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Does the Thai Elite Visa provide any preferential treatment for entry during current restrictions?

Thai Elite Visaentry restrictionsretirement visaCOVID-19 regulationsThailand immigrationmedical visawork permitexpat advicewaiting lists for entryquarantine requirements
Jun 20, 2020
5 years ago
Paula **************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello everyone. I was planning to retire to Thailand this summer. I am living in Qatar (it has managed the pandemic well), but hold a US passport. My Thai Elite Visa was approved and they have delayed the pay date until August 30. I know that the government is currently limiting entry to people with work permits and who need medical care.

Do you know it the Elite Visa gives me any preference if I don't fit in the current admission categories?

I also understand you need to get your name on a list. Can someone tell me how to do that?

Thanks for the help.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion primarily revolves around the entry restrictions to Thailand amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly concerning holders of the Thai Elite Visa. Many community members clarify that currently, Elite Visa holders do not receive any preferential treatment for entry; only individuals with work permits or specific medical needs are permitted to enter. Additionally, potential new entrants need to contact the Thai Embassy to get on a waiting list and may need a medical certificate. There are various opinions about the benefits of the Elite Visa compared to other visa types such as retirement visas.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Estefania ************
Official reply: "It seems like the government is now focusing on bringing Thai Nationals living abroad home first. Countless of Thai people are still stuck in many countries throughout the world, and it is an ongoing problem that the government is trying their best to solve. We, as one organization under their command, are still waiting for them to consider our requests as well"

TLDR: Thai first, then Foreigners married to Thai National, then "Tourist groups (Bubbles) and then re-open fully.
5 years ago
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James **************
The elite visa wont get you in to thailand at the moment, but its the best visa to have.
5 years ago
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Ken ***********
@James *************
 apparently a B visa is better visa than Thai Elite at this point. B Visa can enter, Elite cannot
5 years ago
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James **************
@Ken ******
 At this point yes, but in general, if there was no covid 19 pandemic. The elite is the best visa.
5 years ago
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Ken ***********
@James *************
 we disagree. I can see how someone under 50 and not working and not married to a Thai would choose an Elite visa.. but I find a retirement visa for those 50 or above or those married, a normal O visa is relatively easy to qualify and obtain. For me, the Elite is an unnecessary expense, perhaps because I don't play golf. But you are entitled to your opinion as am I
5 years ago
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Ken ***********
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Alex *********
Im right now under one,and like the others visa,im still stranded!Elite visa are under thai governement command,but except advantages and fast queue when you land,nothing more than being considered like a tourist!

A foreigner there,married or not etc,stay a farang,a tourist forever!
5 years ago
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Wayne ********
i have Thai Elite also but i don’t think it gives you any immediate access or entry into thailand the best would be to ask TE member services can they help as they are very helpful and do respond promptly good luck
5 years ago
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Tod *********
Nope at this the Elite members are NOT elligible to apply for entry.

Right now it's only people who hold a valid work permit or people married to thaiz who can apply for permission to get in.

