Answered6 years ago
What Are the Benefits of a Non-Immigrant O Visa Compared to the Elite Visa in Thailand?
Hi All Does anyone know the definitive benefits of having a Non-immigrant O visa, which I have and is about to expire! over the Elite visa which is (just found out is a tourist visa)! The thought of a 5 years visa would be an annual chore out of the way but at the expense of 500,000 baht. One difference I know of is that you can open a bank account in Thailand with a Non-imm O visa which you cannot with a tourist visa. After making several enquiries to Immigration, Lawyers and so on, so far no list of definitive differences. I have been approved for the Elite visa but not sure it will give me issues further down the line. Any input would be most appreciated Thank you in advance Chris
Answer summary
The post discusses the advantages of holding a Non-Immigrant O visa over the Elite visa in Thailand, particularly focusing on visa renewal ease, bank account setup opportunities, and the perceptions of costs and long-term implications. Commenters provide insights on the application process, misconceptions about the Elite visa functioning as a tourist visa, and experiences with establishing bank accounts.
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Robert *******
Your profile say lives in Bangkok, you can also apply 45 days before the last day in Bangkok, Buriram, Krabi, Pattaya, Phuket and as mentioned Chang May. Maybe there are even more offices who allow an early application but these are allowing it, Ask you local office if you do not live in one of these places.
Good luck
Good luck
Chris *******
OPThanks for that Zack Probably depends which way the wind is blowing on the day LOL
Zack ******
You absolutely can have a bank account on a tourist visa, and the Thai Elite staff can help you to set one up.
Wylie *******
I believe part of the Elite visa privilege or advantage is that they will help you set up a bank account. At least that's what it says on their website. I'm also not sure it is considered a tourist visa. I thought I saw on a previous post that you can get a work permit with an elite visa, something you can't do with a tourist visa. I'm sure one of the admins can confirm or correct me.
Chris *******
OPThanks for that Benjamin, very good point although getting residency is quite rare, took a friend of mine over 10 years 😮
Chris *******
OPEven the Elite visa office didn't know!
Chris *******
OPHi Wylie Thanks for the note, The Elite visa is a tourist visa, if you get a work permit you have to suspend the Elite tourist visa! I have a bank account already, I just mentioned that as an example of what the Non-immigrant visa allows you to do which a tourist visa does not. I am trying to establish if there are any other differences which could impact on anything else
Wylie *******
@Chris ******
thanks for the clarification, I think that was what I may have read now that you mention it. I've been contemplating an elite visa myself so I'm trying to fully understand it too.Benjamin ******
@Chris ******
since the elite visa is not an Non-immigrant visa, you can not get a one year extension of stay, and therefore you can't eventually get Permanent ResidencyBenjamin ******
@Wylie ******
the elite is a tourist visa.You can also open a bank account yourself, as long as you have a visa or visa exampt stamp (so no overstay or amnesty)
Tony ********
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Robert *******
No idea why you got the Non Immigrant O visa but it is for most reasons not to difficult to apply once a year for the 1 year Extension of Stay, which is a much cheaper option than the Thai Elite Visa.
Chris *******
OPThanks for the clarification Paul
Paul **************
@Robert ******
45 days for sure in CM, just did it last month.Chris *******
OPThanks for that Mike
Chris *******
OPIndeed this is what I have been doing for 10 years, Its just the issue of being here to extend, think the earliest you can renew is 30 days, which I can't always guarantee I will be here
Mike ********
@Chris ******
I think in CM you can renew 45 days in advance if that helpsChris *******
OPHi Robert thank you for your reply, one issue is that I'm not always in Thailand at the right time due to my work
Robert *******
@Chris ******
Take a multiple re-entry permit and you can go and come during that year as much as you likeActivity
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