TB Immigration Info Letter 068/20: Thailand Elite Card Membership
Reporter: Roland
Thailand Elite Card Membership, highly recommended!
Let me get straight to the point… the Thailand Elite Card, what a relief! I can recommend everyone to consider this and especially to do it. No more hassle with immigration. That's over, and I shouldn't draw most of you, I thought.
Before that I had a Non Immigrant OA with all the sadness, sorrow and torment that accompanied it, always a novelty was added to the regulations but never in a simplifying sense, the last thing that broke the straw for me was the obligation of a (for me useless) Thai health insurance as I have had a very good insurance for many years and have also used it a lot here. But that assurance was not accepted, it will be clear to most of you.
But come on, that's all over now. As I said, no more hassle with immigration and their ever-changing rules and sub-rules and on top of that the total arbitrariness with their own views in the various immigration offices. In short, I had had enough.
Now you will say yes, but what price tag does that have? Well, that needs to be put into context. Of course, for something belongs something. But especially think of the peace of mind you get, it's almost indescribable after you've been in that immigration straitjacket for many years.
Whether you take a membership of 5 years, 10 years or 20 years every 5 years you have to get a new TE sticker in your passport but that sticker costs you nothing. For people who leave the country at least once a year, you only have to go to immigration once every 1 years and then for less than an hour.
If you stay in Thailand for a full year or more, you will have to apply for an extension after a year (also costs 1.900 THB), you can do it yourself or for a small fee, this will be done by the services of Thailand Elite Card Group. But you are rid of all the paperwork anyway and you no longer have to show income or have 800.000 THB parked in an account. It is all reduced to its simplest form (as it should be for everyone). Since you have entered into a contract with TE Group, all terms and conditions remain in effect for the entire duration of your contract. You don't have to lie awake anymore about what will be next year etc...
Let's face it, the cost of such a membership shouldn't be a problem for most of us who have kept their lives in order and haven't fallen victim to some of life's bad luck. Money doesn't buy happiness, but it does make life a lot easier. Ultimately, that money in a bank account is only a means of payment for a quiet life and not a status symbol. Reminds me of what I recently read “better to live rich and die poor than to live poor and be the richest in the graveyard”…
One more thing about the people of Thailand Elite Card Group, you end up in a different world, literally and figuratively if you compare it with what you are used to here in Thailand, initially compared to the immigration services. Cordiality, perfect courtesy, punctuality, etc. which I had rarely experienced here before is the rule there. Both on the phone (no more endless waiting times, for example) and when you visit them at their head office in Bangkok (Sathorn). Also the guidance you receive from an expert and extremely friendly lady the first time you go to immigration in Bangkok for the entry of your PE visa. Because that's what it's called, Tourist PE
Also don't forget that you are rid of the re-entry hassle, you don't need it anymore. You will also be picked up at home by a limo that will take you to the airport for international flights and will also take you home on your return (distance from your place of residence to the airport is limited, I thought 30 km but I'm not sure). You also no longer have to queue in long queues at the airport for check-in or upon arrival at immigration. There is a special passage for TE members where you will also receive guidance. There are plenty of other things worth reading for those interested, so go to TE's website or make an appointment with them at their offices.
Picked up my 90 day report from them the past few days. If you wish, you can drop your passport at their office and a few days later you can pick it up again, everything finely done and free of charge. Normally I do that online, but the past few weeks there were a lot of malfunctions in the system, so I visited them in Sathorn Bangkok, close to BTS Station Chong Nonsi. A visit there is also very pleasant, close to BTS and ample parking for those who come by car. It is never busy, you don't have to take numbers, contacts are warm and close from person to person, no sour faces.
Very sincere, I can only recommend it.
Note: “Reactions are very welcome on the subject, but limit yourself here to the subject of this “TB Immigration Infobrief. If you have other questions, if you would like to see a topic covered, or if you have information for the readers, you can always send it to the editors. Use only for this /www.thailandblog.nl/contact/. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation”
Regards,
RonnyLatYa
Well, the cheapest version has a price tag of 500.000 baht and personally I don't think it's worth it.
I would add that if you, as an Elite Card Member, find yourself outside Thalland in the current situation, you will have just as many problems re-entering the country as non-cardholders.
