My Elite Visa Application (Day 1 until the End)

[albertascout]

4 hours ago, LASportsNut said:

 

• Thai-Elite.com
• ThailandEliteVisas.com
• ThailandElite.agency
• ThailandElite.com

 

Following with interest.

I did not know that there were different agencies selling the elite Visa.

D

[LASportsNut]

18 minutes ago, forcebwithu said:

Since you haven't paid anything yet for the Elite Visa, I'll throw this suggestion out to you. When you're finally able to enter Thailand again, enter Thailand as a tourist using the 30 day visa exemption. Then follow the steps for obtaining a Non-O visa which you can do yourself, or hire an agent to handle the paperwork.

Since we are still dealing with Coronavirus restrictions:

That would be an option but I am unsure when this will happen. 

Even if they open it up for travel, then after a 14 day quarantine you only have 16 days before you have to leave again and repeat every month. 

They have reportedly are allowing Elite Visa members in now. 

So I thought this would be a good way do the quarantine and spend months at a time in Thailand. 

I would stay until Mid-January 2021.

I was supposed to be in Thailand from May until December.  The money I had budgeted for May to August will be used to pay for my Elite Visa.

Lets see how it plays out.

[ZRHuser]

As you can buy the Elite Visa from the Issuer itself (they do have a website), why do you use an Agent? I do not see any advantage in it.

[Pheat]

1 hour ago, ZRHuser said:

As you can buy the Elite Visa from the Issuer itself (they do have a website), why do you use an Agent? I do not see any advantage in it.

Hi

Do you have a link to the official site?

[KhunChang]

29 minutes ago, Pheat said:

Hi

Do you have a link to the official site?

https://www.thailandelite.com/

[Mr Wombat]

@LASportsNut If coronavirus wasnt an issue would you still be going down the elite visa route?

Seems like not many retired guys on here use the elite visa to stay in thailand long time. I thought it was more for guys that dont fit any other normal visa

[LASportsNut]

2 hours ago, ZRHuser said:

As you can buy the Elite Visa from the Issuer itself (they do have a website), why do you use an Agent? I do not see any advantage in it.

Yes, I agree.  I could not find the "official" site. 

However if KhunChang is correct (see below), I got lucky as that is the website I am using to get mine.

54 minutes ago, KhunChang said:

https://www.thailandelite.com/

 

[LASportsNut]

4 minutes ago, Mr Wombat said:

@LASportsNut If coronavirus wasnt an issue would you still be going down the elite visa route?

Seems like not many retired guys on here use the elite visa to stay in thailand long time. I thought it was more for guys that dont fit any other normal visa

No, I would have continued with my Retirement Visa application.

However in a way I am looking forward to having the Elite Visa.

The fact that I do not have to deal with this for another 5 to 6 1/2 years is refreshing.  

It has some perks I already have:

• Access to Fast Track (APEC Card)
• Access to Airport Lounge (American Express, Priority Pass)

But I can use those in other countries, as I do like to go to other Asian countries

[LASportsNut]

I found a video on youtube that shows a little bit of the arrival services.

Most of us have seen this at the airport.

[LASportsNut]

This is a good video of a new member opening his new member box.

Video is HERE!

[sabato]

19 hours ago, LASportsNut said:

• 500,000 baht for 5 years
• 1,000,000 baht for 10 years
• 2,000,000 baht for 20 years

The math works out to 100,000 baht or approximately $3,200 per year.  

Any idea what the deal with Elite Superiority Extension Membership is (1m baht for 20 years). Is that only to extend some other membership? Seems odd to offer 15 years for double the price (and only miss out on free spa/golf trips), but I feel I'm missing something.

https://www.thailandelite.com/at-your-service/card/elite-superiority-extension-membership?locate=en&popup=false

[LASportsNut]

6 minutes ago, sabato said:

Any idea what the deal with Elite Superiority Extension Membership is (1m baht for 20 years). Is that only to extend some other membership? Seems odd to offer 15 years for double the price (and only miss out on free spa/golf trips), but I feel I'm missing something.

https://www.thailandelite.com/at-your-service/card/elite-superiority-extension-membership?locate=en&popup=false

I read it just like you did. It sounds like what you said.

