How do I apply for a Thai Elite Visa without using an agent, and what are the requirements for obtaining it in the Krabi region?

Jul 12, 2023
a year ago
Grzegorz ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Elite Visa question - OK, I am at around 80% certain I will want to go with 5y elite instead of ED, might as well start looking into how would I go about it.

I understand that I need to go through the agent to get one. Is there a list of official trusted agents which won't apply any additional fees on top of the main elite fee, and won't rip me off?

I will be staying in Ko Lanta on TR visa, and will have roughly 3 months (potentially a moment longer with border bounce) to figure out the next steps. Could someone guide me on how to get an elite, hopefully within Krabi region?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the user's intention to apply for a 5-year Thai Elite Visa instead of an ED visa, seeking guidance on trusted agents or whether they can apply directly without additional fees. Comments emphasize that it's not necessary to use an agent, advising direct application through the official Thai Elite website. Users share experiences and recommend ensuring clarity on the fees associated with Elite visas, particularly the non-refundable nature of the 1 million THB fee for a 20-year membership.
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Vikas *****
I can suggest you agent which not charge you anything good service I personally use her service
Hathaway *************
Am I right in assuming the 1M needs to remain untouched?
Grzegorz ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Hathaway ************
For Elite? It's non-returnable amount, you basically pay a fee and it's lost forever. In return you get hassle-free access to Thailand + some benefits.
Hathaway *************
@Grzegorz **********
Yes thankyou, I just this moment was able to research it.
Graeme ********
Guys how much is a 20 year thai elite please or would I be best off doing my retirement visa
Grzegorz ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Graeme *******
It's 1M THB. Retirement is definitely cheaper and probably better.
Graeme ********
@Grzegorz **********
thankyou I’m back over on 21st I’ve got a long term rental for now so I need to get it sorted would you just go into immigration or get an agent ?
Todd *********
You need nothing but cold hard cash for EV. Very good. But make sure you don't qualify for LTR first.... much better visa
Jo **********
you don’t need an agent-
Mahesh *********
You don't need an agent to apply for the Elite visa. You head to the thailandelite. com (remove the space before "com") website, start the visa process, and then wait for the approval. Elite says it can take about 3 months, but on an average it seems applications get approved in 4-6 weeks.

In case you really want to use an agent, again, head to that website to find the list of official Elite agents. The agents are not supposed to charge you an extra fee; you only pay the official Elite fee.
Erik ********
Apply on their official website
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No need to use an agent. Also there are several facebook groups for thai elite.
Rajeev ********
Also check with them as to what happens if you go to extend to 20 years down the road. Will the future fees apply? In that case I’d consider 20 year membership from the get go. Good luck!
Grzegorz ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rajeev *******
The extension is basically the reason why I started considering going this way. IMO the 20 year one is the best one for "per month" value, but I neither can afford 20 years yet (I mean I could, I just don't want to splurge so much), nor I even know where I'll be in my life in 5 years.

Probably the extension will be priced with the new pricing model, but since the extension will happen in 5 years, plenty of time to plan ahead.
Thomas *******
@Brandon ***********
, this a little off-topic but, I just wanted to give you a shout-out for all your awesome advice on this page. I have gained quite a bit of knowledge just paying attention to your responses. I also like the fact that you speak in a civil manner to people regardless of the question. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Thomas *******
@Brandon ***********
I have seen you not be civil, I was just glossing you up🙂 I have seen questions that I have thought "are you serious, right now?" and you were much nicer than I might have been. Not necessarily civil, but by no means mean even if they might have deserved a little sass. Take good care.
Brandon ************
@Thomas ******
Oh I'm not always civil. In fact I get annoyed at stupid questions often. Even had a few people complain to the admin about me 😇

But thank you regardless. Most of my knowledge is just gleaned from reading posts from other people and taking their first hand experiences to enhance my knowledge to help others. The more people that post their experiences or report back after they've attended immigration or an embassy and what their experience was helps everyone through both the ability to search past posts and for others who may read those and are able to relay that information in the future,.
Lee ********
@Brandon ***********
you been so helpful with your advice to people.id just like to thank you myself.on behalf of many people. Cheers
Brandon ************
You don't need to go through an agent and in fact there's zero benefit to doing so. Go directly to the Thai elite company and apply with them. I don't even know why they allow agents to operate with them.
Steve *******
@Brandon ***********
They use agents to sell their product and make themselves more bunce. The agents are glorified salesmen and most likely on commission only, therefore it's a win win situation for Thailand Elite.
Andi ***********
Brandon Thurkettle Agents get a cut from Elite for a sign up
James **********
@Brandon ***********
I guess they use agents for the same reason any other company would. To help promote and get more business.
Grzegorz ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Brandon ***********
What's the official Thai Elite company? I was trying to do some research, but Google is plagued with different companies pretending to be the official thing (thailandelite, thailand-elite, thailandeelite etc).
Grzegorz ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Perfect, I'll get in touch with them. Thank you!
Brandon ************
@Grzegorz **********
******************************
is the official website. Any site you see with this image is an agent.
James **********
@Brandon ***********
Hi Brandon

This site now diverts to another site called Thailand privilege…. Did something change ?
Brandon ************
@James *********
should still be the same thing
James **********
@Brandon ***********
Do you know if we can still apply at the old rate ?
Grzegorz ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *********
supposedly until 15th of September
Brandon ************
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