Thailand Elite Card is pleased to announce the release of four new membership programs

[JayBird]

It's unlikely that it will be suddenly closed down.

 

If it is around for 6 years you can get the second 5 year visa in your passport (therefore worst case scenario is you paid 1M for 10 years instead, which is the same as paying 500k twice for 5 years each).

 

The Visa is also backed by the Thai Government, not just an independent side line deal.

 

It's basically, IMO, about as risk free as any investment in the Thai Government can be :)

 

 

[DUS]

I am not sure if it is a good idea to ask (again) since whenever TE gets a mention it usually ends in a massive heated exchange of words. But lets see ....

 

So, here´s a brief summary of my personal situation:

 

48 1/2 years old, planning to live in TH without working for many years to come. But as a newbie to the country (having moved here last May) making long-term commitments surely is what many would at best describe a leap of faith. My second METV ends at the end of April of 2017 and I will leave and re-enter TH at the end of that month so that I can get another 60 days (+30 if I can get myself to apply for an ext at CW). This would then let me stay here till the end of June or July before I need a new visa.

 

Now, I have the option to get an "ED visa" but, honestly, I don´t want to apply for an extension of stay every 60 days PLUS do the 90 days report at CW for a year. I just don´t fancy spending so much time there (at CW). Going for SETVs for 18 months till I hit 50 is also something which doesn´t sound too appealing to me and that´s why I already decided to finally join the TE program this summer. Now the question I asked quite some time ago is the question I would like to ask again, today: Which membership level to go for?

 

Based on the user feedback given quite a long time ago my current thinking is to go for the 5 years membership for 500k. That opinion was heavily influenced by those who said things such as

 

- "Go for the 5 years membership because this will take you over the 50 years "threshold" and then you can have a look and decide if you fancy doing the visa and extensions based on retirement."

- "Go for the 5 years membership because it will give you plenty of time to figure out if Thailand is the right place for you and if you like it you can then decide between renewing the TE membership or going down the route of "extension based on retirement".

- "5 years is long enough a commitment to make in the first place, so don´t go for the 20 years membership."

 

All this sounded and still sounds reasonable to me today..... Still, there is that silly voice in my head saying "C´mon, for the sake of 500k extra you should just go for the 20 years version and only if it is for peace of mind and the convenience factor." Now, I can afford the 1mn BUT it would still be quite an investment for me. I am not a millionaire in GBP or EUR terms by any stretch of the imagination. That´s why I also think that at this stage in my life over here the 5 yrs plan probably is the better choice. But with that nagging voice in my head re the 20 years program, I´d at least want to ask you here on this forum, if there are any valid reasons that I´ve missed so far that would change my mind and opt for the 20 and not the 5 years version of Thailand Elite. 

 

I´d certainly appreciate your thoughts and comments. Thank you!

 

DUS

 

Edited March 16, 2017 by DUS

[Tom9999]

3 hours ago, DUS said:

I am not sure if it is a good idea to ask (again) since whenever TE gets a mention it usually ends in a massive heated exchange of words. But lets see ....

 

So, here´s a brief summary of my personal situation:

 

48 1/2 years old, planning to live in TH without working for many years to come. But as a newbie to the country (having moved here last May) making long-term commitments surely is what many would at best describe a leap of faith. My second METV ends at the end of April of 2017 and I will leave and re-enter TH at the end of that month so that I can get another 60 days (+30 if I can get myself to apply for an ext at CW). This would then let me stay here till the end of June or July before I need a new visa.

 

Now, I have the option to get an "ED visa" but, honestly, I don´t want to apply for an extension of stay every 60 days PLUS do the 90 days report at CW for a year. I just don´t fancy spending so much time there (at CW). Going for SETVs for 18 months till I hit 50 is also something which doesn´t sound too appealing to me and that´s why I already decided to finally join the TE program this summer. Now the question I asked quite some time ago is the question I would like to ask again, today: Which membership level to go for?

 

Based on the user feedback given quite a long time ago my current thinking is to go for the 5 years membership for 500k. That opinion was heavily influenced by those who said things such as

 

- "Go for the 5 years membership because this will take you over the 50 years "threshold" and then you can have a look and decide if you fancy doing the visa and extensions based on retirement."

