Thailand Elite Membership/Card - The low down

[Soutpeel]

So what your saying is its the perfect solution to live in Thailand long term for the under 50's who are independently wealthy and the digital nomads who are creaming it with their on line businesses after all over 5 years its less than THB 300 a day ?

[TPI]

Something to consider, if you're not accepted they don't refund any monies already laid out, it's not of much use if you don't live in Bangkok and after paying 1/2 a mil you're not on the top scale? Also, you have to remember that, after all, this is Thailand! What're the odds that you'll be able use the 'Elite" services for the full five years??

[JThai]

Something to consider, if you're not accepted they don't refund any monies already laid out, it's not of much use if you don't live in Bangkok and after paying 1/2 a mil you're not on the top scale? Also, you have to remember that, after all, this is Thailand! What're the odds that you'll be able use the 'Elite" services for the full five years??

Uhh, they don't take your money until you are approved and the Elite is nothing new people have been using it for 10+ years with no problems. So the odds are pretty good it will be good for 5 years.

Correct me if I'm wrong guys.

[gerry1011]

Something to consider, if you're not accepted they don't refund any monies already laid out, it's not of much use if you don't live in Bangkok and after paying 1/2 a mil you're not on the top scale? Also, you have to remember that, after all, this is Thailand! What're the odds that you'll be able use the 'Elite" services for the full five years??

You pay after they accept you... It has been said thousands of times.

And concerning the "odds"... I hear people speaking about the "odds that this and that will happen" since the beginning of my own membership... 11 years ago!

In the meantime I am on my third Thailand Elite visa, enjoy trouble free stays, go in and out as I wish, ... while others debate about the "odds".

I love Thailand Elite.

[swissie]

To compare:

A Thai-National, living in Switzerland on a "C-Permit" is allowed to work and the cost of a 5 year "C-Permit" is CHF 60 (2040 Bht)

A Farang, living in Thailand is not allowed to work but willing to pay 500'000 . (500'00 versus 2040 Bht.)

So, basically the same costs 245 Times more in Thailand than in High-Priced Switzerland. LOL. !!!!!!!!!

Cheers.

[bangkoklasse]

To compare:

A Thai-National, living in Switzerland on a "C-Permit" is allowed to work and the cost of a 5 year "C-Permit" is CHF 60 (2040 Bht)

A Farang, living in Thailand is not allowed to work but willing to pay 500'000 . (500'00 versus 2040 Bht.)

So, basically the same costs 245 Times more in Thailand than in High-Priced Switzerland. LOL. !!!!!!!!!

Cheers.

But of course most Thai would not be allowed to live in Switzerland at all.

[gerry1011]

In these threads, we've already had a Canadian thaivisa poster comparing the life of Thailand Elite members (in Thailand) with all sorts of things in Canada... (Where most members never went and will never go).

Now we have a Swiss poster comparing a Thai worker working in Switzerland with Thailand Elite members who don't work in Thailand...

I prefer to compare comparable things, such as the convenience of the Thailand Elite visa, compared with the hassles of obtaining a retirement visa, the worries associated with an ED visa, the headaches that the visa exempts must go through with their constant visa run obligations...

Uhm, no... After all, these are not comparable either... Only the Thailand Elite option provides a trouble free visa

Edited October 24, 2014 by gerry1011

[jspill]

So what your saying is its the perfect solution to live in Thailand long term for the under 50's who are independently wealthy and the digital nomads who are creaming it with their on line businesses after all over 5 years its less than THB 300 a day ?

According to posters like you digital nomads are falsifying visa paperwork if they do remote online work online on TR / Ed visas.

Thailand Elite T&Cs also say 'employment prohibited', so by your (false) logic they're both the same. You can't have it both ways.

You also associate online work with illegal activity (porn, poker, and knockoff DVDs) in other posts yet here you are recommending nomads pay 500k to have immigration look the other way, as a perfect solution.

At least stay consistent in your trolling posts.

