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Is the Thailand Elite Visa still a good long-term option for expats?
Thailand Elite VisaLong-term Visa OptionsExpat Life in ThailandVisa Rules and RegulationsCost of Living in ThailandImmigration Policies in Thailand
Apr 22, 2022
4 years ago
Briton *********
ORIGINAL POSTERIs the Thailand Elite Visa still a good long term option?
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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Ryan ******
Lol, it never was.
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.
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.
Matt *******
@Maxim **********
Getting married to her means you will pay way more than that for Sin Sod. Don't get married just for a visa.Maxim ***********
@Matt ******
I paid 0 for dowry, even tho we live 30 min from her mom. Not every Thai family follows or cares about such "tradition".Reply to
Maxim ***********
Reply
Nick **********
@Maxim **********
between having a Thai GF and wanting to marry her is a huge difference... 😄😄Maxim ***********
@Nick *********
Would you say it's similarly huge as the difference between not doing vs doing a 5 years Elite Visa for 600k baht + 400k baht extension?Nick **********
@Maxim **********
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.
Reply to
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..
Reply to
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.
Martinello **********************
How many times can you reenter the country
Wayne ********
@Martinello *********************
as many times as u wish everytime u re enter the visa resets for 12 months .Reply to
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. 🤣🤣
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. 🤣🤣
Imran ******
@Kuan *****
it can be done onlineReply to
Imran ******
Reply
Gordon ********
Used to be better but still a good deal if you are committed to Thailand for 5 years
Wayne ********
@Gordon *******
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.Reply to
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 golfWayne ********
@Jay *********
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 ....😁Jake *******
@Wayne *******
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 ….?
Stefan **********
@Wayne *******
any more information about that? 15 year visa for the price of 5 years?Wayne ********
@Stefan *********
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 millWayne ********
@Stefan *********
only if u are an existing holder of a TE visa will they offer to you are u a member otherwise they will ask prices asper their websiteJay **********
Wayne, that has always been the case. 500,000 for five years, 1,000,000 for 20 years
Wayne ********
@Jay *********
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 yrsJay **********
I did read it somewhere it has gone up to 600,000 for 5yrs
Wayne ********
@Jay *********
yes 600 for 5 yrs now but u don’t get additional 15 yrs for 400kUlrik *********
@Jay *********
correct, I think the increase was on 2021. If you paid 600k for 5 years, the 15 year extension will only cost 400k.Reply to
Ulrik *********
Reply
Maxime *********
If you can afford it and enjoy the country, go for it.
You’re not old enough to retire (unless your photo very old).
You won’t have to do visa run or bullshit fake visa through agents which could bring you trouble.
Other options are to start/buy a business, mary someone or invest 10M THB in a condo… I’d choose elite.
You’re not old enough to retire (unless your photo very old).
You won’t have to do visa run or bullshit fake visa through agents which could bring you trouble.
Other options are to start/buy a business, mary someone or invest 10M THB in a condo… I’d choose elite.
Briton *********
ORIGINAL POSTERThis was way more controversial than expected 🤣
Jeff *******
@Briton ********
welcome to FacebookReply to
Jeff *******
Reply
Dave *********
No...point blank..your a muppet if you buy it and and fool if you want to waste money ..end off ..
Wayne ********
@Dave ********
opinions are like arseholes everyone has one and u seem to be the biggest … it’s horses for courses u foolDave *********
@Wayne *******
another sucker then .. u foolWayne ********
@Dave ********
you poor little jealous individual and being from yorkshire we know whyReply to
Wayne ********
Reply
Maxime *********
@Dave ********
tell me how a young person can stay here for 2 years? Forget the COVID visa, doesn’t count.Maxim ***********
@Maxime ********
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.Dave *********
@Maxime ********
ED visa.. or a Muay Thai visa..Jordi ********
@Maxime ********
many options, do some research.Maxime *********
@Jordi *******
if you don’t want to volunteer, study or open a business, what are the many options you’re saying?Jordi ********
@Maxime ********
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.Dave *********
@Jordi *******
did that twenty five years ago ..🤔🤔🤔Maxime *********
@Jordi *******
the dude is asking about elite visa. If he’s considering 1M THB for a visa, you think he’d want to study, volunteer or mary a random chick? SMH.Jordi ********
@Maxime ********
I can tell you guys are best friends and talked it through. Spend the money then and enjoy the stay.Maxime *********
@Jordi *******
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.Jordi ********
people below 51
Jordi ********
@Maxime ********
but bottom line, its a pain yes. I dont understand why they make it so hard for people that want to stay a little longer and spend their cash.Jordi ********
@Maxime ********
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.Maxime *********
It was announced a few months ago…
******************************************************************************************************************************
Maxim ***********
@Maxime ********
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.Briton *********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Maxime ********
Very intriguing. This was the reason I did not actually get the Elite visa awhile backReply to
Briton *********
Reply
Nick **********
Absolutely. But only for some people. It's a very personal decision depending on your needs, your situat if you feel it's ion and your finances.
It has its merits, but you have to decide for yourself if it's a good choice.for you or not.
I never needed it and probably never will. But for some others it will be useful.
Anyone saying it isn't useful at all is just projecting their own situation.
It has its merits, but you have to decide for yourself if it's a good choice.for you or not.
I never needed it and probably never will. But for some others it will be useful.
Anyone saying it isn't useful at all is just projecting their own situation.
Dave **********
@Nick *********
agree doesn’t fit my situation or needs but a great option for someWayne ********
@Nick *********
100 pct it’s upto each individual not like the fish & chip shop guy Nick CartwrightReply to
Wayne ********
Reply
Jeffrey ************
If you're not leaving regularly, it's good.
Carlos *********
Very few would know.
