic but I would tend to think that once a 5 years multiple entry visa is printed on your passport... well...

About the old thai elite system, I'm not sure that all the "x years visa" thing has been discontinued, for what I've read so far (but I still have a lot to learn and read about it) the legal actions was toward a lot of "privileges" that have been removed gradually. Like the possibility to buy land (through company) and marginal things compared to the multiple entries visa.

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.

Hi Frank,

It's not that simple. It's not a 5 years visa.

They are yearly visa extensions and one must still ensure the reporting process is carried out, albeit the rumour I had is that the elite staff either arrange it and you pay the 1900 baht, 3 times per year, then at the 12 month mark a new EXTENSION to the visa is granted for another 12 months and so forth until the 5 years elapse.

I'm not against it, but in looked into it for a friend and it would be wise to consider everything before jumping, especially given the current political climate.

I think once you consider the sums, depending on where you live and where you travel to to get annual non immigrant visas the cost for this option might not amount to any more than 4-5k per month, which of course is chicken feed for so e, especially when it comes to convenience.

There's people on this forum that far outspend that on liquid ale and cigarettes.

The Thai elite visa service still operates now, however it did shut down the visa service for a short time, a few years ago. There's other topics on TVF about this, actually you can even read the letter they sent out to their members regarding this.

Anyway, it's DEFINATELY an option for the cashed up under 50ies crowd and probably a whole lot of others as well. At least there is something.