Experience with Thai Elite Easy Access

[PolPat]

I think many of you don't know what your talking about. Your not getting out of the airport any faster then most other passengers unless your "special assistant" off loads your luggage for you before everybody else. Most of the time I am waiting for my luggage for five minutes after I clear immigration. Are you sure you are really in Thailand and not sitting in Your moms basement in New Jersey?

[gerry1011]

Tells me how it is better the expedited service, are you greeted by dancing girls throwing flower petals at your feet? How big a deal is clearing immigration?

It's no big deal clearing immigration.

Millions of people do it each year.

I am just happy that I don't have to queue with them when arriving at Suvarnabhumi

The queues at immigration seem, however, to be a big deal for many non-Thailand Elite members, judging by the posts of many on this forum.

Uncertainty about the other types of visa seem to be a big deal for many too (especially the "student" visa), as well as these questions asked by immigration officiers, the sometimes refused extensions, the financial requirements for retirees, the constant visa runs, the changing rules, etc, etc, etc...

In fact, it is no big deal to wait in line in long long long queues... We all can survive it, I guess.

It is just that with Thailand Elite you simply eliminate all worries... As well as all the queues.

Then you can concentrate on your happiness in life (which some posters on here seem to lack).

[PolPat]

You said you did not use the departure service in an earlier post your contradicting yourself. You also state you get out of the airport faster. Please explain how you get your luggage before everybody else? Do you Fedex your luggage and only travel with carry on?

[gerry1011]

You said you did not use the departure service in an earlier post your contradicting yourself. You also state you get out of the airport faster. Please explain how you get your luggage before everybody else? Do you Fedex your luggage and only travel with carry on?

Where did I contradict myself?

Concerning the arrival, and since you seem interested in the subject, I am, indeed, always the first out of the airport for the simple reason that First Class passengers are the first out of the plane.

And once outside the plane, the Thailand Elite attendant makes the immigration process super fast.

My sercret is also that I travel with only hand luggage

But... if we travel with luggage, the Thailand Elite attendants take care of the baggage claim while we have a coffee at the Thailand Elite arrival lounge. Very convenient indeed

But, of course, wait for the luggage with hundreds of other people would not be a big deal. It's just that with Thailand Elite the arrival in the country is much more relaxed

[PolPat]

So I pick up my luggage and walk out of the airport while your drinking coffee waiting for somebody to bring you your luggage then you clear customs? This is not faster its actually much slower. You must have severe ego problems to need to pay huge money to feel like you are important as your are getting little to no benefit from this service other then being told that you are special and elite.

[PolPat]

How do they know which luggage is yours? Its amazing that they can find your bag so quickly without you to point it out.

[ukrules]

For me, this is why it's worth it :

Job done

[bim]

For me, this is why it's worth it :

stamp.jpg

Job done

Yep whilst the perks are an obvious bonus the real bonus is the visa. Polpat, pot,,,,,, whatever your name is,,,,,,, to suggests its HUGE money its clearly not its memebers so your true agenda is the envy of maybe not having much and cant stand people who do. Whilst the TE members relax in the ease of the PE visa those visa runs must be a real pain. Good luck to yer sir/madam.

[Sharp]

HUGE MONEY!! to who obviously not us :-)

[rickthailand]

500.000 peanuts for TE members

[gerry1011]

500.000 peanuts for TE members

Be very careful... Some on here will start saying that we (Thailand Elite members) brag about our wealth...

Having said that, and while I sometimes feel sorry for those who don't have the means to become members, I very much prefer to be on the Thailand Elite side.

It is about convenience and quality of life.

[saorsa]

If i fly in with my wife (thai), is she allowed to come with me while i fast track immigration etc?

[phetphet]

I am relocating back to Thailand from Singapore when my contract finishes in June. I found out about Thailand Elite membership online and i think it looks worth every cent. For me it is for the hassle free visas and star treatment on arrival. For the same reason, i fly business class on long hauls even if my company isn't paying for the Tickets.

The Privilege Entry visa and the arrival assistance are indeed the most important benefits.

Personally I do not use the departure assistance, but never fail to use the arrival assistance, in order to cut all the queues (with a charming attendant besides me).

Once you become a member, you will notice that you exit the airport in a record time. Faster than anyone, even when flying business class, and even faster than fellow First Class passengers.