But this covid situation is fortunately only a very temporary situation.
What I'm curious about is whether the purchase of the elite card also checks where the money comes from or is it the case that every criminal can buy a VIP status with criminal money without much effort.
Applicants are criminally checked at Thai Immigration, Police and at the applicant's national embassy.
This also happens with an AO visa
This is not possible in Thailand, unlike obtaining an EU passport. Cyprus will happily let you in for 300,000 euros. No questions asked.
would cost about 200 euros per month ..?????
Or am I wrong….500.000 bath for 5 years..???
if this were the case , add health insurance and you already come to a nice amount , without a roof over your head and an empty stomach
Yes 500 kBaht / 5 years or next 1000 kBaht / 20 years.
An investment that you should be prepared for.
No, health insurance is not mandatory at the TE, nor is the 800 0f 400 kBaht on your account. which is also fixed as long as you are in Thailand with a nun O.
You can halve it after the term (5 months), but it must be topped up again with a visa extension / renewal.
The assistance at 90 report is only in some areas Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket. Bangkok as well. Samui soon normally.
you have to go to immigration every year again for an extension a 1900 baht. What you need then
to have that extension? Is it the same as on a normal non-o extension or is the card and passport just enough then? Answer: Card, passport and TM30.
Not so long ago I had email contact with a seller TE, Harveylawgroup..
As described, the setup and arrangement of the immigration staff is changing.
For example, you are immediately taken through customs and you do not stand in line.
Well, you also have a difference in an airplane. First class or economy. Pay and people/service changes.
The limo service is also limited and, I think, in the same areas as assistance 90 day report.
We can also help you open a bank account or a Thai driver's license.
Could be just as easy, that when showing the card at banks, for example, people are inclined to help you better. With the card you have a status to which the Thai are attached.
A disadvantage is that TE, logically speaking, follows the laws of the government with approval as the TE is.
If the government has other concerns at any given time, these concerns can be included in the TE. The status of the card may change upon renewal, every 5 years.
Personally, I purchased my membership through Harveylawgroup in Bangkok.
Very solid service, but can also be done directly through Thailand Elite Group.
In quiet periods like this corona time, a discount can be obtained, some of these agents give back part of their commission to the customer as a discount.
Once your contract is running, no adjustments will be made for 5, 10 or 20 years.
It is only possible that certain adjustments are applied when concluding new contracts. That is always possible of course.
The only thing that bothers me a bit is the name "Elite", is a typical Thai approach, but I don't feel called to that.
The Elite card is exactly what it says. A card for the elite who don't have to look at a few baths more or less. With minimal hassle, I can get a visa extension every year for the price of 1900 thb if I meet the simplest conditions. Namely 50+, 800k in the bank or a demonstrable income of 65.000 thb per month. I don't even need help for that.
It's a hefty price tag for an annual extension if you never leave the country. Even with one multiple enter for 5900 thb you are much cheaper.
For the money I save, I prefer to eat extensive, delicious food or go on holiday with my wife.
But as the Thai say "up to you"
It is worth mentioning that you are not allowed to work with an elite visa as you cannot get a work permit. For me as a teacher with a business visa, which is paid by my employer, it is absolutely not interesting.
I could be wrong but I suspect not, for a sober person I can't find that praise for just giving away at least 500 for 000 years a good thing, unless of course there is no other choice and the immigration water is already above the lips.
I myself never experience any problem with my o so simple non "o" with the 800K baht neatly within the rules on the bank, and with the previously delivered letter from the bank to immigration behind the big corner, and back outside after minimal minutes with plastic card to pick up mine with new residence stamp the next day. This in total at 30 minutes, including bank and immigration. Go to the bank at opening hours!
No limo...
but my 800K bahts remain mine for the mere fee of 1900 baht, so I leave those elite visas for the so-called “elite”, and that necessary walk to the “Jomtien beach side” for my 90 days is certainly not too much on , especially if you go at 15 pm it is inside and outside .
No, I'm sure it was meant sarcastically .... that hymn to give away at least 500 baht, tomorrow maybe another "saber tug" will come to power and with 000 stroke of the pen you can lose those elite visas in these ass rows! .