I decided to only do the 5 years, but I may regret it later as 20 years is a good deal.

If you add the extra year extension it averages out to cost 3968 baht a month.

[Smeghead76]

I think Elite visa is the only likely way many of us from the west will get into Thailand this year so it's a good option.

[Old Scratch]

Wonder if you can apply for the Family one (10 years for 800,000, 700,000 for each extra person)...and then just not add anyone else.

[benny31]

Following with interest.

Thanks for posting m8.

[KhaoKaiJiao]

I got Elite 2 years ago after years of short term visas, and seeing my mate get denied at the airport with a valid tourist(3mo) visa.  I had done the math and for myself flying in/out + hotels for visa runs every 2-3months, plus the visa fees themselves were close to 60k a year.  So basically for 40k more I could stay worry free for the next 5 years, not waste time traveling somewhere shitty and at immigration,  and the peace of mind was worth it. 

especially after long flights back to bangkok, getting picked up at the gate in the golf cart, whisked thru immigration,  having someone else carry my bags while a lovely young lady with good english escorts me to a waiting Mercedes is very nice. 

 

If you have the money and value your time I think its worth it.  last year I had an investment opportunity and wished i had that 500k back....however this year I'm so glad I have it as i see fellow expats stress about the visa extension deadline.  btw I bought from the official site, the one with a office on sathorn road in Bangkok. Found their customer service to be some of the best in Thailand. 

Edited August 5, 2020 by KhaoKaiJiao

[Bobmoore]

I make it £204.81 a month for 5 years. Interesting thread.

[Daryle]

I got Elite 2 years ago after years of short term visas, and seeing my mate get denied at the airport with a valid tourist(3mo) visa.  I had done the math and for myself flying in/out + hotels for visa runs every 2-3months, plus the visa fees themselves were close to 60k a year.  So basically for 40k more I could stay worry free for the next 5 years, not waste time traveling somewhere shitty and at immigration,  and the peace of mind was worth it. 
especially after long flights back to bangkok, getting picked up at the gate in the golf cart, whisked thru immigration,  having someone else carry my bags while a lovely young lady with good english escorts me to a waiting Mercedes is very nice. 
 
If you have the money and value your time I think its worth it.  last year I had an investment opportunity and wished i had that 500k back....however this year I'm so glad I have it as i see fellow expats stress about the visa extension deadline.  btw I bought from the official site, the one with a office on sathorn road in Bangkok. Found their customer service to be some of the best in Thailand. 

I second this post, as similar to my circumstances. I look at it as taxation (100k pa) to stay without hassles. Or my contribution to buying the Generals a new jet (if you're up to date with their recent purchase).

Sent from my SM-T530 using Tapatalk

[Soda11111]

Great topic. Thank you OP for your valuable contribution.

[LASportsNut]

3 hours ago, KhaoKaiJiao said:

I got Elite 2 years ago after years of short term visas, and seeing my mate get denied at the airport with a valid tourist(3mo) visa.  I had done the math and for myself flying in/out + hotels for visa runs every 2-3months, plus the visa fees themselves were close to 60k a year.  So basically for 40k more I could stay worry free for the next 5 years, not waste time traveling somewhere shitty and at immigration,  and the peace of mind was worth it. 

especially after long flights back to bangkok, getting picked up at the gate in the golf cart, whisked thru immigration,  having someone else carry my bags while a lovely young lady with good english escorts me to a waiting Mercedes is very nice. 

