Answered6 years ago
Is the Elite Visa a good option after the recent visa amnesty in Thailand?
Anybody here contemplating doing the Elite visa after the visa amnesty? If so can it be done currently? Easy to do?
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the feasibility and desirability of applying for the Elite Visa in Thailand after the visa amnesty period. Many commenters note that the application is relatively straightforward and expedited, however, they advise caution suggesting that applicants might want to wait for the country to fully reopen. While some view the Elite Visa as a lucrative option for long-term stayers, others caution about its limitations, likening it to an expensive tourist visa with the provision for easy entry and exit. Concerns about the lack of permanent residency rights and the risks associated with overstays are also highlighted, creating a balance of opinions on whether the Elite Visa is worth pursuing in light of individual circumstances.
68 repliesnewest first
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Katie ********
Scott *********
Contact me ... can get you through this process easy ill put you on touch with my visa lady👍
Alan *******
how much does she charge to renew retirement visas?
Scott *********
@Alan ******
hi mate ill message you ill just check are you bangkok based ?Scott *********
@Alan ******
ok ill send to you just driving at the moment ill check for you at home later 👍Alan *******
@Scott ********
actually thanks - but I already have the best agent. Just wanted to compare prices, that's all !Todd *********
Are u in Bangkok?
Scott *********
@Todd ********
Yes in bangkok im away for a few days for the long weekend ,but you can call if you want ... ill put you in touch she can sort anything 0949404753**********
*****
*****
Todd *********
@Scott ********
thx very much!
David *********
They say it takes 30 days to do the background check. No overstays ever. No bankruptcies. No felonies.
But if amnesty ends on the 31st. People could become an overstay before the check is done.
But if amnesty ends on the 31st. People could become an overstay before the check is done.
Ivan ************
Overstays are an issue but it's not necessarily the case that a single one disqualifies you. I think the rule of thumb is no more than one overstay in the last three years.
Personally, I doubt Thai immigration is going to just announce the day before 31 that everyone is now on overstay and must leave _immediately_, with the border/flight situation still as it is, I strongly suspect there will be SOME leeway for people.
Plus there may be some level of understanding in the present extraordinary times if you are in the application process for it.
You can ask them.
Personally, I doubt Thai immigration is going to just announce the day before 31 that everyone is now on overstay and must leave _immediately_, with the border/flight situation still as it is, I strongly suspect there will be SOME leeway for people.
Plus there may be some level of understanding in the present extraordinary times if you are in the application process for it.
You can ask them.
David *********
@Ivan ***********
I don't know about the overstay thing. I just know it was asked like 3-4 times during the application process. I agree about the amnesty ending. I was just stating the worst case scenario.
Gordon ********
555
I won’t last 20 years.
I won’t last 20 years.
Robert **********
Looked at it but a 20 year is
*****
0 fee which you don’t get back. Rather put my *****
0 in a bank which I can get back and put up with a few days a year in a queue for immigration renewals etc. 
Wojciech ***********
@Robert *********
1 mil 20 yearsDavid *********
@Robert *********
but that 800k is locked up for ***
rds of the year every year. And no medical insurance required. Although the person with no insurance is really just asking for problems.Robert **********
@David ********
so the 800k has got to be held in the bank for a period of time before and after renewals correct? But you can still take it out when u leave if you desire to do so? And if it is your last year you can use it? Tia David *********
@Robert *********
true 
Rogerio ******
OPI suppose it depends on how much you value your time spending a few days a year for 20 years.
Alan *******
Why bother? It's just an extremely expensive 5-year tourist visa
Alwyne ********
Yes
Steven ****************
I guess the benefits are times like now when people cant qualify for other visas and cant go in and out the country to start again their visas
Rogerio ******
OPwell if you can stay in without having to go out, that's the benefit. Plus, if you are considering staying in TH semi long term, it ends up not being too much more expensive than the back to back visa runs.
