Experience with Thai Elite Easy Access

[gerry1011]

Since I'm 43 and will be divorcing my wife, I'm going to get one.

Already been in contact with them, all seems to go very efficient.

After you become a member you will not feel the need to marry anymore

Are those one of the services they provide? Are there additional costs to avail them or are they included?

Looks like nowadays we have only "newbies" creating "new" accounts to post on Thailand Elite threads.

Funny

[pingp0ng]

Just a quick question. I recall reading that the elite card wasn't for living permanently in Thailand somewhere ? If I'd like to retire in Thailand and I am under 50 living off returns. Would the elite card work? Can I call Thailand my home and spend over 180 days per yr in the country?

[ubonjoe]

Just a quick question. I recall reading that the elite card wasn't for living permanently in Thailand somewhere ? If I'd like to retire in Thailand and I am under 50 living off returns. Would the elite card work? Can I call Thailand my home and spend over 180 days per yr in the country?

You can stay here full time on the PE visa and entries.

There is no 180 day rule. That is only for being considered a resident for tax purposes.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

There's an interesting article in the BKK Post today on the Thailand Elite card and program continuing to face hard financial times, lagging membership sales and a plan to increase the individual membership fee to 3 million baht.

I can't link to it here under forum rules, but it was posted today in their business section. And I don't see any comparable article posted anywhere here in the TV forum coming from The Nation or anywhere else.

The last line of the article says they're planning to increase the 20-year individual membership fee from the current 2 million to 3 million because, of course, they're not selling enough cards/memberships.

According to the article, TPC got 94 million baht in revenue (not profits) from 152 memberships sold in fiscal 2014. And yet, they have goals of 324 million revenue and 520 memberships in f2015, and then 414 million in f2016 and 550 million in f2017.

Do they really think they're going to more than triple, from 152 to 520, the number of memberships sold during the coming year?

No mention of any pricing changes to the less expensive 5-year Thailand Easy Access package that sells for 500,000 baht.

Needless to say, from a business venture perspective, which this is supposed to be from the Thai government's perspective, this program is continuing to be a financial bust. You kind of have to wonder how long they're going to continue to support this program?

The article also mentions, without elaborating, that they were unable to sell any co-branded memberships with property developers and family memberships in October and November.

Here's the current summary of their different packages and their terms/costs from their website:

http://www.thailandelite.com/glimpse.php

Edited November 27, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[muster]

According to the article, TPC got 94 million baht in revenue (not profits) from 152 memberships sold in fiscal 2014.

Thank you for the additional information.

152 memberships sold in a year.

At that pace, they are quickly going to reach their goal of 1,000,000 memberships.

[gerry1011]

Finally some real news.

It changes from the useless troll posts that we had to endure lately

Now the Thailand Elite haters can come back with their traditional "blah blah blah"... The Thailand Elite threads (old and new ones) are going to enjoy a new life

On my side, as a long time Thailand Elite member, I am very happy that, even in those uncertain (political) times, I can count on 150 (!) new fellow members, and some of them already friends

150 more guests for the Thailand Elite parties. Cool

Edited November 27, 2014 by gerry1011

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I've never been an avid poster on this subject, one way or the other. And I'm eligible for retirement here, so the TE card isn't really relevant for me. But I can understand how it might be relevant to others who aren't eligible for other legals ways of staying.

However, if I were interested, the main thing I'd have against the program is that I don't trust the Thai government to honor its promises about this or much of anything else, based on their past track record. So, if they change the rules on retirement or marriage extensions, then I either find a way to comply or I make other plans.

But, in the case of the TE program, they want you to plunk down 500,000 or 2 million baht up-front in exchange for the promised benefits. And if they decide to cancel the program next year or two years or 3 years out, a cardholder would likely be out their original investment, since I haven't heard of any provision to offer refunds in the event of the program's demise.

