Thai Elite Visa

[theonetrueaussie]

I can easily afford the TE card but a quick google search for the TE shows nothing good and highlights the myriad of problems with the card and the fact that this is the 2nd time they have launched the card after poor sales both times. Like most things with thailand the TE benefits and card can be pulled at any time so I would only invest in it if you were willing to lose that money. It seems very much like a pyramid scheme only lasting as long as new members join and they have always failed miserably to sell the card and have not even close to their sales targets even with paying up to 15% comission to people selling the card.

[ukrules]

I can easily afford the TE card but a quick google search for the TE shows nothing good and highlights the myriad of problems with the card and the fact that this is the 2nd time they have launched the card after poor sales both times. Like most things with thailand the TE benefits and card can be pulled at any time so I would only invest in it if you were willing to lose that money. It seems very much like a pyramid scheme only lasting as long as new members join and they have always failed miserably to sell the card and have not even close to their sales targets even with paying up to 15% comission to people selling the card.

Well people have had this membership / visa for more than ten years and it's still going fine for them.

If you are of a nervous disposition and want to mitigate your 'risks' I suggest getting the 5 year option. Once that visa is in your passport it doesn't matter what happens to TE really. After a few years you can always upgrade to the full membership if you choose to.

You will still have your visa in your passport and like when it shut down once before nothing changed for anyone really, all visas which have been issued were still valid and everything continued as normal.

People have been saying this exact same thing for more than ten years while at the same time members including at least one that I know of in here have been members for longer than ten years and have no complaints.

[dia1]

Anyone had trouble contacting Thai Elite?

I want to sign up for this, but they have yet to send me an application after I've sent them both an email and a form on the "Contact/Join" section of the site? Judging by the quick service that everyone seems to be receiving, I woud've expected a 24 hour turnaround to start the application process, but no reply.

[bim]

Anyone had trouble contacting Thai Elite?

I want to sign up for this, but they have yet to send me an application after I've sent them both an email and a form on the "Contact/Join" section of the site? Judging by the quick service that everyone seems to be receiving, I woud've expected a 24 hour turnaround to start the application process, but no reply.

How long ago did you contact them? There have been public holidays recently. Also they may be inundated with new enquiries. They sent me the application same day. Try phoning also.

[dia1]

I contacted them on Thursday and then again today. I will give them another day or so before calling them. I don't want to seem like a total pest.

[gerry1011]

I can easily afford the TE card but a quick google search for the TE shows nothing good and highlights the myriad of problems with the card and the fact that this is the 2nd time they have launched the card after poor sales both times. Like most things with thailand the TE benefits and card can be pulled at any time so I would only invest in it if you were willing to lose that money. It seems very much like a pyramid scheme only lasting as long as new members join and they have always failed miserably to sell the card and have not even close to their sales targets even with paying up to 15% comission to people selling the card.

Be reassured.

I became member in 2003, enjoyed and still enjoy the super convenient long term visas, the golden girls who pick me up at the plane, the charming service, ..., ..., and I (same as all the other original members) am most satisfied with what I receive in exchange of the fee.

I am sure that me telling you about my happiness regarding the Thailand Elite program fills your heart with joy, even if you don't want to buy a membership (for the wrong reasons).

I love Thailand Elite (since 12 years).

[bim]

I contacted them on Thursday and then again today. I will give them another day or so before calling them. I don't want to seem like a total pest.

Dont worry about being a pest. They are so helpful. Friday was a public holiday. Im not sure is thats the reason but there will be a simple explanation.. I would phone them. There service is excellent. If I remember rightly I sent a request through there website and got no reply. But I emailed direct and they sent to me within an hour.

[ukrules]

I contacted them on Thursday and then again today. I will give them another day or so before calling them. I don't want to seem like a total pest.

Dont worry about being a pest. They are so helpful. Friday was a public holiday. Im not sure is thats the reason but there will be a simple explanation.. I would phone them. There service is excellent. If I remember rightly I sent a request through there website and got no reply. But I emailed direct and they sent to me within an hour.

