Thai Elite 20-year Visa: Outlook & Process [2023]

[Jackie2013]

1. Background   

I'm 36 years old and I see myself living in Thailand for he next decade(s), at least - if not permanently. Ex banker now solo-managing investments (real estate & stock market) via online - probably never going back to being employed. 

2. Why Thailand Elite Visa:

As you all might know, there are no long term visas for my age-group so I've been on back-to-back Tourist Visas for almost 7 years. Holding several TV's is being more frowned upon by immigration and we now have weekly stories of how people are being rejected at Suvarnabhumi and sent back home in returning flights. Costs of adjacent TV Visa Runs have 2x-3x and Vietnam - just to mention one - rarely approves back-to-back TV's any longer. 

Also, during these seven years, the cost of a ED-visa (with no attendance...) has gone from 20-25k/y to 50-70k/y. A couple of friends in my age, all +5/+10y Thai experience in terms of local price navigation, told me their ED-V was bumped 15-25k YoY because of the Russian/China/WFH-influx. Volunteer Visas had a Hard Crackdown and Business Visas are 70-90k/y. 

What I'm trying to say here is that the door is slowly, but surely, closing for the 30y-40y's in terms of staying long term in Thailand with minimum hassle and to a decent price. I'm not saying it's impossible - just pointing out the rate of change. 

3. Choice of TE Membership: 

Thailand Elite offers different memberships ranging from 5- 10- 20- years of stay and all have some perks in common such as immigration fast track, check-in & security control fast track, shuttle van, lounges etc. What set prices apart, besides from years of stay, is additional perks such as Taxi transfers, Golf, Spa's, Health Control etc. - I wanted _none_ of these premium perks. 

I choose the Elite Superiority Extension Membership 20 Year which gives me 20 years of stay and all the airport stuff mentioned above - but none of the perks mentioned later (golf, spa etc.). I do have Health Insurance, but it's also important to mention that TE don't force me to carry HE, and especially not a local HE scheme. 

Price: 1 000 000thb / $ 28 900usd 

Full info: https://www.thailandelite.com/membership/detail/?id=6081aced0ddafa001474d6a7

Some background of this membership is that it's their newest one, and it hasn't seen a price increase since it was introduced. 

4. Why Now 

Costs, and mental gymnastics, are going up across the board (as outlined in 2.) to stay in Thailand long term - so TE just makes financial sense for me. As to why now - and not next year - is that I believe the ESE (20Y) will se a 30-40% price increase within a couple of months.

Here's why:

- Fuelled by Work From Home, Russian exodus, Chinese exodus, European Civil War / Islam Extremism etc. Thailand Elite is currently experiencing huge growth in memberships. This graph doesn't even include 2023 numbers, which are growing +100% YoY according to Bangkok Post. 

- 

 

- Keep in mind, all these members have the same basic Airport-perks (immigration fast track, check-in & security control fast track, shuttle van, lounges etc.) which in turn creates a need for hiring tons of TE staff, congestion etc. 

If we now look at this as if it was a business (which it is: it's a LTD with P&L but state-owned nonetheless) you can clearly see they're pricing themselves too low. I hate to say it, and you hate to read it - but the price is too low, and they know it. 

- Thailand Elite's financial year ends September and I do believe they will raise there prices starting next FY - i.e. October or thereabouts - probably as much as +30% but I wouldn't rule out an ever higher number. 

- The popular "Family Excursion"-membership was killed in its entirely last month, with 30 day notification. 

- I could tell you about the 3-4 official agents who told me, irrespective of each other - after being at a yearly reception dinner with TE - that price increases were talked about loudly, and understood by everyone involved...

...or that background checks will cost a fee later on (it's free today)...

....but since agents only make stories up to chase short term profits, I'm leaving these details out. 

- Final reason as to Why Now: it will never become cheaper. 

5. "TIT. Are you not afraid Thailand will do a rug-pull and close the scheme. The Thais always change things overnight." 

Thailand Elite was introduced exactly 20 years ago, this year. It has always been a limited company with a P&L and profit ambition - but state owned nevertheless. For years and years new members didn't reach its target, and back then they had membership plans with Unlimited-perks such as Golf, Spa, etc. which was disastrous for the P&L. 

First then years TE accumulated ca. 1 billion thb in losses. 

This led to a decision to stop selling new memberships back in 2011-2022: but the scheme for existing members was never pulled and they never even changed the loss-leading Unlimited-perks, which ought to have been a low having fruit if you believe the TIT/rug-pull narrative. 

As why not to pull all the cards entirely? It was argued that compensating all members would cost 2-3 billion thb for Thailand. Rug-pulling, i.e. not honouring a financial contract, for  20 000 global High Net Worth Individuals might sound believable, might even reasonable, for some users here - but something I would put a <1% risk on myself. 

In 2021 - eighteen years after introducing the program - TE made its first profit ever. The unlimited-perks memberships are no longer sold and it's now a highly profitable state-owned company. 

