Is the Thailand Elite Visa still a good long term option?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thailand Elite Visa remains a feasible option for some expats who can afford it, offering conveniences like multiple entries and a long stay without frequent visa runs. However, opinions on its value vary widely; supporters praise its ease and benefits, while critics deem it overly expensive and unnecessary. Those who frequently travel or want to avoid the complexities of other visa types often find it worth the money, whereas others suggest exploring alternatives such as retirement or marriage visas. Ultimately, the decision hinges on individual circumstances, needs, and perspectives regarding cost and long-term stay.
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Purely an ego-stroker for people with low self-esteem.
‘Get driven around, and look important!’
‘Sit away from the peasants at the movie theatre!’
Only makes sense for actual elites who don’t need the money.
Message me if you want to know about *actual* long term options.
Kevin **********
$20k for 5 years seems like a deal plus I heard you get a t-shirt, hat and key chain that say VISA ELITE
Maxim ***********
600k for 5 years isn't worth it, but for an extra 400k (so 1M total) you get 15 years extension so 20 years total, now, this is 50k baht per year instead of 120k, so 20 years is worth it. But only do this if you are really set in staying long term and have the cash. p.s: But I personally dont see the point. If you want to stay long term, you most likely have a Thai GF, so just married her and extend one more year every year. Its not more hassle than the elite visa and its much cheaper.
could absolutely be. Just depends on the person again.
My personal freedom and all other problems marriage could create wouldn't be worth it for me marrying a gf. Even if you'd give me a million extra.
Marrying one of my best friends - yes. A gf : no.
Signing a business contract with people I have sex with is a bad idea in my view.
Just like signing a business contract while drunk, or on drugs.
That's just my view. Everybody can do what they want, doesn't mean it can't work.
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Nick **********
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Wayne ********
are you right 5 yrs is now 600k 10 yrs from last I looked was 1 mill you dont get any extra years or promotional deal unless you were an existing member when the visa was initial issued it cost only 1 mill thb for life time pity you didn't do it then but hindsight if a beautiful word...I just renewed my 5 yrs for 500k wife also and we both got 15 yrs so those that did join yrs ago have a nice benefit now. pity our poor Yorkshire man who keeps sending me messages saying I was ripped off or stupid or the paki who likes to compare everyone with Jeff Bezos... what a camel rider he is..
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Wayne ********
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Ulrik *********
Without it I wouldn't be able to live here, so I am happy.
Felix ****
For young people who don‘t want an ed visa or deal with dodgy agents, it‘s the best and easiest to get.
as many times as u wish everytime u re enter the visa resets for 12 months .
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Wayne ********
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Kuan ******
If u do the maths - NO.
On practicality - they also need (like all other visa type) to report every 90 days to immigration - the most disruptive n nonsensical procedure in order for Thai immigration to track aliens like you and me. 🤣🤣
Gordon they just did a special promotion for existing members purchase another 5 yrs and get 15 yrs for same price.... so the average and cost is excellent for those that are members.
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Wayne ********
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Jay **********
Works for me, but depends on how long you want to stay for. The fact I don't have to leave for months on end suits me a treat, especially during all the Covid shit
Wayne ********
no there is no 400k extra for 15 yrs deal i think someone or they confused i was when u look at their web page. if u renew your visa now you will still have the time that hasn’t expired credited so if u worried do it now i did this mine expires august this year and we renewed ems last year. a friend of mine just paid 1 mill for 10 years that was the best deal available for him there was no
*****
year deal at 600+400 to make 20 yrs i asked him yesterday at golf
Jay they just did a special offer if you purchased another 5 yrs at 500K they gave you 15 yrs you should check it out my wife and I just renewed ours and getting this promotion and any remaining balance you have on your current visa is credited/extended now for the ones that say its not worth it - it is definitely now when you get this deal and its only for existing members not anyone who just want to join now and thinks they can get it ....😁
That's what they told me. I purchased the 5-year elite visa for 500K and they said I can pay another 500K any time before it expires and get an additional 15 years. I really hope they don't roll that back by the time I'm ready to renew... Are you sure people who purchased it for 600K aren't allowed to pay 400K for an additional 15 years?
