Anybody here contemplating doing the Elite visa after the visa amnesty? If so can it be done currently? Easy to do?
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TLDR : 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.
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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.
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.
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
I suppose it depends on how much you value your time spending a few days a year for 20 years.
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Rogerio ******
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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 ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
well 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.
okay. I guess if you're under 50 and rich it might make sense 😁
Rogerio ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
didnt 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...
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
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.
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.
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.
my mistake on that yes a more detailed information would be what u mentioned.
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Derick ******
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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.....!
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
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.. :)
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....
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Alex *********
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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
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.
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Thomas ********************
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Todd *********
definitely considering it, will see how amnesty plays out and what other choices may be offered afterwards
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 ******
ORIGINAL POSTER
TE?
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Rogerio ******
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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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Andy *****
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