Answered6 years ago
How does the Thai Elite Visa approval process work and what are its benefits compared to other visa types?
I just got my Thai elite approval letter. It took 19 days from request to letter. I will pay next week and should have my visa well before September 26.
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around an individual's experience with the Thai Elite Visa approval process, which took 19 days, and their intention to pay soon to secure the visa before September 26. Participants inquire about costs, comparisons with retirement visas, and the implications of current quarantine rules. Some comments reflect concerns about the changing visa landscape and the uncertainty surrounding entry into Thailand for various types of visas. The conversation highlights the different perspectives and experiences of expats navigating the complexities of the Thai immigration system.
189 repliesnewest first
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Klaus ***********
When you get the approval letter is there then I timeframe within you have to pay? Or how does it work?
Rich ********
OP@Klaus **********
90 days
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
If you leave, realistically earliest would probably be February on a tourist visa. Right now elite visa does nothing for you. If you get proof it changes, you can try.
Brad *******
@Edward *******
got it. Not desirable for sure and risky as well. This is my community here. Thanks all for the input. เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Brad ******
same for me. Out looking inBrad *******
Does anyone know if this Elite Visa would grant re-entry back in Thailand (I have a NO Retirement Visa and live in Chiang Mai now) if I traveled to the USA for a week and then came back knowing I would have to go into 14 day Government quarantine. I need to make a trip to the US but I do not want to jeopardize my ability to come back to my home in Chiang Mai. Thank you
Narelle ************
Not at the moment apparently theyre negotiating the terms with the govt.
Brad *******
@Narelle ***********
thank you Narelle. I’m guessing we are landlocked if we want to be secure in our ability to stay in Thailand for the foreseeable future. Be well. 
Adam *******
@Brad ******
no guarantees Brad *******
@Adam ******
thanks 🙏🏽 
Christian *******
hey
@Rich *******
which company did you use please?Christian *******
thanks for your help.
Christian *******
yeah me too mate :-)
Christian *******
ok great I thought they were 'brokers' awesome thanks :-)
Rich ********
OP@Christian ******
direct. Christian *******
@Rich *******
oh cool - can you send me the link so I know where to start :-)Rich ********
OPI know there are agents looking to help people here. I get nervous with the man in the middle.
Rich ********
OP@Christian ******
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Rich ********
OPI will say that exploring Thailand without the tourists is pretty fun.
Martin *********
@Rich *******
Aren't you the one.
Jason ***************
@Rich *******
well be glad you’re there ,, your one of the lucky ones , some of us are unfortunately stuck in limbo away from our loved onesJason ***************
Not looking good
Edison *********
How much does it costs to get an elite visa and it’s valid for how many years?
Russell *****
Ivan ***********
@Russell ****
Any results of your contribution idea?Russell *****
To cut the long story short. Below Aug 2016, there were only 2 main programs. The 20 yr Grand program and 5 Yr Easy Access program. In Mid 2016, I suggest to then CEO to have 1 Mil program, 10 years and 20 Yr program w/o much services. What you see now is the results.
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Russell *****
Hi, I worked in Elite member service in 2013, and contributed my idea in mid 2016 for the launch of new programs.
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Adam *******
@Edison ********
make google your friend Narelle ************
@Edison ********
5 10 or 20 years. 500k, 1m for 10, 1m for 20 and 2m for 20 with extra perks. Check website it’s linked above Edison *********
@Narelle ***********
this money is the fees for getting this elite visa or I need to keep this as an deposit in the bank ? Will I get back this money if I surrender my visa or don’t want to renew it further ?Narelle ************
@Edison ********
Sorry was out and about otherwise would have linked to the website. Im sure you've found it nowEdison *********
@Narelle ***********
ok thanks Narelle ************
@Edison ********
no refunds. No deposit required. It’s all on their website 🙂 Narelle ************
Yep same response I got. Sigh.
Jason ***************
I enquired about the elite visa yesterday to an extremely good visa agent , he replied and told me they are basically just a money making waste of money and to hold on because things might change from about 4 weeks time .