Alan *******
@Rogerio *****
okay. I guess if you're under 50 and rich it might make sense 😁Alan *******
from what I've heard the "benefits" are minimal, not real benefits as you claim. Like a free limousine to and from the airport - wow, big deal! And discounts on major purchases at some stores.
No special privileges in terms of Covid arrivals or owning property in Thailand. I'm able to stay in Thailand for 5 years for a tiny fraction of that cost - hey, whatever suits. Seriously, I hope it works for you - like I said, if you can afford it and you like the convenience and you're under 50 - go for it..No offence meant.If I've misunderstood it, so be it
No special privileges in terms of Covid arrivals or owning property in Thailand. I'm able to stay in Thailand for 5 years for a tiny fraction of that cost - hey, whatever suits. Seriously, I hope it works for you - like I said, if you can afford it and you like the convenience and you're under 50 - go for it..No offence meant.If I've misunderstood it, so be it
Rogerio ******
OPdidnt mean you directly lol,
how is it a 'glorified tourist visa' ? There's real benefits costs, and practical wise as well if you calculate it as per what i said before...
how is it a 'glorified tourist visa' ? There's real benefits costs, and practical wise as well if you calculate it as per what i said before...
Alan *******
@Rogerio *****
I'm far from poor pal but I'm not throwing 500k or whatever it is at a glorified tourist visaRogerio ******
OPhah some of us just aren't poor.
Jeffrey ************
I will be applying for the 10 year option as soon as I am allowed back..
Alwyne ********
You won't get
Jeffrey ************
@Alwyne *******
why do you think that?Ivan ************
For most people 5 or 20 years makes more sense. You can get 20 years for the same price as the 10 year (1m)
Jeffrey ************
@Ivan ***********
Thanks Ivan. I'll look again.
Brahim ******
Dont do any elite visa those are a waste of money that give you nothing but a glorified tourist stamp.
Ken ***********
@Brahim *****
I agree, especially since under this lickdown, the Thai Elite has been given zero attention toward admission into Thailand
Steven ***************
Keep in mind that an Elite Visa doesnt give you permission to work or obtain a work permit, if that's something you need in future.
Wojciech ***********
@Steven **************
would never work here it's a country to spend money not earn it
Ron *******
If you can hold out until October, Thailand Elite visas will be sold including Health insurance packages.
Stephen *******
@Ron ******
What have you read about October?Tod *********
The elite visa IS a viable option for people, I probably know 15-20 people on various ones (from the old original life time ones to the 20 year, the family plan and the budget 5 year one)
To a person no one says anything bad about it, and all say it does exactly what it's sold as. Provide you with a trouble visa option for the length of time you buy it
In fact the ONLY people I ever hear slagging the program off are people who can't afford it OR people who fit into other visa/extension categories.
To a person no one says anything bad about it, and all say it does exactly what it's sold as. Provide you with a trouble visa option for the length of time you buy it
In fact the ONLY people I ever hear slagging the program off are people who can't afford it OR people who fit into other visa/extension categories.
Derick ******
Elite visa still subject to check and everything and u still have to apply to come in unless u have the red book from police.
That's the only book that can let u stay in Thailand for as long as u want.
That's the only book that can let u stay in Thailand for as long as u want.
Tod *********
that is totally NOT correct and that "red book" you're talking about is a Permanent Resident book. You DO NOT need that to apply to enter the country, people married to thais, who have half thai children, work permits and Non-B visas, and people studying here and seeking medical treatment can ALL apply for permission to enter the country now.
Derick ******
@Tod ********
my mistake on that yes a more detailed information would be what u mentioned.Derick ******
U need to watch out tho
Michael ********
Yes i was interested but after this will do visa and serious look at citizenship
Alex *********
I am under one since 4 years and what???
Im still stranded in Australia since 4 months,where i came to visit family.
Expansive visa with free taxi to airport,fast queue and no need to leave the kingdom every 90 days,just report it.
BUT,when a covid problem appear,and it gonna have again in the future,ELITE VISA,under gouvernement command doesnt offer any priority if you leave the Kingdom,i will be the last one in the resident queue,after work permit,married,wellness and riche tourist,student....
