What is the Thai privilege membership program and how does it compare to other visa options?

Oct 9, 2024
7 days ago
Aarti ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi friends have any of you heard of the Thai privilege membership program for moving to Thailand
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thai Privilege Membership Program, previously known as the Elite Visa, is discussed among expats with mixed opinions. While some find it easy to obtain by simply paying a fee, others criticize it as being overpriced and offering no real benefits compared to alternative visas like the DTV visa or the LTR visa. The discussions highlight that the Privilege Visa requires annual membership fees and has faced price increases, leading to perceptions of it being a 'scam.' Comparatively, the DTV visa is touted as cheaper and more convenient, suggesting varying preferences among expats depending on cost, benefits, and ease of acquisition.
DTV VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
Andy ************
Privilege Visa, LTR visa and non-O retirement visa are consigned to the "obsolete" filing cabinet. The "SuperVisa" DTV is the way to go.
Don *********
@Andy ***********
Several of the LTR visas grant tax free overseas income for 10 years - does the DTV offer that ?
Andy ************
@Don ********
It doesn't, but under double taxation treaties, not many DTV holders will be paying tax in Thailand, especially retirees
Don *********
@Andy ***********
I suggest a much better strategy is to invest your hard earned capital in a tax free jurisdiction such as Singapore, get an LTR visa and pay no tax to anyone
Andy ************
@Don ********
My money is invested in Australian real estate, geared to the hilt, so I pay no tax. I'm switching to DTV from non-O next year, and the only money I'll be transferring into Thailand is from a pension fund, so I've no tax to pay in Thailand. The LTR costs 5000 baht per annum, the DTV only 2000 per annum. My arithmetic suggests the DTV is the best option
Don *********
@Andy ***********
seems you have it covered, however you pay land tax and will be building up a capital gains liability (unless you are registered as a tax resident and get a CGT exemption on your principal residence).

Australia is kinda unique with its negative gearing tax regime and therefore (mostly residential) real estate obsession.

The vast majority of retirees hold their funds in tax paying jurisdictions and give zero thought to more efficient strategies - where allowed what I am suggesting makes far more sense.
Frankie *******
Got to pay $1,000 us dollars every year for membership to maintain the privilege visa
Us *****
@Frankie ******
really? Just get your own ride to the airport
Us *****
Those greedy a$$holes at the Elite visa is about to go out of business. I bet they are on the streets begging for customers now. I can't believe they increased the prices from 400 to 900k. Like most Thais they would rather go out of business than to drop the price down to 100k to be more competitive with the DTV.
Von ******
@Us ****
pretty accurate. 🤨
Todd *********
Easy to get. Pay your money, get your visa. Move to Thailand
Graham *******
@Todd ********
get a DTV is even easier and cheaper.
Todd *********
@Graham ******
DTV definitely MUCH cheaper and as we can see, any chimpanzee can acquire one. But it doesn’t get much easier than applying for Elite visa. Pay n go.
Ellen *************
@Todd ********
it’s cheap enough and can’t beat the convenience of it? It’s my choice when I’m ready, if it’s available - 🤷🏻‍♀️
Todd *********
@Ellen ************
it’s very cheap and easy to get for pretty much anyone
Graham *******
@Todd ********
DTV is nearly FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Only a Chimpanzee would pay for that Elite which had to be renamed to Privilege visa to cover up the fraud behind this visa. The privilege visa gives NO BENEFITS, it's a scam only a MORON or a MAGA Boy could apply for one.
Jon *****
@Graham ******
Thank goodness you are neither a chimpanzee, nor a moron, nor a MAGA boy 🤣🤡
Todd *********
@Graham ******
love your misplaced excitement 💃 for no apparent reason, which of the two are you?
Graham *******
@Todd ********
How much money do you make by advising people to pay for this pointless visa?
Todd *********
@Graham ******
you nailed it man! Smart!! About 500k baht per month. 6 mil per year. You need a job?
Marty *********
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Graham *******
@Marty ********
get a DTV instead.
Graham *******
Its better known as the Pointless Visa.
Willem ****
Yes. Previously known as Elite visa.
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