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Comparing Thailand Privilege Card and Destination Thailand Visa: Which One is Right for You?

Exploring Your Choices: Thailand Privilege Card vs. Destination Thailand Visa (DTV)

Are you considering relocating to Thailand? Two popular visa options available to applicants are the Thailand Privilege Card (formerly known as “Thailand Elite”) and the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV). While both offer extended stay options, they differ significantly in terms of benefits and requirements. In this article, we’ll compare the two visas and highlight the advantages of the Thailand Privilege Card.

Thailand Privilege Card: Comprehensive Long-Term Stay Solution

The Thailand Privilege Card is a long-term tourist visa designed to simplify the relocation process with a host of benefits. Here’s why it might be the right choice for you:

  • Extended Stay Duration: Depending on the membership option chosen, members can stay in Thailand for up to 20 years. This eliminates the need for frequent renewals, visa runs, and bureaucratic hassles.
  • Priority Access and Personal Assistance: Enjoy priority access to personal assistance services, including a dedicated line at the airport and help with immigration procedures.
  • Health and Wellness Benefits: The card includes complimentary health check-ups and discounts at top medical institutions, ensuring your health needs are well taken care of.
  • Leisure and Lifestyle Perks: Benefit from discounts at popular retail stores, fine dining establishments, and wealth advisory services. The card also provides access to a dedicated member hotline for 24/7 support.

Stay in Thailand long-term.
With a Privilege Entry Visa
that is valid from
5 years up to 20 years.

DTV

Destination Thailand Visa (DTV): Designed for Remote Workers and Digital Nomads

In contrast, the Destination Thailand Visa (DTV) caters specifically to remote workers and digital nomads. Here’s what you need to know about this visa:

  • Five-Year Multiple-Entry Visa: The DTV offers a five-year multiple-entry visa, allowing holders to stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with an option to extend for another 180 days.
  • Work Limitations: Like the Thailand Privilege Card, DTV holders are not permitted to work for a Thai company under this visa, which may limit job opportunities.
  • Visa Change Restrictions: Changing your visa type will terminate your DTV, meaning you’ll need to apply for a new visa and potentially face additional requirements if you switch or leave Thailand temporarily.

Choosing the Right Visa for Your Needs

When deciding between the Thailand Privilege Card and the Destination Thailand Visa, consider the purpose of your stay in Thailand:

  • Thailand Privilege Card: Ideal for those seeking a comprehensive solution that covers all aspects of life in Thailand, including leisure activities and health services.
  • Destination Thailand Visa: Best suited for remote workers and digital nomads who do not require extensive support services and are comfortable with the visa’s limitations.

Conclusion: Which Visa is Right for You?

While both visas offer extended stay options in Thailand, the Thailand Privilege Card stands out as a more comprehensive solution with its long-term validity, priority services, health and wellness benefits, and lifestyle perks. On the other hand, the Destination Thailand Visa is tailored for remote workers and digital nomads with its specific entry and work conditions.

When deciding between these two visas, consider your specific needs and requirements. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of each visa before making a decision. If you’re unsure about which visa is right for you,  feel free to reach out via email at btrelcat@harveylawgroupthailand.comor call us at +66 2 670 1848.

Stay in Thailand long-term.
With a Privilege Entry Visa
that is valid from
5 years up to 20 years.

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Frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for Thai elite visa?
The applicant/the Member must have and maintain to have the following qualifications: Being allowed to stay in Thailand in accordance with the immigration laws or any related law of Thailand.(no overstay record) Holding foreign passport. Not having been sentenced by a judgment to imprisonment in any countries except for an offense committed through negligence. Not having been adjudicated bankrupt. Not having been declared as a person of unsound mind incompetence, or quasi incompetent.
How long can I stay in Thailand with Elite Visa?
Thailand Elite offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of your visa during the validity of the membership. Each time a member goes through the Thai immigration, he/she will automatically get a one-year visa stamp in his/her passport until expiration of the membership. If the member happens to stay for more than 1-year consecutively in Thailand, then a simple renewal at the immigration office will grant another 1-year visa stamp.
Is Thailand Elite a scam?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a program initiated and approved by the Royal Thai government in 2003. The Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd, which runs the Elite Visa program is a fully owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. ThaiElite-Express empowered by HLG Law Firm is an authorized sale agent.
Can I work with Thailand Elite?
After becoming an Elite member and obtaining your Thailand Elite Visa, you can apply anytime to a non-immigrant business visa and a work permit allowing you to work in Thailand. You also have the option of applying to the Elite Flexible Plus, invest at least 1 million USD in Thailand either in real estate, a limited or public company, or in stock exchange, and be granted a work permit.
How do I pay for Thailand Elite?
The payment is required only after submission of your application, the immigration background check by the Thai immigration, and receipt of the Approval Letter by email. Applicants could then choose to proceed to their membership fee by local or overseas bank transfer, credit card or depositing money to Thailand Elite bank account directly.
Is the Thailand Elite visa for Digital Nomads?
The Thailand Elite Visa is perfectly suitable for Digital Nomads. As business or retirement visas are not necessary a good match for digital nomads, the Elite Visa answers to all nomads with numerous privileges to cater members’ needs. With very little documentation needed, as well as the flexibility of applying from anywhere, regardless abroad, on arrival, or within Thailand. The process is seamless and fast. Moreover, from a study by The Instant Group, Bangkok has recently been voted as the world’s second-best city to work in as a digital nomad (best city in Asia). This is down to the innumerable benefits in which Bangkok brings, which are but not limited to; Internet broadband speed, culture, scenery, transportation, weather, affordability, cuisine, and more. Having already welcomed 35 million digital nomads from all over the world, in 2021, it’s forecasted that there would be more arrivals to the Land of Smiles with constant technological and infrastructure improvements.
What is the long term visa available in Thailand?
Applying to a Thailand Elite program is a viable and easy solution to stay and live for a long period of time in Thailand. Only Thailand Elite can offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of the visa during the validity of the applicant membership. As of today, all other non-immigrant visa options are limited to a validity period of 1 or 2 years.
Thailand elite vs Retirement Visa
To retire in Thailand, the Elite Visa is a worry-free option compared to the Retirement Visa from the application, during holding period to the renewable. At the application time, for an Elite, the documentation is minimal, and no medical insurance nor proof of funds is required for instance. During the holding period, Elite members enjoy numerous privileges such as an assistance for their 90 days report, a fast track at the airport immigration, the lounge access and airport limousine, assistance in opening a bank account in local or foreign currency, a 24/7 call center and much more. The Elite Visa offers you an easy renewable of the Privilege Entry Visa for the duration of your membership.
What is the long term visa available in Thailand?
Applying to a Thailand Elite program is a viable and easy solution to stay and live for a long period of time in Thailand. Only Thailand Elite can offer a 5,10 or 20 years membership and ensure the renewal of the visa during the validity of the applicant membership. As of today, all other non-immigrant visa options are limited to a validity period of 1 or 2 years.
Is the Thailand Elite Visa legit?
The Thailand Elite Visa is a legal and legit program under Thai law to stay long-term in Thailand. The “Thailand Elite” is operated by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. It has been initiated in 2003 by the Royal Thai Government itself. The company is fully owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, under the Ministry of Tourism and Sport.

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