Dear Roland, why always so negative about the Immigration office and the staff working there? Could it also be that it is a bit up to you that you always have difficulties (if I may say so) I have been living in Thailand (Hua Hin) for over 6 years now and have never had any difficulties here with Immigration, nor for my 90 days, nor for my year extension. Everything is arranged within fifteen minutes at the most. When I see the price tag on that Elite card Membership, it's not worth it to me.
Hi Wil, let me make it clear that this is not blind negativity at immigration.
But if I read through the many comments (almost daily) here on this blog about the problems, the arbitrariness and in many cases unfriendliness of the staff at the various immigration offices, then I draw my conclusion…
Then the contrast with the staff of TEC is heaven and earth.
Fortunately, we have had Ronny's help and assistance here in recent years, so just saying that pensioners do not experience problems at immigration is something about it...
Personally, I never encountered any problems at immigration, everything was always well prepared and in order.
But as I already wrote in my speech, I had enough with the introduction of that extra hospitalization rule (Thai insurance) because I had a Non Imm. OA disposed and I did not trust the matter in the long run that the same fate the Non Imm. O will be blessed.
And at my blessed age, the annual stress had also become too much, being there on time (very early), taking a number, waiting, waiting and waiting and hoping that something (new) would not be found somewhere. I had had enough of all that.
.Dear Roland,
You know how to list all the disadvantages of a normal Retirement Visa, (which I have never experienced myself in all 17 years that I have lived here) and all the advantages (and there are indeed quite a few) of a TE, but for the sake of convenience forget them to mention the price tag of a TE,
If I'm right: 500.000 B. for 5 years, and max. 2 million for 20 years.
I think it pays off for a European businessman who is a regular here in Thailand
and therefore also uses all those facilities, but that for a pensioner who lives here permanently with his Thai wife and enjoys his pension, it is wasted money. (Even if it is a large pension).
.
Of course, every situation is different and such membership is more attractive to some than to others. Everyone has to decide that for themselves.
But as I wrote before, for what should be, one car also costs more than the other.
But first and foremost, such membership gives you a certain peace of mind, and that's hard to put a price on.
A good solution for me personally.
If you leave the country before the 5 years expire, for example 2 weeks in advance, you will receive another year's visa when you return to Thailand.
So basically you have a visa for 6 years (you can't use Elite's services for the last year)
This year also added an extra 19 months to the visa from Elite due to Covid 6.
So this time I have 6 1/2 years nothing to look at.
Regards, Antony
Indeed, now that I think about it, I note that in NL I can also pay about 2000 per year in road tax, property tax, sewerage, water board, etc. as fixed costs. So 28000 E /1 million Baht is 117 euros per month or about 1400 per year To be paid in advance over 20 years, but then no more price increases!
(The first Efteling is also 50 euros per day excluding food.)
No new health insurance with more exclusions needed.
And the aforementioned argument of the 800.000 Baht that is now 5 percent on the account, appears to be so easy to include by an heir in practice. In my case without a butter note, one of the children would have to come from the Netherlands, submit all kinds of declarations and stamps with translation… in short, if it succeeds at all, it will also cost thousands of euros to collect the remainder with lost working time.
My younger brother needed a sworn translation and a letter from the notary total package 700 euros and a trip to Spain with several visits to the bank, to collect the last bit of savings from our deceased father…. of which more than half was used up after deduction of costs …
in short, if we get time of life and you can afford it, it is worth considering purchasing such a card.
The luxury of not having to queue is also a big plus as you get older.
Is there already a guarantee that you can enter Thailand with an Elite Card and receive a Certificate of Entry from the Thai Embassy?
No, there isn't!
As a 75-year-old with membership + insurance, you can already count above 1.000.000 baht for 5 years so that you are a good support for the insurance
I have to say that the article looks a lot like an advertisement for detergents.
Look how snow white my colored laundry has become.
I generally have no problems for my annual renewal, ask ahead of time what you need, in case things have changed, hand it in and the whole procedure normally goes smoothly.
Furthermore, the limousine that picks you up from the airport and takes you home is not really interesting at the moment.
If you already enter Thailand, you will be quarantined with government transport and leaving Thailand will not be popular either, due to the problems of coming back.
Furthermore, the question is, of course, whether the TE Group will be able to guarantee that access to Thailand will remain guaranteed throughout the term.
