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What are the pros and cons of the Bronze Elite Visa in Thailand, and how does it compare to other visa options?
Bronze Elite VisaThai Visa SystemRetirement VisaNon O-A VisaLTR Wealthy Pensioner VisaDTV VisaVisa AlternativesExpat Financial Needs
Aug 27, 2025
8 months ago
Paul ********
ORIGINAL POSTERHere we go again, remember this is just ideas floating around to try and understand the Thai visa , anyway the bronze elite visa , yes I know it's a lot of money but you do get piece of mind, 5 years should be enough time to open a bank account, lol,
TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion focuses on the Bronze Elite Visa, which offers a five-year period of peace of mind but comes at a steep cost (650k baht). Users share their thoughts on this visa and present alternatives, such as the LTR Wealthy Pensioner Visa, which provides a more advantageous option for financially stable individuals with passive income. Questions arise regarding the continuity and reliability of different visas, including the DTV and Non O-A visas, particularly for those over 50 years of age. Overall, there's a consensus that navigating the Thai visa system can be complex and often requires considering one's financial situation and needs.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Take the basic DTV Qualification Test to see if you're eligible for the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV).
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the DTV 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.
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Max *************
If older than 50, never go for an Elite visa. The cheapest Elite visa is Bronze which cost 650k baht.
Maitin *******
It really only makes sense, if it does, if you don't have a bank, license, Visa, knowledge of Thailand.
I was seriously thinking about one. Went to the office and they literally told me extending my retirement visa was a better idea.
If there are any changes to it, they will happen in October. They hinted that it would become a better deal with more points, but I honestly don't know
I was seriously thinking about one. Went to the office and they literally told me extending my retirement visa was a better idea.
If there are any changes to it, they will happen in October. They hinted that it would become a better deal with more points, but I honestly don't know
Cris ******
Heres your problem.... your trying to understand the thai visa system... haha
William ******
@Cris *****
Ha Ha, it’s a minefield of confusion. Loads of information & countless loads of conflicting information.Whatever advice is given, always counter comments.
Makes me wonder who really knows, including the Thai immigration officials
Cris ******
@William *****
@Brandon ***********
is the only one I take information 100% from. Almost everything else i take with a grain of salt.Reply to
Cris ******
Reply
James **********
Another question 555
Fabio ****
I would apply for the DTV first and if they would rewoke it someday you can still apply for bronze. But if money doesn' matter of course go for Bronze.
Ralph *******
If I was wealthy I would certainly consider it.
Paul *********
OX visa 5 plus 5
Dave *********
If u got a lot of money coming in try the LTR Wealthy Pensioner Visa. Gives u 5+5 years of multi entry visa. No need to open an account. Keep your money in your own country. $80k USD passive income per year and you basically qualify. 1 time fee of 50k baht. Annual reporting. One of the best visas around at the moment. Annual reporting takes just 5 min and requires only 1 single page document and your passport. And the LTR will allow u to open a bank account instantly.
David *****
@Dave ********
what qualifies as passive income? Realized gains? Dividends? Or just monies transferred to Thailand?Brown ********
@Dave ********
they've recently dropped the 80k requirement for thisTom **********
@Dave ********
is 100% correct. Just a quick add on- you also need to have health insurance. A quick search will provide the details.Adam *************
@Tom *********
thank youReply to
Adam *************
Reply
Amanda *********
@Dave ********
Hi Dave, I've been trying to work my head around the LTR as I don't want to go on DTV as doesn't feel secure. I don't have 80k income coming in every year but when I leave the UK I will have £350,000 which I'm planning to put into various saving accounts etc to generate a monthly income + continue contracting for IT company. Could the LTR work as long as I can demonstrate I have 80k in the bank? Like the DTV I always have to leave £11k in there to show I can afford to survive in the kingdom. I apologise if your message was obvious but just looking to see if this is an option for me? Many thanks 🙏🏻Brown ********
@Amanda ********
they've dropped the 80k requirement now for this visaAmanda *********
@Brown *******