I’m doubtful things will change so soon but he’s knowledgeable about the situation. So I’ll wait and see
I’m doubtful things will change so soon but he’s knowledgeable about the situation. So I’ll wait and see
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
Thank you for some reality-testing in a time when the government basks in confusion, incompetence and misinformation.
Narelle ************
I was approved for the visa in May. You do not have to pay until you're ready to. Depends on what you need I guess, I am going for the 20 year visa because that works for me and Im too young for retirement visa.
Jason ***************
@Narelle ***********
yeah it’ll probably work for me too ,, I was just trying to pass the information on I recieved with more regard to been to hold on for 4 weeks for If flights start back up in some way . First little bit of light at the end of the tunnel I’ve had so I shared it 😊
Jason ***************
@Narelle ***********
would be nice after all this time lol xNarelle ************
@Jason **************
yes lets hope so :D 
Joel ********
Who did you use?
Dice ****
Elite visa 🤣
Christopher ******
So if I’m here in Thailand now and on a non-Imm B that requires me to leave every 90 days (complicated to achieve extension of stay) can I switch to Elite Visa and stay beyond Sep 26th?
Rich ********
OP@Christopher *****
yes. $15k but there are steps if you aren't on tourist visa. Christopher ******
@Rich *******
cool and thanks. I have a jumble of options but the key is to be able to leave by end Oct but really to be able to return eventually and my WP expires in Nov and difficult to renew too far in advance which cuts into that option if forced to go in Sep. crazy days, wish they’d just set up immigration departure/re-entry points without requiring actually leaving...but it’s a pipe dreamRich ********
OP@Christopher *****
I don't think that is going to happen.. it certainly would have been easier for me. Pick a border, put something right at the border so you don't actually cross and let people cycle through. That would have helped me. But this way I stay for 5 years without hassle. You can apply for it without paying. เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
I would like to see your visa stamp after you arrive. From what I follow no determination has been made that the Elite visa will kick you up the list.
Narelle ************
@Edward *******
he’s already in Thailand this is a way for him to stay past September 26
Jeff *******
@Edward *******
nonetheless it's a step. Not a lot of visas of any kind being issued at the moment เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@Jeff ******
Nephew of a friend, married into the royal family, stuck in America, still waiting.Jeff *******
@Edward *******
can't they make some calls or something??That said as an American I totally get keeping them Typhoid Marys out...
Kaija *******
If you can afford it it’s a good way to come to Thailand. At the moment nobody knows what will happen next though.
Bal *********
500k 😏
Sounds like another money scam from the Thais
To con the tourists 😉
Money money money 💰
Sounds like another money scam from the Thais
To con the tourists 😉
Money money money 💰
Narelle ************
Many countries have these kinds of visas but yeah go mad and bash Thailand.
Chris *******
Following
Richard ******
What a load of mugs stupid ones at that
Mark *******
Richd Harmer
Can I ask which agency you used and where you are based
Can I ask which agency you used and where you are based
Thomas ********************
Good for you :)
If you're transferring from a Thai bank, you might need their "juristic number" (company id/registration or some such.) I had some trouble finding that. If they ask for it, it's
0105546103468
If you're transferring from a Thai bank, you might need their "juristic number" (company id/registration or some such.) I had some trouble finding that. If they ask for it, it's
0105546103468
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*****
*****
468
Jeremy *********
You still have to report every 90 days. So for me it's a waste of money.But If it works for you good luck
Frank ******
@Jeremy ********
can report on line 90 days!Jeremy *********
Ivan ************
@Jeremy ********
you can do the 90 day report online with any visa, this isn't an Elite only thing.Jeremy *********
Frank ******
@Jeremy ********
yes on line Rich ********
OP@Jeremy ********
in person once a year. It's the only way I can stay in Thailand.. here for 5 months so far
Zzyzx *******
Are they allowing Elite Visa holders into the country now?
Narelle ************
Narelle ************
Rich I am an elite visa holder and we still can’t get into the country. Or have you been told otherwise?