[Soutpeel]

So what your saying is its the perfect solution to live in Thailand long term for the under 50's who are independently wealthy and the digital nomads who are creaming it with their on line businesses after all over 5 years its less than THB 300 a day ?

According to posters like you digital nomads are falsifying visa paperwork if they do remote online work online on TR / Ed visas.

Thailand Elite T&Cs also say 'employment prohibited', so by your (false) logic they're both the same. You can't have it both ways.

You also associate online work with illegal activity (porn, poker, and knockoff DVDs) in other posts yet here you are recommending nomads pay 500k to have immigration look the other way, as a perfect solution.

At least stay consistent in your trolling posts.

Bit rich isn't it, coming from a self confessed troll, who doesn't attend the classes required for their Ed visa, has worked physically in Thailand, without a WP on a "promotional" movie for gay tourism in Thailand, and gambles illegally from Thailand on over sea website's

And I am the troll LOL

But based on your self professed history one could assume you wouldn't be the sort of punter they looking for anyway, even if you had the cash

[JThai]

So what your saying is its the perfect solution to live in Thailand long term for the under 50's who are independently wealthy and the digital nomads who are creaming it with their on line businesses after all over 5 years its less than THB 300 a day ?

According to posters like you digital nomads are falsifying visa paperwork if they do remote online work online on TR / Ed visas.

Thailand Elite T&Cs also say 'employment prohibited', so by your (false) logic they're both the same. You can't have it both ways.

You also associate online work with illegal activity (porn, poker, and knockoff DVDs) in other posts yet here you are recommending nomads pay 500k to have immigration look the other way, as a perfect solution.

At least stay consistent in your trolling posts.

Bit rich isn't it, coming from a self confessed troll, who doesn't attend the classes required for their Ed visa, has worked physically in Thailand, without a WP on a "promotional" movie for gay tourism in Thailand, and gambles illegally from Thailand on over sea website's

And I am the troll LOL

But based on your self professed history one could assume you wouldn't be the sort of punter they looking for anyway, even if you had the cash

LOL - If this is true. Got any links?

Elite sounds good if you are dedicated to staying here and know you can keep your nomad money flowing for the whole time. I'd hate to spend the money and find out I gotta go back to the US after a year.

[mrtoad]

So what your saying is its the perfect solution to live in Thailand long term for the under 50's who are independently wealthy and the digital nomads who are creaming it with their on line businesses after all over 5 years its less than THB 300 a day ?

According to posters like you digital nomads are falsifying visa paperwork if they do remote online work online on TR / Ed visas.

Thailand Elite T&Cs also say 'employment prohibited', so by your (false) logic they're both the same. You can't have it both ways.

You also associate online work with illegal activity (porn, poker, and knockoff DVDs) in other posts yet here you are recommending nomads pay 500k to have immigration look the other way, as a perfect solution.

At least stay consistent in your trolling posts.

You keep claiming your not working, so on that basis it's ok. However, from other posts you admit to working, and falsifying documents for your ed visa.

So maybe TE isn't for you either.

[mrtoad]

I wish I had a really good reason to go elite. I could spend the money but just don't want to regret it. Sounds like a great program, will the limo take you anywhere in Thailand?

I have been a sceptic of it for a long time, and actually thought initially that it might be a waste of money. I think the original cost was 1 million when first introduced for lifetime membership (correct me if I am wrong) on reflection, I wish I had a got one then. Not for the visa aspect really, but the other benefits.

Certainly the 5 year option is a good way to try it out at 500k. I know a few who have got the card and have no complaints. For those that have a bit of cash and want no visa hassles then it's a good option.

[JThai]

I wish I had a really good reason to go elite. I could spend the money but just don't want to regret it. Sounds like a great program, will the limo take you anywhere in Thailand?

I have been a sceptic of it for a long time, and actually thought initially that it might be a waste of money. I think the original cost was 1 million when first introduced for lifetime membership (correct me if I am wrong) on reflection, I wish I had a got one then. Not for the visa aspect really, but the other benefits.

Certainly the 5 year option is a good way to try it out at 500k. I know a few who have got the card and have no complaints. For those that have a bit of cash and want no visa hassles then it's a good option.