- "Go for the 5 years membership because it will give you plenty of time to figure out if Thailand is the right place for you and if you like it you can then decide between renewing the TE membership or going down the route of "extension based on retirement".

- "5 years is long enough a commitment to make in the first place, so don´t go for the 20 years membership."

 

All this sounded and still sounds reasonable to me today..... Still, there is that silly voice in my head saying "C´mon, for the sake of 500k extra you should just go for the 20 years version and only if it is for peace of mind and the convenience factor." Now, I can afford the 1mn BUT it would still be quite an investment for me. I am not a millionaire in GBP or EUR terms by any stretch of the imagination. That´s why I also think that at this stage in my life over here the 5 yrs plan probably is the better choice. But with that nagging voice in my head re the 20 years program, I´d at least want to ask you here on this forum, if there are any valid reasons that I´ve missed so far that would change my mind and opt for the 20 and not the 5 years version of Thailand Elite. 

 

I´d certainly appreciate your thoughts and comments. Thank you!

 

DUS

 

Well you said it yourself. You are a newby in Thailand. 

Do you think that after less than 1 Year you can say that Thailand will still be the right place for you for the next 20 Years?

 

I do not know you so maybe the answer is YES but Thailand can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning.

Nearly everyone, maybe with the exception of people who come here for work, think they found the holy grail.

 

Go for the 5 Year option.

It actually allows you to nearly stay 6 Years in Thailand ...if you do not leave after the last time you entered just before the Visa expires.

 

Save the Money, get to retirement age and see how the Retirement extensions works out for you.

If you go now for the 20 Year option you will still need further TE Visas before you reach 70.

 

Can you still afford to renew at that age or do you need then anyway to switch to Extensions based on Retirement?

This assumes that you want to stay the rest of your Life in Thailand....that is the commitment you should be willing to make with the 20 Year TE Membership....

Til death do us part....

 

However if you would not mind to "invest" 1Million THB and it has no impact whatsoever on how you live your Life then ....but you would not be asking us here if this would be the case...would you?

 

Go for the 5 Year option!

 

[MartinBKK]

Until the 20 year option came out i didn't have much interest in Thailand Elite. When the 20 year option was offered i joined within just a few weeks of it being introduced. For me the decision was very easy but then again i am 38 not 48 which i think makes a huge difference. If i was 48 i don't think i would go for Thailand Elite at all. You have only 1.5 years left until you are eligible for extensions based on retirement. From the circumstances described, i would put up with a little inconvenience for such a short time. In Chiang Mai for example, you can get an ED visa just going to a self defence class two days a week. All the extensions etc are handled for you (you do have to attend immigration but i understand there isn't much waiting).  Make sure you also consider that while the PE visa is nice there are other aspects of Thailand Elite which are in fact not as good as having a non immigrant visa. For example, i can only get a 2 year driving license and still have trouble opening a bank account at banks other than bangkok bank. For the price paid and the type of person targeted by the program, i would not have expected this.

 

 

 

 

[Robert24]

I'm with Tom9999 in your case exactly for the reason you mentioned. After 5/6 years you can decide if you want to continue and buy a longer term PE visa or you just go with the yearly extensions based on retirement.

I'm in a somehow similar situation as my 5yr PE visa will get me closer to 50. I will still have a small gap but I probably could manage that somehow. However if I had to make this decision right now, I would go for the 20 yr option.

Sent from my SM-J710F using Thaivisa Connect mobile app

[bobyalseor]

How come they're not offering the TE visa on a "per year" basis ? While I can definitely see myself stay 1-2 years there, I 100% can't see myself in 5 years, such a long time

[JayBird]

12 hours ago, DUS said:

I am not sure if it is a good idea to ask (again) since whenever TE gets a mention it usually ends in a massive heated exchange of words. But lets see ....