Right now there is a 'very long holiday weekend' in Thailand and a lot of people won't be returning to work until Wednesday.

Friday May 1st, Monday the 4th and Tuesday the 5th are all holidays where many places will remain closed.

[VIPinthailand]

by chance I have kept some notes during my visa runs.

7000 bahts to pick up Visa. (hotel, flight, bus, visa)

5000 bahts to go border and come back. (hotel, bus, flight)

all included nice hotel 3 stars, brand new plane, and high top immigration service (all paper work done by myself)

no question asked for tourist visa.

total for 2 visa and 2 visa run =24000 bahts per year.

I can go cheaper if I take minibus, go to Cambodia and return same day.

really guys, you don't need to throw 500k for this elite card. keep your cash and do like me. if you have 500k somewhere , they won't refuse you a tourist visa.

Edited May 5, 2015 by VIPinthailand

[bim]

by chance I have kept some notes during my visa runs.

7000 bahts to pick up Visa. (hotel, flight, bus, visa)

5000 bahts to go border and come back. (hotel, bus, flight)

all included nice hotel 3 stars, brand new plane, and high top immigration service (all paper work done by myself)

no question asked for tourist visa.

total for 2 visa and 2 visa run =24000 bahts per year.

I can go cheaper if I take minibus, go to Cambodia and return same day.

really guys, you don't need to throw 500k for this elite card. keep your cash and do like me. if you have 500k somewhere , they won't refuse you a tourist visa.

Well some of us go 5 star. Thats we choose The Elite way. And we choose limos not minibus. Edited May 5, 2015 by bim

[VIPinthailand]

you have no money dude. you can not even buy yourself a taxi because immigration took all your cash. just a clue. 500k gone plus compound interest. duh?

[Sharp]

Honestly VIPinthailand 500k isn't alot of money for this service as far as I'm concerned but thanks for your breakdown I'll pass it on to someone who also needs to watch the pennies...

[gerry1011]

by chance I have kept some notes during my visa runs.

7000 bahts to pick up Visa. (hotel, flight, bus, visa)

5000 bahts to go border and come back. (hotel, bus, flight)

all included nice hotel 3 stars, brand new plane, and high top immigration service (all paper work done by myself)

no question asked for tourist visa.

total for 2 visa and 2 visa run =24000 bahts per year.

I can go cheaper if I take minibus, go to Cambodia and return same day.

really guys, you don't need to throw 500k for this elite card. keep your cash and do like me. if you have 500k somewhere , they won't refuse you a tourist visa.

Minibus VS limo...

3 stars VS 5 stars (I thought you mentioned "luxury hotels before)...

Visa runs VS 1 year stamp (and 5 years visa)...

All paperwork done by yourself VS no paperwork at all...

Immigration "service" VS the Thailand Elite golden girls...

The choice is easy, indeed.

Who wouldn't go for an Elite card?

As long as there is money in the bank, of course...

Thanks again for keeping this thread alive

[gerry1011]

In fact, VIPinthailand seems to be quite a nice guy. He may not have the funds for an Elite card, reason why he introduced us to his "own way" of "living in Thailand", but he seems nice. Much nicer than some of the old Thailand Elite card haters, who by now have lost their battle against the members, their crusade against this great program, and finally disappeared... Good for us (the Thailand Elite members and all those interested to become member). Some of these grumpy aggressive haters may well have already converted and already (secretly) become Thailand Elite members...

What we all want is to be happy when we are in Thailand, be it for regular short stays or longer stays, or even very long stays.

While some prefer the "old or cheap ways" (visa runs, retirement extensions, real or fake business, wife (that one is expensive), overstay (for some), tourist visa, ...), the Thailand Elite option is there for those who prefer comfort and peace of mind.

Thailand Elite is the best option for everyone of every age... but comes at a fee, naturally.

