Thai Visa Elite Superiority Extension

[thedemon]

3 hours ago, blackcab said:

I have an extension based on Business. Last year it took 8 visits to immigration by one of my staff to get my submission accepted. The pile of documents was 2.5 centimetres thick.

 

This is on top of the special procedures our staff have to do each month to obtain the relevant evidence I will need for my submission.

 

It is just painful. If I could have a work permit with the Elite visa I would - however, sadly, it is not possible.

It sounds like you likely qualify for PR which is a much better option anyway.

[Flustered]

Didn't expect a debate on this, just advice but it is a forum, ho hum.

 

Every one of us has different reasons for the visas we choose. For me and my wife, paying out 2 million baht (2 x 1) is a simple way of not having to worry about re entry permits, extensions each year etc, just the 90 day reporting which we understand the reason for if not the method.

 

At our age, we just want to enjoy our final years with as little hassle as possible. Visa agents? Sure, we thought of that but again there is the hassle of producing the paperwork for them every year.

 

I just wanted to know if there were any items in the small print or if anyone who had one wanted to comment.

 

regarding the stability of visas issued in Thailand. have any ever been revoked by different governments in the last 50 years or so? I am not sure.

 

But thanks to every one for all of the comments as they are all taken on board and digested and very appreciated.

 

Tony

[Mansell]

7 hours ago, Lovethailandelite said:

For 25,000 a year an agent would rip your your arm off to do everything for you, including your 90 day report. You would never need to go anywhere near an immigration office ever again.

My friend was paying one of these woman to handle all this stuff.....until she disappeared with his money and passport, and a few others passports. He was hanging on hoping she would return......she did not. He got a temp passport but ran over his ninety days for extension by four days. Was leaving to fly to KL, but was banned for a year. Moral of the story: don't trust anybody with either your money, or especially your passport.

[DUS]

51 minutes ago, abab said:

 

Since when is this deal available ?

 

August 2016....

 

 

[NoshowJones]

8 hours ago, meatboy said:

what fantastic value,50,000bht.per.yr.for back door retirement,which you have to do ONCE A YR.

but you still have to DO YOUR 90DAYS REPORT.

i would call that DAYLIGHT ROBBERY.

 

I agree with you 100% Meatboy.

[DUS]

Just now, possum1931 said:

I agree with you 100% Meatboy.

 

I disagree 100% with you, possum1931. 

[wpcoe]

Can one obtain a work permit while under the Thai Elite program?

[melvinmelvin]

23 hours ago, elviajero said:

You've got it right. The only thing to note is that the visa is only issued for five years at a time. Although it should be automatically renewed every five years that will only happen so long as the scheme is still in place. It's government owned/backed so there's no reason why the scheme would be withdrawn, and if it were they should refund part of the upfront fee.

 

sounds pretty much like 1 million for 5 years to me,

who knows what will happen in 5 years time, refund? I doubt that very much if the scheme is closed

 

[DUS]

2 minutes ago, melvinmelvin said:

 

sounds pretty much like 1 million for 5 years to me,

who knows what will happen in 5 years time, refund? I doubt that very much if the scheme is closed

 

 

The question of "what happens if" has been discussed to death in the various TE threads......

[Paul944]

It is good that after paying 1 million baht for the visa you do not have to show that you have 800,000 baht left yearly, to show you are still able to retire :D

[4evermaat]

5 hours ago, LivinLOS said:

 

Oh really.. Care to explain how that works for the under 50s ?? 

 

 

I have met a couple of people who paid agents between 20-25k and got a non-O conversion + 1 year + multiple re-entry permit (or 15 months total); paperwork was very straightforward and it took about 3-7 days depending on whether you were in bangkok or not.  

But they still had to do the 90 day reports.  Most of them went on to just continue the extensions themselves.  Mostly retirement, with a few that were married to thai national.

 

12 minutes ago, wpcoe said:

Can one obtain a work permit while under the Thai Elite program?

The PE or TE visas are classified as tourist visas.  See this post:

 

As such, you cannot.  You must obtain a non-immigrant visa + separate work permit in order to work legally.

 

I find that odd that the gov't didn't make an exception for TE members, but TiT.  In practice however, I'm sure you could still manage a business in the background with little worries.

 

---

add:  does anyone on PE actually do the 90 day reports?  You could just hop the border once a year and hardly ever touch the local immigration office.  Enjoy the privilege guys.

Edited February 9, 2017 by 4evermaat

[melvinmelvin]

26 minutes ago, DUS said:

 

The question of "what happens if" has been discussed to death in the various TE threads......

 

yes, and so?