I've just started my Thailand adventure. I think I will play out the TV and maybe then ED route (I'm actually learning Thai at non ED school because I WANT to learn) and see how I really like it. I think the right time to go for the Elite is when getting denied a TV or other hassles become a true hindrance and I can't stand to stay away. I'd hate to drop 500K and also end up married in a couple years. Haha I can't believe I'm even saying the M word, I must really be getting older. Though from what I hear a Thai marriage is going to make me wish I went for the cheaper option (Elite) haha.

Still a big part of me just wishes to have the VIP access and not worry about all this nonsense.

[mrtoad]

TE will certainly be cheaper then getting married.

[jspill]

Your thoughts about me as an individual aside, my original post about the inconsistency of your logic still stands. You are giving your blessing to me to keep doing what I'm doing, if I happened to switch to the Elite card and pay 500k to Thailand.

Bit rich isn't it, coming from a self confessed troll

Nothing wrong with some types of trolling, if they provoke discussion, so I'll take that bit back. What happened to the nomad thread from yesterday? (all kinds of links were in there JThai) It get too much for you guys, to be out-debated, and you had it deleted?

Edited October 24, 2014 by jspill

[gerry1011]

There seems to be a lot of talks about digital nomads on the Thailand Elite threads.

My opinion is that the digital nomads (the ones with money) should go for the Thailand Elite membership.

It will make your life easier for sure.

And, if later on immigration catches you working without work permit, it will not make a difference if you are caught working on an ED visa, a PE visa, or tourist visa, you will be caught anyway. Same result

But before you are caught you will have had a great time

I am not a digital nomad, I don't work, but try to help digital nomads make up their mind about joining TE

(No refund after you've been caught though...)

Edited October 24, 2014 by gerry1011

[theguyfromanotherforum]

Yes I compared it with Canada and let me tell you why. My Thai girlfriend who had 20,000 in her bank account (just a little more than 500,000 baht) and a guarantee employment letter from a restaurant she worked got her Canadian citizenship just based on these 2 facts..... And unlike elite this money is for her to keep and "visa" does not expire. I will not buy Thai elite visa simply because it is poor value. I can easily afford 500k but I won't lie it is a lot of money to me and if I wanted to leave Thailand for extended period I would feel like the money was wasted.

[IMA_FARANG]

Like they say .... you pays your money and you takes your chances.

Right now I'm on a retirement visa .... so the question is an academic one to me.

If you have the money give it a try.

But just do some research and see what happened to some of those who signed up for the ORIGINAL Elite card program a decade or so ago.

Basically, to cut to the chase, it went broke, and many people lost money on it.

I'm not saying that kind of thing will happen to this Elite card program this time.

Maybe this one will work.

But like I said.........You pays your money, and you takes your chances.

Up to you.

[JThai]

Like they say .... you pays your money and you takes your chances.

Right now I'm on a retirement visa .... so the question is an academic one to me.

If you have the money give it a try.

But just do some research and see what happened to some of those who signed up for the ORIGINAL Elite card program a decade or so ago.

Basically, to cut to the chase, it went broke, and many people lost money on it.

I'm not saying that kind of thing will happen to this Elite card program this time.

Maybe this one will work.

But like I said.........You pays your money, and you takes your chances.

Up to you.

How did they lose money on it? Were the visa's revoked?

[ubonjoe]

But just do some research and see what happened to some of those who signed up for the ORIGINAL Elite card program a decade or so ago.

Basically, to cut to the chase, it went broke, and many people lost money on it.

Nobody ever lost their money. They still go their visas.

There were some perks that got cut back was all.

[Soutpeel]

Yes I compared it with Canada and let me tell you why. My Thai girlfriend who had 20,000 in her bank account (just a little more than 500,000 baht) and a guarantee employment letter from a restaurant she worked got her Canadian citizenship just based on these 2 facts..... And unlike elite this money is for her to keep and "visa" does not expire. I will not buy Thai elite visa simply because it is poor value. I can easily afford 500k but I won't lie it is a lot of money to me and if I wanted to leave Thailand for extended period I would feel like the money was wasted.