The government gives you a 5-year visa, but who guarantees that the TE Group will be able to provide you with a visa again after 5 years?
I didn't think the TE Group was part of the Thai government.
I don't think you can enter Thailand with your TE card at the moment - or maybe you can in the meantime.
For some people who can afford it, it would be an option to stay in Thailand if they have no other option, but an expensive one.
Detergent advertising is one thing, the TE visa is another.
You can write whatever you want about detergents, here I was talking about the facts linked to TE visa.
And facts are facts.
And as far as that limousine is concerned, yes, that is not what it is really about. I don't use it myself either.
Please don't stare blindly at this corona (quarantine) period as it is only very temporary. Hopefully there is still life after corona. Personally, I stayed in Thailand during the entire corona period.
Depending on your age and health situation, you could also consider the elite visa of 20 years. Costs double the 5 year visa.
I am 71 and have a 20 year membership.
Converted per year, that is the cheapest formula, 50.000 THB per year.
Keep in mind that this amount is paid in one go, so it is free of inflation during the remaining 20 years
Everything will be more expensive (inflation) in the future, but that 50.000 THB will remain 50.000 THB for the rest of the (long) time.
50.000 THB today cannot be compared to 50.000 THB within 20 years, especially since you do not receive any interest on outstanding capital today.
I've lived here for almost three years. Enough money in account for each year to obtain renewal and even more 'at home'. What is the problem with asking for an annual renewal?! The word "elite" turns my stomach. I try to fit in here and not to raise myself above the local population. Just throw some or a lot of money at it and I belong to the 'elite'. Fiscal maybe, but that's about it.
As far as the word “Elite” is concerned, I share your opinion, but it also repulses me.
Only I was not asked to come up with this name. That's a typical Thai way of bragging about everything.
Best not to focus on that name.
But the goodness of membership is fortunately behind that name, as I described in my story.
There are MANY problems with the annual renewal, just follow here on the blog, not a day goes by without someone (rightly) complaining.
Fortunately, Ronny is there to make sure everything runs smoothly. But there is mainly the stress for many due to all kinds of arbitrariness and again new rules here and there in various immigration offices and the hassle of meeting the requirements and documents.
But if you feel good in your situation, then ok, continue like this I would say.
@Roland
I understand that you are very enthusiastic about the Thai Elite Card. What I miss in your story is a complete summary of the costs involved. For readers, this information is probably decisive for whether or not to purchase that Thai Elite Card.
You could, for example, compare these costs with the costs of the compulsory inpatient insurance.
I suspect that those costs are a lot lower than the costs of that Elite Card.
That is why I indicated in my speech that I would go to the TEC website, where you will clearly find all formulas and the associated prices + all details.
I've read a few things about this in response to the article. I understand that this subscription provides the well-to-do among us with a less stressful time in Thailand. Especially during the extension period of your visa.
At the current exchange rate, this subscription costs more than € 2.700 per year (= approximately € 225 per month). That is quite something. Most of the benefits of the subscription will be a sausage for the average reader.
If we limit it to the goal: ease of obtaining a visa, then I think it's a lot of money. Just like the amounts charged by the visa offices.
I may have easy talking. I am staying in Chiang Mai. Every year you must report in time for the 90 days. Piece of cake.
Yes, the annual renewal can also present a bump. Papers and conditions that change. You have to go to the immigration office one more time to hand in papers. SO WHAT????
I do not know what the average hourly rate of the readers is/was, but I estimate that most of them can spend many hours a year on your visa for € 2.700. Not to mention the average Thai hourly rate.
And well, I'm retired and have tons of time to do things like this at my leisure. No rush, no stress.
That's a disaster, once a year just drop by the immi for your extension last time here in Lamphun less than 20 minutes.
And you even have to pay that 1900 bath fee with the elite card
Just some paperwork and making a few copies that's it.
Or drop by once a year for the 90-day notification, last time less than 10 minutes and also quickly helped by a friendly and handsome female immi officer.
Which, by the way, could also be done via the mail and the internet, that 90-day notification, you don't have to leave the house at all.
Simple 8K on the couch will do and now 4K for the rest of the year.
Do you have things done financially here every year, why throw over the bar from 5K or much more for a visa with a friendly lady who has to be friendly to her company she works for.
