The number of Japanese people living in Thailand is approaching 100,000, making Thailand’s the 4th highest population of Japanese outside of Japan itself (after the United States, China and Australia). The number of Japanese members with the Thailand Elite is increasing each year.
There are several sources for this Japanese exodus. Large Japanese corporations or government organizations send a large proportion of people as expatriates.
A second smaller group is individual business people or entrepreneurs who feel that they have a better chance of setting up their business and opportunities in Thailand than in their more expensive Japanese homeland.
More recently young people working in Japanese contact centres and other business process outsourcing firms providing Japanese-language services are a significant number. Plus digital nomads, increasingly compose a percentage of these Japanese expatriates shifting to Thailand.
Lastly, there is a significant group of investors, particularly in real estate, who have relocated to Thailand. This is not just those who are investing in Thailand itself, but financiers with interests regionally across South East Asia who choose to base in Bangkok.
The Japanese Trade Centre in Bangkok has made a big difference as many Japanese companies see it as a very powerful support. Couple this with the opportunities they see in Thailand and the forces become clear.
There are several other less apparent key factors in talking to all these groups. First, Thailand’s relatively low cost of living means that, even with a lesser salary than they might receive in Tokyo, they can actually have a better lifestyle. They particularly cite apartment rental where they can afford a 4, 6 or even 8 times larger apartment in Bangkok.
Other concerns are better weather, a more relaxed environment without the social pressures of Japan, the ease of regional travel and the variety of things to see and do. In this last respect the proliferation of golf courses around Bangkok and the Japanese obsession with the sport are a consideration for many.
An interesting development over the last few years is the growth in the numbers of these Japanese gaining their residence visas through the Thailand Elite program. Today a startling 10 % of all Thailand Elite Visa holders, originating from around the world, are from just one country – Japan. Further, the number using the Thailand Elite Visa is growing by the hundreds each year.
They see the Thailand Elite program as being good value for money; they like the Japanese language support; and they hear from many compatriots about the advantages.
This visa offers residency in Thailand for a period of 5 to 20 years with benefits, in exchange for a membership fee of at least THB 600,000 (USD 17,000 at the time of writing). The authorities grant your visa for periods of 5-years and it is renewable. It allows unlimited multiple entries.
For travellers, the Thailand Elite Visa offers VIP greeting and escort on arrival and departure by Personal Assistants on international flights, as well as exclusive Fast Track immigration and passport control upon arrival and departure. Plus, there are complimentary round-trip limousine transfers (for selected programs) and complimentary use of Miracle arrival and departure lounges.
There are also extensive Government concierge services for business networking & immigration services. They can also help with facilitation of Thai driver’s license and Thai bank account opening with a foreign currency.
There is no requirement with the Thailand Elite Visa for medical insurance and membership gives substantial special discounts at selected partners such as duty-free shops, hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Japanese speaking customer support staff is available at the Thailand Elite support centre, one of the most attractive elements. This is both a valuable tool and a huge reassurance to many. Whatever the situation they can reach someone who speaks Japanese fluently to act and assist.
To find out more about the Thailand Elite Visa, please visit www.thaielite-express.com or our newly launched Japanese website https://thaielite-express.com/ja/.
Thaielite Express has been an authorized General Sales and Services Agent since 2013. We hope that with our guide, you can better comprehend Thai Elite Visa costs and benefits and find a suitable option. Should you have any questions, however, please do not hesitate to visit our website for more details on Thailand Elite Visa and Membership, or send your questions directly to us via email: bastien@thaielite-express.com. We support English, French, German, Japanese, Turkish, and Chinese languages. We reply within 24 hours.
Walk-in consultancy is welcome at our Bangkok office at 1 Empire Tower, River Wing East, 29th fl., Tower 2, Unit 2904 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 Thailand, Tel: +66 2 670 1848.
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