Sit tight, wait it out and watch the news.
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
If you're over 50, the better option would be the OA visa. You can apply in your home country, do NOT need to transfer money into Thai bank account, and effectively get two years from a one year visa. At the end of the two years return to your home country for a visit, and repeat the process. This is of course, dependant on borders reopening, but unlike the Elite visa it's not costing you a huge upfront payment.
5 years ago
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Tony ******
@Bobby *******
 Sorry a bit confused. How do you get two years from a one year visa?
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
@Anthony *****
. Ok, this is assuming things are running normal (doesn't apply at the moment because of restrictions entering Thailand). You get the OA visa in your own country, using proof of funds in a bank account in your home country). You get a visa sticker in your passport valid for 12 months with multiple entries. When you enter Thailand you get stamped in for 12 months, even if the stamped in date is after the visa expiry date. So you plan a border bounce a few days (or on the last day if you're game) before the visa expires, getting a further 12 months stamped in, so a total of two years, minus a few days. Whilst on the last stamped in entry, if you wish to leave you simply purchase a re-entry permit, or alternatively you purchase a multiple re-entry visa, giving you the full second year to come and go as you please. When you approach the expiry of the last stamped in date, you either return to your home country and repeat the whole process, or you transfer 800,000 baht to a Thai bank account, and get an extension of stay in country. It's a terrific visa, tempered slightly last year with mandatory insurance, but for around AUS$1400 a year, it's cheap for peace of mind.
5 years ago
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Tony ******
@Bobby *******
 Thank you for your comprehensive reply. Much appreciated. Actually in Thailand at present.
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
@Anthony *****
. Yes, so it doesn't help you at all. I was planning a trip to Australia next January to start the OA cycle, but it looks now like I'll have to move the 800k baht to Thailand to get a 12 month extension here as I don't see any relaxation of conditions before then. I don't plan on leaving until I know I can get back out of Australia and back into Thailand.
5 years ago
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Tony ******
@Bobby *******
 I have already done the transfer. I like you don't want to take the chance of returning anytime soon ( from US ). OA expires July 17 but the immigration stamp is for
****
/21. My only problem is that I have insurance for Thailand which meets their criteria except that it is US worldwide insurance that specifically stated Thailand on it. So we shall see what happens!
5 years ago
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Tony ******
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Tod *********
that does NOT get them into the country at this time either
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
@Tod ********
. Thanks Tod, I have amended original post to reflect this.
5 years ago
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Bobby ********
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Ron ******************
Ignore the trolls. I read about a lady with an Elite visa that was given permission to enter Thailand. As the visa is backed by government they may make a plan for holders.
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
@R**
 Elite specifically sent around a circular to their members telling them they were NOT eligible to enter Thailand.

"According to the emergency decree, because of recent events that will be immediately effective until April 30th, 2020, these new rules will affect foreigners including Thailand Elite members;

The Government allows only Non-Thai citizens who have a work permit or permanent residence to enter the kingdom."

I'm sceptical about that story. If it's the one I'm thinking of they didn't have Elite, they were a teacher and had a non-immigrant with a work permit. The person relating it third hand speculated that they might have had Elite and thus got special treatment, but as a teacher with a WP they qualified on that basis.
5 years ago
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Ron ******************
@Ivan ***********
 thanks for the information as I said to
@Tod ********
 it is best for the OP to contact Elite as they are the only ones that can give an answer.
5 years ago
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Ron ******************
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Tod *********
they have NOT made any plans for elite visa holders to get in. Right now ALL people who want in have to either be married to a thai or holding a work permit. I did not read a story of an elite holder getting in, how about linking to that post?
5 years ago
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Ron ******************
@Tod ********
 it was on this group in a comment. But she must talk to Elite as they will be the only ones that can answer her.
5 years ago
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Tod *********
@R**
 thanx

I'll search around..
5 years ago
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Tod *********
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Terary **********
One thing you may try. Thailand has pretty good medical care. I am sure there is something you need done?
5 years ago
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Terary **********
@Camila ******
 - I would suggest calling around if you can. Line - maybe one way to call a few hospitals.

I don't really know the process. I know as things stand now -- the process is in constant state of change.

I have often wonder if I could pull a medical visa - but never tried.

I think the process is, you consult a doctor. Then recommend a procedure. The hospital arranges things. You file some paper work - and bored a plane. But honestly I dont know know.

Information on this page is 'fair'. Some good, some bad, most in-between. I would definately recommend seeking advice from
@Tod ********
 or somebody that has recently done a medical visa. Everybody else is speculating.
5 years ago
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Camila *******
@Terary *********
 do you think they will give a medical visa right now?
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Cam***
 they have been talking about opening up for medical tourism before other categories.