Your comparison is completely irrelevant,

If you want to use your GF as an example then the correct comparison would be like you working for 3 years in Thailand and applying for PR here, and yes you can do this with very little money down and employment

[JThai]

Yes I compared it with Canada and let me tell you why. My Thai girlfriend who had 20,000 in her bank account (just a little more than 500,000 baht) and a guarantee employment letter from a restaurant she worked got her Canadian citizenship just based on these 2 facts..... And unlike elite this money is for her to keep and "visa" does not expire. I will not buy Thai elite visa simply because it is poor value. I can easily afford 500k but I won't lie it is a lot of money to me and if I wanted to leave Thailand for extended period I would feel like the money was wasted.

Your comparison is completely irrelevant,

If you want to use your GF as an example then the correct comparison would be like you working for 3 years in Thailand and applying for PR here, and yes you can do this with very little money down and employment

I agree but he said she got CITIZENSHIP. Seems hard to believe but who knows.

[Soutpeel]

Like they say .... you pays your money and you takes your chances.

Right now I'm on a retirement visa .... so the question is an academic one to me.

If you have the money give it a try.

But just do some research and see what happened to some of those who signed up for the ORIGINAL Elite card program a decade or so ago.

Basically, to cut to the chase, it went broke, and many people lost money on it.

I'm not saying that kind of thing will happen to this Elite card program this time.

Maybe this one will work.

But like I said.........You pays your money, and you takes your chances.

Up to you.

How did they lose money on it? Were the visa's revoked?

As far as I am aware no one has lost their visa's under the original TE program, and would be interested to see if the poster claiming this can substantiate this by providing a link to prove this statement

[Soutpeel]

Yes I compared it with Canada and let me tell you why. My Thai girlfriend who had 20,000 in her bank account (just a little more than 500,000 baht) and a guarantee employment letter from a restaurant she worked got her Canadian citizenship just based on these 2 facts..... And unlike elite this money is for her to keep and "visa" does not expire. I will not buy Thai elite visa simply because it is poor value. I can easily afford 500k but I won't lie it is a lot of money to me and if I wanted to leave Thailand for extended period I would feel like the money was wasted.

Your comparison is completely irrelevant,

If you want to use your GF as an example then the correct comparison would be like you working for 3 years in Thailand and applying for PR here, and yes you can do this with very little money down and employment

I agree but he said she got CITIZENSHIP. Seems hard to believe but who knows.

And one can get citizenship in Thailand going the same route, ie employment

[grantbkk]

I wish I had a really good reason to go elite. I could spend the money but just don't want to regret it. Sounds like a great program, will the limo take you anywhere in Thailand?

I was on a Retirement Extention for a decade before I, like so many others, took advantage of the new Thailand Elite option. Seven days from start to finish. Perfect service and no hassles or worries for five years. I actively debated the pros and cons for about three month until my extention was about to expire and settled on the Card. I know I could have easily cut costs and received another Retirement Extention but I gave myself a gift.

Looming large in my decision was a couple of TV threads and the vitriolic outpouring from several non-card holders. Me thinks they complained too much. After examining their complaints and motivations along with the personal attacks on people trying to give an opinion or help others asking questions my path was clear.

If it is still available in five years I will do it again.

[JThai]

Yes I compared it with Canada and let me tell you why. My Thai girlfriend who had 20,000 in her bank account (just a little more than 500,000 baht) and a guarantee employment letter from a restaurant she worked got her Canadian citizenship just based on these 2 facts..... And unlike elite this money is for her to keep and "visa" does not expire. I will not buy Thai elite visa simply because it is poor value. I can easily afford 500k but I won't lie it is a lot of money to me and if I wanted to leave Thailand for extended period I would feel like the money was wasted.

Your comparison is completely irrelevant,

If you want to use your GF as an example then the correct comparison would be like you working for 3 years in Thailand and applying for PR here, and yes you can do this with very little money down and employment

I agree but he said she got CITIZENSHIP. Seems hard to believe but who knows.

