(Content updated January 31, 2023) A rapidly rising number of travellers are looking to move to Thailand for longer periods, or even permanently. The Thai Elite-Visa is the key because it is hugely attractive to many and has levels explicitly for long-term stays.
The Elite Ultimate Privilege (Grand Package) is for a 20-year visa and costs THB 2,140,000, (about USD60,000 at time of writing or the equivalent of USD 3,000 per year) with an annual fee of THB 21,400 (USD 600).
The Elite Superiority Extension also gives a 20-year visa and costs THB 1,000,000 (USD 28,000 or USD 1,400 per year). The difference lies in the extra benefits that are available with higher levels.
There are many other types of membership for lesser time periods (5 years to 20 years) and for lower costs. For more information, please visit the website Thai Elite Visa costs . This also lays out the different benefits.
Those benefits can include a free limousine to and from the airport when flying, a fast track through immigration and use of an airport lounge. There are also discounts with spas, golf, health centres, shopping malls, duty free, hotels, restaurants and other selected partners.
As well, an official concierge helps with setting up bank accounts, getting a drivers license and any government or immigration requirements.
A second advantage of living in Thailand is a high standard of living, but at a low cost.
According to Numbeo.com and Livingcost.org, the cost of a mid-level life style in an average United States city is 195% higher or almost 3 times that of Bangkok. Groceries cost 83 % more, a restaurant 235% and rent is 260% greater in the United States versus Bangkok.
Further, that is Thailand’s capital, the most expensive place to live in the country. The beach resort of Pattaya, about 2 hours from Bangkok is 25 % cheaper; Chiang Mai the main centre in the mountainous north is 35 % less; so is Phuket; as are most of the other cities.
Given the services available and the outstanding rental and lifestyle many foreigners, especially retirees and digital nomads, choose to live outside of Bangkok.
First timers always seem to like the Thai beach areas which can be beautiful and very laidback. Phuket, Hua Hin and Pattaya, all on the beach are very popular. Phuket is an island, but has its own international airport, so many regional executives base there.
It is a major tourist area, so there are lots of restaurants, movie theatres, shopping malls and things to do, from any type of water sports to golf to motorbikes and 4-wheel driving. But apart from the few tourist zones, it is basically living on a relaxed tropical island – with all the modern conveniences!
Nonthaburi on the northern outskirts of the capital, Hat Yai down south and the 4 centres of Esan are all popular.
The other very popular destination for resident foreigners is the mountains in the north of the country around Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Again, there are all the infrastructure and services you could want.
For couples the mountains in the north are cooler, very beautiful and there are some amazing places to live, more like super luxury designer condominiums in the States, but for very little money.
For questions, you can go through our website Thaielite Express, the authorized General Sales and Services Agent for Thai Elite for 10 years. We can provide you the information that you need to know and help you to decide the best Thailand Elite Visa program for you, answer all your questions, and even help with the application process.
You can visit our website, and find out more about Thai Elite Visa information also the fee of the programs, as well as details on the various privileges. You can also send the questions directly which usually replies within a day. You can even apply for the Thailand Elite Visa online via the website.
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