What should I know about applying for a Thailand Elite Visa and how does it compare to a retirement visa?

Jul 23, 2020
4 years ago
Paul *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
So with in the last few hours, the Thailand government have announced, that they are looking to allow people with Elite Visas in. Can anyone offer some advice on the elite visa and how I would proceed in applying for one, in the event that I qualified? Does the retirement visa fall into this category?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The Thailand government is now allowing holders of the Elite Visa to enter. The Elite Visa is often sought by individuals who do not qualify for a retirement visa, as it can be obtained without age restrictions, and there is no requirement to maintain a specific amount in a Thai bank account. Users share experiences about the application process, which typically includes a background check primarily focused on any overstays in the past few years. The Elite Visa offers conveniences such as VIP services at airports and fast-tracking through immigration. It is a costly option (starting at 500,000 baht for five years) but is attractive to frequent travelers. Some commenters express skepticism about the visa's value, while others highlight its benefits in avoiding the bureaucracy associated with other visa types.
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.
Nick ***********
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Ben ******
now have anything Thai elite can back detail.
Rod *********************
If you buy an Elite Visa before 30 September 2020 you automatically get a 6month extention on the Elite Visa
Rich ********
Ivan ************
@Ri**
it's compensation for Elite holders not being able to travel at the moment.
Rich ********
@Ivan ***********
cool. Since I am here it works for me :)
Ivan ************
If you are applying now, you should get it automatically as long as you complete it by September.
Ivan ************
@Ri**
everybody on Elite gets it, here or not, extra six months. They sent a circular around, you have to get back to them accepting the T&Cs and then you get it.
Rich ********
@Ivan ***********
I am just waiting for them to do their thing, and then I pay them..
Rod *********************
@Rich *******
I don't know why... I guess it a marketing ploy
Rich ********
@Rod ********************
I didn't see that and it wasn't mentioned in my application process. Good to know, thank you.
Rod *********************
@Rich *******
..hey mate.. just go to the Thai Elite Visa Website...

It's also mentioned there
Richard ******
Money
Rich ********
Once you fill out the forms online, they will contact you with a few forms to sign basically allowing them to do a background check. If you have had overstays in the past 7 years they might deny you. You can apply from anywhere. The differences in the program is basically the number of years or the number of people in the program. You get a discount for a couple or a family. Once they are done you will get your notice via email and then you will pay to finalize it. It appears your can then go to the airport and they will put the visa in your passport.
Ivan ************
I believe the overstays, they look back three years, and you can have one. This may be something that is a bit wooly and undefined and up to the individual immigration officer, but they ask you about the last THREE years specifically in the application process.

It's certainly not any overstay in the last seven years is a disqualification.
Wayne ********
i have had the Elite visa for sometime it’s not a retirement visa which u can only get 50 years and over but was made initially available for those that wanted to live in thai but didn’t qualify for a retirement visa, but like the retirement visa you cannot work. the benefits are a 5 or 10 or 20 yr visa bad price depends on period you want min is 500k for 5 yrs and u don’t need to see this guys at immigration who want to

make u jump throw hoops each time u go chopping and changing rules. u don’t need 800k in the bank acct all the time and if u are already in thailand u don’t need health insurance thou myself and others still have insurance. you leave the country once a year and return and it resets yr visa automatically for another 12 months this is the easiest solution or u can have Elite do it for u or they will make an appointment at immigration for u and a letter confirming u are ab Elite member to renew for 12 mons my wife just did this as we have been stuck here in thailand and she said is was a breeze no bullshit from immigration guys because Elite organised it. u get limo transfers to and from airport for international travel and VIP access in and out if the airport. all in all if you can afford it i would recommend but it’s not for all as others will tell u why spend 500k when yearly retirement cost u max
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,000 for visa. but again u don’t need to keep 800k locked in a bank acct .. many of my friends have change over to Elite good luck
Ian ***********
The Thai Elite visa is an alternative to retirement visa. Main advantages are for frequent travellers with meet and greet on arrival at air bridge on arrival, fast track through immigration, help with bags and transfers to and from residence to airport. Departure is also meet and greet fast track. System works very well and helps avoid delays at airport