It's a very efficient and charming service.

How would these benefits "arrival asssistance" work for someone travelling (CIQ) with an onward connection, where luggage is booked straight through to destination?

E.g. to Phuket, or Samui. Do the TE assistants accompany the member thro' both Transfers and Immigration?

Thanks.

[VIPinthailand]

btw my tourist visas, I got them with no problems... I just show I have 500'000 bahts invested or on a bank account , and I got my tourist visa double or triple entries in no time. one after one.

7 years tourist, no questions asked.

(and people carry my luggage for 20 bahts and my visas is processed first Because I offer 50 bahts to I/O). I can not wait for my next visa run.

you seem guys (elite member? , what a dumb name btw! ) to be stuck with too much money in hand . some of your comments are ridiculous and infantile . maybe it s time to grow up than being brainwashed by Thai people and their ridiculous cards which is just lot of money for little nothing.

Thai government have a good laugh at you.

[simon43]

One little niggle that I have is that this visa doesn't grant one access to any business lounges at the airport - I asked at Swampy last time and was quite surprised to be advised that I couldn't use any business lounge on the basis of that visa.

[gerry1011]

I am relocating back to Thailand from Singapore when my contract finishes in June. I found out about Thailand Elite membership online and i think it looks worth every cent. For me it is for the hassle free visas and star treatment on arrival. For the same reason, i fly business class on long hauls even if my company isn't paying for the Tickets.

The Privilege Entry visa and the arrival assistance are indeed the most important benefits.

Personally I do not use the departure assistance, but never fail to use the arrival assistance, in order to cut all the queues (with a charming attendant besides me).

Once you become a member, you will notice that you exit the airport in a record time. Faster than anyone, even when flying business class, and even faster than fellow First Class passengers.

It's a very efficient and charming service.

How would these benefits "arrival asssistance" work for someone travelling (CIQ) with an onward connection, where luggage is booked straight through to destination?

E.g. to Phuket, or Samui. Do the TE assistants accompany the member thro' both Transfers and Immigration?

Thanks.

If you travel, for example, from Frankfurt to Phuket, via Bangkok.

Upon arrival in Suvarnabhumi the attendant waits for you at the gate, then accompany you through the "connecting flights channel", and then to your gate for the connecting flight to Phuket.

Once arrived in Phuket, another attendant waits for you at the bottom of the escalator after you disembarked the plane. From there, the attendant accompany you to the baggage claim and then the car.

[arunsakda]

One little niggle that I have is that this visa doesn't grant one access to any business lounges at the airport - I asked at Swampy last time and was quite surprised to be advised that I couldn't use any business lounge on the basis of that visa.

i was told you could get free access to Louis Tavern CIP lounge at Swampy when departing on an intl flight as a benefit of the card.

[rickthailand]

If i fly in with my wife (thai), is she allowed to come with me while i fast track immigration etc?

every time i fly into bkk with my thai partner he is allowed to drive with me

and they also sort out his passport in fast track

rick

[Mario2008]

Flame removed.

[bkkrox]

One little niggle that I have is that this visa doesn't grant one access to any business lounges at the airport - I asked at Swampy last time and was quite surprised to be advised that I couldn't use any business lounge on the basis of that visa.

The Thailand Elite visa grants access to all Louis Tavern first class lounges at BKK. You can see the Thailand Elite sign on the counter at the entance of those lounges.

[thefactoryoutlet]

btw my tourist visas, I got them with no problems... I just show I have 500'000 bahts invested or on a bank account , and I got my tourist visa double or triple entries in no time. one after one.

7 years tourist, no questions asked.

(and people carry my luggage for 20 bahts and my visas is processed first Because I offer 50 bahts to I/O). I can not wait for my next visa run.

you seem guys (elite member? , what a dumb name btw! ) to be stuck with too much money in hand . some of your comments are ridiculous and infantile . maybe it s time to grow up than being brainwashed by Thai people and their ridiculous cards which is just lot of money for little nothing.

Thai government have a good laugh at you.

I guess you also drive a Toyota, right ?

It's good for you if you are happy with your cheap life !

But I prefer to make money and spend it !

[Fab5BKK]

TE might be a good solution if you:

* Aren't married to a Thai,

* Haven't reach official retirement age,

* Travel economy.

I'm married to a Thai and travel business or first class. Therefore, I don't see the need to spend THB500K.

