BREAKING NEWS - Increase In Elite Visa Fee

[Pilotman 18,336]

Just now, Caldera said:

Why not? I like it here. Just out of curiosity, what other country do you have in mind?

 

like I said.so do I, its not half bad at all.  Hypothetically, given if I was single, no family ties, it would be somewhere in the Caribbean, or  I would have stayed in Taiwan, where i was working.    

[owl sees all 7,802]

I like that touch.

 

15 hours ago, SCOTT FITZGERSLD said:

remitting the membership fee in full within 30 days

 

Makes you feel special.

[dbrenn 2,533]

17 hours ago, Pilotman said:

sorry, but I just don't get the Elite visa.  Money down the drain in my view. 

Depends how cashed up you are. For people who have the coin and don't mind paying, an Elite visa is a lot less hassle than navigating the Kafkaesque O visa regime. 

[findlay13 775]

16 hours ago, DavisH said:

Well, that will encourage more punters to live in Thailand during a world-wide pandemic  This is Thai economics 101 - if demand is low, increase the prices!

First time I saw this in my original tourist days, I was amazed.I'd been in high season first then returned in low season and all the bars resturants etc.were empty so up went the prices! Amazing Thailand!

[Ireland32 2,148]

Ridiculous 

[teacherclaire 1,858]

1. For all applications submitted after January 1, 2020, applicants will be required to pay the new price of 600,000 THB.

Must be a typo. Shouldn't it be January 2021? 

[ubonjoe 47,753]

10 minutes ago, teacherclaire said:

Shouldn't it be January 2021? 

Yes

[Pilotman 18,336]

1 hour ago, dbrenn said:

Depends how cashed up you are. For people who have the coin and don't mind paying, an Elite visa is a lot less hassle than navigating the Kafkaesque O visa regime. 

I use an agent each year to do the leg work for me, 15,000 Baht per year. Do 90 day online.  I haven't been near Immigration for a long time apart from once this year to get my CoR to renew my DL. . Its hardly a hassle. 

[natway09 5,067]

They could have waited until there was a world wise pandemic or some other disaster before putting the prices up.

But I must agree, if you are under 50 & have done well for yourself the Elite package does offer 

a great trouble free option, otherwise long term under 50 a real hassle if no Thai bride

[Pilotman 18,336]

16 minutes ago, natway09 said:

They could have waited until there was a world wise pandemic or some other disaster before putting the prices up.

But I must agree, if you are under 50 & have done well for yourself the Elite package does offer 

a great trouble free option, otherwise long term under 50 a real hassle if no Thai bride

nothing here is 'trouble free'. 

[Stevemercer 1,471]

AS some have said, it's all relative.

 

For a Thai person staying 5 years in Australia (on a study visa), the average cost would be about 25,000 dollars (500,000 Baht) for the 5 years.

 

Of course, there are no (effective) restrictions on working and most Thais would be able to pay their own way. But they need to raise an initial 150,000 Baht, upfront, to get their initial study visa, insurance, airline ticket etc.).

Edited November 20, 2020 by Stevemercer

[Bangkok Barry 9,115]

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Excellent option especially if your under 50 and not married to a Thai. 

Money is a relative thing. 

I suppose. But plenty of countries around the world where you don't have to pay such a fee. I'd go for one of those, personally.

[khunPer 6,085]

On 11/19/2020 at 1:29 PM, Pilotman said:

sorry, but I just don't get the Elite visa.  Money down the drain in my view. 

For some, while for others a million baht – or the increased value – is it worth the money for permission to stay long term in Thailand without retirement- or family obligations...

[dbrenn 2,533]

14 hours ago, Pilotman said:

I use an agent each year to do the leg work for me, 15,000 Baht per year. Do 90 day online.  I haven't been near Immigration for a long time apart from once this year to get my CoR to renew my DL. . Its hardly a hassle. 

Each to his own. But even if you use an agent, you still have to prepare all the documents, photos, maps, etc. Plus you have the worry of constant and irrational rule changes. 

 

A 5 or 20 year Elite visa gives freedom from all that - buy it and forget it - which is something a lot of people feel is worth paying for.

Edited November 20, 2020 by dbrenn

[daveAustin 11,504]

Elite still go to 90-day report and extension don't they?