 

 

Based on the user feedback given quite a long time ago my current thinking is to go for the 5 years membership for 500k. That opinion was heavily influenced by those who said things such as

 

-

 

All this sounded and still sounds reasonable to me today..... Still, there is that silly voice in my head saying "C´mon, for the sake of 500k extra you should just go for the 20 years version and only if it is for peace of mind and the convenience factor." Now, I can afford the 1mn BUT it would still be quite an investment for me. I am not a millionaire in GBP or EUR terms by any stretch of the imagination. That´s why I also think that at this stage in my life over here the 5 yrs plan probably is the better choice. But with that nagging voice in my head re the 20 years program, I´d at least want to ask you here on this forum, if there are any valid reasons that I´ve missed so far that would change my mind and opt for the 20 and not the 5 years version of Thailand Elite. 

 

I´d certainly appreciate your thoughts and comments. Thank you!

 

DUS

 

 

A good question, the way I look at it is:

 

-- 500k will get you five years.  It gets you *one* visa sticker in your passport.  You've paid your 500k and that's all your getting.  You will look at your passport, see the Thailand Elite VIsa sticker in it, and say I paid 500k for that?!

 

- 1M will get you 20 years.  It gets you a visa sticker just like above,  but you will know you will get *THREE* more like that over the future.  So your expenditure of money did not immediately end in benefits.  You still have three more to look forward to in the future.

 

- If we consider 500k minimum, then it's a choice between sticking with that (and paying 0 more) or paying 500k more.  So a way to look at it is: IF I pay 500k more I get 15 more years.. 15 Years is a long time.

 

-- 1M will get you 20 years of coverage.  That may be enough to see you out  

 

-- The retirement visa is no easy breezy walk in the park.  You still have to lock up 800k in the bank for 3-4 months a year, as well as fill in paper work on a yearly basis.  Depending on your situation you may end up ear-marking 800k permanently for the purpose of showing to the government.  You might just say: Okey, I need 800k a year locked up in the bank.  Well I could either leave it overseas and don't touch it, or leave in Thailand and don't touch it, that way I never worry about meeting the quota in time.  But locking up 800k like this is not too far off from paying an extra 500k for 15 years of coverage.

 

-- You do get a sort of inflation/exchange protection: It's 800k proof now, but in 10 years it may go up.  Whereas with the TE you are paying in advance so have inflation/exchange protectionof a sort.  (Note, this is disputable and easy to re-interpret in many ways, so just a minor thing).  (Maybe you would rather lock in the 500k exchange rate now in case it goes even worse over the next 10 years)

 

A strong argument could be made if you were already 50 (then a choice of retirement vs. Thailand Elite).  But if you are already convinced to get the 5 year, I would encourage the 20 year for 'only' 500k more.  Because at that point, it really is 'only' 500k more for an additional 15 years.  Kind of like going into the store: Buy 1, *or* Buy 2 and get 2 free.  Most would opt for the latter.  My GF does each and every time......

 

-- Finally, with 20 years worth of protection paid up for, you don't have to worry/think/plan anything for a *long* time (if ever).

 

 

 

 

[JayBird]

15 minutes ago, bobyalseor said:

How come they're not offering the TE visa on a "per year" basis ? While I can definitely see myself stay 1-2 years there, I 100% can't see myself in 5 years, such a long time

 

Perhaps they would rather have bulk of money in advance so it can be used for investment purposes.  Make more money by having 1M now, than to have 50k now and 50k each year thereafter.

[Mover1]

14 hours ago, DUS said:

I am not sure if it is a good idea to ask (again) since whenever TE gets a mention it usually ends in a massive heated exchange of words. But lets see ....

 

So, here´s a brief summary of my personal situation:

 

48 1/2 years old, planning to live in TH without working for many years to come. But as a newbie to the country (having moved here last May) making long-term commitments surely is what many would at best describe a leap of faith. My second METV ends at the end of April of 2017 and I will leave and re-enter TH at the end of that month so that I can get another 60 days (+30 if I can get myself to apply for an ext at CW). This would then let me stay here till the end of June or July before I need a new visa.

