ED Visa to Thailand Elite 500k, not much time, help please

[Dancali]

I'm in Thailand with an ED visa. I'm up for my 3 month extension very soon. I have been studying Thai and my Thai is pretty good, but with the new visa atmosphere, I'm not comfortable being on this visa anymore or dealing with the ED extension process.

I earn decent money through my overseas online business and bring it in to Thailand. After much consideration, I've decided that the 500k hassle free 5 year visa is worth it for me. I have contacted Thailand Elite for the application.

But this is what I'm wondering about:

I only have about a week left, will I have to leave the country? If I overstay when waiting for the Elite visa, will there be a problem?

Thank you.

Edited September 21, 2014 by Dancali

[paz]

There is virtually no waiting for the Thai Elite card and related visa once you have transferred the money.

You can also obtain a 7 days extension at immigration for Bt 1,900.

Edited September 21, 2014 by paz

[ubonjoe]

You should contact them I am sure they can expedite getting it done if needed.

You can find info on their website: http://www.thailandelite.com/index.php

[gerry1011]

The process of obtaining the Thailand Elite PE visa is very quick and easy.

However, I think that a week is a bit short.

Once you send the application, they need a few days (2-3) for immigration to perform a background check.

Then you have to transfer the money.

After that, you can obtain the visa at the immigration office in Bangkok, or at the airport if you fly in.

In both cases there is Thailand Elite staff to assist everything.

Maybe it can be done in a week if you have the cash ready. Hurry up...

But why don't you send them an email to ask them directly?

Edited September 21, 2014 by gerry1011

[Mark79]

I was in pretty much the same situation as yourself last month but flying into Thailand and worried about entry with my ED extension of stay. I contacted Thai Elite about 7 days before I was due to fly but they informed me that it was too short notice, they said that would need 10 working days. Luckily I had no problem entering with my ED extension and re-entry permit and got stamped in until Feb 2015. I will still probably join Thai Elite next time I leave and re-enter Thailand. 500k is a fair bit of cash to pay out for a visa but I am tired of messing around with ED visas and will be nice to have no visa worries for the next 5 years.

Edited September 21, 2014 by Mark79

[merijn]

Don’t forget that people who have a Thai Elite card are getting a 90 Day entry stamp each time they enter Thailand.

Therefore if you want to stay longer you have to do an extension (TM7) at your local immigration office to gain another 90 days. As for every extension this will cost you 1900 Baht. ( I heard that some immigration offices are waving this 1900 Baht but Phuket Immigration will charge you as normal )

[paz]

Don’t forget that people who have a Thai Elite card are getting a 90 Day entry stamp each time they enter Thailand.

Therefore if you want to stay longer you have to do an extension (TM7) at your local immigration office to gain another 90 days. As for every extension this will cost you 1900 Baht. ( I heard that some immigration offices are waving this 1900 Baht but Phuket Immigration will charge you as normal )

You are confusing extensions with 90 days reporting. Thai elite card visa does not require any extension ever.

90 days reporting is done for the customer by the agency in Bangkok, or if you in another place can be done by mail, and is free.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726441-thailand-elite-easy-access-500k-thb-card

Edited September 21, 2014 by paz

[merijn]

Don’t forget that people who have a Thai Elite card are getting a 90 Day entry stamp each time they enter Thailand.

Therefore if you want to stay longer you have to do an extension (TM7) at your local immigration office to gain another 90 days. As for every extension this will cost you 1900 Baht. ( I heard that some immigration offices are waving this 1900 Baht but Phuket Immigration will charge you as normal )

You are confusing extensions with 90 days reporting. Thai elite card visa does not require any extension ever.

90 days reporting is done for the customer by the agency in Bangkok, or if you in another place can be done by mail, and is free.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726441-thailand-elite-easy-access-500k-thb-card

This is strange as i saw several Thai Elite entries for 90 Days which had to be extended at Immigration for another 90 days.

Are things changed (for the worse) maybe or did Phuket airport made a mistake with those people.

[paz]

This is strange as i saw several Thai Elite entries for 90 Days which had to be extended at Immigration for another 90 days.