5 years visa, 1 year stamp, 5 to 20 years membership, assistance, absence of immigration issues, super classy welcome at the airport, limos, invitations to exclusive events, ... This is the difference.

And it comes at a very affordable fee of only 500,000 (5 years) to 2,000,000 (20 years). And we don't even speak about Dollar or Euro, the price is in Baht.

Peace of mind while in Thailand is priceless!

(Believe me, I enjoy it since 2003)

Edited May 6, 2015 by gerry1011

[VIPinthailand]

everybody I meet at the immigration during my visa trips have fun.

I meet guys from USA, Canada, Australia and even Russia and we go eat together while waiting for our visa to come. I met even guys over 50 who said they don't mind to stay with a tourist visa.

I just enjoy to leave my town times to times and be on my own.

having an elite card instead , I can afford it if I wanted, would not kick my butt out of my routine life.

I m under 50 yo, still lot of energy and I like to travel.

if you are like me, a real man who is vip, you certainly don't need an elite card . don't believe the elite card is the only solution, the tourist visa is the way to go for people who like to be in control of their life.

with the money saved, I can use it for people around me instead to use it for my little egocentric comfort.

with the elite card you still have to leave the country once a year, hotel is not paid and you don't get a limo service from your house to the airport for free. you still have to pay for your flight and food. all you get, you save 5 minutes at the immigration office because an officer take your passport and ask you to go seat while she stamps your entrance card and you don't have access to airline lounge with free drink and you still need to register like anyone for Internet access.

at the end, you spend much more than 500k, probably around 700k to 1 million.

Edited May 6, 2015 by VIPinthailand

[bim]

The PE visa can be extended every year at immigration for 1900 bht. You dont have to leave the country every year.

[BritTim]

by chance I have kept some notes during my visa runs.

7000 bahts to pick up Visa. (hotel, flight, bus, visa)

5000 bahts to go border and come back. (hotel, bus, flight)

all included nice hotel 3 stars, brand new plane, and high top immigration service (all paper work done by myself)

no question asked for tourist visa.

total for 2 visa and 2 visa run =24000 bahts per year.

I can go cheaper if I take minibus, go to Cambodia and return same day.

really guys, you don't need to throw 500k for this elite card. keep your cash and do like me. if you have 500k somewhere , they won't refuse you a tourist visa.

I have read your posts with interest, but I am still wondering about your 20,000 baht (now increased to 24,000 baht) per year budget.

4 x extensions (sometimes 5, and ignoring travel costs to/from CW immigration) @ 1900 = 7600 baht

2 x double entry tourist visas = 4,000 baht minimum

Depending on where you are going (I use the example of Vientiane):

Lao visa probably US$35 * 4 = about 4,500 baht

4 x Bangkok Vientiane economy return airfare @ about 5,000 baht = 20,000 baht

Bearable hotel 2 x 2 nights + 2 x 1 night @ about US$30 = 6,000 baht

This already comes to over 42,000 baht per year, and I have not included things like taxis, meals and your celebrating with friends. Sure, I could imagine ways of doing it cheaper, but most of us would probably spend more.

[Sharp]

As bim said you don't have to leave.... Can u explain your 'if you are like me, a real man who is vip'.... Also nobody said he was the only solution... It's just an easy option.. Anyhow please explain the above the attishibation is killing me..

[gerry1011]

everybody I meet at the immigration during my visa trips have fun.

I meet guys from USA, Canada, Australia and even Russia and we go eat together while waiting for our visa to come. I met even guys over 50 who said they don't mind to stay with a tourist visa.

I just enjoy to leave my town times to times and be on my own.

having an elite card instead , I can afford it if I wanted, would not kick my butt out of my routine life.

