Oh dear me. There is a shock. You cannot work in Thailand, even remotely, on an Elite Visa. Pretty much redundant with DTV. Unless I am missing something.[members only]

Dear Expat Community,

I'm reaching out because I'm growing weary of the constant cycle of 30- and 90-day visas. I'm seeking advice on long-term residency options. I'm fortunate to have sufficient financial resources and a retirement account.

I'm hoping to connect with fellow expats who have successfully navigated the process of obtaining a one-year visa or residency permit. Any insights, tips, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and prosperity.

Hey everyone,

I’m considering applying for a Thai Elite Visa (either Bronze or Gold) for a long-term stay in Thailand.

If the visa is approved and everything goes smoothly (including getting the membership card), is there a specific time frame to get the visa affixed after approval? Or can I get the visa affixed at any time as long as the membership is valid?

Thanks in advance!

We're now seeing a lot of people with DTV cannot open bank accounts. But many people don't know what's happening with thai banks.

Thailand banking has already joined CRS in 2023. CRS means common reporting system. That means banks here will need to report individuals to other countries banks and tax authorities. It's a thing which HNWIs don't like because of their privacy concerns.

A Thai elite visa is also a kind of glorified tourist visa. DTV visa is also a tourist visa (banks here always say that). However, our DTV holders cannot open. But from the banks side, they have to do a lot of paperwork. That's why they don't like us, dtv holders.

Although they already joined the CRS, they didn't clean up the mess first which is agents. Yes tourists can still open any bank accounts with the help of agents. So, think about yourself, money laundering cases etc. i won't explain further here.

Once upon a time, I did the right thing by studying Thai for a year before signing up for the Elite visa. It was a tortuous 3 hours a day, five times a week. After completion, I was happy to give them 400k baht. Sadly, I was denied and ridiculed for having a student visa. Later on, I realized that it was just pure greed. They are willing to accept my application at the new price of 900k. There is a happy ending to my story. I just received my DTV for 10k. Muahahahahahahahaha

Hi all, pick up my renewed passport 2pm, need to transfer entry stamp and visa (Elite), is it possible same day if I arrive CW 3pm? Any tips on getting through it quickly? Appointments possible? Is there a better day of week? Bring anything other than old and new passport? Huge thanks

On a retirement visa is it possible to add your child? Are there any other visa possibilities, other than education, for a child?

Hello all,

My 5 years "elite" visa runs out in six months. Due to covid, I was offered a free six months extension. But they cannot process that in Krabi. According to Thai Elite I will have to fly to BKK to get that extension. Seems like a bit of pain for only 6 months extension. I purchased my current visa when I was 48. Now I am 53 and I can apply for a retirement visa instead. Canadian. Thai bank account balance not an issue. My wife has the same visa. The plan is to have her tag onto my retirement visa.

Only two questions, please. 1- Will wee need to leave the country and come back? 2- Any advice on how to get this done smoothly?

Thank you.

Hey dear fellow Bangkokians,

1. Can foreigner buy properties with foreclosure in Thailand?

1. If can, where we can find the property infomations? On bank websites?

1. Whether the foreigner who wish to buy property(especially by foreclosure) will be helped with the thai elite visa?

1. Any professional/trusted lawyer recommended?

Thank you very much!

Hello group. I am 39/retired/American, and would like some advice on how to live in Thailand until I can get a retirement visa, at age 50. I was looking at the Elite/Privilege visa to bridge the gap, but with the recent price increase, Im interested to learn if there are any other, more cost effective options. Is it true you can only receive 2 eVisa/tourist visas per year, and stay a maximum of 6 months of any 12 month period? I could split my time between Thailand and other countries, if needed. Also thinking about the ED-visa for Thai language, but isn't that a maximum of about a year? Do people set up a small business in order to stay? Or at that point, is the Elite/Privilege visa better? Ideally, I'd like to stay in Thailand, get a vehicle, and a longer term lease/buy. I don't necessarily need work, but it could be an interesting project to start a small business and employ some people. Thanks in advance for your helpful information 🙏