 

Now, I have the option to get an "ED visa" but, honestly, I don´t want to apply for an extension of stay every 60 days PLUS do the 90 days report at CW for a year. I just don´t fancy spending so much time there (at CW). Going for SETVs for 18 months till I hit 50 is also something which doesn´t sound too appealing to me and that´s why I already decided to finally join the TE program this summer. Now the question I asked quite some time ago is the question I would like to ask again, today: Which membership level to go for?

 

Based on the user feedback given quite a long time ago my current thinking is to go for the 5 years membership for 500k. That opinion was heavily influenced by those who said things such as

 

- "Go for the 5 years membership because this will take you over the 50 years "threshold" and then you can have a look and decide if you fancy doing the visa and extensions based on retirement."

- "Go for the 5 years membership because it will give you plenty of time to figure out if Thailand is the right place for you and if you like it you can then decide between renewing the TE membership or going down the route of "extension based on retirement".

- "5 years is long enough a commitment to make in the first place, so don´t go for the 20 years membership."

 

All this sounded and still sounds reasonable to me today..... Still, there is that silly voice in my head saying "C´mon, for the sake of 500k extra you should just go for the 20 years version and only if it is for peace of mind and the convenience factor." Now, I can afford the 1mn BUT it would still be quite an investment for me. I am not a millionaire in GBP or EUR terms by any stretch of the imagination. That´s why I also think that at this stage in my life over here the 5 yrs plan probably is the better choice. But with that nagging voice in my head re the 20 years program, I´d at least want to ask you here on this forum, if there are any valid reasons that I´ve missed so far that would change my mind and opt for the 20 and not the 5 years version of Thailand Elite. 

 

I´d certainly appreciate your thoughts and comments. Thank you!

 

DUS

 

 

I was in a similar situation last year DUS, but am currently 44 yrs old. I considered a lot of things but i really don't know whether i'll still choose to be here after 5 (or 6) years. I checked out requirements for an ED visa, looked at maybe buying a business for an OB visa and work permit, but they all seemed so much hassle and no one could ever give the true cost of anything which really bugged me, there was always another hidden charge or fee somewhere whenever i asked another question.

 

So i got the 5 years for 500k last December purely for peace of mind. I figured if i really like living here after 5 or 6 years then i can either go for the retirement visa or change to the 20 year TE, but who knows what might happen in 5 years time let alone 10 or 20 years? I didn't want to commit to 20 years right now, and that ultimately made my mind up.

 

I can see JayBird's point about having to have 800k tied up in the bank for a retirement visa, but if you have a regular monthly income this can be offset to bring that figure down (as far as i'm aware), and if you leave you can take that 800k with you. Don't forget you're essentially 'saving' yourself having to pay out another 500k right now, and that could be put somewhere earning 4-10% compound interest per annum, or more if you're lucky. 

 

In the end it's 'up to you', the more people you ask the more different opinions you'll get. Whatever happens it sounds like you're in a good position to be in, good luck to you.

 

PS. Be prepared for some people to think you're an idiot for having anything to with TE and paying out 'all that' money, ignore the neg heads

 

 

 

 

[Anthony Loh]

 
A good question, the way I look at it is:
 
-- 500k will get you five years.  It gets you *one* visa sticker in your passport.  You've paid your 500k and that's all your getting.  You will look at your passport, see the Thailand Elite VIsa sticker in it, and say I paid 500k for that?!
 
- 1M will get you 20 years.  It gets you a visa sticker just like above,  but you will know you will get *THREE* more like that over the future.  So your expenditure of money did not immediately end in benefits.  You still have three more to look forward to in the future.
 
- If we consider 500k minimum, then it's a choice between sticking with that (and paying 0 more) or paying 500k more.  So a way to look at it is: IF I pay 500k more I get 15 more years.. 15 Years is a long time.
 
-- 1M will get you 20 years of coverage.  That may be enough to see you out [emoji14] 
 
-- The retirement visa is no easy breezy walk in the park.  You still have to lock up 800k in the bank for 3-4 months a year, as well as fill in paper work on a yearly basis.  Depending on your situation you may end up ear-marking 800k permanently for the purpose of showing to the government.  You might just say: Okey, I need 800k a year locked up in the bank.  Well I could either leave it overseas and don't touch it, or leave in Thailand and don't touch it, that way I never worry about meeting the quota in time.  But locking up 800k like this is not too far off from paying an extra 500k for 15 years of coverage.
 
