Experience with Thai Elite Easy Access

[skiller]

I am under 50 years old. The only hassle free option to stay in Thailand for a long term was for me the Thai Elite card.

Have sent the application form via email to Thai Elite. Three days later my application was proved from the Immigration. Next step I transfered 500k Baht

to Thai Elite. One day later I got the payment confirmation.

Today I met a guy from Thai Elite at Bangkok Immigration and got a 5 year´s Visa within 15 minutes.

I know it is a bit expensive but no more Visa hassle the next 5 years.

Cheers

[NanLaew]

Excellent and timely update. There's been some of the TE detractors posting disingenuous claims that because of the 'rush' of possibly dodgy applicants, the approvals and issuing of visas was taking much longer with more people getting refused.

Although I am married, I am on a retirement extension but switching to the TE has been considered. The 500k payment may be a 'write off' but the trade-off is 5-years of hassle-free travel and residence versus the paper trail and seasoning of 400k or 800k, whichever applies. If it fits one's budget and lifestyle then go for it. If it doesn't, then use the alternatives that do.

[skiller]

Excellent and timely update. There's been some of the TE detractors posting disingenuous claims that because of the 'rush' of possibly dodgy applicants, the approvals and issuing of visas was taking much longer with more people getting refused.

That sounds strange for me. Once TE got the pament I got the following email:

"Thank you very much for membership fee I will check with account team and will get back you on Monday due to account team on training. Please give me advice when you would like to get visa. "

Had an appointment 1 pm today. The guy who managed everything was on time and the Visa process took not longer then 15 minutes. I even not sign any document at the Immigration.

I just read this topic http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/777261-phuket-immigration-warns-of-education-visa-crackdown/ and other horrible Visa story´s. Now I feel safe and confirmed that I did everything right.

[gerry1011]

I am under 50 years old. The only hassle free option to stay in Thailand for a long term was for me the Thai Elite card.

Have sent the application form via email to Thai Elite. Three days later my application was proved from the Immigration. Next step I transfered 500k Baht

to Thai Elite. One day later I got the payment confirmation.

Today I met a guy from Thai Elite at Bangkok Immigration and got a 5 year´s Visa within 15 minutes.

I know it is a bit expensive but no more Visa hassle the next 5 years.

Cheers

Welcome to Thailand Elite

You are one more happy member, and I feel happy that you joined the program.

Detractors of the Thailand Elite program posting on this forum know very little, or most of the time nothing, of how convenient life becomes once you are a member.

If you want to meet members, have a look at the "Thailand Elite Members" Facebook page.

Welcome, and please share your positive experiences on here. It is always interesting for those who consider joining the program

[ukrules]

Today I met a guy from Thai Elite at Bangkok Immigration and got a 5 year´s Visa within 15 minutes.

Yes, that's how it works...

[whatawonderfulday]

Skiller,

Just for clarity do you still have to do your 90 day reporting with TE

[ubonjoe]

Skiller,

Just for clarity do you still have to do your 90 day reporting with TE

Yes you do. But if living in Bangkok you can have the report done by Thai Elite for free.

[ubonjoe]

A post attempting to derail the topic (trolling) has been removed.

[ukchatterbox]

Now over 50 and currently on marriage extensions. Certainly would be the best option if I was 10 years younger and single. Deducting normal visa costs for 5 years and if using the limo service etc the Ellite Card seems good value for the service and hassle free lifestyle one can lead. Posts from actual members always seem to be very positive.

[kilt]

With a Thai Elite Easy Access Visa, could one get a work permit?

[gerry1011]

Now over 50 and currently on marriage extensions. Certainly would be the best option if I was 10 years younger and single. Deducting normal visa costs for 5 years and if using the limo service etc the Ellite Card seems good value for the service and hassle free lifestyle one can lead. Posts from actual members always seem to be very positive.

In fact there are many Thailand Elite members who are over 50 and could qualify for other types of visa.

Thailand Elite is appealing to different types of people. Younger or older.

The ones who don't need to work and are too young for retirement visa, of course, but also all those of any age or situation who don't mind to pay for increased convenience.

I would say that Thailand Elite is the best solution if you want to avoid the hassles of getting a long term visa, as well as for those who travel a lot and use the airport assistance and transfers on a regular basis.