And what good is it to me I live much more than 30 km from the nearest airport and I don't play golf either.
So that limo isn't taking me anywhere.
The last time I left Thailand was already more than 6 years ago, so I don't often need a re-entry.
Maybe just that one time, you never know.
Maybe I can get a discount on motorbike parts and accessories LOL.
The Thai elite card once invented by Thaksin Shinawatra.
Jan Beute.
What I would like to add is that a nice commercial of this elite card can be seen on Facebook every day, where I always imagined myself in a dream world.
Jan Beute.
Dear Jan,
I totally agree with your response. Wonder what the once-a-year "immigration torture" might entail? I too have been going to immigration for years for an annual extension and have no problem whatsoever with that: a document from the bank stating that I have 800K on my own fixed account, a few copies that I make myself at home, and that is It. And, after all, you have not lost that 800.000THB, it is and remains yours and, if you no longer need an annual extension, you can request it back at any time.
The elite visa is the biggest 'legal scam' ever made. What many do not realize is that you have indeed lost that 500.000THB and get practically NOTHING useful for most people in return. Yes, you do not need health insurance, but you do not have one and are therefore not insured in the event of hospitalization…..
The elite visa, as the name itself says: only good for certain business people who, annually, have to enter and leave Thailand several times, for the rest: an unnecessarily expensive joke.
This article is like promoting a Porsche Carrera4 as 'the family car' to make a weekly trip to the local Makro......
When asked, Harveylawgroup reports that this health insurance is currently a requirement when traveling into Thailand and currently also applies to Elite members.
Yes of course, and why not?
You only have to determine that 1.900 THB (after a year) if you stay here in Thailand!
If you leave the country only once during this period and come back in, you do not have to pay this and a term of 1 year starts again. Very easy.
Golf and a limo interest me equally.
And that name "Elite" I thoroughly dislike, but what do you want it is just the way it is.
As I have said here several times, my main concern is to get rid of the immigration hassle (for some more than for others) and to have no more stress, but peace and quiet.
And everyone decides for themselves.
I also looked and I think there is also a TE for 20 years for Thb 1.000.000.
That's 50.000 a year.
If my wife dies before I do, I will consider it (if still available)
After all, you will also lose that 800.000 thb in the bank until you leave TH.
Everyone has an opinion, freedom, happiness.
Indeed, many here are talking about that 800.000 THB, but bear in mind that you will not see anything of it yourself if you continue to live here! That's gone for life. And by only adding 200.000 THB you are relieved of all hassle for 20 years! And no more re-entry's, easy in and out of the country…
And assistance from TE with many of the issues you may run into here in the country…because trust me they have influence, of course within all that is legal.
What if you buy the Thai Elite card and you die within a few years. Money gone.
That 800.000 Baht still goes to the next of kin.
And what if you don't like it here anymore, or the Thais don't like you anymore?
Yes, you should personally consider all that carefully before making this decision.
Money doesn't take you with you when you die anyway.
And who will those next of kin be after 20 years? All a guess, those next of kin will also die.
But then you have had the peace and radiated to your relatives all the time you have lived is also worth a lot.
You will not hear me say that you have to spend your last penny on such a membership, it depends on your personal situation.
Do you have an Elite card, do you now need health insurance that covers USD$500.000 and Covid as well. This is a big uncertainty with this card, they are not willing to give that guarantee. This obligation has been introduced in existing contracts and must be fulfilled if you want to enter Thailand. The obligation could be reversed, but it is unknown whether this will happen. Elite Card holders can now travel, but all known conditions must be met. The other benefits are pleasant, but not worth much for a pensioner in practical terms. In the 2 million 20 year package you still have to pay an annual fee. This is not the case in the 1 million 20-year package. You have a multiple Re-Entry.
@ GeertP, Someone with a criminal sign around their neck will not get VIP status. Someone who has forgotten to hang that plate around his neck in the morning could well participate. There is no certainty that access to Thailand will continue to be guaranteed. TE is part of the Government. The Harveylawgroup is a sales channel for this product, but this Visa can also be purchased from many other places. Before purchasing the product, it is wise to properly assess the value of all ins and outs.