BTW, I don't drive a Toyota (this part was hilarious)

[arunsakda]

btw my tourist visas, I got them with no problems... I just show I have 500'000 bahts invested or on a bank account , and I got my tourist visa double or triple entries in no time. one after one.

7 years tourist, no questions asked.

(and people carry my luggage for 20 bahts and my visas is processed first Because I offer 50 bahts to I/O). I can not wait for my next visa run.

you seem guys (elite member? , what a dumb name btw! ) to be stuck with too much money in hand . some of your comments are ridiculous and infantile . maybe it s time to grow up than being brainwashed by Thai people and their ridiculous cards which is just lot of money for little nothing.

Thai government have a good laugh at you.

The only thing I agree with here is that it is hardly "elite". I originally calculated the daily cost for 5 years then realizes one could enter on the last day and stay 6 years. Most of the target audience would not do this though as they are busy jetting about in business class company paid and making huge salaries and bonuses. 230 baht is per day is a paupers' pittance for wealthy folks and lt is pointless to discuss how they choose to spend their moneys.

[Fab5BKK]

And your point is...

btw my tourist visas, I got them with no problems... I just show I have 500'000 bahts invested or on a bank account , and I got my tourist visa double or triple entries in no time. one after one.

7 years tourist, no questions asked.
(and people carry my luggage for 20 bahts and my visas is processed first Because I offer 50 bahts to I/O). I can not wait for my next visa run.
you seem guys (elite member? , what a dumb name btw! ) to be stuck with too much money in hand . some of your comments are ridiculous and infantile . maybe it s time to grow up than being brainwashed by Thai people and their ridiculous cards which is just lot of money for little nothing.

Thai government have a good laugh at you.

The only thing I agree with here is that it is hardly "elite". I originally calculated the daily cost for 5 years then realizes one could enter on the last day and stay 6 years. Most of the target audience would not do this though as they are busy jetting about in business class company paid and making huge salaries and bonuses. 230 baht is per day is a paupers' pittance for wealthy folks and lt is pointless to discuss how they choose to spend their moneys.

[gerry1011]

TE might be a good solution if you:

* Aren't married to a Thai,

* Haven't reach official retirement age,

* Travel economy.

I'm married to a Thai and travel business or first class. Therefore, I don't see the need to spend THB500K.

BTW, I don't drive a Toyota (this part was hilarious)

- I am not married.

- I did not reach retirement age yet (after 12 years of Thailand Elite membership)

- I travel First Class

...

- I drive a Lambo (among others)

...

And I would recommend Thailand Elite to everyone in my situation (as well as other situations too).

Thailand Elite can appeal to a very broad range of people.

Actually, anyone who likes convenience and don't want to worry about immigration.

Those who have a bit of money, of course...

[arunsakda]

And your point is...

btw my tourist visas, I got them with no problems... I just show I have 500'000 bahts invested or on a bank account , and I got my tourist visa double or triple entries in no time. one after one.

7 years tourist, no questions asked.

(and people carry my luggage for 20 bahts and my visas is processed first Because I offer 50 bahts to I/O). I can not wait for my next visa run.

you seem guys (elite member? , what a dumb name btw! ) to be stuck with too much money in hand . some of your comments are ridiculous and infantile . maybe it s time to grow up than being brainwashed by Thai people and their ridiculous cards which is just lot of money for little nothing.

Thai government have a good laugh at you.

The only thing I agree with here is that it is hardly "elite". I originally calculated the daily cost for 5 years then realizes one could enter on the last day and stay 6 years. Most of the target audience would not do this though as they are busy jetting about in business class company paid and making huge salaries and bonuses. 230 baht is per day is a paupers' pittance for wealthy folks and lt is pointless to discuss how they choose to spend their moneys.

I made my point and it stands without need for further explanations. You are proud to bribe public officials 50 baht to cut the line at Immigration. Others collect watches, Lambo's and fly one round trip on EY in a bed equipped suite for for $30kUSD.

I wouldn't buy a Rolex if I was as minted! It all comes down to personal choice and responsibility. Horses for courses and all that rot.

About the bags you get portered for 20 baht. Are they plastic garbage sacks bound with duct tape or Louis Vuitton? Both work exactly the same. The fancy ones just cost more.