Yes some help with other government service but each time you arrive you get a 12 months visa and visa covers 5 years. I have been using 8 years and wouldn’t go back to retirement visa Not cheap but I’m impatient and hate queues.
Janey ******
@Ian **********
why wouldn't you go back to a retirement visa? I was thinking of getting Elite until I qualify for retirement.
Kimberly ************
@Janey *****
yeah, I am thinking of getting the retirement visa too. But I have had 2 bounces and 1, 2 month tourist visa. Not sure what is possible
Janey ******
@Kimberly ***********
what are bounces? I think you can get the retirement visa, as long as you are 50, have the money in a Thai bank, and health insurance. I get the idea that it's a lot easier than a marriage visa. I'm not sure about how to transfer from tourist visa to retirement, though.
Kimberly ************
@Janey *****
are you in Thailand yet? There is soooo much to learn. It's when you go out of Thailand then come right back for another entry visa.
Janey ******
@Kimberly ***********
yes, I've been here since about 2004 and before that for a while. Ah, thanks for explaining. I think you can cancel a visa, get an extension and then apply for a new one within Thailand, but it may be easier to just leave and come back, in some cases, like changing from tourist to non-B visa.
Ian ***********
@Kimberly ***********
I tend to travel a bit and probably have 20 trips a year in and out so fast travel through immigration and transfers is good value and far less interaction with Thai bureaucracy is good.
Kimberly ************
I did this instead of getting the retirement visa as I planned on also going to Bali this year. I should have gotten the retirement visa back in August, but who would have known about this pandemic
Estefania ************
Depending if you play Gold there are memberships that include Golf and Spa twice per month, yearly medical check, one time per year free government service and 90-day reporting. You can just apply on their official website - doublecheck that you do not run into a reseller.
Bobby ********
@Ian **********
. Not many queues at the moment!
Ian ***********
@Bobby *******
ha ha stuck in Sydney and happy to put up with a queue to get back to Thailand
Rob ******
@Ian **********
So if its so good why are you in Sydney when all the Apec Visas are out and about , like normal ?
Ian ***********
@Rob *****
I’ve been told they don’t count in Thailand.
Rob ******
@Ian **********
Ah ,okay .

So 500,000 bth and you can't get in . Sounds a pretty useless investment . If its at the whims with no real entitlements you can count on in the tough times . Which is when you need it .
Ian ***********
@Rob *****
apparently Thai Elite is next grouo to be approved but still working out details
Rob ******
@Ian **********
I think if it is , it will only be slightly ahead of the norm .

Thailand malls needs shoppers fast .
Ian ***********
Thailand Elite news update

Dear Valued Members,

Greetings from Thailand Elite.

We would like to inform you that the government, through the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), has approved our principle to give permission to Elite Visa Holders to enter Thailand.

However, we must inform you that the principle is just the first step of the overall process, as it has only been approved, but it is not immediately effective.

After this process, Thailand Privilege Card Company will be attending meetings with other organizations such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Public Health, and other relevant ministries to finalize details of the principle before implementation.

The government would like to ensure that this allowance will cause no problem and that the second wave of infection will not take place. Visits will be allowed to begin after all details and procedures have been approved with limited quotas and conditions in the first phase.

We always keep in mind that our members are miserably waiting for further information. And we do hope that we will be able to come to a conclusion of guidance on entry in the very near future. Your kind patience will be highly appreciated as always.

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110/2 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok
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North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand

Telephone : +66 (0) 2352-3000 /
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Bobby ********
@Ian **********
. Flew to Ubon yesterday. This was the Thai international counter.
Brahim ******
Dont purchase that stupid visa just wait a few months how hard is it
Rob ******
They are all waiting for singapore . No real movement will happen till it opens .

That visa after its initial attraction got exactly the same reaction as the others really . Who on that visa has got in recently to Thailand ?
Rich ********
@Brahim *****
the question is - will the border to another country open up by September 26. I don't think so. So I would have to leave the country and come back in 6+ months
Sid *******
@Rich *******
They are currently talking with Malaysia. They would like to set up Covid Free Zones in both Countries. One in Penang where you could fly out and as long as you stay in the restricted area you will be able to fly back to Thailand. Nothing will probably happen till October. As far as general tourists presently they are not even considering it yet. When it happens they will look at it one country at a time . I was told it will be done very very slowly.
Rich ********
@Sid ******
well, I hope my elite goes through before september 26 :)
Roy ***********
@Rich *******
I think you are right. My guess nothing happening 2020. If you can afford it, do it.
Paul ********
Win The Lottery First
Rich ********
I am getting one so I can stay in the county.
Zzyzx *******
takes 90 to 120 days to be processed.
Larry *********
Bobby Howard great price, may I ask your provider?
Wayne ********
@Rich *******
it’s well worth it my wife and i had now for 5 yrs i wish i did it when we first came here
Bim *******
@Rich *******
it's worth it for peace of mind for sure unless you want to convert it at the end of the visa life.
Graham *********
Yes more money to intice people to apply for them
Garrett ***********
You don't qualify for Elite visa, you just pay for it. There is a background check that takes 4-8 weeks for approval with the main disqualifying factor being any overstays in the past 7 years. 500k baht for 5 years.

Go to their official website or enlisted an agent, price is the same.
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