Nothing against the program in particular. Just don't trust the Thai government with 500,000 or 2 million of my money for something promised out into future years. And it certainly doesn't boost my confidence to know that they were pretty close already to canceling the entire program just a couple years back.

Edited November 27, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[gerry1011]

I've never been an avid poster on this subject, one way or the other. And I'm eligible for retirement here, so the TE card isn't really relevant for me. But I can understand how it might be relevant to others who aren't eligible for other legals ways of staying.

However, if I were interested, the main thing I'd have against the program is that I don't trust the Thai government to honor its promises about this or much of anything else, based on their past track record. So, if they change the rules on retirement or marriage extensions, then I either find a way to comply or I make other plans.

But, in the case of the TE program, they want you to plunk down 500,000 or 2 million baht up-front in exchange for the promised benefits. And if they decide to cancel the program next year or two years or 3 years out, a cardholder would likely be out their original investment, since I haven't heard of any provision to offer refunds in the event of the program's demise.

Nothing against the program in particular. Just don't trust the Thai government with 500,000 or 2 million of my money for something promised out into future years. And it certainly doesn't boost my confidence to know that they were pretty close already to canceling the entire program just a couple years back.

You are right that it is difficult to fully trust the government (whatever government it is at a particular moment).

However, this same argument is what holds certain people to buy the Elite card since 13 years, ... while others, who bought the card since the beginning of the program, enjoy great benefits since 13 years...

I have never been on such visas, but I think that the rules for retirement visas, ED visas, marriage visas or visa exempt, and, for some, their associated obligatory visa runs, have changed several times in the past 13 years, not for the better but for the worse.

On the other side, the very convenient Thailand Elite SE visa has been "upgraded" to an even more convenient PE visa.

So, for someone like me who bought the Elite card in the early years... I can tell you that it was a veeeeery good deal

Since years we can read the visa worries and visa headaches of so many posters on this forum, while every single Thailand Elite member is happy about his choice and the comfort associated with the Thailand Elite visa.

What I want to say is that if one only thinks about the risks, without taking the advantages into account, one may lose a good opportunity.

Also, as said many times, the fee to become a Thailand Elite member can seem astronomic into the eyes of certain people (quite a lot on this forum), while it is peanuts in the eyes of others.

With Thailand Elite you don't make an investment, you just buy a service (mainly a visa service). And you realize that that service is highly valuable once you are a member, and that the fee is... in fact cheap.

Is 500,000b expensive to become a Thailand Elite member for 5 years? Even with the uncertainty of the political situation?

In my opinion: Not at all.

[pingp0ng]

I agree, it's not an insane amount of money for being hassle-free, and I think everyone who pays the amount can afford to lose it. I see a lot of people referring to the old defunct program. None of the initial members had their memberships revoked right? If they did then I would understand if all trust was gone.

Edited November 27, 2014 by pingp0ng

[gerry1011]

I agree, it's not an insane amount of money for being hassle-free, and I think everyone who pays the amount can afford to lose it. I see a lot of people referring to the old defunct program. None of the initial members had their memberships revoked right? If they did then I would understand if all trust was gone.

The "old program" has never been defunct. And indeed the initial members never lost their convenient visa. Thailand Elite is still the same as it was at the beginning, or even better when it comes to the PE visa.

[likewise]

My approval is done, next week send in the originals, pay and we will be an official member.

So I can finally get divorced while still being able to stay here and enjoy the priviliges since I have waiting in queue the fast track immi sounds wonderful.

[Sharp]

Welcome...

[gerry1011]

My approval is done, next week send in the originals, pay and we will be an official member.

So I can finally get divorced while still being able to stay here and enjoy the priviliges since I have waiting in queue the fast track immi sounds wonderful.

Welcome to the club

[likewise]

Thanks, I was a little disappointed that I have to go to Bangkok to get the stamp, of course they will guide me, but I had more in mind of sending my passport or even better just getting stamped right here in Krabi with them as reps. . Krabi immi knows me, have been giving me marriage extensions for the last 7 years.

