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Thailand Privilege Announces New Membership Application Policy: Open to All Nationalities

Streamlined Application Process and Eligibility Accessibility for Future Global Residents

In a significant update, Thailand Privilege Card has officially announced that it will now accept membership applications from all nationalities, with the single exception of North Korea. The policy shift–effective immediately–marks a progressive step in the ongoing evolution of Thailand’s long term residency visa program, which aims to offer unparalleled privileges and residency options for individuals from around the world.

A New Era for Thailand Privilege Membership

The Thailand Privilege Card program previously limited membership for citizens of 29 specific countries, as mandated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This restriction was largely influenced by geopolitical, diplomatic, and security considerations. As a result, many individuals who sought the benefits of long-term residency in Thailand through the program were unable to apply due to their nationality.

However, recent data from the Immigration Office has shown a consistent rise in visitors from these previously restricted nations, leading to a reassessment of the policy. This new information highlights an increasing demand for long-term residency opportunities among these populations.

Recognizing the shift, Thailand Privilege has now updated its policy to allow citizens from all nations, except North Korea, to apply for membership.

Thailand’s Appeal for Long-Term Residency

Thailand has long been recognized as a top destination for expatriates and long-term visitors, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, stunning landscapes, dynamic economy, rich cultural heritage, and affordable cost of living. As a result, many individuals from around the world have chosen to make Thailand their second home. Among the most popular avenues for obtaining long-term residency has been the Thailand Privilege program, which offers exclusive benefits and convenience to its members.

The advantages of the Thailand Privilege Card go well beyond simply securing residency. Members enjoy a host of privileges, including VIP services at airports, access to a government concierge, and invitations to exclusive events, among other perks. These benefits are designed to simplify and elevate the experience of living in Thailand, offering a more enjoyable and hassle-free lifestyle.

With the updated membership policy, individuals from previously restricted countries now have the opportunity to apply and take advantage of these unique benefits, further enhancing the Thailand Privilege Card’s reputation as one of the most sought-after residency options in Thailand.

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Ensuring Security and Compliance with Background Checks

Although Thailand Privilege has expanded its eligibility to a wider range of applicants, it is essential to emphasize that the background check process remains stringent and thorough. Security continues to be a top priority, and every membership application will undergo detailed compliance checks by Thailand’s four major organizations:

Immigration Office: The Immigration Office will conduct a detailed review of the applicant’s history, ensuring that their presence in Thailand would not pose a risk to national security or public safety.
Department of Consular Affairs: This department will verify the applicant’s documents and consular records, ensuring that their application meets all necessary legal and diplomatic criteria.
Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police: The Foreign Affairs Division plays a crucial role in cross-referencing the applicant’s background with international law enforcement agencies to identify any potential security risks.
Central Investigation Bureau: Finally, the Central Investigation Bureau will conduct an in-depth investigation to assess the applicant’s overall suitability for the Thailand Privilege Card program.

This multi-layered background check process ensures that only individuals who meet Thailand’s strict security and compliance standards are granted membership. By upholding these high standards of due diligence, the former Thailand Elite program continues to provide a secure and professional pathway for welcoming expatriates to Thailand.

A New Chapter of Thailand Privilege Card

Thailand Privilege’s decision to lift nationality restrictions and open up its membership program to citizens from all countries except North Korea marks a significant milestone in the program’s history. This progressive move reflects Thailand’s commitment to becoming a more inclusive destination for expatriates, investors, and global citizens seeking long-term residency.

With the background check process still ensuring the security and integrity of the program, the Thailand Privilege Card continues to be one of the most attractive residency options in Southeast Asia. For potential applicants, this policy change represents a golden opportunity to become part of Thailand’s thriving community and enjoy the many privileges that come with membership.

Take the time to assess your move to Thailand. Explore which Thailand Privilege membership packages are most suitable for your lifestyle: Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Reserve membership packages. For more information or tailored assistance, contact us by email at btrelcat@thaielite-express.com or call +66 2 670 1848.

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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?

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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Thailand Privilege Announces New Membership Application Policy: Open to All Nationalities

Streamlined Application Process and Eligibility Accessibility for Future Global Residents

A New Era for Thailand Privilege Membership

Thailand’s Appeal for Long-Term Residency

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