6. Process 

I applied directly via the official website https://www.thailandelite.com/

- Everything can be done abroad, or locally
- Background check & application took 32 days
- Payment to final approval took 8 days 
- Affix passport via airport or in Bangkok 

- I get 12m stay at every entry - and I can extend 12m at every local immigration, without leaving the country. 
- 20 years of stay 
- No health insurance req. 
- No account balance req. 

IMPORTANT: 
- History of Volunteer Visa will be rejected instantly (legit or not)
- History of several EDs, or ED from a school with "bad reputation", will most likely be rejected. There's no clear number, and there's no clear school - but I've seen tons of rejected applications at first hand were TE explicitly calls out the use of ED-visa. 
- History of ED, a couple of TVs and a Business Visa has been reported rejected immediately as well. 


I hoped you guys enjoyed reading about my Thailand Elite process. I wrote this to encourage other people my age, if they also have an ambition to stay in Thailand long term that is, to quickly acquire their memberships. I not only believe prices are going up for TE, but I also believe it will get harder, and more expensive, by the year to live on TV's, ED's, Volunteer Vs etc. (actually, I also believe retirees will get more requirements and headaches by the year as well, but I guess that's an entirely different post). 

 

Edited July 23, 2023 by Jackie2013

[Jackie2013]

Tons of spelling errors, but too late to edit now. My apologies.

[David Hoffman]

Interesting. I took the 5 year TE visa, and I am pretty sure I'll stay in Thailand longer than that (if not forever), so I still have to extend it to 20 years. My plan was to wait until I am at least 4 years in to renew it, but given what you and others have said about the price increase... I should probably renew it now.

[Thomaz73]

4 minutes ago, David Hoffman said:

given what you and others have said about the price increase

What others? There was a post in another thread. But I think that was from the same BM along with an agent with vested interest. He may well be right, of course. And I have to admit to similar thoughts. The cheap one did increase by 100k since I bought mine. It's still speculation, though. And if memory serves, the increase on the 5 year one was announced well in advance. 

[Jackie2013]

16 minutes ago, David Hoffman said:

Interesting. I took the 5 year TE visa, and I am pretty sure I'll stay in Thailand longer than that (if not forever), so I still have to extend it to 20 years. My plan was to wait until I am at least 4 years in to renew it, but given what you and others have said about the price increase... I should probably renew it now.

If I were in your shoes, I would start to apply immediately. Your membership costs only 400k (or 500k if you applied before the price increase the other year) to get additional 15 years on top of what you currently have. Not saying that's money to sneeze about, but - imagine if there's a substantial price increase or, god forbidd, the cancellation to upgrade 20y in its entirety. 

 

All the best,

Edited July 23, 2023 by Jackie2013

[LASportsNut]

I paid for the 20 year Elite Superiority Extension in 2021. 

I am extremely happy and don't really have any complaints.

There are some deadlines for notifications on some of the services, so be sure to pay attention to those or they can deny service.

I found out the hard way.

[Jackie2013]

4 minutes ago, Thomaz73 said:

What others? There was a post in another thread. But I think that was from the same BM along with an agent with vested interest. He may well be right, of course. And I have to admit to similar thoughts. The cheap one did increase by 100k since I bought mine. It's still speculation, though. And if memory serves, the increase on the 5 year one was announced well in advance. 

To swing at me "it's only speculation" - "it's only rumors" whenever I open my mouth regarding TE is somewhat unfair, IMHO. I'm trying my best to present a rational view of why prices are coming up. If you're on the opposite view, I'm willing to listen to you as well. 

 

Anyways, you who have a 5Y-EE have it written in your contract that you'll be able to upgrade to a fixed price. I'm of the opinion that you should feel safe. It does say, however, that TE reserves the right to cancel the contract and upgrade at any time. But, as I said earlier: everything in my research shows that they have always honored _existing_ contracts. 

 

Good luck!

[taylor1975]

Was speaking with a chap who got the 5 year one (is now over 50) and is looking at the 10 year LTR visa. He was going to qualify on the income basis. 

[David Hoffman]

44 minutes ago, Thomaz73 said:

What others? There was a post in another thread. But I think that was from the same BM along with an agent with vested interest.

I didn't mean others on this forum, there is a world out there outside PA 🤯 It comes up regularly on reddit and when I discuss the matter IRL with other TE visa holders. And it makes sense to me why they would increase the price, business-wise.

[Thomaz73]

14 hours ago, Jackie2013 said:

To swing at me "it's only speculation" - "it's only rumors" whenever I open my mouth regarding TE is somewhat unfair

Don't remember doing that before (could very well be wrong!) And should've worded it differently. I appreciate the post. And as I said, it has made me start considering some things (I'll be over 50 when the current one expires. So that makes it a bit more complex.) 

[GARYZX6R]

I see some condo developments offer elite visas with there condos. Apparently the Hiltons latest condo allows you a 20yr elite visa for 600k on purchasing a condo, minimum price is 3.5 million bht. Hilton will rent your condo for 2yrs for roughly 600k so your visa is free. 

Plenty of options out there. 

