The New Thailand Elite Visa Memberships for 2024

For 2024, the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC) revamped its visa program, enhancing the Thailand Elite Visa program. With this change, TPC, a government-owned entity,  introduced a new and improved visa option known as the Thailand Privilege Visa with a privilege point system.

If you have a Thailand Elite visa, it stays valid according to your initial agreement, but you can’t renew it. If you have any of the Thai Elite Visas mentioned below and wish to switch to the new Thailand Privilege, it’s advisable to do so before your current membership ends. This ensures you experience a seamless transition to the new program for a reduced price without any immigration hiccups and you can enjoy more benefits. Here are the types of Thai Privilege memberships that you can upgrade to:

• Thailand Privilege Gold Membership
• Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership
• Thailand Privilege Diamond Membership
• Thailand Privilege Reserve Membership

To switch to the new membership, you must apply for the upgrade at least three months before your current Elite Visa Membership ends. This process will involve different fees and conditions depending on the membership you currently hold, and the Thailand Privilege Visa Membership you want to apply for.

Why Upgrade Your Thailand Elite Visa to Thailand Privilege?

The Thailand Privilege Visa program has several advantages over the old Thai Elite Visa program that make it a more convenient and rewarding visa solution.

• Simplified Application Process

A streamlined application with fewer requirements, particularly beneficial for families looking for hassle-free long-term residency in Thailand.

• Improved Benefits

More benefits than the previous Elite Visa, improving the overall living experience in Thailand.

• Customizable Perks

A new points system that allows for personalized benefits, giving you control over what you get.

• Longer Validity

Extended validity options across various membership levels, from 5 years to 20 years, make this an attractive option if you are wishing to stay in Thailand long-term.

What Are the News Thailand Privilege Membership Tiers?

Gold Membership

Thailand Privilege Gold membership is the entry point for the Thailand Privilege program, which is perfect if you are looking for a simple, streamlined way to access long-term residency in Thailand. You can get all the perks of a Thailand Privilege membership without the steep commitment.

• Price: 900,000 THB per applicant
• Term: 5 years
• Privilege Points (per year): 20 points

If you are holding the Elite Easy Access, you can shift to Gold membership without extra upgrade fees, yet a yearly membership fee of 50,000 THB applies for the rest of your Elite Easy Access term. On the other hand, if you are holding an Elite Family Excursion, upgrading will cost a 100,000 THB fee and a yearly fee of 50,000 THB.

Platinum Membership

If you currently have one of the Thai Elite memberships, including Elite Easy Access, Elite Family Alternative, Elite Family Excursion, Elite Privilege Access, or Elite Superiority Extension Membership, you have the option to upgrade to the new Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership.

To understand the value of the Platinum upgrade, let’s take a look at what it will give you:

Platinum Membership Tier Overview:

• Normal Price for Primary Applicant: 1,500,000 THB
• Normal Price for Each Additional Applicant: 1,000,000 THB per applicant
• Membership Term: 10 years
• Privilege Points (per year): 35 points

For those in a Thai Elite Visa, upgrading to the Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership will get you better benefits, improving your time in Thailand. This is also the first and most affordable tier that allows for family Thailand Privilege memberships for a reduced rate. The fees required are the same across the board for all accepted Thai Elite memberships.

• Upgrade Fee: 100,000 THB
• Annual Maintenance Fee: 75,000 THB (for the rest of your current term)

Diamond Membership

If you’re part of any Thai Elite Visa membership, you can upgrade to a Thailand Privilege Diamond membership. Diamond offers the most benefits and longest visa duration available to the general public, exceeded only by the invite-only Reserve tier. Family memberships are also available with a Diamond membership.

This step requires a 100,000 THB upgrade fee. After upgrading, the annual fee you’ll pay depends on your previous membership type:

• Elite Ultimate Privilege members will have an annual fee of 50,000 THB.
• Members from the Elite Family Premium and Elite Superiority Extension will face an annual fee of 100,000 THB.
• Those with Elite Privilege Access, Elite Easy Access, and Elite Family Excursion memberships will have an annual fee of 125,000 THB.
• Elite Family Alternative members will be charged an annual fee of 150,000 THB.

Lifetime Members benefit greatly as they don’t need to pay the upgrade fee or any annual fees when moving to the Diamond membership.

If you were to apply for a Thai Privilege Diamond membership from square one without upgrading, this is what it will look like for you:

• Membership cost (primary applicant): 2,500,000 THB
• Membership cost (per additional applicant): 1,500,000 THB per applicant
• Membership term: 15 years
• Privilege points (per year): 55 points

Reserve Membership

Upon invitation, all Thai Elite membership holders can upgrade to the prestigious Thailand Privilege Reserve membership, regardless of their current membership category. This is the highest tier of Thailand Privilege, granting maximum benefits and virtually a lifetime membership. The upgrade requires a standard fee of 100,000 THB for everyone.

