In order to stay in Thailand for a long period of time, you will need to obtain some kind of visa. Thailand has a variety of visas, but the one that is currently attracting attention as it allows you to stay in Thailand for a fairly long period of time is Thailand Privilege (formerly known as Thailand Elite).
This time, we interviewed Mr. Yabe from the Thailand Privilege official agency (Thailand) Elitevisa Information Center about the overview of Thailand Privilege and his efforts as a Thailand Privilege agency, and we have summarized information related to Thailand Privilege. Please take a look if you are thinking of moving or staying in Thailand for a long time.
*Since Thailand Elite started in 2003, membership has been revised several times. This article contains the details of the new membership program that started on October 1, 2023. Since 2023, the name has been changed from “Thailand Elite” to “Thailand Privilege”, so the introduction name in this article will be referred as “Thailand Privilege”.
Masanao Yabe
(Thailand) Representative Director of Elitevisa Information Center. As an official agent of Thailand Elite, we work closely with the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. to promote Thailand Elite through numerous events such as Japan Roadshow (Thailand long-term stay seminar) and Thailand Elite Cup.
What is Thailand Privilege?
Suzuki (interviewer)：What kind of program is Thailand Privilege?
Mr. Yabe：Thailand Privileges is a national program designed to enable long-term stays for foreigners. Started in 2003, it is operated by a state-owned enterprise (Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd.) directly managed by the Tourism Authority of the Kingdom of Thailand. Once you become a member, you will be issued a 5-year multiple entry visa. This is a program where members with a maximum of 20 years will be issued a 20-year visa, allowing them to move to Thailand or travel frequently.
Suzuki：You will be able to stay there for quite a long time. I have heard that the number of Thai Privilege members is increasing, but how many members do they currently have?
Mr. Yabe：As of September 2023, there are approximately 35,000 people worldwide. There are approximately 5,000 Japanese members. Our members range from investors, entrepreneurs, people who frequently travel to Thailand, digital nomads, people who want to stay in Thailand for a long time after retirement, and people who want to stay in Thailand for a long time for educational purposes.
Thailand Privilege overview and membership list
Suzuki：I would like to know more about Thailand Privilege in detail. What is the content of the program?
Mr. Yabe：Thailand Privilege has 4 memberships. The length of stay is different for each, but the details are as follows.
1. Gold Membership
Membership : THB900,000 (approximately 3.6 million yen)
Period: 5 years
Points: 20 points awarded per year
2. Platinum Membership
Membership : THB1,500,000 (approximately 6 million yen)
Period: 10 years
Points: 35 points awarded per year
3. Diamond Membership
Membership : THB2,500,000 (approximately 10 million yen)
Period: 15 years
Points: 55 points awarded per year
4. Reserve Membership
Membership : THB5,000,000 (approximately 20 million yen)
Term: 20 years ++ (can be extended every 5 years at 10%)
Points: 120 points awarded annually
*Only applicable to fewer than 100 invitees per year
Thailand Privilege Membership Benefits
Members of Thailand Privileges enjoy various benefits.
A point system has been introduced from October 1, 2023. A certain number of points are awarded each year for each membership, and the points received can be exchanged for various benefits.
<Example of point exchange>
Redeem for various benefits such as limousine transportation, golf, spa, health checkup, horseback riding, etc.
In addition, benefits that all members can receive include receiving multiple visas depending on the membership period and VIP treatment at the airport when entering and leaving the country.
Procedure for joining Thailand Privilege
Applications for membership in Thailand Privilege can be made through an authorized agent. We asked Mr. Yabe what the process would be like if someone actually want to join.
Mr. Yabe：After contacting us, we will send you the necessary documents for membership application via email. Please fill out the form according to the example we will send you and sign it. One thing to keep in mind is that you must always use the same signature as on your passport. You will also need to prepare a photo of yourself that looks similar to your ID photo. There is no problem with selfies taken in front of a white wall, etc. After receiving these documents, our staff will check the contents to make sure there are no omissions, enter the data into the national company’s database, and wait for the admission process to be completed.
Membership Application
Fill in the necessary information on the application forms and complete the application procedure. All applications can be completed online. You can apply from anywhere in Japan or abroad. In addition to the membership application forms, all we need is a copy of your passport and a personal photo.
Membership Screening
Waiting for examination by the Immigration Bureau. It will take approximately one month to complete the review. Background check is mainly conducted to check whether there are any criminal records etc.
Approval Letter
If your application passes the review, you will receive an Approval Letter via email. Payment of the membership fee will be made by remittance to the bank account listed on the approval form or by credit card payment.
Welcome Letter
A welcome letter will be issued after payment is confirmed. The welcome letter includes the member’s individual ID, as well as the customer contact center number and email address for making reservations for benefits, etc.
Issuance of membership card
Please contact the customer contact center and request for membership card issuance. You can choose to receive your membership card and welcome kit by mail or at the international airport upon entering Thailand. You can also make reservations for airport services upon arrival, limousine arrangements, and visa collection through our customer contact center. The customer contact center is available in Japanese. (Japanese support hours are from 6:00 to 21:00 local Thai time)
*It takes 5 business days to arrange a visa, so if you wish to obtain a visa, you must contact the Customer Contact Center at least 5 business days in advance.
(Thailand) Elitevisa Information Center events
Suzuki：I would like to know more about Thailand Privilege in detail. What is the content of the program?
Mr. Yabe：For example, with JAPAN ROAD SHOW, the Royal Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Thai Embassy in Japan, state-run enterprise, and our company will hold an event to inform everyone about the situation in Thailand at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Hotel Nikko in Osaka, and Westin Hotel in Sendai, etc. At the event, we will not only inform you about Thailand Privilege, but also about real estate market in Thailand.
Suzuki：There are also golf events held here.
Mr. Yabe：Yes, in 2017, an event called the Japan-Thailand Golf Festival was started, sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, as an event for Japanese golfers to enjoy golf in the warm winter months of Thailand. As one of the events, an event called Thailand Elite Cup was held. We had about 100 to 140 golfers, mainly Japanese golfers, participate at a golf course in Thailand.
Suzuki：You are involved in various events. How long have you been working as an agent for Thailand Privilege?
Mr. Yabe：We started our agency business in 2014 and have supported many people.
Suzuki：I believe you have received various inquiries regarding Thailand Privilege, but how do you respond to inquiries?
Mr. Yabe：We not only accept inquiries from the inquiry form on our homepage, but also replying overseas clients using LINE.
(Thailand) Elitevisa Information Center membership benefits
Suzuki：(Thailand) Please let me know if there are any benefits when joining Thailand Privilege through Elitevisa Information Center.
Mr. Yabe：We are running a membership promotion in which all new members will receive a gift of their choice from among three courses. The contents of the gift are as follows.
Mr. Yabe：In addition, we hold a lottery in June and December for all members. We give away 8 types of products, including a Rimowa suitcase and a Louis Vuitton passport case, to 16 people a year by lucky draw.
Suzuki：You have various benefits available! Thank you for letting me know about Thailand Privilege!
Company Details
Company name：Elite Visa Information Center (Thailand)
Managing Director：Masanao Yabe
Contact：https://elitevisa.info/en/
Phone：0808-313-777
Address：Level 30, Bhiraj Tower at EmQuatier, 689 Sukhumvit Road(Soi 35) Klongtan Nuea, Vadhana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