 

If you have the money and value your time I think its worth it.  last year I had an investment opportunity and wished i had that 500k back....however this year I'm so glad I have it as i see fellow expats stress about the visa extension deadline.  btw I bought from the official site, the one with a office on sathorn road in Bangkok. Found their customer service to be some of the best in Thailand. 

Hey KKJ-

Thanks for the input. I was hoping someone who actually has an Elite Visa would respond to this thread.

[LASportsNut]

41 minutes ago, Daryle said:

I second this post, as similar to my circumstances. I look at it as taxation (100k pa) to stay without hassles. Or my contribution to buying the Generals a new jet (if you're up to date with their recent purchase).

Sent from my SM-T530 using Tapatalk
 

 

3 hours ago, KhaoKaiJiao said:

I got Elite 2 years ago after years of short term visas, and seeing my mate get denied at the airport with a valid tourist(3mo) visa.  I had done the math and for myself flying in/out + hotels for visa runs every 2-3months, plus the visa fees themselves were close to 60k a year.  So basically for 40k more I could stay worry free for the next 5 years, not waste time traveling somewhere shitty and at immigration,  and the peace of mind was worth it. 

especially after long flights back to bangkok, getting picked up at the gate in the golf cart, whisked thru immigration,  having someone else carry my bags while a lovely young lady with good english escorts me to a waiting Mercedes is very nice. 

 

If you have the money and value your time I think its worth it.  last year I had an investment opportunity and wished i had that 500k back....however this year I'm so glad I have it as i see fellow expats stress about the visa extension deadline.  btw I bought from the official site, the one with a office on sathorn road in Bangkok. Found their customer service to be some of the best in Thailand. 

Have either of you used the Elite to obtain your Driver License? (I have an international license, but there are time limitations).

Or get a Thai Bank account? (I have Kasikorn in Pattaya, but may open another account in Bangkok to avoid the ATM fees).

Or the 90 Day Reporting? ( I am guessing, the service is for the first time, then after that you can do it online anyway, or does Thailand Elite do that for you too?).

[Trevor]

Interesting thread....thanks for posting.

Have you been given any indication how long the process is likely to take?

[Atlas]

Excellent post mate. Hopefully it all works out for you  

Looking forward to more of your photos !

 

[maxtroy]

10 minutes ago, LASportsNut said:

 

Have either of you used the Elite to obtain your Driver License? (I have an international license, but there are time limitations).

Or get a Thai Bank account? (I have Kasikorn in Pattaya, but may open another account in Bangkok to avoid the ATM fees).

Or the 90 Day Reporting? ( I am guessing, the service is for the first time, then after that you can do it online anyway, or does Thailand Elite do that for you too?).

If you already have a Thai bank account you should not be applying for a retirement visa from your home country . The O-A visa you get from your home country carries the insurance qualifications  specifying Thai insurane providers on an approved list whereas the O visa picked  up while in Thailand does not . Make your initial application in the month you know you will be in Thailand every year . I renew my retirement visa every  February . You can apply earlier than the 12 month point but I don't know what the maximum days early would be .

Not judging because it is your money but you have made  the major hurdle by having a Thai bank account , Just follow the  800K baht in the bank process and you will get your retirement visa for a couple of thousand  .  Just remember to get single or mutltiple reentry permission  .,another thousand or two . 90 day reporting is   easier than falling off of a turnip truck . In and out in no time at all  with the possibility of online if they can get it to work with some consistency .

 

 

[Daryle]

Have either of you used the Elite to obtain your Driver License? (I have an international license, but there are time limitations).
Or get a Thai Bank account? (I have Kasikorn in Pattaya, but may open another account in Bangkok to avoid the ATM fees).
Or the 90 Day Reporting? ( I am guessing, the service is for the first time, then after that, you can do it online anyway, or does Thailand Elite do that for you too?).

I opened a Thai bank account and got bike and car licenses a few years back when bouncing in and out on a multi-entry tourist visa. Got the residency cert from Jomtien Immigration. Kept them since then.