Simon **********
The need for the OP to announce something that is a personal matter ???
Narelle ************
@Simon *********
huh?
Chris *********
@Narelle ***********
the approval process was so elite... I had to write one sentence explaining why I love thighland Narelle ************
@Chris ********
really? Lol. I had to state why I wanted the elite visa. 
Jeff *****
@Chris ********
funnyNarelle ************
@Chris ********
pmsl 😂 Chris *********
That and the legitimate reason that $1million Baht was weighing down my check in luggage so I better hand it over to the elite visa office instead
Chris *********
@Narelle ***********
yeah that’s what I meant and the best way to explain it was with love Rich ********
OP@Narelle ***********
I have been in Thailand over 5 months.. Narelle ************
@Rich *******
ahh ok lucky you!
Tod *********
They did announce that elite visa holders COULD now apply to get into the country (by meeting the requirements) BUT at this time there is no directive that told the thai embassies this so they're still turning people away who have elite visas :(
Narelle ************
@Tod ********
yeah. Original wording of stage 6 used to include elite visa holders. Now it’s ‘by special arrangement’. I have been approved for the 20 year visa but I’m not paying for it until I know I can get home. 
Mark *******
Does anyone know that taking out a 5 year elite visa will get you in without quarantine when restrictions are relaxed ?
In applying for this visa is it obligatory to buy it if approved?
TIA
In applying for this visa is it obligatory to buy it if approved?
TIA
Jeremy *********
@Mark ******
no still have to quarantine.Mark *******
@Jeremy ********
cheers Rich ********
OP@Jeremy ********
in person one time per year or not at all if you leave and come backJeremy *********
@Mark ******
good luck.Mark *******
@Jeremy ********
thanks for infoJust that I’m looking at retirement visa but would look at pursuing elite visa if gave better opportunity of entering the country. All unknown I guess until government provide further advice
Cheers
Jeremy *********
@Mark ******
and with the elite card you still have to report every 90 days.
Tod *********
So you're asking about some indeterminate time in the future IF/WHEN the quarantine restrictions are relaxed and what the entry requirements will be for Elite visa holders?
Sheesh who is gonna know the answer to that question Mark?
Sheesh who is gonna know the answer to that question Mark?
Wayne ********
i had mine for a while now the best way to reset your yearly stay is leave the country and return and you get an automatic one year stamp in your passport agree at airport immigration because of lock downs my wife and i couldn’t travel outside thailand so we went to immigration with a letter from TE immigration guy nice but apart from the cost 1900 each to do it’s again a lot of paperwork and photocopies and time consuming believe me when they open borders again just leave and return so much easier xx
Tod *********
Unless I'm mistaken (which I don't think I am) you don't get your VISA sticker stuck into your passport until you land here in thailand and they meet you at the airport take you to immigrations stick the visa sticker in and give you a year entry stamp ;)
Tony **************
sean campbell-I saw one article regarding elite visa. Even though you are allowed by having that visa, you need approval letter from embassy before taking the flight to Thailand
Narelle ************
@Tony *************
it’s really not true. This is embassy website in aus the same for the Uk. 
Sean **********
@Tod ********
yes that’s correct Narelle ************
@Tod ********
yes that’s my understanding too. 
Jim **********
I see this as the way of the future in a reset Thailand. Wouldn't surprise me at all if eventually the "retirement visas" of the past are completely eliminated.
Billy *******
@Jim *********
Who will support all the single mothers? I'd estimate 10% of uni students' tuition is paid for by expats. Not good policy change IMO.
Sean ******
@Billy ******
where do i sign up to pay uni students tuition?Billy *******
@Sean *****
CM University. Mua Thai schools. Many schools out there. But you do have to show up. ... i think. 
Todd *********
@J**
virtually every nation on earth has some version of it. And many are strongly recruiting retirees now. Just bring your $, don’t worry about tax. Great all around 
Nandano ********
May I know In which country you will be issuing an entry certificate? I also received a letter from Thai Elite. But in Turkey, where I am now, Thai embassy is not working. I have to look to go to another country.
