Thailand Elite members warned about overstaying

[snoop1130 12,650]

Thailand Elite members warned about overstaying

 

Thailand Elite file photo

 

It may have cost them the best part of 1 million baht but don’t think Thailand  Elite members get an easy ride should they overstay their permission to remain in the country.

 

Thailand Elite has this week warned its members about the severe penalties for overstaying in Thailand. 

 

According to the firm which operates Thailand’s exclusive long stay visa program, “many”Thailand Elite members have been found to have overstayed.  

 

Cases of overstay appear to have occured at the end of the last visa amnesty, with members failing to apply for an extension of stay within the required time limit. 

 

Earlier this week, the company sent a memo (below) to members warning them of the penalties for foreigners who overstay in Thailand. 

 

Members who overstay were warned they face a 20,000 baht fine or could even be barred from Thailand for one year.

 

A Thailand Elite member in Hua Hin who spoke to Thaivisa on the condition of anonymity confirmed he had received the memo.

 

“Thankfully it doesn’t affect me but I was quite surprised they were warning members about overstay”, he said. 

 

 

“You normally read about criminals, backpackers or older guys who have run out money overstaying their visas, not people who spend a million baht to stay in Thailand!

 

“What I didn’t understand after I read the email was that Thailand Elite normally contact you when you need to renew, they certainly did with me. So I am still not sure how they can let people overstay. 

 

“Maybe I am just not fully aware of the renewal process but I thought it was pretty impossible to overstay on Thailand Elite, as they contacted you to remind you to renew”.

 

Thailand Elite membership allows stays of between 5 and 20 years, with prices ranging from 600,000 baht to 2 million baht.

 

Last November, it was announced the cost of the 5-year “Easy Access” visa would increase  by 20% from January, to 600,000 baht.

 

Thailand Elite reported a surge in new members during the COVID-19 pandemic with 2,674 people signing up from January to September 2020.

 

Around 11,200 people are understood to hold Thailand Elite membership, as part of 9 different packages offered by Thailand Privilege Card. 

 

Most members are from China, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and the US. The company has said previously it expects  to sign up at least another 2,700 members in 2021.

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2021-01-26

 

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[NCC1701A 53,730]

3 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

A Thailand Elite member in Hua Hin who spoke to Thaivisa on the condition of anonymity confirmed he had received the memo.

it was not me.

 

I did speak to Thaivsia about the invisible dome that covers all of Hua Hin so you can't leave. 

[ukrules 21,523]

You renew your permission to stay once a year, everyone should know that. The TE visa is all about the '1 year stamp'.

 

You can tell by the stamp in the passport - it has an expiry date on it - that's the date to renew by

 

There must be some real dummys out there.

 

I also got an email from them today, I rolled my eyes and moved onto the next spam.

[billd766 26,638]

Not me either as I am on a marriage extension that needs renewing in October.

 

However, what a way to treat people who pay 500,000 to 2 million baht.

[WineOh 5,114]

Like throwing your money into a bottomless pit.

 

Anyone who buys into this 'elite' nonsense needs to give their head a serious wobble. 

Edited January 26 by WineOh

[sammieuk1 20,673]

She has her hand in the correct position for a warm welcome  

[AlfHuy 2,740]

11 minutes ago, sammieuk1 said:

She has her hand in the correct position for a warm welcome  

NO. She thinks, hey, look at me, I am your representative.

He starring to the Immi girl and she starring back.
Hmmm, this guy put a lot of money on the table for this sticker in his passport.

Could be something for me as well lol.

[pixelaoffy 1,908]

Naive stupidity to pay up to 2 million baht and expect to be treated respectfully by Thailand ... I mean cmon you're farang 

[Maha Sarakham 302]

Is there any reason to actually get a Thailand Elite Membership if you qualify for either the Retirement or Marriage Visas?  Not seeing the appeal...

[Snig27 4,829]

36 minutes ago, WineOh said:

Anyone who buys into this 'elite' nonsense needs to give their head a serious wobble.

Sounds like you got turned down 555

[GrandPapillon 656]

might be a good idea at the end, the requirements are getting ridiculous for regular long term visa, it's all about making money at the end

[WineOh 5,114]

22 minutes ago, Snig27 said:

Sounds like you got turned down 555

I wouldn't even dream of applying.

 

My YEARLY extensions cost 1,900 baht.

 

Tell me exactly what is worth 1 million baht for practically the same visa????

Is it the glass of warm champagne and the limo at the airport?  

Gimme a cold beer and a grab taxi any day of the week bud! 

Edited January 26 by WineOh

[JonnyF 14,079]

Like many things in Thailand, you cease to be special once the money changes hands .

 

Elite service? Hardly.

 

There's an interesting post on here today where a 20 year member was treated like shheeit by some low ranking immigration officer when renewing.

 

No surprise frankly. It's all wais and promises until they have the cash.

 

Best to keep your powder dry and mainly overseas. Once they have it, it's onto the next sucka. 

[Poet 2,155]

What a government! They can't even execute consistently on "Money Number One".

[JonnyF 14,079]

13 minutes ago, GrandPapillon said:

might be a good idea at the end, the requirements are getting ridiculous for regular long term visa, it's all about making money at the end

Chill Winston, once the cash runs out the requirements will ease and the fake smiles will return.