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Is the Thailand Elite Visa a scam for expatriates looking to retire in Thailand?

Apr 11, 2025
a day ago
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone heard of or gotten a “Thailand elite” visa or is this a scam? Looking to retire there in the next 6 months and trying to figure out the best way to go about it. Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thailand Elite Visa is a legitimate option, though some perceive its high cost (approximately $15,000 for a five-year stay) as excessive compared to other visas such as the Non-O retirement visa. Users in the discussion highlight that while it offers a hassle-free experience by handling various bureaucratic tasks, critics argue that there are better value options. The discussion includes advice on alternative visas for different age groups, particularly noting the Non-O visa for retirees over 50 and the new Long-Term Resident (LTR) visa. Recommendations for further research include joining Facebook groups for more personal experiences and guidance.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Bob **********
Look at the LTR visa if you can afford the Elite maybe you have the passive income for it
Greg *********
Not worth the money, IMO.
Todd *********
It’s a great visa. Just pay your money and move in
Dave *********
Love anything that insulates me from bureaucracy.

I’d be going for it myself if they weren’t doing away with the Bronze tier end of June.
Marty *********
How old are you? If you are under 50 then it is an option to consider
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
I am 66 looking at other visas is confusing was trying to streamline if possible
Marty *********
@Susan ********
in my opinion the Elite visas, if you can afford it, best serve those under 50 years old. The typical retirement visa is the O visa.

I have a 10 year pensioner LTR visa which is another little known option.
Andrew *******
@Marty ********
That visa is solid but it requires, from memory, a fairly high annual passive income and/or reasonably chunky amounts of cash invested in Thailand right?

If you’ve got those levels of cash then buying a Thai Elite for 10 years seems almost lower friction no?
Susan *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marty ********
will look at that. Thank you
Charles ********
We hav3 several elite Facebook groups, join if you have specific questions. Not a scam, I am on elite, is expensive but also stable. Retirement visa is an option that's cheaper, but elite will be a white glove exper and they take care of everything so it's up to you if it worth it or not
Jesper *******
If you are above 50yrs old try to apply a non O immigrant retirement visa in a thai enbassy in your home country
Raed ****
cost 15k$ !! if you are willing to pay you will get the privilege to stay 5 years no questions ask like the other visas
Brandon ************
The Thai Elite Visa is real. That doesn't mean it's not a scam. For what they charge, there are many much better options for visas.
Andrew *******
@Brandon ***********
it’s massively convenient but it costs a chunk. If you’ve got the money I reckon it’s a decent option.
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