Edited November 28, 2014 by likewise

[skiller]

@@likewise: but I had more in mind of sending my passport

Try and ask if you can send your passport to TE. I think it is possible too.

[bim]

I agree, it's not an insane amount of money for being hassle-free, and I think everyone who pays the amount can afford to lose it. I see a lot of people referring to the old defunct program. None of the initial members had their memberships revoked right? If they did then I would understand if all trust was gone.

The "old program" has never been defunct. And indeed the initial members never lost their convenient visa. Thailand Elite is still the same as it was at the beginning, or even better when it comes to the PE visa.

Your right its not an insane amount of money. Ive said before my council tax alone in the UK worked more than the break down of the annual cost of TE. Gerry is correct that not one PE visa over the last 13 years has been revoked. In addition when my 5 year PE visa runs out I plan to get the 20 year one. It doesnt make sense for them to increase the cost if they want more members. I wouldnt use the privilages with it anyway. The visa is enough and the current cost is great for those wishing to have a hassle free way to stay in this wonderful country.

[ubonjoe]

A post with the intent to derail the topic has been removed.

[likewise]

I see the elite card as a handy tool to live here legally without having to get married or doing business. I'm sure I will love the fast track immigration during my travels.

Lots of the haters probably can't afford it. Fair enough, but no reason to break the program down.

The program has gone through tough times and is still here.

[gerry1011]

Personally I believe that the program is heading for very bright days.

On this forum alone, the numerous positive comments of Thailand Elite members (old and new) made so that many thaivisa posters decided to sign up with this great program.

The opinions of these new members, as positive as the ones of the older ones, made so that even more posters joined the program.

Now, I read that over 150 people decided to become members of Thailand Elite this year.

That makes 150 more people spreading positive opinion about Thailand Elite... It's a snowball effect.

There is no better advertising for Thailand Elite than the members speaking themselves about their great experience.

However, and it's a personal opinion, I also believe that the program will be more expensive in the future.

At this price, I have the feeling that it is too much of a bargain... Let's see what happens in the future.

Edited November 29, 2014 by gerry1011

[bim]

Personally I believe that the program is heading for very bright days.

On this forum alone, the numerous positive comments of Thailand Elite members (old and new) made so that many thaivisa posters decided to sign up with this great program.

The opinions of these new members, as positive as the ones of the older ones, made so that even more posters joined the program.

Now, I read that over 150 people decided to become members of Thailand Elite this year.

That makes 150 more people spreading positive opinion about Thailand Elite... It's a snowball effect.

There is no better advertising for Thailand Elite than the members speaking themselves about their great experience.

However, and it's a personal opinion, I also believe that the program will be more expensive in the future.

At this price, I have the feeling that it is too much of a bargain... Let's see what happens in the future.

I could not agree more about the snowballing effect. The positive comments from those who have joined will have an impact on those in two minds. I myself signed up because of your comments on here Gerry and two of my friends joined after I reccomended it to them as they had never heard of it so I think the future is bright for TE.

[gerry1011]

Personally I believe that the program is heading for very bright days.

On this forum alone, the numerous positive comments of Thailand Elite members (old and new) made so that many thaivisa posters decided to sign up with this great program.

The opinions of these new members, as positive as the ones of the older ones, made so that even more posters joined the program.

Now, I read that over 150 people decided to become members of Thailand Elite this year.

That makes 150 more people spreading positive opinion about Thailand Elite... It's a snowball effect.

There is no better advertising for Thailand Elite than the members speaking themselves about their great experience.

However, and it's a personal opinion, I also believe that the program will be more expensive in the future.

At this price, I have the feeling that it is too much of a bargain... Let's see what happens in the future.

I could not agree more about the snowballing effect. The positive comments from those who have joined will have an impact on those in two minds. I myself signed up because of your comments on here Gerry and two of my friends joined after I reccomended it to them as they had never heard of it so I think the future is bright for TE.

