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Is it better to apply for the Thai elite visa in Australia or Thailand, and what are the pros and cons of each option?

Thai Elite Visa Visa Application Process Thailand Immigration Visa Types Expat Advice

May 23, 2024

6 months ago

Mitchell ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Is it better to do the Thai elite visa in Australia or in Thailand? Would like to hear the pros and cons of each

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TLDR : Answer Summary

When considering whether to apply for the Thai elite visa in Australia or Thailand, several pros and cons emerge. Applying in Thailand is seen as easier by some, with suggestions to initially try a one-year education visa to assess suitability. Conversely, applicants in Australia note that the application process is efficient, with benefits such as VIP arrival treatment and expedited immigration processing. Additionally, applying abroad avoids potential pitfalls, like the need for appointments and delays in Thailand post-arrival. Overall, many recommend applying from Australia for a more seamless experience.

Jeff ******

Thailand Privilege Members Group (formerly Elite Visa)

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Justin *****

I would say do it in Australia. I did mine while living in the US. Just approved on the 21st and the visa will get affixed as soon as I get to BKK airport. You have a personal EPA with a sign grab you, fast track through immigration and the visa takes 30-45 mins. If you wait until you get to a Thailand, which happened to my girlfriend (hers was approved later), now she has to set an appointment up in Bangkok 5-7 days in advance with a TM-30.

Airport visa affixing is way simpler.

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Mitchell ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for the tip Justin how long did the process take to get approved?

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Justin *****

@Mitchell *******

from application to affix, 7 weeks. Could have been a bit quicker, but i slacked a bit waiting on the girl.

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Mitchell ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

thanks for the information I appreciate it.

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Justin *****

@Mitchell *******

not a problem at all. Hit me up if you have any other questions. The people that email you (your handler), after you apply really really help. They respond to emails super quick and helped along the way. Good luck bro!

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Justin *****

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Darin ********

I would 100% do it in Australia, wish l did my visa in Australia. If you have the means do it in Australia will cost you about the same and you arrive VIP

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Shayne **********

Easiest to do it in Thailand but you may want to try a one year education Visa first to see if that works for you instead of putting all that money out there and then finding it doesn't work for you.

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Stuart *********

@Shayne *********

Absolutely do not do that. Many many reports of people being refused Elite after having an informal (not University) Ed visa.

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Mitchell ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks for that advice me and my wife were going to live in Thailand and I was planning to go the Thai elite visa route and my wife was looking at doing the ed visa (Muay Thai or learning Thai) then after trying for an English teaching job or going on the Thai elite visa like me. Are there any other tips like this that would be handy to know?

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Stuart *********

@Mitchell *******

Check out the LTR visa and see if there’s a category that fits you. Much cheaper than Elite.

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Mitchell ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Stuart ********

thanks but unfortunately me and my partner don’t fall into any of those categories but thank you for the above guidance.

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Declan **********

@Mitchell *******

if you haven't lived in Thailand for an extended period of time I would suggest getting an METV before you arrive as you can get nearly 9 months from that, then at about month 7 or 8 start making decisions on what you're doing next (longterm options such as elite or going to a different country).

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Declan **********

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Shayne **********

@Stuart ********

I'm talking generally to see if he can live in Thailand for one year or for an extended period. Some people holidaying love Thailand, but living here especially after dropping USD 20k and hating it is an expensive mistake. But we are not all rich like you.

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Declan **********

@Shayne *********

it's not about being rich, it's about giving good advice... It's sound advice to tell someone to try living in the country first but it's bad advice to tell them to get an ED visa, especially when their long term plan is to get an Elite Visa.

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Declan **********

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Dan ********

@Shayne *********

how much is an ED visa?

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Shayne **********

between 30k and 70k in Chiang Mai, but you need to check in whatever province you live in.

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Shayne **********

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