what do you mean ? You don't need 80k income a year? I don't know how anyone achieves that in this day and age anyway! What are the new requirements instead for this? Thank you for your reply 🙏Brown ********
@Amanda ********
same requirements except for the 80k a year. You should find it on a Thai embassy page exactly what you requireReply to
Brown ********
Reply
Pete *******
@Amanda ********
no that won’t work. Minimum unearned or passive income of USD 80,000 / year at the time of application (Note that earned income and salaries WILL NOT be considered for the personal income requirement for wealthy pensioners). The 80k USD needs to be passive income not savings.Amanda *********
@Pete ******
Thank you for your advice. I believe that is what it had mentioned but just wanted to see if there was a way. Wow £80k in the UK a year is almost ***
% of elite unless a Dr, surgeon or multi business tycoon! 😱 Guess it's DTV for 5 years, then Philippines or similar for 5 then retirement in Thailand.. I don't fancy the elite visas - makes no sense giving away £*****
k approx just to live somewhere ! 🙏🏻Tracy *********
@Amanda ********
We had considered Thailand 5 yrs ago but ended in Costa Rica. We spent 3 months in thailand last year to see if it was still maybe a option. We decided. Better in Costa Rica. Not so volotile..Much easier to get residency. 180 days on arrival. Closer to home " Canada" and the country is absolutely beautiful.Adam *************
@Tracy ********
Are you still in Costa Rica? How safe or dangerous is it living there? Thank youTracy *********
@Adam ************
Been here 4.5 years. Feel very safe here. Never had any issues.. oh!! & you can actually own land here 100% yours. We bought two properties here.Adam *************
@Tracy ********
ok thank you, have you traveled around Costa Rica, are there certain areas / cities you would recommend to live? Thank youAmanda *********
@Tracy ********
can I private message you please? XTracy *********
@Amanda ********
SureReply to
Tracy *********
Reply
Peter **********
Peter **********
@Dave ********
that doesnt sound like a lot when you save so much hassle in the long run. Really simplifies things. ?Dave *********
@Peter *********
only need to report each year. Took me less than 5 min upon arrival to immigration. And if u use multi entry that ends up being 57,000 (1900 + 3800/year x 10 years os 57,000) baht if u r using Non-O visa over 10 years. So u save 7,000 plus u don’t have to report every 90 days (annually) and no extensions every year either. (It’s automatic). Basically come and go at will. If u leave before the 1yr report period it resets when I come back so u might never have to see immigration until the 5yr mark where they check your documents again to see if u r still qualifying.
And no requirement to bank any money in Thailand. However the visa allows u to immediately open up a bank account.
Pete *******
@Dave ********
80k USD passive income is indeed a high bar to achieve to qualify for the visa.David *****
@Pete ******
but doesn’t that include social security along with any investment income?Peter **********
@Dave ********
you didnt mention about having to Invest in Something In Thailand. That changes the goal postsTonua **********
@Dave ********
2 could that investment be a home?Jim ********
@Dave ********
and tax exemption on passive income.David *****
@Jim *******
is this correct? Is investment income considered passive?Reply to
David *****
Reply
Jim ********
@Dave ********
absolutely the best Visa!Dave *********
@Jim *******
indeed!Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Adam *******
I’ve thought about this too. I’m worried that even if you get a 5 year DTV (soft power), what’s to stop them revoking it once your course ends? They might claim you don’t qualify unless you do yet another course.
Kool *******
@Adam ******
Thailand trusts everyone to begin with, until they prove them wrong. When that happens they tighten the rules for all the new applicants, but those that already have the DTV, are grandfathered in for that five years, meaning you can leave and return for five years. That's just how Thailand is about anything new.Garrett ***********
@Adam ******
They can revoke your elite visa too..Adam *******
@Garrett **********
wtf. Any list of reasons? Other than doing something illegal.Reply to
Adam *******
Reply
William ***********
@Adam ******
that’s what you are supposed to do. Attend a course the entire time of your stay. Yes people have been booted out because they have not been attending.Kevin *********
@William **********
do do you have to attend the course every year? Twice every year? Can you attend the same course every year? 😅Dan *******
@Kevin ********
good question , Guru's please help on this one , Can you do thai boxing one year on dtv, then next year learn cooking on dtv , Thank you 🙏Reply to
Dan *******
Reply
Jan ******************
Are you over 50? With a one-year Non O-A visa, you can open a bank account without issues.
Reply to
Jan ******************
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