I am happy that my presence on these threads, while most certainly very irritating for the Thailand Elite haters, has been useful for you... and all of those who not only love Thailand and the Thai people, but also want to comfortably enjoy the country without the numerous visa worries, troubles or headaches, which we can read about every single day in comments posted by non-Thailand Elite members.

I love Thailand Elite

[lupin]

Personally I believe that the program is heading for very bright days.

On this forum alone, the numerous positive comments of Thailand Elite members (old and new) made so that many thaivisa posters decided to sign up with this great program.

The opinions of these new members, as positive as the ones of the older ones, made so that even more posters joined the program.

Now, I read that over 150 people decided to become members of Thailand Elite this year.

That makes 150 more people spreading positive opinion about Thailand Elite... It's a snowball effect.

There is no better advertising for Thailand Elite than the members speaking themselves about their great experience.

However, and it's a personal opinion, I also believe that the program will be more expensive in the future.

At this price, I have the feeling that it is too much of a bargain... Let's see what happens in the future

Second that ... I too have recently signed up for the PE visa... an easy process and a no brainer for the next 5 yrs.

[grantbkk]

I too joined in September. Simple and quick. All thanks to Gerry taking the time and making the effort to out the haters.

Thanks again Gerry.

[gerry1011]

I too joined in September. Simple and quick. All thanks to Gerry taking the time and making the effort to out the haters.

Thanks again Gerry.

My pleasure

[gerry1011]

Gerry, I remember you mentioning a few weeks ago that there would be some more positive news about the Thailand Elite visa.

Is this announcement still planned for this month? Should I be 'on tenterhooks' with excitement and bated breath?

Good news are coming from time to time, such as the free Thailand Elite / Montecarlo Yachts 70' day cruise (only for members, not their friends unfortunately).

I guess you received the invitation.

It's a good occasion to meet fellow members in a good atmosphere, even for those who prefer sail boats

[Jaysisaket]

Hey, folks

After reading your positive feedback I decided to apply for the easy access program. Went to their website, clicked the button: "download application form". The system asked me for some basic personal information. Pressed the button "Next". An error pops up that there was something wrong. Tried again with the same result. The disclaimer in the pop up said that they got my information and would contact me asap.

Two days have passed and I haven't heard anything from them. One would expect a better functioning website and better customer service for this kind of money. I am surprised.

[Digitalnomade]

now I am 500'000 bahts richer than you and with this money I will spend some vacations in Lao and in same time renew my tourist Visa for 5 years.

on top of this, everything is free for me, I have just invested my 500000 bahts at 6 percents and now I make 30000 bahts a year. (2500 bahts a month for 5 years)

total after 5 years=over 150k bahts in my pocket.

I have heard that elite card will soon be cancelled by the new government! and no refund...

Edited December 8, 2014 by Digitalnomade

[bim]

Hey, folks

After reading your positive feedback I decided to apply for the easy access program. Went to their website, clicked the button: "download application form". The system asked me for some basic personal information. Pressed the button "Next". An error pops up that there was something wrong. Tried again with the same result. The disclaimer in the pop up said that they got my information and would contact me asap.

Two days have passed and I haven't heard anything from them. One would expect a better functioning website and better customer service for this kind of money. I am surprised.

Same thing happened to me when I applied. I believe they were aware of the error. I phoned them them and all sorted very quickly. There service is very good from my own experience. Did you send the application? Edited December 8, 2014 by bim

[Binding2003]

They dont offer 1,2,3 years huh? 100k a year is fine, but 500k in 1 payment hurts a little..

[bim]

now I am 500'000 bahts richer than you and with this money I will spend some vacations in Lao and in same time renew my tourist Visa for 5 years.

on top of this, everything is free for me, I ha e just invested my 500000 bahts at 6 percents and now I make 30000 bahts a year.

total after 5 years=over 150k bahts in my pocket.

Good for you. Your choice but many happy with the programme so why so bitter? Good luck in Lao. 5 year tourist visa hey. Not heard of that on.