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What has been the experience of others with the Thai Elite visa?

Thai Elite VisaVisa ExperienceLong-term StayExpat Life in ThailandVisa RequirementsNon-O Visa
Mar 31, 2020
5 years ago
Kristján *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Has anyone here gotten the Thai Elite visa? What was your experience with it?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thai Elite visa offers a range of benefits, particularly for expats who want a hassle-free long-term stay in Thailand without the complexities of other visa types. Users shared positive experiences regarding its convenience compared to traditional visa processes, especially for those under 50 without ties to work or education. While the cost is higher than alternatives like the retirement visa, many argue it is worth it for the peace of mind and services provided, including VIP treatment at airports. However, there are concerns about potential changes to rules affecting long-term stability. Overall, experiences vary, highlighting it as a viable option for long-term residency.
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.
Julian *****
2 friends have very easy
5 years ago
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Noel *****************
Good service at triple the price. But plane rides are good
5 years ago
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Lorenz *************
I have one friend in Bangkok he has 5 year elite visa. He is experiencing special treatment also from the airport. He has a private limousine. Haha
5 years ago
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Wayne ********
@Lorenz ************
 that is part of the package my wife even gets TE to supply for her mother when she comes from Australia the VIP transit through immigration and airport straight to limo and to our villa.....
5 years ago
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Wayne ********
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Frank **********
It was the only real option I had being under 50 and unmarried and not interested in working or going to school in Thailand... Having said that, it is nice not having to figure out which combination of visas I can exploit to live in Thailand. It is also not really that expensive compared to the hoop jumping and costs of most long term stay options (in most countries, not just Thailand). When I lived in Europe, I spent almost that much on agents and fees and travel to embassies to get long term visas.

If you think of it as 100,000 Baht per year (or less on some options) to not have to think about or deal with visas, then it's a pretty good deal. You don't have to be rich for this to be a good option... You just need to figure out your long term plan and factor in the costs associated with what you are trying to do. If you think it would be cheaper to rush in to a marriage to get a cheaper visa, you should strike up a few conversations in a bar when they reopen... A lot of people parked on Thai barstools with experience regarding the expense of marriage. :P
5 years ago
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Frank **********
Not everyone qualifies for a Non-O visa... But it is probably a really solid option for a lot of people.
5 years ago
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Noel *****************
Non-O visa still available at a price. No 800k
5 years ago
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Wayne ********
@Frank *********
 you are correct they have been extremely helpful even when i call them with something i assume they cannot help me with but they sort it out xx
5 years ago
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Frank **********
My Thailand experience isn't as relevant as facts on the ground... The program has existed in some form for 17 years and has almost 10,000 members... none of them seem to be complaining. The one thing that even a first timer like me can tell you about Thailand, is that money talks...
5 years ago
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Frank **********
Mark... What happens if anything happens ever and things change differently from now? If you live day to day, it makes sense to question what may or may not happen at some time in the future... I mean, what if there was a global pandemic and the world's stock markets dipped 30%? All kinds of things happen that you can't reasonably plan around... So you deal with whatever it is when and if it happens. The program has been around a while, and I have not heard of one person not getting what they paid for.
5 years ago
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Mark ********
Yeah but what happens when they change the rules after you have paid
*****
00b? Nah..better off with an OA.
5 years ago
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Carl *********
Thanks, Frank, good info and a good way of looking at it. I'm married to a Thai - here now on a retirement visa. Not a huge deal to get it renewed down here in southern Thailand but it would be nice not to worry about it for 5 years.
5 years ago
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Carl *********
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Carl *********
What's the requirements?
5 years ago
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Carl *********
I'm hoping the online 90-day reporting works - I'm going to try it this time as I heard they really don't want farangs coming into the immigration office.
5 years ago
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Stefan **********
But you still need to do the 90 days and the 20 years has to be renewed at no costs every 5 years
5 years ago
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Carl *********
Thanks, I've checked out the online application - didn't see the fee listed. It's quite high but I think worth it.
5 years ago
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Wayne ********
@Carl ********
 basic answer money 5 yrs 500,000 or if family or couple for 2 it’s 800,000 for sake period u can go longer like 10 or 20 yrs but again it’s more expensive u get benefits depending which one u buy but the main benefit is a 5 yr visa which means u don’t need to visit immigration u just need to leave country for a day and when u back it rests another year as it’s a yearly rollover but a 5 yr period or longer if u wish
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@Ca**
 Cannot have an overstay in your passport, that's about it. 500k baht for 5 years, 1 million for 20 years.
5 years ago
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Garrett ***********
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Wayne ********
yep fantastic it’s not for everyone as it’s not cheap comparing to a retirement visa but has benefits - doubters for years have been saying it will close and it hasn’t
5 years ago
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Shayne **********
Let me know if you want to know more
************************************
5 years ago
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Mark ********
@Wayne *******
 . Not much use now.😄
5 years ago
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Mark ********
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Jeremy ********
It has been great
5 years ago
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Jeremy ********
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