@Todd ********

You are right. It is a financially good deal and well worth the little extra money compared to Non-O with all its hassles. And yes, we agree the Work Remotely from Thailand needs a revision, badly. Where my view seems to differ is the Wealthy Global Citizen category, as it requires not only wealth - which would be ok - but also a substantial (500k USD) invenstment in (limited categories / assets classes) in Thailand. I am not prepared to put that much money in a country that is notoriously unreliable in laws and regulations that change so frequently. Just a personal preference.

Happy for you. And yes, the LTR is a good step into the right direction. It consists of 4 subcategories + dependant. You picked probably the "easiest" category to fulfill the requirements (Wealthy Pensioner Category). Yet pensioners (everybody aged 50+) had it quite easy to remain long-term in Thailand before already. So for this category, you chose to spend the money on the LTR mainly for some extra perks and less bureaucratic hassle with immigration (extensions and reporting) - and nothing wrong with that. The other categories are more demanding and unfortunately screwed up in the (excessive) details. Especially the LTR Work Remotely from Thailand Category is almost a complete fail, as it limits applicants to those working directly for publicly listed, big blue ship companies (no matter how much more money they make, even owning their own long track record businesses). Anyways, enjoy your next 10 years in Thailand.

@Richard *********

Thanks. But me personally, I draw the line at paying 50k THB processing fees for a 10 year LTR visa. A mater of personal principle.

@Richard *********

As I said: Happy for you. Sounds like a good start for a young man. If you save some of your income and pick your brain just enough, you can over time pivot to passive income and enjoy 12 month free of work a year. Cheers. 👍

@Richard *********

So it was you who got that elite visa 😉. No, good for you. I know at a young age it is more difficult to stay in Thailand longer time. So, if you got the money and don't mind giving a lot of it to the Thai government for the "privilege" of spending more money in Thailand, then I guess it works for you. Why not.

@Philip ******

In that case: Don't waste your money. Staying in Thailand at 50+ is easy. Just deposit 800k THB in a Thai bank account (this money is and remains yours) and extend your stay again and again at a yearly basis for a mere 1,900 THB at each extension around. Or do the LTR for retirees, if you qualify and want less hassle and some perks.

Way overpriced. People that can afford the elite visa, should be welcomed with open arms to live in Thailand without having to pay for it. Afterall, they’ll be spending good money here. Luckily there is an alternative now: the LTR visa. That is, if you qualify or if it will adjust its rather strange and unsuitable requirements soon. Check it out before considering elite.

@Ann ********

I am not sure that is technically true. I think having permanent residency in the country you apply is the criteria. Although that does not mean that an individual at the consulate may look at it that way.

@Ann ********

You are assuming correctly. While a tourist visa may not guarantee entry, the discretion of the officer is much less when you come with a visa than in visa exempt.

As a US citizen, why not just do a eVisa (fully remotely) in the US instead?