-- You do get a sort of inflation/exchange protection: It's 800k proof now, but in 10 years it may go up.  Whereas with the TE you are paying in advance so have inflation/exchange protectionof a sort.  (Note, this is disputable and easy to re-interpret in many ways, so just a minor thing).  (Maybe you would rather lock in the 500k exchange rate now in case it goes even worse over the next 10 years)
 
A strong argument could be made if you were already 50 (then a choice of retirement vs. Thailand Elite).  But if you are already convinced to get the 5 year, I would encourage the 20 year for 'only' 500k more.  Because at that point, it really is 'only' 500k more for an additional 15 years.  Kind of like going into the store: Buy 1, *or* Buy 2 and get 2 free.  Most would opt for the latter.  My GF does each and every time......
 
-- Finally, with 20 years worth of protection paid up for, you don't have to worry/think/plan anything for a *long* time (if ever).
 
 
 
 

Very good advice [emoji1303].OP should consider the 20 years if have the money, as thing alway change in the regulation/requirement. Maybe will need more that one million for the retirement visa in the future.


Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect

[thaifoodruns]

Until the 20 year option came out i didn't have much interest in Thailand Elite. When the 20 year option was offered i joined within just a few weeks of it being introduced. For me the decision was very easy but then again i am 38 not 48 which i think makes a huge difference. If i was 48 i don't think i would go for Thailand Elite at all. You have only 1.5 years left until you are eligible for extensions based on retirement. From the circumstances described, i would put up with a little inconvenience for such a short time. In Chiang Mai for example, you can get an ED visa just going to a self defence class two days a week. All the extensions etc are handled for you (you do have to attend immigration but i understand there isn't much waiting).  Make sure you also consider that while the PE visa is nice there are other aspects of Thailand Elite which are in fact not as good as having a non immigrant visa. For example, i can only get a 2 year driving license and still have trouble opening a bank account at banks other than bangkok bank. For the price paid and the type of person targeted by the program, i would not have expected this.

 

 

 

 

My understanding is that everyone when they first pass their drivers get a 2 years temporary licence, once that's up you may apply for a 5 years 'permanent' drivers, doesn't matter what visa you have ( I could be wrong though)

also got the 20 years visa and I'm 36 years old, agree with everything else you said.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

[Tom9999]

6 hours ago, thaifoodruns said:

My understanding is that everyone when they first pass their drivers get a 2 years temporary licence, once that's up you may apply for a 5 years 'permanent' drivers, doesn't matter what visa you have ( I could be wrong though)

also got the 20 years visa and I'm 36 years old, agree with everything else you said.

Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect

Unfortunately you are wrong there.

You do get the 2 Years "Temporary" Drivers License the first time around and any other time if you do not have a "long term" Visa....typically a NON-Immigrant Visa.....

 

The TE Visa are a "special" Tourist Visa and do therefore not make you eligible for the 5 Year Drivers License ... TIT

[huberthammer]

I went through the exact same thought process earlier this month. While it was a pretty easy decision to join Thai Elite it took me a while to settle on the 20year option. At the end the reward of getting a 50pct discount looked decent enough to take the risk that there will be an issue with the program in the future. I don’t think there is a right or wrong decision and only the future will tell if I wasted money or saved money with this decision. 

 

On another note, I was very positively surprised by the efficient and competent way in which Thai Elite processed my application and answered my questions.

 

Good luck with your decision.

[Elkski]

19 hours ago, Mover1 said:

...you're essentially 'saving' yourself having to pay out another 500k right now, and that could be put somewhere earning 4-10% compound interest per annum, or more if you're lucky. 

 

Where is 4-10%?

 

[jankan88]

Hi guys,

 

My first post here :)

 

Thinking about the 5 year option but have a couple of questions.

 

Im on a work permit right now in my own company but we will move back the company to Europe and therefore I will lose the WP but I still want to live here.