Bruce *******
Thai embassy working in Ankara capital city.
Rich ********
OP@Nandano *******
I am already in Thailand
Roger ********
@Nandano *******
consider that you maybe asked for a residence permit if not naturalized in the country you apply from. Adam *******
I have an elite Visa but no COE
Ivan ************
I think October is likely. Very much doubt they will allow home quarantine though.
Adam *******
@Ivan ***********
no precedents with this shitfight, so who knows ! Sean **********
@Adam ******
me too Tony **************
@Sean *********
So basically embassy won't issue COE until probably October? I heard that a lot of hotels are all booked so cannot really find a place to quarantine yourself.Sean **********
yes I’ve giving up hope of coming home in September, I think October is possible
Tony **************
@Adam ******
no joke. As an American I will be in tears if I get to go Thailand in 2021. Adam *******
@Tony *************
fingers crossed by then I will be able to self quarantine in my own abode in Thailand David ****
Is the elite visa a better choice than retirement visa? I’ll be 50 in 1.5 years and debating between the two choices.
George *************
A Non-O visa can be extended annually in Thailand just like the Non-OA. The big advantage of the Non-O is that there is no insurance requirement. I've had only one Thai visa in my life, but have lived in Thailand legally since 2012. I do the 800,000 baht in the bank method to qualify for my retirement extension but if one wanted to they could do the 60,000/month income method.
My understanding about the Elite Visa is that you have to pay 1,900/baht year for an annual extension of stay if you do not leave the country (leaving -- and returning to -- the country in the time of covid is problematic). Also, unless you live in Bangkok I think you have to do your own 90-day reports.
I do my 90-day reports online. Takes about 5 minutes. I can't imagine people making huge financial decisions based on doing 90-day reports. If online isn't working I can do it by mail or in Phuket at the drive-in window at immigration. Worst case, even if you never do a 90-day report and you are caught the fine is usually 2,000 baht (5,000 baht if they think you are doing it on purpose); there is no consequence to your continued ability to get annual extensions, you won't be on overstay. Do it when you're supposed to (about 3 times a year, typically they do a 90-day report when I apply for my annual extension of stay) and you don't have to pay anything.
If you qualify for a retirement extension by being at least 50 years old, then my cost for an annual extension of stay for the purpose of retirement is 1,900 baht. Plus 200 baht I pay to my Thai bank for documentation to support my application. If I want to leave Thailand I can withdraw my 800,000 baht and take it with me. The 500,000 baht paid to Thai Elite is gone.
My understanding about the Elite Visa is that you have to pay 1,900/baht year for an annual extension of stay if you do not leave the country (leaving -- and returning to -- the country in the time of covid is problematic). Also, unless you live in Bangkok I think you have to do your own 90-day reports.
I do my 90-day reports online. Takes about 5 minutes. I can't imagine people making huge financial decisions based on doing 90-day reports. If online isn't working I can do it by mail or in Phuket at the drive-in window at immigration. Worst case, even if you never do a 90-day report and you are caught the fine is usually 2,000 baht (5,000 baht if they think you are doing it on purpose); there is no consequence to your continued ability to get annual extensions, you won't be on overstay. Do it when you're supposed to (about 3 times a year, typically they do a 90-day report when I apply for my annual extension of stay) and you don't have to pay anything.
If you qualify for a retirement extension by being at least 50 years old, then my cost for an annual extension of stay for the purpose of retirement is 1,900 baht. Plus 200 baht I pay to my Thai bank for documentation to support my application. If I want to leave Thailand I can withdraw my 800,000 baht and take it with me. The 500,000 baht paid to Thai Elite is gone.
Martin *********
@George ************
I use the same method as you , however I’m on O-A extensions , and renewed mine last October, just before the health insurance came into play .. so come Sept / Oct this year I will need it when I come to extend this time , I’d rather not have it though ... 🤷🏻David ****
Helpful, thanks again. I’d need to purchase Thai Health Insurance from my home country prior to applying for the visa?