Wayne ********
Jay i just went onto their website to read packages they offer it is a little confusing because as u said they say 20 yrs 1 mill for Elite Superiority Extension but then further down they have a 10 yr TE for 1 mill so got to be done catch somewhere all u know is i just renewed got 15 yrs additional for 500K ….?
it was for existing members i already had TE 10 yrs and when went to renew was offered the deal a mate asked who just join and was told only for an existing holder so he just bought 10 yrs 1 mill
it’s 1 mill 10 yrs not 20 yes my friend just did this for 20 yrs it’s more like 2 mill if i am not wrong mine was a promotional deal as was already a TE member for 10 years so when we went to renew for another 5 yrs TE told us about this promotion pat 5 yrs each 500k and we get 15 yrs
Jay **********
I did read it somewhere it has gone up to 600,000 for 5yrs
Ive been here 10 years... and never had an elite visa, only 1 volunteer visa, no ed visa nor marriage visa, so yeah, its possible. Now im getting on marriage extension so im pretty much set from now on. Pre-covid it was obv easier, all u had to do is visa run to another country, or border bounce.
wow, you just asked a question and then answered your own question with three answers you dont want to hear.........I guess you should marry then. Happy wife happy life.
not at all. I’m a COVID visa user and waiting for that new Elite 10 year visa that just require high salary proof, but not sure when it’ll be official.
not aware of any visa in the pipeline that just needs proof of high income. Let me know when you know;). Im on stv right now since I didnt trust the covid extensions to still exist.
I don't want to be pessimistic but you might have to wait a few years to have this option available. Thailand is always making such changes at a very slow pace.
wow... last time I checked Dyslexia didn't impact on the capacity to learn and act with good manners. Dyslexia is not a mental disability, nor does it force you to act like an ass... So try the emotional manipulation somewhere else and don't make people with Dyslexia look bad 🤨
I stoped talking because I don't live on face book 555 I have a real life in the real world with real people you might give it a try .Put your phone down .
The clue is in the name ..Elite, you can multiple entry/exit or stay up to 12m, fast track through immigration and limo pick-up/drop-off. It’s not for everyone, but it works for me
Wayne ********
Charlie Hartley you are 100 pct right it’s NOT FOR ALL
yes darling start singing god save your queen today why do we waste our time trying to justify anything to fools like you you obviously understand everything i write but you are born a f…wit so you understand now you TOOL you poor little individual read and understand ….
very well. Maybe English is not your first language. I can read what you have written but have no idea of the meaning behind it. Maybe you could explain? Could be something to do with the choice of words, spelling, grammar and lack of punctuation all of which are important for correct comprehension.
I dont have nor never will have an Elite, way too many risks, very expensive and who knows what happens from year to year. I just made the comment based on the number of Elite holders who left pre covid then could not return for over a year as they were the last group to be allowed in. I have a non 0.
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David *******
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Ross ********
It is an expensive option
Kay ***********
1Million Baht for 20 years visa. Average 50k per year. Good deal for long term stay.
For short time sure, it's an option for those for whom a million bahts for 20 years is not a big deal and can't be bothered by the yearly requirements for the other visas
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Jon *****
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Andy ***********
rubbish
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Andy ***********
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James **********
You need to be certain you will stay the full duration to get your monies worth
Ben *******
You’ll find that the people who don’t have one will say it’s a waste of money, those that do have one have no regrets.
I replied to Ben Rigs statement "You’ll find that the people who don’t have one will say it’s a waste of money, those that do have one have no regrets". So no idea what you on about.
Well, if you dont meet requirement for marriage you dont have the cash for elite visa either. The only requirement for marriage that people stuggle with is the 400k baht.
Well, yeah, ofc, most people who use an agent for retirement or marriage dont have the funds. Its the only reason why agent exist related to such cases. If you have enough money where 1 million baht for 5 years + 15 years extension doesnt hurt you if all the sudden you leave after 8 years, then do it, if not, don't, its a lot of money.
Reply to
Maxim ***********
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Eric **********
If you can afford it then it is a very convenient option. The more you travel in and out of Thailand the more convenient it becomes.
Reply to
Eric **********
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