Interestingly, in Phnom Penh medical visa is the only visa they will issue at the moment, but only for "urgent medical cases which must be approved by the Thai Government"
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
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Stefano ***********
From what I see when looking into one is they take all the hassle out of everything right down to your 90 day reports, VIP lane immigration so no standing in cues of hundreds. For the 5 year one it works out around 270 baht per day. Not a lot in the scheme of things. Just a big one of outlay.
5 years ago
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Steve **********
True and far cheaper than marriage or starting a business, both of which would require similar outlays.
5 years ago
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Steve **********
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Ivan ************
@Pa***
, I honestly don't know why you'd want Elite if you qualify for a retirement visa. It's a lot of money for no extra benefit. It gains you no additional right to enter Thailand right now either, Elite holders stuck outside are stuck outside same as everyone else.

So far, Thailand has been prioritising non-immigrant visa holders over Elite for entry, in the first phase letting in non-immigrant work permit holders. They have said marriage visas will be a priority in the next phase.

As Elite is not a non-immigrant visa, in some ways you even have LESS privileges within Thailand than non-immigrant holders. For example, you can only get a 2 year rather than a 5 year driving license.

Elite can make a lot of sense for under-50s who don't have very many other options. If you can get a retirement visa for $50 though why are you paying 500,000 - 1,000,000 for Elite? Contact them and ask them if they can get you in sooner. But if they can't, what are you paying all that money for?
5 years ago
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Ken ***********
@Ivan ***********
 agree 100%
5 years ago
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Ken ***********
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Mikus *****
To get your name on the list you must contact Thai Embassy in your country. They will register you in their waiting list and send your name to the Immigration in Thailand to inform them that you will be coming in Thailand and probably will have to pay for the 14 days quarantine. The embassy also need to issue you a certificate to entry Thailand and i think you will need a medical certificate to proof that you have no covid 19.
5 years ago
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Steve *******
Hello Paula! I hope everything will go smoothly and you can have a wonderful retirement over here 🙂
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
Elite sent out an email to all their members that they would be unable to gain entry to Thailand without a workpermit in March. They've also extended the 5 year and 20 year visas by 6 months to accommodate for the pandemic.

The ministry of foreign affairs is the government body who is approving entry request to repatriate non-thais at the moment. You could apply, no idea if they'd grant it of not though.
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Garrett **********
 . Might want to check your source. You cant get a work permit as an Elite visa holder, so that email makes no sense.
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ste***
 Re-read my comment
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Garrett **********
 .understood. just dont see why they mentioned wps at all.. anyone who spends that kind of money on a visa should know wps are not part of the equation and mean nothing to their situation. Unneccessary info for them.
5 years ago
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Ivan ************
@Ste***
 the point was that only work permit holders are allowed in, and as Elite holders don't fall in that category, they are not allowed in.

"According to the emergency decree, because of recent events that will be immediately effective until April 30th, 2020, these new rules will affect foreigners including Thailand Elite members;

The Government allows only Non-Thai citizens who have a work permit or permanent residence to enter the kingdom."
5 years ago
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Steven ***************
@Garrett **********
 . My point was.. why would "Elite" even mention work permits in an email to elite visa holders??? It's totally irrelevant to them as none of them have one anyway.
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ste***
 They said only WP holders would be allowed entry, meaning Elite holders could not enter. Thats why they extended the elite visa 6 months...
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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Mark *******
I would think Elite will be some of the first thr8the door when its safe
5 years ago
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Steve *******
@Mark ******
 I doubt that. Elite will be just above tourists. Most elite holders never left.
5 years ago
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Ken ***********
@Steve ******
 if most never left, then they should let those outside return quickly ? What hS the government said about these "Elite" visa holddrs....nothing...hmmm
5 years ago
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Ken ***********
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Jeremy ********
It gives you zero preferential treatment for entering Thailand at the present time...
5 years ago
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Anton **************
Hi! Elite visa gives a number of privileges and afaik the customer care should be one of these 😀 The best place to ask is the same where you ordered the visa
5 years ago
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Tod *********
Andreas Prangl-Grötzl it is not a scam, it does exactly what it says it does, you obviously are confused
5 years ago
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Dav *****
@Jimmy *****
, "don't fee the troll" 😉😉😉

He doesn't know sh*t about the Elite visa
5 years ago
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Dav *****
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