Tod *********
@David ***
the way it works for the O-A visa is that when you buy the visa from a thai consulate in your country you can show proof of insurance using a company in your country as long as you meet the requirment (******
K baht coverage) BUT when you go to extend that O-A visa inside thailand when it runs out you need to use one of the 13 approved thai insurance companies that supply O-A holders insurance. Some people just get the thai insurance right out of the gate so they don't have to switch later on Here's the list of them;
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Tod *********
@David ***
ALL the requirements to enter the country (100K USD covid insurance, fit to fly, negative covid test, 14 day quarantine at an ASQ) all have to be met to get in. The elite visa doesn't mean you need less requirements it's just one of the demographics that can apply for permission to get in 
Stephan ***********
@Bobby *******
Thanks a lot!Bobby ********
@Stephan **********
. LMG. Plan 1 with a 200,000 deductible amountStephan ***********
@Bobby *******
May i ask which insurance exactly you bought for 7.700 THB a year?Bobby ********
@Evan *******
. Everyone's insurance needs and status are different. Premiums vary depending on age and pre-existing conditions. It would be impossible to carry out a generic comparison. You would need to carry out your own research. Some people have home country insurance with better coverage but which is not acceptable to the Thai authorities. I have such an insurance, so I just go for the cheapest option I can find in Thailand simply to satisfy the visa requirements. I write off the 154 baht per week as a "price for living in Thailand".
Evan ********
@Tod ********
with the Thai health insurance companies, has anyone already done a comparative cost/benefits analysis between them or are they all priced similarly, offering similar benefits?David ****
@Tod ********
I’d expect insurance from my home country would be more costly than just getting the Thai insurance from the start. Do you know if Covid-19 coverage will still be required. I believe it was 100k dollar coverage. Tod *********
@David ***
you're a year and a half away from even THINKING of buying this visa. I'd say hang tight, wait it out and see what the requirements are closer to when you are gonna get it David ****
@Tod ********
most definitely. Just trying to gather information and others input so I’d make a better decision when my time comes around. Bobby ********
@David ***
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*****
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-Non-Immigrant-Visa-%22O-A%22-(Retired--Long.htmlDavid ****
The OA visa does sound like a logical choice if indeed I wouldn’t need to leave every 90 days. It almost seems too easy which I know is not what Thai immigration is known for.
Bobby ********
@David ***
. Let me assure you, you do NOT have to leave every 90 days. My current stamp lets me stay until 24 Jan 2021. A month before this I will go to immigration for the 12-month extensionBobby ********
@Frank *****
. Yes. Frank ******
@Bobby *******
I have OA due Jan 27 , 2021, when I go to immigration to renew do I need to show 2 month seasoning of 800kBobby ********
@David ***
. You don't necessarily need 800,000 kept in a Thai bank. In normal times you can get an OA visa in your home country, which is good for two years. If you return home every two years (say for a holiday), you buy a new visa which is good for another two years. You need never have one baht in a Thai bank account. You need health insurance which you can get for around $300 a year. The visa will cost you $200 every two years. 90 day reporting you can do online. Pre-covid the OA was the best. Remember if you do have 800,000 in a Thai bank account, although it is mainly inaccessible it is still yours, unlike the elite visa, the money is gone. You'll never see it again. Jeff *****
@Bobby *******
agreedFrank ******
@Bobby *******
great synopsis, elite not worth it, if retired here, yearly visit to CW is just on your retired activities
Pun *****
@Bobby *******
thank you so much for very useful info. Appreciate it. Bobby ********
@Pun ****
. I don't know much about the O-X but I believe you can obtain it from an immigration office in country. You do have to show 3 million baht in a Thai bank account but I'm not aware of the seasoning requirements. Your best strategy is to visit your local immigration office and enquire there as to the requirements, as they may differ slightly from office to office.Pun *****
@Bobby *******
ah I see. So I have to go back to the UK to apply for OA then. What about OX retirement visa, can I apply while I’m in Thailand ?Bobby ********
@Pun ****
. OA visa is only available from the embassy/consulate in your home country.Pun *****
@Bobby *******
Do you happen to know if I come in on a Non_O Visa 3 months single entry visa. Can I apply for OA within Thailand while I’m here? Thank you. Bobby ********
@Evan *******
. Absolutely it's each to their own. I just favour the monthly transfer strategy, because irrespective of the amount, the money is immediately accessible and you can do what you want with it. The *******
banked method is a waste of potential investment. And honestly, the horrific insurance cost of 154 baht a week I believe I can cope with! 🤣Evan ********
@Bobby *******
marriage is only 400k compared to 800k so monthly it’s less too. Too late now for me though as I’ll need to organize my plan before March 21 so would mean 400 or 800k two months prior to applying and an under consideration period etc. It’s all personal preference once you know what’s required anyway. I also thought they’d introduce compulsory insurance for all long visa types but hasn’t happened, who knows!