I m under 50 yo, still lot of energy and I like to travel.

if you are like me, a real man who is vip, you certainly don't need an elite card . don't believe the elite card is the only solution, the tourist visa is the way to go for people who like to be in control of their life.

with the money saved, I can use it for people around me instead to use it for my little egocentric comfort.

with the elite card you still have to leave the country once a year, hotel is not paid and you don't get a limo service from your house to the airport for free. you still have to pay for your flight and food. all you get, you save 5 minutes at the immigration office because an officer take your passport and ask you to go seat while she stamps your entrance card and you don't have access to airline lounge with free drink and you still need to register like anyone for Internet access.

at the end, you spend much more than 500k, probably around 700k to 1 million.

Everybody here is very happy if you enjoy your countless visa runs, socialize with other visa runners, and have a lot of fun at immigration with other likeminded tourists... What a wonderful life you have. All these great travels, extraordinary human encounters, unforgettable life experiences, ... Some here may even envy you

We understand that, for you, the "way to go" is the tourist visa and that you are perfectly happy making visa runs in cramped minibuses, in which the promiscuity gives you each time a chance to enjoy the company of people from all over the world and make new friends, who also enjoy the particular lifestyle that seems to be yours.

We also all understand that saving money is something still very important in your life, and that 500,000b still represents a really huge amount for someone like you.

However, I sincerely hope that one day you will reach a more comfortable lifestyle and enjoy more financial resources.

You may discover then that "some people" live differently and can be as happy as you seem to be, but with much more financial means.

We also certainly believe you when you say that you are a "real man", even is the "vip" part is rather questionable.

Well, in other words, even if you are not a Thailand Elite member, we are all happy for you.

At the same time we do all see that you still don't know much about the Thailand Elite card, even after hundreds of posts about the subject... But, as I said, never mind, we still like you

(Thank you for giving me a chance to react to your posts. I really enjoy it).

Edited May 6, 2015 by gerry1011

[Sharp]

I tip my hat gerry....

[gerry1011]

I tip my hat gerry....

[dickyknee]

everybody I meet at the immigration during my visa trips have fun.

I meet guys from USA, Canada, Australia and even Russia and we go eat together while waiting for our visa to come. I met even guys over 50 who said they don't mind to stay with a tourist visa.

I just enjoy to leave my town times to times and be on my own.

having an elite card instead , I can afford it if I wanted, would not kick my butt out of my routine life.

I m under 50 yo, still lot of energy and I like to travel.

if you are like me, a real man who is vip, you certainly don't need an elite card . don't believe the elite card is the only solution, the tourist visa is the way to go for people who like to be in control of their life.

with the money saved, I can use it for people around me instead to use it for my little egocentric comfort.

with the elite card you still have to leave the country once a year, hotel is not paid and you don't get a limo service from your house to the airport for free. you still have to pay for your flight and food. all you get, you save 5 minutes at the immigration office because an officer take your passport and ask you to go seat while she stamps your entrance card and you don't have access to airline lounge with free drink and you still need to register like anyone for Internet access.

at the end, you spend much more than 500k, probably around 700k to 1 million.

"with the elite card you still have to leave the country once a year," false.

"Hotel is not paid" why pay for a hotel when I can sleep in my apartment. Though if needed, there are some good discounts at real 5-star hotels available to card holders that aren't available to multi-entry tourist visa holders.

"you don't get a limo service from your house to the airport for free." Provided and organised as part of the service, though if travelling on a multi-entry tourist visa you would have to organise it yourself and pay (more) upfront... If it was needed to do a visa-run (and double charged to elite card holders) like you say, which it isn't.

"you still have to pay for your flight and food" flight where? There are some good discounts available at restaurants with the card that aren't available to multi-entry tourist visa holders.

"you don't have access to airline lounge with free drink" neither does anyone visa-running on your schedule and budget...

"register like anyone for Internet access." Yeah, I've got cable internet in my apartment that I pay for like everyone else. My cellular plan is bundled for Internet when I'm mobile.

[dickyknee]

(Thank you for giving me a chance to react to your posts. I really enjoy it).

you've been hangin' out with the elite girls too much, your hospitality is way too gracious.