 

[elviajero]

1 hour ago, melvinmelvin said:

 

sounds pretty much like 1 million for 5 years to me,

who knows what will happen in 5 years time, refund? I doubt that very much if the scheme is closed

 

Effectively yes. It's a five year visa with the promise of 3 more which IMO is out of order. I doubt very much if this scheme will be around for the whole of the next 20 years. Based on the low sales it seems a failure to me and last years new options were to prop it up.

 

That said as it is government backed I think refunds would be honoured if it is wound up, although, the T&C's aren't clear about how much would be returned.

[elviajero]

2 hours ago, wpcoe said:

Can one obtain a work permit while under the Thai Elite program?

Yes. You can retain membership to the scheme, but can't use the PE visa whilst working. You need to get a non immigrant visa/entry.

 

I don't think the scheme is aimed at people working in Thailand.

[DipStick]

After following this subject for some time, I do get the impression that those who are negative and oppose this scheme, are those that are financially struggling. That comment was not meant to be a slur, as not everyone is good at managing their finances. As for me, a married man, whose is  a wife who is a business lady with companies in both China and Thailand, I consider the 800,000 baht for two five year memberships , which is the equivalent of around 6,600 baht a month to be perfectly reasonable and totally affordabl. And that is on my wife's income,not taking my income into account . We would undoubtably  spend double that a month hosting our Thai customers whilst in Bangkok.

Earlier  this year, I did apply and was accepted, but it then became apparent that my wife would not be able to gain her work permit under this scheme, so we put the membership application on hold.

There are many comments by the negatives suggesting that if this scheme should be wound up by future governments then all is lost. I don't view it that way, I believe that if this should happen,then legally as this is an international project, the member will be able to see out his membership time.

i think there could be nothing worse than living in a foreign country, with limited finances, hand to cheek if you like, and worrying where the money is coming from to fund the next visa extension. 

 

[Lovethailandelite]

2 hours ago, elviajero said:

Effectively yes. It's a five year visa with the promise of 3 more which IMO is out of order. I doubt very much if this scheme will be around for the whole of the next 20 years. Based on the low sales it seems a failure to me and last years new options were to prop it up.

 

That said as it is government backed I think refunds would be honoured if it is wound up, although, the T&C's aren't clear about how much would be returned.

I would hardly call it a failure with 7000+ members generating an annual turnover of 800,000 million baht and a reputed 4 billion baht going into the economy a failure? Considering last year saw between 60 and 70 members a month joining the club each putting between 500,000 and 2 million baht, then I would say that is great business? Of course, we all know there are plenty that would love nothing more than to see it fail and be discontinued.....I think you may be disappointed and waiting a while for that to happen. 

[Stray]

Flustered, there are a couple of simple questions for those that post negative views on the Thai Elite programme and the Privileged Entry visa.

 

Question 1: How many years have they been a member of the programme and an holder of a PE/SE visa?

 

Question 2: If they are not a member of the programme, on what do they base their negative responses?  (I was informed, on another (unrelated) thread, that my comments were not welcome as I didn't have any personal experience on the subject matter.)

 

For those that post about the programme failing, I ask these questions.  How many years has the TE programme been running?  Since it's original inception, how many years have posters been posting negative comments and claiming that the programme will fail?

 

Before I close out this message, yes, I do have something negative to say.  I purchased a 5 year membership.  Now, I wish I had purchased a 20 year membership.  Peace of mind for 20 years beats peace of mind for 5 years!

[paul18620]

4 hours ago, wpcoe said:

Can one obtain a work permit while under the Thai Elite program?

NO

[Stray]

4 hours ago, 4evermaat said:

I have met a couple of people who paid agents between 20-25k and got a non-O conversion + 1 year + multiple re-entry permit (or 15 months total); paperwork was very straightforward and it took about 3-7 days depending on whether you were in bangkok or not.  

But they still had to do the 90 day reports.  Most of them went on to just continue the extensions themselves.  Mostly retirement, with a few that were married to thai national.

 

The PE or TE visas are classified as tourist visas.  See this post:

 

As such, you cannot.  You must obtain a non-immigrant visa + separate work permit in order to work legally.

 

I find that odd that the gov't didn't make an exception for TE members, but TiT.  In practice however, I'm sure you could still manage a business in the background with little worries.

 

---

add:  does anyone on PE actually do the 90 day reports?  You could just hop the border once a year and hardly ever touch the local immigration office.  Enjoy the privilege guys.

 

I'm a member of the programme, live in the countryside and do my own 90 day reports.  Apart from the drive to the 'local' immigration office (around 90kms), it is easy and very painless.  An 1 hour drive (each way) and 10 minute immigration visit becomes a day outing of shopping, lunching and socialising with those in the local 'big smoke.'