Very positive what the author writes. But he lives in Bangkok with his advisors/helpers, but someone who lives in Udon Thani, or Ratchatani gets that same service. Then I'd rather have those 800K in the bank that remain mine (or my heirs) than give away 500K or more to the government and never see it again. And the benefits aren't quite clear to me; being 70+ I get priority everywhere (road advantage). I'm happy to do that course to emigration 5 times a year (around the corner from me). Well, that re-entry requires an extra course, but it's no problem. And then have my hell and open it to the government? I must be crazy. DON'T is my advice.
I respect everyone's opinion.
I first wanted to write a vicious piece to this apparently 'well-to-do' gentleman.
Never mind, I thought then ……….. someone who cannot empathize with the situation of 90% of the expats is not worth the effort.
Go ahead dear Rene, I can take it if you have to, that's what I've learned.
But calling 90% of the pensioners living in Thailand destitute (because you hint that, right?) I think it's something…
Where do you get that figure 90% from?
I know two people with an elite card. Both are important business people who in one way or another have been able to include these costs as operating costs of the company. All in all, it costs them almost nothing.
I think you will rarely find people with such a card who will pay it purely with their own funds when no accounting loopholes are possible.
Ultimately, most of these cards are largely paid for by the taxpayer.
That's a global assumption you're making based on 2 people.
But you would still be surprised!
In any case, my membership is 100% paid by myself, the taxpayer has nothing to do with that.
Indeed, I also paid for my membership myself, also not helped by any company or any other support.
I have worked very hard all my life, more than 30 years abroad with working weeks of 80 to 100+ hours.
So well earned from which I am now reaping the benefits.
Do I feel elite? no absolutely not !
For me this is the perfect solution and yes I lost half a million, I choose that myself.
I have now been retired for 3 years at my own expense AOW and pension will not start until next year.
All this is possible for me because I just worked hard and saved. It's that simple.
So everyone has their own choice and I respect that too.
Regards, Antony
After reading all the comments pro and con, I must admit with surprise that together we are so different. what is “a torture” for one is an outing with the wife for the other, concluded with a dinner by the sea (Jomtien). What I wonder about is that the state will get a lot of money with this TEC. From 500000 to 1000000 bath, a fortune for most Thai people. When I look to myself; no money in the bank account, other than the bare essentials; but proof of the 65000 baht income for a NON-O visa. What I do do is spend enough money with the regular Thais. Food, drink, services, spend something on the market, put some money in a beggar's pocket. T-shirt here, shoes for madame there, a coco drink here or pressed sugar cane there. Spend as much money as possible on an ordinary Thai. The repairer of the clogged drain pipe. A piece that needs to be repainted. Guitar lessons for women! And in addition, will also distribute 900 bags of 5 kg of rice to poor people in 20 months. Poor people, who have been abandoned by the government, who will fill their very wide pockets even more through the TEC. Oh yes, the 90 day notification : from the second time you do that on-line, it will cost you less than 2 minutes of effort !!! And get my driver's license and recently for the first 5-year renewal. Piece of cake!! Just a few tests, waiting and chatting and getting to know new people and hop I was outside again. Annual renewal: ditto. Some copies, a photo, affividat, and bank statements from Belgium. A pleasant wait and hop, a little later at a restaurant with a new stamp. I really don't understand what all this whining is about. I have had to wait much longer in Belgium at the town hall or other authorities, just like we have to do in the Netherlands for my Thai wife's Dutch Int. Passport. Yes, we have to wait here and there in our lives, so what, chat, read a book, sit on your iPhone, or listen to some music via your iPod. Be happy that you can live here without any worries, eat, drink, laugh, drive around and enjoy the country of Thailand, so infinitely large and clean. In the end, I'd be embarrassed to tell anyone I passed a TEC. It is what it is and we know that very clearly : for the “Elite”, whatever it stands for !! Mvg Andre
Dear Andre, I respect your lifestyle let that be clear.
But each has its own living situation and its own past, partly with successes and partly with suffering, I admit that one is more of the one than the other. But that's how life is.
This is a blog where people can exchange thoughts about things.
Nor that a poor person should be ashamed should someone with a TEC be ashamed I thought, why should he? what did he do wrong?
You can become poor because of various things (sometimes through your own fault), you can also become wealthy because of a certain life pattern and some luck, but rarely without effort.
Yes, it is what it is and we must continue to wish each other well.