 

I have gotten several things on my WP such as I have opened accounts with different banks, I have a thai credit card, a mortgage on a car and so on...all the things you "cant" get while being on a TE visa...so my question is, will any of these be in danger of being revoked if I change from a WP to a TE?

I have read many posts where some say that its no problem at all to go through the fast track with your family member(s), wife or BF/GF while their official policy (since feb 17) says that only the visa holder is allowed through. Anyone can confirm this after Feb?

This particular topic is important for me because I travel often and almost solely together with my girlfriend and it would be strange to arrive at the airport, me being escorted by TE and my GF...well not. How about the limo then?, luggage? Can they really separate us like this. From posts ive read its all about the smiles of the golden girls and im guessing they dont want to disappoint a customer upon his/her arrival and therefore, lets the traveling partner get the same service.

 

Thanks for your time guys, its been great reading this thread.

[JayBird]

53 minutes ago, jankan88 said:

Hi guys,

 

My first post here :)

 

Thinking about the 5 year option but have a couple of questions.

 

Im on a work permit right now in my own company but we will move back the company to Europe and therefore I will lose the WP but I still want to live here.

 

I have gotten several things on my WP such as I have opened accounts with different banks, I have a thai credit card, a mortgage on a car and so on...all the things you "cant" get while being on a TE visa...so my question is, will any of these be in danger of being revoked if I change from a WP to a TE?

I have read many posts where some say that its no problem at all to go through the fast track with your family member(s), wife or BF/GF while their official policy (since feb 17) says that only the visa holder is allowed through. Anyone can confirm this after Feb?

This particular topic is important for me because I travel often and almost solely together with my girlfriend and it would be strange to arrive at the airport, me being escorted by TE and my GF...well not. How about the limo then?, luggage? Can they really separate us like this. From posts ive read its all about the smiles of the golden girls and im guessing they dont want to disappoint a customer upon his/her arrival and therefore, lets the traveling partner get the same service.

 

Thanks for your time guys, its been great reading this thread.

 

I *believe* you should be able to keep your bank account.

I  *expect* you will have problems with the credit card once they find out you are no longer 'working' in Thailand (and you may have to switch to a cash secured credit card to keep it).

I *expect* you will have some problems with your mortgage (since you no longer have a job in Thailand).  However they may not do anything until the time you need to adjust/re-negotiate/extend your mortgage.

 

IN the western world, this would be akin to being unemployed.  In Thailand being unemployed or employed by a foreign company are the same.  They are only interested in local employment.  The possible exception to this is if you are high-net-worth individual and banking with a bank that caters to these clients.

 

As for the TE perks, what I heard is that only the TE member can go through the visa line (your GF will go through the Thai line), but I think everything else is shared (limo, luggage, etc.).  Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.  What I do know is that you can go through the Thai line with your GF (and it's often empty or only one or two people).  However, whether or not the IO will know what to do with a Thailand Elite

visa and gives you the right stamp -- I don't know, have not heard enough reports to say what the chances are

 

My humble recommendation is to reach out to your bank anonymously and ask hypothetically what would happen to your mortgage.  The bank account and credit card are minor in comparison to the mortgage :)

 

 

 

[ubonjoe]

1 hour ago, jankan88 said:

I have gotten several things on my WP such as I have opened accounts with different banks, I have a thai credit card, a mortgage on a car and so on...all the things you "cant" get while being on a TE visa...so my question is, will any of these be in danger of being revoked if I change from a WP to a TE?

I think you will not a have a problem. You accounts and etc will not be canceled because you no longer have a work permit. As long as you keep paying the bills the the banks will not care.

 

10 minutes ago, JayBird said:

As for the TE perks, what I heard is that only the TE member can go through the visa line (your GF will go through the Thai line), but I think everything else is shared (limo, luggage, etc.).

That is something that has been discussed earlier in this topic.

Your girl friend will still get the luggage service and be able to ride in the Limo with you.

Only immigration has made a problem about about family/friends using the fast track lane for TE members.

[jankan88]

6 hours ago, JayBird said:

 

I *believe* you should be able to keep your bank account.

I  *expect* you will have problems with the credit card once they find out you are no longer 'working' in Thailand (and you may have to switch to a cash secured credit card to keep it).

