Gratefully Thailand is not effected by storms with strong winds, but the rainy season and flooding can be a nightmare, so insuring wherever you decide to buy is NOT prone to flooding is a serious concern before buying anywhere.
Daniel, the Thai Govt welcomes your investment $$$ regardless of your visa type, they just make it much easier with certain select visas. Make note, the real estate business in Thailand is open to anybody and does NOT require any licensing, training OR certification to legally call yourself a property agent. Hence, I would recommend you only work with the international registered property firms and retain a good lawyer to review your agreements before signing or paying for anything.
Daniel, on this visa you are NOT allowed to hold any work permit, but you are allowed to invest in a wide variety of investment options. Elite members have access to a
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concierge service to assist with privileged banking, invites to investment seminars...etc.
Do as Tod suggested for now, then you can always switch to another visa choice after you've been here for a while and feel more comfortable staying longer term.
The amounts on the website are one time membership fees. Then you must extend once per year, either at Immigration costing Bt.1,900 or take a trip somewhere and stamp in for 1 year. Some options have annual fees and others do not. Immigration is quick as Elite members do not queue in line and are processed right away.
The Thai Elite version is the easiest as it does not require any documents. Simply complete the form and pass the background check and if approved, you can join after paying the fees.