I am still under 50 but would certainly not give up my membership for any other type of visa, even if I was married or over 50. Once you tasted the convenience of the PE visa it must be difficult to go back to a regular visa once you reach 50.

[gerry1011]

With a Thai Elite Easy Access Visa, could one get a work permit?

No.

Thailand Elite is a program for those who do not need to work and want to spend extended periods of time in Thailand. For those, there is the Thailand Elite PE (privileged entry) visa.

You can have a job and also be a Thailand Elite member though.

The first does not exclude the other. You can enjoy the other benefits, but you cannot work on a Thailand Elite PE visa.

If you still need to work, you should probably not consider joining the program.

Edited November 21, 2014 by gerry1011

[bim]

I had the same excellent service from TE. If you read the service TE offer they will assist you in various obtaining driving licence, 90 days reports if you live in BKK and a work permit and relevent vise although I agree with Gerry if you need to work then TE may not be for you.

[kilt]

Yes, I see that they can assist in getting a work permit.... So that suggests that it is possible to obtain a work permit if one is here with the Thai Elite Visa, correct?

I am a little confused by the answers.

I work in Film and am offered the occasional gig in Thailand. Each time I must go out of the country to obtain a B visa (with paperwork supplied by the production company) and then re-enter and obtain a work permit for the duration of the gig.

I'm asking if having a Thai Elite Easy Access card eliminates the need to exit country and obtain a B Visa.....?

Thanks again

[bim]

Yes, I see that they can assist in getting a work permit.... So that suggests that it is possible to obtain a work permit if one is here with the Thai Elite Visa, correct?

I am a little confused by the answers.

I work in Film and am offered the occasional gig in Thailand. Each time I must go out of the country to obtain a B visa (with paperwork supplied by the production company) and then re-enter and obtain a work permit for the duration of the gig.

I'm asking if having a Thai Elite Easy Access card eliminates the need to exit country and obtain a B Visa.....?

Thanks again

Hi. No you cannot work on the TE visa. You are best speaking to the TE team who are very helpful.

[ubonjoe]

Yes, I see that they can assist in getting a work permit.... So that suggests that it is possible to obtain a work permit if one is here with the Thai Elite Visa, correct?

I am a little confused by the answers.

I work in Film and am offered the occasional gig in Thailand. Each time I must go out of the country to obtain a B visa (with paperwork supplied by the production company) and then re-enter and obtain a work permit for the duration of the gig.

I'm asking if having a Thai Elite Easy Access card eliminates the need to exit country and obtain a B Visa.....?

Thanks again

You could probably apply for the work permit and then change the PE visa entry to a non immigrant (B ) visa entry at immigration and then get an extension of stay based upon working after the work permit is issued.

The PE visa from the elite program would serve as a back up to the extension of stay in case you lost your job.

[kilt]

Yes, I see that they can assist in getting a work permit.... So that suggests that it is possible to obtain a work permit if one is here with the Thai Elite Visa, correct?

I am a little confused by the answers.

I work in Film and am offered the occasional gig in Thailand. Each time I must go out of the country to obtain a B visa (with paperwork supplied by the production company) and then re-enter and obtain a work permit for the duration of the gig.

I'm asking if having a Thai Elite Easy Access card eliminates the need to exit country and obtain a B Visa.....?

Thanks again

Hi. No you cannot work on the TE visa. You are best speaking to the TE team who are very helpful.

Will do, thanks...

So it means that I would still need to obtain a Non B and then a work permit - but I could do this while holding the TE card...

I will ask them directly

Cheers!

[bim]

Yes, I see that they can assist in getting a work permit.... So that suggests that it is possible to obtain a work permit if one is here with the Thai Elite Visa, correct?

I am a little confused by the answers.

I work in Film and am offered the occasional gig in Thailand. Each time I must go out of the country to obtain a B visa (with paperwork supplied by the production company) and then re-enter and obtain a work permit for the duration of the gig.

I'm asking if having a Thai Elite Easy Access card eliminates the need to exit country and obtain a B Visa.....?

Thanks again

Hi. No you cannot work on the TE visa. You are best speaking to the TE team who are very helpful.

Will do, thanks...

So it means that I would still need to obtain a Non B and then a work permit - but I could do this while holding the TE card...

I will ask them directly

Cheers!