I *expect* you will have some problems with your mortgage (since you no longer have a job in Thailand).  However they may not do anything until the time you need to adjust/re-negotiate/extend your mortgage.

 

IN the western world, this would be akin to being unemployed.  In Thailand being unemployed or employed by a foreign company are the same.  They are only interested in local employment.  The possible exception to this is if you are high-net-worth individual and banking with a bank that caters to these clients.

 

As for the TE perks, what I heard is that only the TE member can go through the visa line (your GF will go through the Thai line), but I think everything else is shared (limo, luggage, etc.).  Someone will correct me if I'm wrong.  What I do know is that you can go through the Thai line with your GF (and it's often empty or only one or two people).  However, whether or not the IO will know what to do with a Thailand Elite

visa and gives you the right stamp -- I don't know, have not heard enough reports to say what the chances are

 

My humble recommendation is to reach out to your bank anonymously and ask hypothetically what would happen to your mortgage.  The bank account and credit card are minor in comparison to the mortgage :)

 

 

 

 

6 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

I think you will not a have a problem. You accounts and etc will not be canceled because you no longer have a work permit. As long as you keep paying the bills the the banks will not care.

 

That is something that has been discussed earlier in this topic.

Your girl friend will still get the luggage service and be able to ride in the Limo with you.

Only immigration has made a problem about about family/friends using the fast track lane for TE members.

Thanks for the answers. 

[paul18620]

On 17/03/2017 at 10:35 PM, Tom9999 said:

Unfortunately you are wrong there.

You do get the 2 Years "Temporary" Drivers License the first time around and any other time if you do not have a "long term" Visa....typically a NON-Immigrant Visa.....

 

The TE Visa are a "special" Tourist Visa and do therefore not make you eligible for the 5 Year Drivers License ... TIT

You are wrong ,I have a tourist visa and I got my 5 year driving licence last week as my 2 year one expired.

[MartinBKK]

3 minutes ago, paul18620 said:

You are wrong ,I have a tourist visa and I got my 5 year driving licence last week as my 2 year one expired.

Like everything here in Thailand though, it can just depend which officer you get on the day of your renewal. 

[localczar]

On 2016-08-02 at 8:30 PM, Ronuk said:

In the grand scheme of things and living your life without interference of immigration, it's hardly expensive. Have you ever tried to gain a visa for some other country's that would allow you to live there for 5, 10, or 20 years? And I'm not talking about Vietnam or Cambodia.

yeah, it's called immigration, takes 3 years for USA, 1.5 years for canada, all in citizen with passport and the works. USA visa are up to 10 years now, I know many thai's receiving 5 and 10 year visa's for america.

[Tom9999]

7 hours ago, localczar said:

yeah, it's called immigration, takes 3 years for USA, 1.5 years for canada, all in citizen with passport and the works. USA visa are up to 10 years now, I know many thai's receiving 5 and 10 year visa's for america.

Do you mean mean "Tourist" Visas?

I got myself one of those, from the US Embassy (Consulate) in BKK.

Those Visas do not allow you to remain in the USA permanently while the Visa remains valid.

I understand the TE Visa does allow just this.

Very big Difference.

[Tom9999]

8 hours ago, paul18620 said:

You are wrong ,I have a tourist visa and I got my 5 year driving licence last week as my 2 year one expired.

Thanks Paul

 

So there is hope for me them the next time around...

I was a bit disappointed after I returned my Work Permit and not being given a new 5 Year License.

Was told the last couple of times that I need a "Non Immigrant" Visa to get again a 5 Year License. 

 

Possibly it does really just depends on the location and the person you deal with....

[Mover1]

On 3/18/2017 at 6:07 AM, Elkski said:

Where is 4-10%?

 

I don't want to get off topic here, but i have a mixture of index funds, peer to peer lending and a rental property. Averaging between 6-7% across them all at the moment.

[AlexCanada]

Have spent a few hours going through the most recent 200 posts.  Some questions popped in my head that I couldn't clearly find an answer for.  I am considering the TE program either for 5 or 20 years.

