The Thai Privilege Visa (TPV), previously known as the Elite Visa, has recently suspended its 50,000 baht (approximately US$1,500) registration fee that was used for background checks of applicants.
This fee waiver is available for applications submitted from the beginning of September to the end of 2024. The TPV offers various visa options ranging from 5 to 20 years, each featuring unique perks and bonuses, with current prices spanning from 900,000 baht to over 2 million baht.
In a recent announcement, the Privilege company, wholly owned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, stated that this move aims to attract more new members during a period of economic uncertainty and evolving visa policies.
The timing of this decision hints that the primary motive may be to compete with new visa options such as the 10-year Long Term Residence Visa and the recently introduced 5-year Destination Thailand Visa.
Additionally, travellers now have easier access to Thailand with options such as a 60-day visa on arrival, extendable by another month at Thai immigration, and border-hopping for repeated stays, writes Barry Kenyon for Pattaya Mail.
The Elite Visa, launched in 2003 and transferred to the Privilege Card in 2013, has always included benefits like multiple entries, fast-track services at Thai airports, and discounts at selected retail outlets, hotels, spas, and golf courses.
Although its appeal initially fell short of expectations, the Covid-19 pandemic saw a surge in applications from affluent visitors who sought the flexibility to enter and exit Thailand at will. It is estimated that the current enrollment stands at around 30,000, with the largest group coming from China.
Originally conceived by then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the Elite Visa struggled to meet its ambitious membership goals. Early promises that members would be allowed to purchase a small plot of land in their name for residential use were eventually vetoed by the Cabinet.
Over the years, the rules for different TPV categories have become increasingly complicated, with higher-cost options offering more generous perks. While all nationalities except North Koreans are now eligible to apply, the future of the TPV remains a contentious issue.
Ultimately, the suspension of the registration fee and other strategic changes come as part of an ongoing effort to make Thailand more attractive to long-term international visitors, despite the complexities and controversies surrounding the visa.
Source: ASIAN NOW