David *******
No
Wayne ********
@David *********
u poor little brain dead individualShaun *******
Josh **********
@Wayne *******
why so grumpy 😂Reply to
Josh **********
Reply
David **********
Only for suckers or big spenders that waist their cash :)
Maxime *********
@David *********
a divorce sounds more expensiveJared **********
@David *********
well in your case I would save the money for English lessonsDavid **********
@Jared *********
so says the guy who makes fun of someone that has dyslexia. Let's give you Jolly's to correct someone with a mental disability. Thanks buddyAndy *******
@David *********
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 🤨Jared **********
@David *********
Then maybe you should think before you put up comments 🙃David **********
@Jared *********
nevermind ,one look at your Facebook page says alotJared **********
@David *********
at least you know when to stop talking, maybe you learned and next time you stop before you start. Maybe you should take some examples from my page and you wouldn’t acting like a child on Facebook 🙃
David **********
@Jared *********
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 .Reply to
David **********
Reply
Jon *****
@David *********
I have it, I am not a sucker and I don't waist (!) my cashDavid **********
@Jon ********
yes you did 555Jon *****
@David *********
That is your opinion, it isn't mineMark ********
@David *********
quiet David..the adults are talking.Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Wayne ********
@David *********
u poor little person if that’s what u thinkReply to
Wayne ********
Reply
Klaus ***********
It never was.
Wayne ********
Reply to
Wayne ********
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Stan ******
Yes, if u want vip treatment from immigration. They will treat u like god. Better than those shady yearly visa that agent sell u.
Wayne ********
@Stan *****
it’s suits some it doesn’t others … i have had 10 years and perfectReply to
Wayne ********
Reply
Nick ************
No !
David ********
If I were Jeff Bezos rich I would just buy Thailand.
Terry ********
A close friend got one. He had a problem with it in Phuket. Immigration didn’t even know what it was.
Gunni ********
@Terry *******
never had a problem with phuket immiRV *************
@Terry *******
doesn't surprise mePui *****
@Terry *******
I find that difficult to believe. He must have gotten an absolute trainee.Terry ********
@Pui ****
and I thought they were supposed to pick you up in a limo. That didn’t happen. I suppose they suspended that due to covid?Terry ********
@Pui ****
possibly.Reply to
Terry ********
Reply
Charlie *********
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
Mark ********
@Charlie ********
do you still have to report to immigration and if so what’s the experience like when you go ?.Charlie *********
@Mark *******
yes every 90 days, but you can do it online, I live in Chumphon so I opt to go to immigration and I’m usually in and out within 10minsMark ********
Reply to
Mark ********
Reply
Wayne ********
yes only those that cannot afford will kill or negative reply
Wayne ********
thank u for the compliment just another jealous poor person… obviously u watch Bezos too
much as you probably jealous of him also so who gives a F about him and especially you
much as you probably jealous of him also so who gives a F about him and especially you
Stuart **********
@Wayne *******
or those that fell into another category by accident or otherwise. Everyone situation is different 👍Nick ************
@Wayne *******
I can afford easily but I would never get one.Wayne ********
@Nick ***********
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 ….Wayne ********
Nick ************
@Wayne *******
is that a question? If so please rephrase so I can understand.Wayne ********
@Nick ***********
you can read or you are stupidNick ************
@Wayne *******
not stupid at all. You just cant Express yourself 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.
Wayne ********
@Nick ***********
fish and chip shop pension obviously why dont you go backReply to
Wayne ********
Reply
Shayne **********
Definitely, if you want freedom. It's a good option.
David *******
@Shayne *********
it's so good they did not let holders in when thailand opened up after covid restrictionsShayne **********
@David ******
Why did you leave?David *******
@Shayne *********
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.Reply to
David *******
Reply
Ross ********
It is an expensive option
Kay ***********
1Million Baht for 20 years visa. Average 50k per year. Good deal for long term stay.
Much cheap than get under table visa from agent.
Much cheap than get under table visa from agent.
Maxim ***********
@Kay **********
Its not cheaper compare to under the table visa, but I get your point. Elite visa make sense but its a big chunk of money so u need to be sure.Reply to
Maxim ***********
Reply
Chris *****
Visa élite is a stupid visa for a *****touriste
💯💯💯
💯💯💯
Maxime *********
@Surf *****
not for tourist… if you stay more than 90 days and can afford it, why not? Some people don’t want to deal with visa runs, owning a business here, etc.Jon *****
@Surf *****
Jealous ?Chris *****
@Jon ********
nop !Good for Thailand 😎
I live hère i just think its expensiev for any tourist are coming for short Time
Jon *****
@Surf *****
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 visasReply to
Jon *****
Reply
Andy ***********
rubbish
Reply to
Andy ***********
Reply
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.
Dave **********
@Ben ******
I think you will find it depends on circumstances. Married in 74 and back here 22 year, there was and is no real benefit to me for an Elite Card. BTW I use the retirement option as my monthly income is more then sufficient.
Maxime *********
@Dave *********
does the dude asking look like he’s 50+?Dave **********
@Maxime ********
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. Have a great day.
Reply to
Dave **********
Reply
Oliver ********
@Ben ******
I'm happy when I have enough money for this Visa. I have, but not sure what is in 5 years, only for people with enough....Gary ****
@Ben ******
perfect answer 👌Reply to
Gary ****
Reply
Stuart *********
It suits many people who don’t meet the requirements for “retirement” or “marriage”, but cost is not an issue.
Maxim ***********
@Stuart ********
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.Stuart *********
@Maxim **********
If you’re not married to a Thai, you don’t meet the requirements for a marriage visa or extension, regardless of how rich or poor you may be.Maxim ***********
@Stuart ********
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 ***********
Reply
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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