 

Questions:

 

1.  My passport has about 8 pages remaining.  The Visa will take one page and every time I go to visit my buddy in Cambodia that takes up a page.  If I run out of pages in my passport would I be able to get a new TE Visa in a new passport or how would that work?

 

2.  There are times when I may have extended periods over 90 days outside of Thailand.  Is this ok as long as I continue with 90 day reporting online?

 

3.  Is there anywhere to apply for the TE Visa in Pattaya or must I go to Suvarnabhumi to apply?  Do I just go to the Immigration office when I arrive in BKK?

 

As always, thanks for your help.

 

 

Edited March 30, 2017 by AlexCanada

[anotheruser]

2 minutes ago, AlexCanada said:

Have spent a few hours going through the most recent 200 posts.  Some questions popped in my head that I couldn't clearly find an answer for.  I am considering the TE program either for 5 or 20 years.

 

Questions:

 

1.  My passport has about 8 pages remaining.  The Visa will take one page and every time I go to visit my buddy in Cambodia that takes up a page.  If I run out of pages in my passport would I be able to get a new TE Visa in a new passport or how would that work?

 

2.  There are times when I may have extended periods over 90 days outside of Thailand.  Is this ok as long as I continue with 90 day reporting online?

 

3.  Is there anywhere to apply for the TE Visa in Pattaya or must I go to Suvarnabhumi to apply?  Do I just go to the Immigration office when I arrive in BKK?

 

4. I think the Thai Elite page says airport pick up.  do they also pick you up from your hotel in BKK to Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang?  Does the airport transfer service include U-Tapao to Pattaya?

 

As always, thanks for your help.

 

 

1. You just keep your old passport and show it with your new passport.

 

2. You can leave or stay in Thailand as long as you want to.

 

3. Not sure about Pattaya but you can go Chaeng Wattana and have the visa affixed. That is where I did mine.

 

4. They only service Suvarnabhumi.

 

 

[BritTim]

39 minutes ago, AlexCanada said:

 There are times when I may have extended periods over 90 days outside of Thailand.  Is this ok as long as I continue with 90 day reporting online?

You can spend as much or little of your time outside Thailand as you like. Unless you are in Thailand for 90 consecutive days, the address reporting is not required.

[AlexCanada]

7 hours ago, BritTim said:

You can spend as much or little of your time outside Thailand as you like. Unless you are in Thailand for 90 consecutive days, the address reporting is not required.

Let me see if I have this correct.  Here is a scenario:

 

1.  stay in Thailand for 80 days

2.  on the 80th day I fly to Japan and stay 2 weeks

3.  fly back to Thailand and stay 85 days

4.  on day 85 I fly to Cambodia and stay 2 days

5. fly back to Thailand and stay 89 days

 

If I did the above I am not required to do the 90 day reporting since I have not stayed over 90 consecutive days in Thailand?

 

 

.

Edited March 30, 2017 by AlexCanada

[elviajero]

9 minutes ago, AlexCanada said:

Let me see if I have this correct.  Here is a scenario:

 

1.  stay in Thailand for 80 days

2.  on the 80th day I fly to Japan and stay 2 weeks

3.  fly back to Thailand and stay 85 days

4.  on day 85 I fly to Cambodia and stay 2 days

5. fly back to Thailand and stay 89 days

 

If I did the above I am not required to do the 90 day reporting since I have not stayed over 90 consecutive days in Thailand?

.

Yes, correct.

[DUS]

Hi,

 

I returned to TH yesterday on my now expired METV so I am good to stay till the end of June. As I have no intention to go to my home country anytime soon for a 3rd METV, or to apply for an ED visa or to go on countless SETV visa runs for years to come, I have decided to go for the 5 year TE membership. Just 2 questions came to my mind:

 

a/ When should I apply for the TE membership? Should I send in the application form at the end of May, later or earlier?

b/ If I went to CW for getting the visa put into my passport before my current permission to stay expires, would that be any issue at all or would the current permission to stay (26th of June or somewhere around that day) just become void once they put the TE visa in my passport?

 

Have a nice weekend everyone.

 

DUS

Edited April 29, 2017 by DUS