@Garrett **********

oh yes, I've heard it's just as well and easy to do it directly. The Visa agent website is retirein chiangmai.com and she made a good video on YouTube as well concerning the elite visa

Yes, it costs money. One important benefit is that if the shorter term visa stipulations are changed to the detriment of those foreigners, then the longer term elite visa offers more certainty and thus stability..

Sorry, what did you mean about the 300K?

Thank you for your extensive reply. It is appreciated. The impending rise in the gold price will pay for it all anyway. And the Thai elite visa would certainly make life easier without having to go through all the checks and balances all the time. The long-term security is a good thing as well. Also, if not having to keep a deposit of 800,000 Thai baht in a Thai bank that would make those funds available for investment..

The element of sanook is a powerful one in Thailand

@Bobby *******

yes, I saw that

Let's hope so..

Thanks again for your reply. I am working with a Visa agent woman from the US who's living in Chiang Mai. Actually, I did ask that question as to when the price hike will manifest. Apparently the stipulation is if I apply before the end of the year then I am locked into the existing price.

Yes, that is a 50% discount for the long term and therefore is attractive.

One question if I may. If the covid-19 thing becomes worse, could the Thai government ask foreigners who have the elite visa to return home?