Yes mate thats my understanding of it. Ubon Joe as allways gave some good advise also

[darrendsd]

OP just to confirm that they issued you your visa at BKK Immigration without the need for you to leave the country?

I read on another thread that the applicant had to leave Thailand and the visa was issued upon re entry

I am thinking of applying for the TE next year myself so the info would be helpful.

[ukrules]

Yes, I see that they can assist in getting a work permit.... So that suggests that it is possible to obtain a work permit if one is here with the Thai Elite Visa, correct?

I am a little confused by the answers.

I work in Film and am offered the occasional gig in Thailand. Each time I must go out of the country to obtain a B visa (with paperwork supplied by the production company) and then re-enter and obtain a work permit for the duration of the gig.

I'm asking if having a Thai Elite Easy Access card eliminates the need to exit country and obtain a B Visa.....?

Thanks again

Hi. No you cannot work on the TE visa. You are best speaking to the TE team who are very helpful.

Will do, thanks...

So it means that I would still need to obtain a Non B and then a work permit - but I could do this while holding the TE card...

I will ask them directly

Cheers!

Yes, you're correct. TE can help you with this. From what I've read once you're a TE member if you need to get an additional B visa and work permit it's clear sailing all the way.

I don't know exactly how they help but I know that they do based on something someone else posted some time ago and the fact that it's also mentioned in the documentation which comes in the membership pack you receive when you join Thailand Elite.

Edited November 21, 2014 by ukrules

[ukrules]

OP just to confirm that they issued you your visa at BKK Immigration without the need for you to leave the country?

I read on another thread that the applicant had to leave Thailand and the visa was issued upon re entry

I am thinking of applying for the TE next year myself so the info would be helpful.

I got mine in June without leaving the country.

[bim]

OP just to confirm that they issued you your visa at BKK Immigration without the need for you to leave the country?

I read on another thread that the applicant had to leave Thailand and the visa was issued upon re entry

I am thinking of applying for the TE next year myself so the info would be helpful.

OP is correct I got mine in BKK no need to leave the country. You get stamped in for a year and all in all took me about 15 minutes although TE does everything for you on the day

[darrendsd]

Thanks to the above 2 posters above for the helpful replies

[Mudcrab]

is there a criminal background check requirement for the Elite Visa?

Jut asking

[skiller]

@@ gery1011: I would say that Thailand Elite is the best solution if you want to avoid the hassles of getting a long term visa,

I agree full with you. This was the major point for me. In my opinion 500k Baht is the worth of it.

Spent almost the same amount the past few years with Visa runs flying out/in - not talking from the time I have wasted at the airports.

I know TE only for 3 months and from the forum here that´s why I made it not earlier.

[bim]

is there a criminal background check requirement for the Elite Visa?

Jut asking

My question to your question is there a crimnal check on any thai visa. phone the TE staff and ask

[skiller]

is there a criminal background check requirement for the Elite Visa?

Jut asking

Yes, I wrote in my first post. After you send the appliction form with your passport copy to TE, TE send it to the immigration for a check. Once this is proved you make the payment.

[gerry1011]

@@ gery1011: I would say that Thailand Elite is the best solution if you want to avoid the hassles of getting a long term visa,

I agree full with you. This was the major point for me. In my opinion 500k Baht is the worth of it.

Spent almost the same amount the past few years with Visa runs flying out/in - not talking from the time I have wasted at the airports.

I know TE only for 3 months and from the forum here that´s why I made it not earlier.

The Thailand Elite program is excellent, really.

Not only the membership eliminates the "visa hassles" and all those headaches people speak about on this forum, but it also provides a priceless feeling: The feeling of being "welcome home".

Each time you arrive in Thailand, the Thailand Elite service and staff make you feel like that.

It's not only about passing through immigration in a brisk, the limo transfers, the free golf or spa, it is also about the smile of the Thailand Elite staff, their readiness to help you, their charm... It really makes a difference.

Of course, only fellow members can see what I mean.

[charliebadenhop]

$15,000 or so to join?

And that is good for how many years?

And no other fees on top of that?

cb

[rickthailand]

$15,000 or so to join?

And that is good for how many years?

And no other fees on top of that?

cb

yep no other cost

rick

Edited November 21, 2014 by rickthailand