New Conditions for Long-Term Visas: Thailand Privilege

September 2023 is the time of significant changes in the long-term visa program in Thailand. Previously known as Thailand Elite, it is undergoing a rebranding and now has a new name - Thailand Privilege. These changes bring a fresh wind of change to the world of long-term visas and privileges for foreign tourists. Let's look at what innovations await those who dream of a long-term stay in Thailand.

New Name: Thailand Privilege
The most obvious change is renaming the program. Thailand Elite no longer exists, and now we have Thailand Privilege. This change aims to make the program more accessible and visible to those who dream of a long-term stay in this amazing country.

Cost of Participation
One of the main issues that worried potential participants was the question of cost. The cost of the most affordable option has increased from $18 thousand to $24 thousand. Although this increase is significant, it is not as catastrophic as many feared. Thus, Thailand Privilege remains a relatively affordable program for those who want to make Thailand their long-term home.

Participation Options
However, one of the key changes was the rationalization of participation options. Previously, there were seven options, and now there are four left. These four options provide different privileges and conditions of participation.

Gold Card
Cost: THB 900 thousand (≈ USD 24 thousand).
Validity period: visa for 5 years and the possibility of extending the period of stay for one year for each entry.
Limitations: Inability to add family members to the main plan.
Reserve Card
Cost: THB 5 million (≈ USD 137.6 thousand).
Validity period: visa for 20 years or more.
The cost of an additional card: 2 million baht.
Restrictions: Membership is available by invitation only and is limited by a quota of 1% of the total number of members per year (100 people).
These options provide different privileges, and tourists can choose the one that suits their needs and capabilities.

New Points System
An additional innovation is the introduction of a points system. Program participants can accumulate points and exchange them for various privileges. This gives more flexibility and allows each participant to choose which bonuses to give them.