Are things changed (for the worse) maybe or did Phuket airport made a mistake with those people.

True with the original 10 years card. Now with the 5 years card each entry is for 1 year allowed stay and if the person has not travelling with than year, an extension is necessary for Bt. 1,900. So I stand corrected on that. All info in thread linked above.

[merijn]

This is strange as i saw several Thai Elite entries for 90 Days which had to be extended at Immigration for another 90 days.

Are things changed (for the worse) maybe or did Phuket airport made a mistake with those people.

True with the original 10 years card. Now with the 5 years card each entry is for 1 year allowed stay and if the person has not travelling with than year, an extension is necessary for Bt. 1,900. So I stand corrected on that. All info in thread linked above.

Thanks for the update, I did not know that there was a difference between the old and new cards.

I thought already that i was getting crazy.

[Sharp]

I have recently joined Elite Visa and been out the country twice and apart from the great arrival and departure service i have been stamped with 1 year visa dates no 90 day reporting ...hope this helps .

[merijn]

I have recently joined Elite Visa and been out the country twice and apart from the great arrival and departure service i have been stamped with 1 year visa dates no 90 day reporting ...hope this helps .

I suppose you mend that you received a 1 year entry stamp in your passport when you arrived at the border.

You still have to the 90 day reporting (if you don't leave the country) regardless of the type of visa/extension you have, nobody is exempt for this.

[Sharp]

Hi... I have been told no need for 90 day reporting but I will check again today with my liaison officer and confirm

[ubonjoe]

Hi... I have been told no need for 90 day reporting but I will check again today with my liaison officer and confirm

You still have do the reports of staying longer than 90 days but they will do them for you with no charge if you live in Bangkok.

"Thailand Elite also provides the Members the unlimited Elite Personal Liaison to present to Thai Immigration Bureau Chaengwattana, Bangkok in place of the Members as in the 90-day obligation issued by Thai Immigration Bureau without additional charge "

At the bottom of this page: http://www.thailandelite.com/tpc_news_view.php?id=6

[Sharp]

Im thinking its a miss understanding on my part probably due to the fact i have been in and and out in less than 90 days ...Rgs.

[iamariva1957]

You should be fine. I would get a 7-day extension from immigration just to be 'safe'. But if you tell the Elite people about your hurry (just do not volunteer specific reasons... if you know what I mean. Just keep it simple) you should be fine. The time it takes for the Elite Card to 'kick in' is fast (as soon as the transfer of your funds is posted). So again, you should be fine.

[bim]

It quicker to pay in Thai bhts. US dollars is the only other option and takes longer to process. Mine took 10 days to get. Thailand Elite staff are more than helpful. Great service.

[stingOldway]

From the PDF :

PRIVILEGE ENTRY VISA

To ease your travels to and from Thailand.

Perhaps the most important and attractive benefits attached to THAILAND ELITE Membership are enhanced immigration and visa privileges. Membership confers the right to stay in Thailand with a Privilege Entry Visa as well as extendable 1 year stays without the usual need to leave the country.

Members will be granted a Privilege Entry Visa when applying at any Royal Thai Embassy, Royal Thai Consulate General, or Thai Immigration Bureaus in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

*This Privilege Entry Visa is subject to the Thai Immigration Bureau’s approval.

So , even with the Thai Elite card, and without official announcement, visa can be deny.

Did I read it right, or did my level of english made me confused (I do agree my level to be quite low, so it is a genuine question).

If I am right, so what is the benefit of it when compared with other visa (that are way less costly anyway).?????

[ubonjoe]

From the PDF :

PRIVILEGE ENTRY VISA

To ease your travels to and from Thailand.

Perhaps the most important and attractive benefits attached to THAILAND ELITE Membership are enhanced immigration and visa privileges. Membership confers the right to stay in Thailand with a Privilege Entry Visa as well as extendable 1 year stays without the usual need to leave the country.

Members will be granted a Privilege Entry Visa when applying at any Royal Thai Embassy, Royal Thai Consulate General, or Thai Immigration Bureaus in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket.

*This Privilege Entry Visa is subject to the Thai Immigration Bureau’s approval.