[gerry1011]

(Thank you for giving me a chance to react to your posts. I really enjoy it).

you've been hangin' out with the elite girls too much, your hospitality is way too gracious.

Uhm... Do you think I should lower myself, and my posts, to the ultra low level of the Thailand Elite haters?

My intention is certainly not to look down at those who criticize the program for the sole reason that they can't afford it.

Far from me even only the idea of having the slightest bit of such a thought.

After all, even if we drive a Ferrari, the farang on a second hand Honda Click (That is a motorcycle, yes) is still a human being, and should be regarded as such. Insults such as the ones used by the haters when referring to the Thailand Elite members are far too low level and vulgar for us to use.

And on top of that, someone like VIPinthailand seems like a nice guy. We may live in two different worlds (Millions of km apart) but he still seems rather ok to me. I can surely believe that spending a few hours (on a very regular basis) at immigration could well be somewhat fun...

We should show compassion for those who are in a less favorable situation. Without forgetting the numerous poor ones.

But ok, yes, ... Maybe the Thailand Elite golden girls spoiled me so much that I succumbed to their charm and became too gracious

I must say that because I travel quite much, I see the golden girls very often.

Their charm and welcoming smiles make me really feel welcome back in the country.

Not all members are as lucky as I am, of course.

Those members who never leave the country for years, thanks to the 1 year stamp (and no need to travel abroad to extend it), have less experiences with the golden girls.

But these members take full advantage of the 5 years Thailand Elite PE visa, which, even without the golden girls, is also a great privilege.

Edited May 6, 2015 by gerry1011

[waterlily2017]

I have a question about the PE service.

I understand that, on arrival, one will be greeted by the nice staff and escorted through the PE immigration line and wait at the arrival lounge for the baggage and limo.

How about departure? Will the staff also escort you through the security and immigration lines, and can you use the departure lounge? I'm particularly interested in the Phuket airport.

Thank you.

[gerry1011]

I have a question about the PE service. I understand that, on arrival, one will be greeted by the nice staff and escorted through the PE immigration line and wait at the arrival lounge for the baggage and limo. How about departure? Will the staff also escort you through the security and immigration lines, and can you use the departure lounge? I'm particularly interested in the Phuket airport. Thank you.

In Phuket I don't know. I never used the service.

However, this is how it happens in Bangkok, when departing on an international flight:

1) Book your limo service, from your home or hotel to the airport, at least 5 hours in advance.

2) The limo will be waiting for you at the location desired. When the limo arrives at your location, the member contact center will call you to say that the limo has arrived. You are then on your way...

3) Before the limo arrives at the airport, the driver calls the Thailand Elite staff.

4) By the time the limo arrives, a Thailand Elite is waiting outside the terminal and welcomes you at the limo, together with a male staff who takes care of your luggage, if any.

5) The Thailand Elite attendant then accompany you to check-in, immigration, and then to the lounge of your selected airline and class. If you do not travel first of business, you can go to the cip lounge (not sure the name, never been to that one).

In Phuket I never used the service, but please share your experience with us if you do.

[Sharp]

From Phuket exactly as gerry explained although I can't comment on the lounge as we travelled business with Thai so we used their lounge but I do believe there is a lounge for TE, maybe the Lux Lounge I'm sure they will tell you... Note of point I travelled with my Thai partner who obviously isn't a member but was afforded the same service from the Elite staff in regards to all the above as a matter of courtesy.

[waterlily2017]

Hi gerry and Sharp, thank you for your generous and detailed sharing. It's exactly what I wanted to know and sounds great!

[Lukecan]

Since when have penny pinchers started calling themselves VIP?

Edited May 7, 2015 by Lukecan

[Chao Lao Beach]

Do people seriously look forward to queing up at embasseys abroad to play the visa game.

it seems some do. I respect their ways of enjoyment, it is not my cup of tea though.