[Lovethailandelite]

Post 46. The figures should be a turn over of 800 million baht, not 800,000 million . A slip of the keyboard but now I cannot edit it.

[Stray]

24 minutes ago, Lovethailandelite said:

Post 46. The figures should be a turn over of 800 million baht, not 800,000 million . A slip of the keyboard but now I cannot edit it.

 

Don't worry about it, Lovethailandelite.  Just continue to enjoy the peace of mind that being a TE member provides.

 

As a member of TE, your visa concerns are capably handled by a representative of Thailand Elite.  As the holder of an alternative visa/extension, your concerns are capably handled by scores of posters on a website.

[Flustered]

First, thanks for the positive input. Appreciated.

 

The 90 day reporting has never been in question, I don't know how that made it into the thread.

 

I did ask if the Thai government has at any time (say the last 50 years or so) ever cancelled a scheme and left the visa holder high and dry. I don't think so but I may be wrong. I would have thought that anyone holding an Elite visa would be able to see it out. They may loose some perks such as being met but they are just icing on the cake.

 

Everyone has a different financial state and it depends on what you want out of a visa. For some, the 30 day plus visa runs works, for others it an O-A etc.

 

Like others, I want a laid back life where I do not have to worry about reporting with forms every year just to extend my visa. 5 years I can handle.

 

So it's either deposit 2 x 800,000 baht in a bank and leave it there, jumping through hoops every year as procedures change or pay 2 x 1 million baht and worry about it every 5 years with the help of the Elite team.

 

The question was never about money, simply about was the scheme as it looked on the surface and so far the answer is "yes", it is a good scheme and fits into my lifestyle.

 

Thanks again for all the help and an interesting set of posts, even if some FMs did not read the original question.

 

[MyFriend You]

9 hours ago, Flustered said:

Didn't expect a debate on this, just advice but it is a forum, ho hum.

 

Every one of us has different reasons for the visas we choose. For me and my wife, paying out 2 million baht (2 x 1) is a simple way of not having to worry about re entry permits, extensions each year etc, just the 90 day reporting which we understand the reason for if not the method.

 

At our age, we just want to enjoy our final years with as little hassle as possible. Visa agents? Sure, we thought of that but again there is the hassle of producing the paperwork for them every year.

 

I just wanted to know if there were any items in the small print or if anyone who had one wanted to comment.

 

regarding the stability of visas issued in Thailand. have any ever been revoked by different governments in the last 50 years or so? I am not sure.

 

But thanks to every one for all of the comments as they are all taken on board and digested and very appreciated.

 

Tony

Did I mis somthing??  one poster said:  Ooops..... There does now appear to be a 20 year TE for 1 million baht option called the Superiority Extension.    Or was this tongue in cheek,  sorry,  even though I can afford it, I don't think I need it with my vagabond lifestyle, but accurate reporting is essential.  So what is it??  2 Million or 1 Million for 20 years with 90 reporting still required??        I feel like the bouncing ball here sometimes.

[elviajero]

4 hours ago, Lovethailandelite said:

I would hardly call it a failure with 7000+ members generating an annual turnover of 800,000 million baht and a reputed 4 billion baht going into the economy a failure? Considering last year saw between 60 and 70 members a month joining the club each putting between 500,000 and 2 million baht, then I would say that is great business? Of course, we all know there are plenty that would love nothing more than to see it fail and be discontinued.....I think you may be disappointed and waiting a while for that to happen. 

Unless you quote the source it's pointless quoting numbers.

 

I seem to remember reading that the number of members is only about 4,000, 2,500 of which are from the original 2003 scheme. 4,000 in 13 years considering the hundreds of thousands of expats and frequent visitors seems poor to me. 

 

IMO they changed their target market last year because they have clearly failed to attract many members wanting the expensive prepaid "privileges" and realise the visa is all that most people want.

 

They reportedly increased the membership by 700 members last year probably off the back of new options, but that equates to an increase of approximately one third of the membership in one year. I make that one good year in thirteen. Only time will tell if the changes make a long term difference. I expect the initial interest will slow quickly.

 

I would love to see the accounts for the last 13 years and I'd bet they don't equate anywhere near to your numbers on a year to year basis.

 

I think it's a very limited market as most people have far cheaper options and aren't willing to pay through the nose for convenience.

 

[Flustered]

39 minutes ago, TunnelRat69 said:

Did I mis somthing??  one poster said:  Ooops..... There does now appear to be a 20 year TE for 1 million baht option called the Superiority Extension.    Or was this tongue in cheek,  sorry,  even though I can afford it, I don't think I need it with my vagabond lifestyle, but accurate reporting is essential.  So what is it??  2 Million or 1 Million for 20 years with 90 reporting still required??        I feel like the bouncing ball here sometimes.