After upgrading, the annual fees depend on your original Thai Elite Visa membership, as follows:

• Members with Elite Ultimate Privilege, Elite Superiority Extension, Elite Privilege Access, Elite Easy Access, and Elite Family Excursion memberships will pay an annual fee of 225,000 THB.
• Elite Family Premium and Elite Family Alternative members will have an annual fee of 250,000 THB.

However, if you didn’t go this route, this is what it will look like applying directly for a Thai Privilege Reserve membership:
 

• Membership cost (primary applicant): 5,000,000 THB
• Membership cost (per additional applicant): 2,000,000 THB per applicant
• Membership term: 20+ years
• Privilege points (per year): 120 points

Lifetime members can upgrade with a one-time payment of 2,500,000 THB, without needing to pay any annual fees afterward. This special option underlines the Thai Elite program’s commitment to offering flexible and exclusive upgrade opportunities, ensuring a higher level of service and benefits for its valued members.

What Documents Do You Need?

To upgrade your Thailand Privilege membership, you need to submit a set of essential documents for a compliant transition. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. A completed and signed Thailand Privilege membership application form. Note that there are different forms for each of the four membership tiers, reflecting the customized services and privileges offered.
2. A photocopy of your current Thailand Privilege membership card as evidence of your membership.
3. A signed Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) form, showing your agreement to how your personal data is handled according to privacy laws.
4. A color photocopy of your passport, including the signature page, which must have at least 12 months of validity left. This confirms your identity and legal travel status.
5. A recent, color, passport-sized photo for use in the membership system for identification.
6. If adding family members to your membership, you might need to provide additional documents like birth or marriage certificates to confirm your relationship with the added members.

For a smoother process, it’s recommended to work with an accredited General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA). These organizations are authorized by the Thai government to offer free, professional support to both potential and existing members during their application or upgrade, ensuring an efficient and straightforward process.

What is the Application Process?

To start upgrading your Thailand Privilege membership, follow these detailed steps for a smooth and effective process:

1. Send Documents to GSSA: Gather and submit all required documents, such as the completed and signed application and Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) forms, a photocopy of your current membership card, a copy of your passport, and a recent passport-sized photo, to your chosen General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA).
2. GSSA Reviews and Submits Application: Your GSSA will review your application to catch any mistakes or missing pieces. Once everything is confirmed to be correct, they will forward your application to the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. for processing.
3. Background Check by Thai Immigration: The Thai Immigration will conduct a thorough background check to verify your eligibility for the upgraded membership. This will take around 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Approval and Payment: If you pass the background check, you will receive an approval letter. Following this, you must pay the full membership fee directly to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. The confirmation of your payment will take another 1 to 2 weeks. After your payment has been verified, you will receive your welcome kit within 5 to 10 working days.
5. Receive Welcome Letter and Membership Details: After your payment is confirmed, you’ll get a welcome letter from the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. that includes your membership number and instructions for getting your new visa. The whole process takes between 1 to 3 months.
6. Visa Affixation Appointment: The last step involves scheduling an appointment with Thai immigration, an international airport, or your nearest Thai embassy/consulate to have the new visa placed in your passport.

This thorough method ensures you are guided through each part of the upgrade, from the initial application to receiving your new visa, making the transition to your upgraded Thailand Privilege membership as smooth as possible.

What is the Processing Time?

Upgrading a Thai Elite membership goes through various steps, each with its own timeframe.

1. First, background checks are done, taking about 4 to 6 weeks.
2. Then, confirming your payment takes another 1 to 2 weeks.
3. After your payment is verified, you’ll receive your welcome kit within 5 to 10 working days, marking the end of the process.

Altogether, these steps usually take 1 to 3 months to complete on average. However, the time might vary based on your nationality and personal details, which could lengthen the process.

Why Choose Siam Legal as your General Sales and Services Agent?

When choosing a GSSA to help with your Thailand Privilege membership application or upgrade, picking a trusted and competent agent is vital. Although these agents are officially recognized by the government, they are private businesses, so the service quality can vary.

When ready to apply, reach out to Siam Legal, a leading international law firm recognized for its expertise and high-quality service in assisting clients from across the globe to acquire Thailand Elite Visa. We operate on a large scale and have a strong track record of success, with a client satisfaction rate well above the industry average. Like all GSSAs, Siam Legal provides services at no cost to you, ensuring you can get professional help without additional expenses. Our Thailand Privilege team will guide you through every step of the application or upgrade process, answer any questions you have, and handle your application personally to ensure the shortest timeline and the maximum chances for approval.

Contact Siam Legal to get started on your application journey right away:

• Name: Siam Legal International (Bangkok Office)
• Address: Two Pacific Place 18th Floor Unit 1806, 142 Sukhumvit Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
• Phone: +66 80-005-9642
• Email: [email protected]

Contact us: https://www.siam-legal.com/elite/