There have been various updates regarding the Thailand Privilege Visa packages effective since October 1, 2023.
In an effort to increase tourism into the country, the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. has implemented new regulations to make applying for memberships quicker and more straightforward.
What is a Thailand Privilege Visa?
The Thailand Privilege Visa is a pathway for foreigners to stay in Thailand, providing them with a long-term, multiple-entry tourist visa and a choice of four benefit packages to choose from. It is ideally suited for individuals looking for an extended stay within Thailand without the stress of stringent visa application and renewal requirements.
Holders of a Thailand Privilege Visa are granted numerous benefits in their membership package to leverage at their own discretion. Additionally, the membership plan also introduces a new privilege points feature, allowing members to acquire perks of their choice through a points redemption system.
Changes to the Thailand Privilege Visa
Here are the new updates to the Thailand Privilege Visa program:
Applicants with ED Visas are now considered:
Prior to the release of new membership packages, applicants that currently have or previously held an Education Visa (ED Visa) generally did not qualify for the program and were usually rejected during the background check. With the new regulations in place, those holding a current or past ED Visa are now eligible to apply for the Thailand Privilege Visa. This is provided that their ED Visa and the education program they attended are genuine and acquired through legal means. Applicants are also required to complete an Education Visa Holder Acknowledgement Form and provide documentation from their education program as proof of its authenticity.
New application fee:
Applicants are now required to pay a small sum before their application enters the background check phase. Effective January 1, 2024, applicants must pay an initial application fee of 50,000 THB to begin their application. The applicant will need to pay this directly to Thailand Privilege Card and must also complete the Membership Application Payment Form. However, this fee will be deducted from the main membership fee. Upon successfully completing their background check and after receiving their approval letter, applicants will have 30 days to pay the membership fee minus 50,000 THB.
For example, an applicant for the Gold membership would normally pay a 900,000 THB membership fee. With this new system in place, they will pay the initial application fee of 50,000 THB , followed by the remaining membership fee of 850,000 THB after approval.
Upgrading a membership:
Holders of a Thailand Privilege Visa are granted the opportunity to upgrade their current membership to a higher tier, provided their application is lodged 6 months prior to the end of their membership term. The applicant has to also pay an upgrade fee fixed at 100,000 THB each time they want to upgrade. They must also pay the difference in membership fees, with the amounts varying based on which membership the member would like to enhance to.
The breakdown of additional membership fees is as follows:
- For Gold Members:
- Upgrading to a Platinum Membership: 600,000 THB
- Upgrading to a Diamond Membership: 1,600,000 THB
- Upgrading to a Reserve Membership: 4,100,000 THB
- For Platinum Members:
- Upgrading to a Diamond Membership: 1,000,000 THB
- Upgrading to a Reserve Membership: 3,500,000 THB
- For Diamond Members:
- Upgrading to a Reserve Membership: 2,500,000 THB
NOTE: Upgrading to a Reserve Membership is permissible by formal invitation from Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. only.
The current state of Thailand Privilege Visas
The Thailand Privilege Visa currently consists of the following four membership packages:
Thailand Privilege Gold Membership:
This membership package costs 900,000 THB and rewards members with 20 privilege points on an annual basis, with a membership term of 5 years. Considered to be an entry-level package, it is recommended for people who are new to Thailand with no family to bring along.
Thailand Privilege Platinum Membership:
Valued at 1,500,000 THB, it rewards members with a total of 35 privilege points and a membership duration of 10 years. It is also the cheapest package that will enable applicants to include additional family members to the membership plan for 1,000,000 THB each.
Thailand Privilege Diamond Membership:
The Diamond package costs applicants 2,500,000 THB and grants members the opportunity to earn 55 privilege points annually, and stay for a total of 15 years in Thailand before renewal is required. It also offers applicants the chance to include additional members of their family on board for 1,500,000 THB each.
Thailand Privilege Reserve Membership:
The final package is offered at 5,000,000 THB with a membership duration of 20 years, and awards a total of 120 privilege points every year. Applicants can also include their family members onto their membership for at least 2,000,000 THB per person. This membership package is especially unique as an applicant will need a mandatory invitation from Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. to be eligible to apply. Reserve members are also able to extend their membership beyond the total membership term of 20 years.
Additionally, all tiers come with complimentary benefits for its members to utilize:
-
- A 5-year multiple-entry visa, renewable according to the duration of the membership
- An expedited, streamlined application process
- A privilege points system, allowing members to customize their benefits
- Access to the premium lane at airports for immigration fast-tracking
- Free Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) service upon arrival
- Complimentary annual health-check ups at select hospitals
- A large selection of benefits, discounts, and incentives to choose from
How to apply for the Thailand Privilege Visa:
An important part of the Thailand Privilege Visa application is the eligibility criteria. An applicant must meet these requirements to qualify for the membership and ensure that their application will not be delayed or rejected during the background check.
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Be a holder of a foreign passport that is valid for at least 1 more year
- Be considered an individual of sound mind, and never been declared incompetent or quasi-incompetent
- Not have an overstay on record with a currently pending penalty fee
- Not have partaken in a serious criminal activity or be imprisoned
- Not be a current or previous holder of a volunteer visa
- Not be currently bankrupt or have a severe history of bankruptcy
- Be able to pay the application and membership fee
- Must be in compliance with Thai immigration laws
- Must not hold a passport from any of the following UN-sanctioned countries:
- Asia: Afghanistan, North Korea, Pakistan
- Africa: Central Africa, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan
- Middle East: Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Yemen
The application also requires a series of documents that need to be submitted:
-
- Membership Application Form (completed and signed)
- PDPA Form (signed)
- Membership Application Payment Form (completed and signed)
- Photocopy of the applicant’s passport (in color with the passport’s signature visible)
- Recent passport-sized photograph (in color and taken against a white background)
- Supplementary documents as required (usually needed if the applicant is including their family members or if they are a current or past holder of an ED Visa)
Once applicants have these documents ready, they need to submit them directly to Thailand Privilege via their online portal.
Before lodging the application, it is recommended that applicants retain the services of a General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) to assist them. A GSSA is a government-certified organization, often a law firm or a visa agency authorized to provide assistance to applicants of the Thailand Privilege program.
These agents have the knowledge and expertise to address any concerns, thoroughly review applications, and even submit them directly to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. on behalf of the applicant. This guarantees that applicants will be able to lodge their applications quickly and efficiently, as well as reduce delays and chances of the application getting rejected during the background check. Again, since GSSAs are subsidized by the Thai government, these services can come at no cost to the applicant.
For any further questions about the application, contact Siam Legal International, a certified GSSA that can provide answers and assistance with applying for the Thailand Privilege visa.