I agree it’s better to have insurance here anyway, especially with dual pricing at lots of hospitals and generally getting the faring pricing.
With 2nd waves all over the world it’s hard to think any travel will be easy for quite a while and I’d be worried about getting back in easily although having a spouse here looks like it may help. I generally like to fly back to my home country at least once a year but not at the moment!
Bobby ********
@Evan *******
. Totally agree on the embassy affidavit! But we just have to work around it. As for the marriage visa, I couldn't be bothered with all the documents needed at extension time. And using the foreign transfer method, once I've paid my rent and bills for the month and put aside some spending money, the rest goes into a term account earning better interest. The beauty of the monthly transfer is the money is YOURS immediately to do what you want with. In theory you could even transfer it back to your home country when exchange rates are more favourable! As far as insurance is concerned, I actually believe post-covid it will become compulsory for all longstay visas. Insurance companies won't start a new policy for anyone 75+, but if you already have one, renewal is guaranteed until you're 99. Honestly, for 154 baht a week, I cannot see any reason why people will go out of their way to avoid it. Some would even prefer a four hour van ride to some godforsaken border every three months just to avoid it! Well....each to their own!Evan ********
@Bobby *******
it was even better with the A-O and a statutory declaration from my embassy a few years ago before they stopped it! As I’m here in Thailand, I’m Thinking of switching to the marriage visa (from A-O) as I already qualify and only 400k baht required plus no insurance. Sure it’s more hoops to go through but that’s really not too bad. The A-O is difficult now as I would normally get a new one every 2 years from my home country and who knows when that will be possible to return to Thailand easily.
I’d also hope that when you’re on the “marriage” visa, the yearly extension should be much easier 😂
Frank ******
@Bobby *******
thanksBobby ********
@Frank *****
. I'm transferring from Australia, and the fee is currently $21.55 Aus dollars (about $15.50 US dollars). To be brutally honest, if someone needs to question $3.75 a week bank fees to stay permanently in Thailand, perhaps they should be looking to live in another country?Frank ******
@Bobby *******
bob thanks but monthly transfer will cost $25-40, and at mercy of strong baht ( another cost)Bobby ********
@Frank *****
. I believe the OA visa/extension has emerged from Covid as the best visa if you are IN country. I never have to leave Thailand at all. No border bounced or visa runs. Yes, it costs me 154 baht a week for the insurance and 1900 baht per year for each 12-month extension. I also have to transfer from overseas 65,000 baht per month. However, unlike the 800,000 tied up in a Thai bank account, I can access the 65,000 in theory the day after it's paid into my account and go out and spend it. The only things I have to concern myself with is to ensure the 65,000 is shown as an international transfer in my account, and to do an online 90-day report when it's due. One visit to immigration each year, and I don't have to take wife, marriage certificate, photos of us holding hands out the front of our home, and sketches and map coordinates of where we live. Of course, if you're out of the country at this time, the elite can be used to get back in, which the OA cannot.David ****
@Bobby *******
that’s some very interesting information. Everyone here is extremely helpful. I’ll definitely also look into an OA visa. It does seem like a great option for someone in my situation. So there are no monetary requirements other than the $200 purchase price? That’s would definitely simplify things greatly. Bobby ********
@David ***
. My scenario was pre-covid. As travel is limited, you can choose to extend in country. You will need in this case to show 800,000 in Thai bank account or 65,000 transferred in from overseas every month (which you can immediately spend). You need Thai health insurance. The insurance I have costs 7700 baht per year. Bobby ********
@Garrett **********
. On an OA visa you DO NOT have to leave the country at all. You are stamped in for 12 months at a time. You are confusing it with the O visa! You can perpetually extend the OA in country. The cost of the insurance is a few dollars a week if you take the deductible option.