[taylor1975]

10 minutes ago, GARYZX6R said:

I see some condo developments offer elite visas with there condos. Apparently the Hiltons latest condo allows you a 20yr elite visa for 600k on purchasing a condo, minimum price is 3.5 million bht. Hilton will rent your condo for 2yrs for roughly 600k so your visa is free. 

Plenty of options out there. 

Are talking about Once Pattaya, where they are building a Hilton next to it?

They said they would pay for the 400k extension to mine if i bought a condo. I went to have a look at the rooms there. They are just making a contribution towards the 1m cost. 

Effectively they are just giving you your own money back after over charging you on their condo's.

[GARYZX6R]

Yes it's the Once. It's the Hilton always going to pay more for quality. 

[taylor1975]

47 minutes ago, GARYZX6R said:

Yes it's the Once. It's the Hilton always going to pay more for quality. 

The condo has nothing to do with the Hilton. Its built by honour group. In the same way that grand avenue was originally getting a Hilton hotel next to it. 

[jocky king]

I think it’s bit silly to pay 1m bht for a 20 year visa , you could be dead within a year . Nobody knows what comes around in the corner .  But to each of their own , they obviously have money to burn . I rather leave it to the kids & grandkids . Apologies for a thread f*** .. 

[Thomaz73]

1 hour ago, jocky king said:

I think it’s bit silly to pay 1m bht for a 20 year visa , you could be dead within a year . Nobody knows what comes around in the corner .  But to each of their own , they obviously have money to burn . I rather leave it to the kids & grandkids . Apologies for a thread f*** .. 

Not a thread fuck imho. It's a relevant opinion. 

However! When I decided to go elite, I knew exactly what was around the corner. I was pushing my luck with tourist visas and it was only a matter of time before my world was to come crashing down. Besides, doing a bit of math, the total cost wasn't that much more than I would have spent constantly traveling (which also got rather tiresome). And I can't put a price on the peace of mind. 

[beaner]

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and wanted ask if any of you know the customs situation if I was to move my belongings from Vietnam to Thailand on the Elite visa? It would probably be around 10k USD worth of things I have at my current house that I would prefer to take with me rather than sell or give away here in Vietnam.

Also would pet (dog) relocation be ok on this type of visa?

[Jackie2013]

5 minutes ago, beaner said:

Hi,

I'm new to this forum and wanted ask if any of you know the customs situation if I was to move my belongings from Vietnam to Thailand on the Elite visa? It would probably be around 10k USD worth of things I have at my current house that I would prefer to take with me rather than sell or give away here in Vietnam.

Also would pet (dog) relocation be ok on this type of visa?

Yes, there's no difference if you're on an elite visa or not; you'll still need to follow country protocol for pets and import of goods. In short, it's not a Thai Elite question per se so I'd suggest you hit up one of the many Expat Forums that exists on Reddit, Facebook etc. Best of luck! 

[Jackie2013]

BOOM! Huge news.

 

Here we go gents! They are scrapping all legacy plans as of September 15th. 

- all perks and visas acquired before this date will remain unchanged.

What happens next? No official news yet, but here's what I forecast: (mentioned earlier in this and the other elite thread)

- Fee for Application / Background Check

- EPA (Elite Personal Assistant) & EPL (Elite Personal Liason) that comes with all memberships today, will be premium priced and selective onwards.

(= Immigration, security & check-in fasttrack, lounges and government services)

- 40-50% price increase for the basic 5 year

- 40-50% price increase for the basic 20 year

 

Joker: all or some 5 year plans scrapped entirely

 

Official news will be out short, and we can have a proper laugh about my forecast. 

 

Attaching docs:

Leaked docs on Facebook/Twitter

 

Edit: removing the docs until confirmed officially.

 

 

 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Jackie2013

[Love_to_eat_Thai]

On 25/07/2023 at 15:53, jocky king said:

I think it’s bit silly to pay 1m bht for a 20 year visa  

And I think it's a bit silly to spend your retirement years sweating at immigration over yearly extensions, bank account proof paperwork, paying agents to game the system and being treated like a pov at the airport.

Each to their own.

[Jackie2013]

All right, here's the PM Thai Elite have sent their official agents of what changes are coming: 

 

 

 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Jackie2013

[hillshillshills510]

Welp... better get off my ass and finish my application. I would have really liked to have kept the cheap option to upgrade to 20 years but oh well. 

[Gonetothedogs]

Is it still the case that any dodgy volunteer visas in the past preclude you from Thai Elite membership?

[DPol]

56 minutes ago, Gonetothedogs said:

Is it still the case that any dodgy volunteer visas in the past preclude you from Thai Elite membership?

Yes, dodgy volunteer and education visas will likely cause the membership to be denied. I believe there is an appeal process but I don't know how much success people who have been denied an Elite have with an appeal. 

[Tingtong4Thai]

9 hours ago, Love_to_eat_Thai said:

sweating at immigration over yearly extensions

How do you avoid that?  I have the Elite Visa and that's exactly what I did yesterday at Jomtien immigration.