And one can get citizenship in Thailand going the same route, ie employment

Yeah a GREAT job (for Thailand) one that would be almost impossible to find, and take years to get the PR, and years to file the application, and even then. It's nice that crappy waitress job with one weeks paycheck can become a citizen of Canada.

[JThai]

I wish I had a really good reason to go elite. I could spend the money but just don't want to regret it. Sounds like a great program, will the limo take you anywhere in Thailand?

I was on a Retirement Extention for a decade before I, like so many others, took advantage of the new Thailand Elite option. Seven days from start to finish. Perfect service and no hassles or worries for five years. I actively debated the pros and cons for about three month until my extention was about to expire and settled on the Card. I know I could have easily cut costs and received another Retirement Extention but I gave myself a gift.

Looming large in my decision was a couple of TV threads and the vitriolic outpouring from several non-card holders. Me thinks they complained too much. After examining their complaints and motivations along with the personal attacks on people trying to give an opinion or help others asking questions my path was clear.

If it is still available in five years I will do it again.

This is one case I don't understand. Is it really so hard to keep the 800K THB in the bank, since you are willing blow it for a 5 year visa?

I can understand if under 50 but this just sounds crazy.

[theguyfromanotherforum]

I agree but he said she got CITIZENSHIP. Seems hard to believe but who knows.

Canadian citizenship can be obtained very easy. There are university degree mills in Canada specifically set up for this purpose. My ex went to one of them. You only need money (often less than you'd need for a retirement visa in Thailand), good lawyer and a job.

[grantbkk]

I wish I had a really good reason to go elite. I could spend the money but just don't want to regret it. Sounds like a great program, will the limo take you anywhere in Thailand?

I was on a Retirement Extention for a decade before I, like so many others, took advantage of the new Thailand Elite option. Seven days from start to finish. Perfect service and no hassles or worries for five years. I actively debated the pros and cons for about three month until my extention was about to expire and settled on the Card. I know I could have easily cut costs and received another Retirement Extention but I gave myself a gift.

Looming large in my decision was a couple of TV threads and the vitriolic outpouring from several non-card holders. Me thinks they complained too much. After examining their complaints and motivations along with the personal attacks on people trying to give an opinion or help others asking questions my path was clear.

If it is still available in five years I will do it again.

This is one case I don't understand. Is it really so hard to keep the 800K THB in the bank, since you are willing blow it for a 5 year visa?

I can understand if under 50 but this just sounds crazy.

I hear what you're saying and the direction I took is not for everyone. Maybe it is crazy but at my age the reapplication process seemed like it was just around the corner and I don't like the lines. I do admit that for the first five years I enjoyed going through the process especially at Suan Plu. What a show that was. But, like may things it became tedious and I found an option for me. It certainly has nothing to do with 800K Baht in the bank.

When individuals shop for a new car there are many cars in different price ranges. A cheap and reliable $25,000 car will get the job done but some opt for the $70,000+ car with a few more options. Keep in mind I do not what TV to go nuts on the pros and cons of car buys I am just citing a nearly parallel example.

[gerry1011]

Like they say .... you pays your money and you takes your chances.

Right now I'm on a retirement visa .... so the question is an academic one to me.

If you have the money give it a try.

But just do some research and see what happened to some of those who signed up for the ORIGINAL Elite card program a decade or so ago.

Basically, to cut to the chase, it went broke, and many people lost money on it.

I'm not saying that kind of thing will happen to this Elite card program this time.

Maybe this one will work.

But like I said.........You pays your money, and you takes your chances.

Up to you.

I am an original member...

I never lost money on this program and none of the members ever did.

I am in my 11th year of Thailand Elite visa.

I don't like people who spread false information about Thailand Elite... Reason why I allow myself to post in these threads with the correct facts.

Thailand Elite is just great... If you have the money (and don't need to work)(in Thailand)(or Canada, as a matter of fact)

Edited October 25, 2014 by gerry1011