So , even with the Thai Elite card, and without official announcement, visa can be deny.

Did I read it right, or did my level of english made me confused (I do agree my level to be quite low, so it is a genuine question).

If I am right, so what is the benefit of it when compared with other visa (that are way less costly anyway).?????

I assume your are referring to this line you posted. "*This Privilege Entry Visa is subject to the Thai Immigration Bureau’s approval.

That means approval when you apply for the visa not being able to use it after you have it.

Once the visa issued you can use it for 5 years without a problem.

[thaimacky]

I arrived 1 month ago and received a 1 year entry stamp in my passport at suvarnabhumi airport - 90 day reporting has to be done.

[Thanet]

Visa runners are not welcome any more, only those who have 500,000 Baht to spend on a visa every five years.

The government will raise a fortune out of this.

Edited September 22, 2014 by Thanet

[Nemesis7]

It shouldn't take more than a day to get your visa stamped, once the payment is made .

[stingOldway]

@Ubonjoe,

Would you please care to precise if the visa duration is 1 year, or 5 year????

I am so sorry to be that much confused, but my understanding was :

the thai Elite card is valid 5 years, and amongst the numerous advantages there is a 1 year visa! (if yes, my point still stand, the visa may be refused the second year, and that without an official warning)

As I might have read wrongly (old eyes), and/or totally misunderstood (old brain, alcohol, viagra, weed .... you know the drill I presume), I am indeed in the need of a precision.

I will wait (and others I am sure) for your expert response.

Thanks in advance

[MobileContent]

Don’t forget that people who have a Thai Elite card are getting a 90 Day entry stamp each time they enter Thailand.

Therefore if you want to stay longer you have to do an extension (TM7) at your local immigration office to gain another 90 days. As for every extension this will cost you 1900 Baht. ( I heard that some immigration offices are waving this 1900 Baht but Phuket Immigration will charge you as normal )

We get 12 month when we enter on the TE visa.

[ubonjoe]

@Ubonjoe,

Would you please care to precise if the visa duration is 1 year, or 5 year????

I am so sorry to be that much confused, but my understanding was :

the thai Elite card is valid 5 years, and amongst the numerous advantages there is a 1 year visa! (if yes, my point still stand, the visa may be refused the second year, and that without an official warning)

As I might have read wrongly (old eyes), and/or totally misunderstood (old brain, alcohol, viagra, weed .... you know the drill I presume), I am indeed in the need of a precision.

I will wait (and others I am sure) for your expert response.

Thanks in advance

The approval that you quoted is for the issuance of the visa when you apply for it.

The visa is valid for 5 years and gives multiple one year entries.

You do not have to worry about the visa being cancelled and/or being denied an entry.

[stingOldway]

thanks Ubonjoe

[Jokke66]

Would love it if they could make a 1 year version for say 120.000 baht, as it would be silly to pay 500.000 as I turn 50 in a year or so.

Edited September 22, 2014 by Jokke66

[paz]

Would love it if they could make a 1 year version for say 120.000 baht, as it would be silly to pay 500.000 as I turn 50 in a year or so.

In my opinion it would be silly to pay even $4,000 for that reason exactly.

[Cypress Hill]

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Visa runners are not welcome any more, only those who have 500,000 Baht to spend on a visa every five years.

The government will raise a fortune out of this.

I doubt it. Most people I know are in no doubt whatsoever that this visa thing's going to blow over within the next 6 months if not sooner and things will get back to "normal". Indeed, they've already watered down the visa exemption thing although, I can't understand why people would want to piss about cramped into a minivan heading to Cambodia at a cost of 2-3,000 baht every 30 days

Sure, there are people frightened enough by the bluster and anecdotes to go this Elite route but I think it's overpriced. If I wasn't able to stay here under my current method, I'd stick with the ED extension.

The OP speaks Thai so it's not as if he's gonna get caught out on an impromptu test of his ability.

[Dancali]

OP here with a followup.

Mission accomplished. I would suggest giving yourself about 2 weeks to complete the process, but they knew of my situation and helped expedite things. Highly recommended.