Think about!!
expansive,when there is a world problem,you are,for immigration ONLY A TOURIST FOR EVER,with absolutly NO RIGHTS!
Even if im a resident owner etc.....!
Im still stranded in Australia since 4 months,where i came to visit family.
Expansive visa with free taxi to airport,fast queue and no need to leave the kingdom every 90 days,just report it.
BUT,when a covid problem appear,and it gonna have again in the future,ELITE VISA,under gouvernement command doesnt offer any priority if you leave the Kingdom,i will be the last one in the resident queue,after work permit,married,wellness and riche tourist,student....
Think about!!
expansive,when there is a world problem,you are,for immigration ONLY A TOURIST FOR EVER,with absolutly NO RIGHTS!
Even if im a resident owner etc.....!
Tod *********
you're not a legal permanent resident of thailand, :O You hold an elite visa that gave you the ability to come in and out and each time get a new year entry stamp for 5 years. It's a glorified tourist visa with perks is all
Alex *********
@Tod ********
To get a permanent resident status,it is another complicate war paperworks,and almost impossible to apply for it...100 by year and by nationalities... As a foreigner without work permit,not a lot of possibilities to stay in Thailand when u don’t want to marry a citizen......
Will never apply again for an elite visa,yes i went in and out,in the past,but at least im out lol🙇♀️
Alex *********
@Tod ********
Never mind,i went at school,learned Thai,but now will not apply for PR,start to think to sell,to pack,to move.Have a good day Tod,my best wishes if you are stranded.🙏🏻
Alex *********
@Tod ********
Yes i know it already,i live there since 10 years,best solution was Elite,when i applied in emergency,after too much visa run,ED visa etc,they caught me at airport and almost fired me,and just gave me 1 month to find a solution,i regret it,that’s reality immigration life....Tod *********
@Alex ********
NOT impossible BUT you need 3 years of unbroken yearly extensions, need to make the minimum salary by your nationality, need to pay into the social security system AND file taxes etc. It's not unreachable because many HUNDREDS of people get it granted every year. It takes planning your work and working your plan for a good number of years.. :) Tod *********
They seem to have expedited the processing time AND you can go from amnesty to the elite visa inside the country. BUT you're sure burning daylight seeing as amnesty ends in 27 days :(
I'd say IF you're gonna go for the elite visa you need to get your shit together and apply for it pretty soon. :P
I'd say IF you're gonna go for the elite visa you need to get your shit together and apply for it pretty soon. :P
Paul ********
@Tod ********
Price of Elite Visa 
Garrett ***********
@Pa**
Look it upGarrett ***********
@Pa**
5 years - 500k baht. 20 years, 1 million baht. Paul ********
@Garrett **********
You mean Google 
Daniel ******
Mine took over two months to process after application, a few months ago, but now they are advertising thirty days, so... food for thought. Also, as mentioned above it “technically” is still a tourist visa even though it is called a PE privileged entry visa. This has some downsides, like some provinces won’t let you get 5 year licenses, but also some upsides like the tax refund on purchases if you leave again in 60 days.
Thomas ********************
I did it recently. Took a month and a half. Lost a bit of time due to bankers being wankers. But there is no way I could've made it in a month.
So, there is a bit of uncertainty if starting the process now.
So, there is a bit of uncertainty if starting the process now.
Todd *********
definitely considering it, will see how amnesty plays out and what other choices may be offered afterwards
Danny ********
@Todd ********
hi Todd...are you in Thailand at the moment?Todd *********
@Da***
yes brother. I see ur a vet also. I’m on Koh Samui. You?Todd *********
@Da***
a long time ago!!!! Are u living here now?Danny ********
@Todd ********
..we worked together before...medic
Bim *******
Easy to do and apply for. Have to get Government clearence which they do for you. Don't apply until the country is open again is my advice as TE will have no priority
Kelvin ******
Thai Elite
Rogerio ******
OPTE?
Andy *****
Its really easy to do. I was talking to them before. Just pay money and some documents and they take care of the rest.
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