Garrett ***********
@Da***
You have to leave the country every 90 days. You also need health insurance from a thai health insurance company approved by immigration. David ****
Wasn’t aware of that. I’m guessing maybe in the last quarter around October hopefully
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
@David ***
Realistically February. Currently only have 3800 rooms in ASQs, so that comes to about 280 new enties/day. Thousands lined up with work permits, married to thais, medical tourists,all ahead of us.Garrett ***********
@Da***
The vaccine is slated to come out in November. Human trials in the US started July 27th with 30k people approved by the FDA for it. The vaccine is already being produced on the assumption it will pass the human trail phase. My guess is that's the best avenue to travel, after the vaccine is made available.
Garrett ***********
@Da***
Easier. Better is a relative term. If you have the money to spend and are planning on being here for 5 years, go for it. David ****
@Garrett **********
thanks for the response. Do you know approximately the cost of retirement visa and is it a huge hassle renewing it annually?Tod *********
@David ***
being from the US means nothing as far as when you get back to here. I know thaiz that are already back from the US after being stuck there. Garrett ***********
@Da***
Actually the newest proposal for the "travel bubble" includes the USA. David ****
@Tod ********
yes I’m aware. Especially from the United States. We’ll be the last to get back to Thailand. Tod *********
@David ***
you do know that retirees can't get in to thailand right now righ? David ****
@Garrett **********
I really appreciate all the information you’ve provided. Not having to do the 90 day reports would be ideal but it’s quite an investment. Initially I need to look into opening up a Thai bank account when I able to enter the country again. Thanks again. Garrett ***********
@Da***
Yes, yearly renewals are a pain. Yearly requirements change somewhat often. You need to keep 800k baht in a thai bank account and for the most part can't touch it. You need to do 90 day reports, you need to que at immigration, thought it's doable. Yearly extensions are 1900 baht though. Elite visa for the 5 year one is 500k baht, you don't have to wait in line, they will do your 90 day reports for you, and there aren't really any requirements or paperwork to do. Like I said, it's the easier option if you have 500k baht and wouldn't really notice it gone. If you have 1m baht to your name, i wouldn't spend half of it on a visa, though to each their own.
Robert *******
That’s a lot of cash.
Connie ********
May I know how much you will pay for it and how long would the visa expire???
Mike *******
Congratulations 🎊, enjoy your time in Thailand 🇹🇭
Jimmy ******
The 1m one seems like a better deal
Giorgio *********
@Jimmy *****
of course 😊Rich ********
OP@Daniel ***********
this is what I chose
Nick ****
@Daniel ***********
did you have to pay VAT in addition to 500k?Ivan ************
@Nick *****
500k one is 500k, no extra VAT. Some of the older are VAT-exclusive.Ivan ************
@Ni**
for that one, no, 1m is VAT inclusive.Nick ****
@Ivan ***********
do you know if you need to pay vat for the 20 year visa for 1 mil baht? 
Daniel ************
check elite card visa website / all details there.
*****************************
Connie ********
@Daniel ***********
wow, thank you so much.Daniel ************
@Connie *******
its 5 years / 500k thb for the start version.Frank ******
@Carl ******
for information knucklehead
Charles ****************
@Carl ******
I did. You're a fool. Carl *******
@Frank *****
exuse me? Who are you that calls me a knucklehead? Connie ********
@Carl ******
hey, good morning and it's alright. I appreciate his reply as well. ☺Activity
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