[ukrules]

btw my tourist visas, I got them with no problems... I just show I have 500'000 bahts invested or on a bank account , and I got my tourist visa double or triple entries in no time. one after one.

7 years tourist, no questions asked.

(and people carry my luggage for 20 bahts and my visas is processed first Because I offer 50 bahts to I/O). I can not wait for my next visa run.

you seem guys (elite member? , what a dumb name btw! ) to be stuck with too much money in hand . some of your comments are ridiculous and infantile . maybe it s time to grow up than being brainwashed by Thai people and their ridiculous cards which is just lot of money for little nothing.

Thai government have a good laugh at you.

I guess you also drive a Toyota, right ?

It's good for you if you are happy with your cheap life !

But I prefer to make money and spend it !

I drive a Toyota

[Fab5BKK]

And your point is...

btw my tourist visas, I got them with no problems... I just show I have 500'000 bahts invested or on a bank account , and I got my tourist visa double or triple entries in no time. one after one.

7 years tourist, no questions asked.

(and people carry my luggage for 20 bahts and my visas is processed first Because I offer 50 bahts to I/O). I can not wait for my next visa run.

you seem guys (elite member? , what a dumb name btw! ) to be stuck with too much money in hand . some of your comments are ridiculous and infantile . maybe it s time to grow up than being brainwashed by Thai people and their ridiculous cards which is just lot of money for little nothing.

Thai government have a good laugh at you.

The only thing I agree with here is that it is hardly "elite". I originally calculated the daily cost for 5 years then realizes one could enter on the last day and stay 6 years. Most of the target audience would not do this though as they are busy jetting about in business class company paid and making huge salaries and bonuses. 230 baht is per day is a paupers' pittance for wealthy folks and lt is pointless to discuss how they choose to spend their moneys.

I made my point and it stands without need for further explanations. You are proud to bribe public officials 50 baht to cut the line at Immigration. Others collect watches, Lambo's and fly one round trip on EY in a bed equipped suite for for $30kUSD.

I wouldn't buy a Rolex if I was as minted! It all comes down to personal choice and responsibility. Horses for courses and all that rot.

About the bags you get portered for 20 baht. Are they plastic garbage sacks bound with duct tape or Louis Vuitton? Both work exactly the same. The fancy ones just cost more.

Why the need of being so agressive? Frustrated maybe?

Respect goes a long way...

[Fab5BKK]

TE might be a good solution if you:

* Aren't married to a Thai,

* Haven't reach official retirement age,

* Travel economy.

I'm married to a Thai and travel business or first class. Therefore, I don't see the need to spend THB500K.

BTW, I don't drive a Toyota (this part was hilarious)

- I am not married.

- I did not reach retirement age yet (after 12 years of Thailand Elite membership)

- I travel First Class

...

- I drive a Lambo (among others)

...

And I would recommend Thailand Elite to everyone in my situation (as well as other situations too).

Thailand Elite can appeal to a very broad range of people.

Actually, anyone who likes convenience and don't want to worry about immigration.

Those who have a bit of money, of course...

Of course, those who have a bit of money and manage their visa / extension of stay requirements well do not need TE

:-)

[gerry1011]

TE might be a good solution if you:

* Aren't married to a Thai,

* Haven't reach official retirement age,

* Travel economy.

I'm married to a Thai and travel business or first class. Therefore, I don't see the need to spend THB500K.

BTW, I don't drive a Toyota (this part was hilarious)

- I am not married.

- I did not reach retirement age yet (after 12 years of Thailand Elite membership)

- I travel First Class

...

- I drive a Lambo (among others)

...

And I would recommend Thailand Elite to everyone in my situation (as well as other situations too).

Thailand Elite can appeal to a very broad range of people.

Actually, anyone who likes convenience and don't want to worry about immigration.

Those who have a bit of money, of course...

Of course, those who have a bit of money and manage their visa / extension of stay requirements well do not need TE

:-)

It's the same old argument

Do you need TE and an ultra convenient PE visa?

Of course not. You do not "need" it at all.

It's just nice to have.

Same as a Lambo, a yacht, a personal assistant, a few phones,... There are so many things we do not actually "need".

On my side, I must admit that I have quite a number of things that I don't "need".

I could not live (in Thailand) without my PE visa though... It makes things so easy. I thank God for that visa (and maybe I also should thank Thaksin)