Not sure of your confusion. It' simple enough. All schemes require 90 day reporting, that's why I never raised the subject, it's a given.

 

Briggsy started a post and then spotted that there was a 1 million baht scheme. We all start posts and realise we missed something. He just corrected his post.

 

So for the wife and me, it's 1 million baht each, that's 2 million in total. We still have 90 day reporting but no re entry visas, no bank balance or pension details, no police checks and no health checks. Just an affirmation that we have no criminal record etc.

 

That's why I asked if anyone had experience of the scheme as it seems to cut out a lot of the hassle and for 1 million baht it is well worth it.

 

Yes I could go for an O-A visa and all the accompanying paperwork. Yes I could apply for an exit/re entry stamp each time I go out of the country and yes I could go through the annual paper chase trail as the rules change according to the person at the immigration office's mood on the day. I prefer not to so asked if this approach to a long term visa was what it purported to be.

 

Edited February 9, 2017 by Flustered

[MyFriend You]

Just now, Flustered said:

Not sure of your confusion. It' simple enough. All schemes require 90 day reporting, that's why I never raised the subject, it's a given.

 

Briggsy started a post and then spotted that there was a 1 million baht scheme. We all start posts and realise we missed something. He just corrected his post.

 

So for the wife and me, it's 1 million baht each, that's 2 million in total. We still have 90 day reporting but no re entry visas, no bank balance or pension details, no police checks and no health checks. Just an affirmation that we have no criminal record etc.

 

That's why I asked if anyone had experience of the scheme as it seems to cut out a lot of the hassle and for 1 million baht it is well worth it.

 

Yes I could go for an O-A visa and all the accompanying paperwork. Yes I could apply for an exit/re entry stamp each time I go out of the country and yes I could go through the annual paper chase trail as the rules change according to the person at the immigration office's mood on the day. I prefer not to so asked if this approach to a long term visa was what it purported to be.

 

Thanx for clarification, I agree, I didn't catch 'wife & I'  so in your case it wold me a million ech and of course there is no recourse to the 90 report, we all have to do it.  Good luck with your decision, I am still mulling it over because it is tempting..........Cheers

[Flustered]

55 minutes ago, TunnelRat69 said:

Did I mis somthing??  one poster said:  Ooops..... There does now appear to be a 20 year TE for 1 million baht option called the Superiority Extension.    Or was this tongue in cheek,  sorry,  even though I can afford it, I don't think I need it with my vagabond lifestyle, but accurate reporting is essential.  So what is it??  2 Million or 1 Million for 20 years with 90 reporting still required??        I feel like the bouncing ball here sometimes.

The only ???? I have on this, is paying out 1 million baht before being given a visa. The visa is stamped in on the first visit to Thailand as a paid up member.

 

Plenty of time to clarify this.

 

[meatboy]

13 hours ago, Mansell said:

My friend was paying one of these woman to handle all this stuff.....until she disappeared with his money and passport, and a few others passports. He was hanging on hoping she would return......she did not. He got a temp passport but ran over his ninety days for extension by four days. Was leaving to fly to KL, but was banned for a year. Moral of the story: don't trust anybody with either your money, or especially your passport.

after much thought THIS crossed my mind.

giving your passport to someone you dont know.

but more scary would be giving them your bank details,including your pass book.

as for the cost and advance that would be NO MORE than a one yrs. fees.

so if push comes to push it would have to be a taxi job,eg. 5 trips x estimate 7,500bht.total.

[JB300]

3 hours ago, Flustered said:

The only ???? I have on this, is paying out 1 million baht before being given a visa. The visa is stamped in on the first visit to Thailand as a paid up member.

 

Plenty of time to clarify this.

 

Drop them an email and they'll explain everything to you but yes, in a nutshell they'll meet you at the airport and handle the process with immigration for you OR if you're already in Thailand you can get it done in Bangkok (not sure about the other offices). 

 

One small point about the 5 year Visa, permission to stay is only 1 year at a time (you get a new 1 year stamp every time you enter the country assuming passport & Visa is valid for the full year) so you need to get re-stamped every full year spent in Thailand...  but again, TE will handle all of this for you.

 

From other threads, I know you're looking to purchase property as well so will just mention that the TE Property Partnership option includes 2 x 20 year TE membership which could save you the 2Million BUT would seriously limit your property choices & no doubt the price of the property has been inflated to include a good chunk of the TE costs.

 

Edited February 9, 2017 by JB300

[meatboy]

12 hours ago, DUS said:

 

The question of "what happens if" has been discussed to death in the various TE threads......

you wont have to worry about immigration ANYMORE.

RIP.