Thailand Privilege Visa

The Thailand Privilege Visa, launched under the supervision of the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC)—a wholly owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)—is a long-term visa program designed to attract high-income foreigners seeking residence in Thailand with luxury lifestyle privileges and ease of entry.

It operates under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979), and the legal basis for issuing the Privilege Entry Visa (PE) is coordinated with the Thai Immigration Bureau. As of 2024, the program has been revamped and rebranded as the Thailand Privilege Card with a new tier-based membership structure.

II. Visa Type and Legal Status

Holders of the Thailand Privilege Visa are issued a “Privilege Entry Visa” (PE), classified as a non-immigrant visa. This visa allows multiple entries and long-term stay (5–20 years depending on the package), with an annual or five-year renewable stay depending on the membership type.

It is important to note:

• The PE visa does not confer permanent residency or Thai nationality.

• It does not inherently allow employment unless supplemented by a work permit and relevant business structure.

• Visa holders are still subject to Thai tax residency rules and 90-day reporting requirements.

III. New Membership Tiers (Effective September 2023)

The revamped program includes four tiers, each requiring a non-refundable membership fee and offering varying durations and privileges:

1. GOLD Membership

• Fee: THB 900,000

• Validity: 5 years

• Benefits: Access to concierge service, airport services, government liaison support.

2. PLATINUM Membership

• Fee: THB 1.5 million

• Validity: 10 years

• Additional benefits: Annual health checks, discounts at luxury retailers, 24 annual airport transfers.

3. DIAMOND Membership

• Fee: THB 2.5 million

• Validity: 15 years

• Additional benefits: Golf/spa packages, premium medical privileges, 36 annual airport transfers.

4. RESERVE Membership (Invitation Only)

• Fee: THB 5 million (minimum)

• Validity: 20 years

• Additional benefits: Private lifestyle concierge, elite status in travel and hospitality partners.

Each membership includes a quota of Privilege Points (ranging from 20–120 per year), redeemable for services such as:

• Immigration fast-track

• Private hospitals and health screenings

• Wellness and golf experiences

• Domestic charter flights

• Personal assistants for government transactions

IV. Application and Approval Process

A. Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a foreign national (no Thai citizenship)

• No overstay or criminal record in Thailand or home country

• Financial ability to pay the one-time membership fee

• Not blacklisted by Thai immigration authorities

B. Process Overview

1. Application submission via licensed agents or TPC directly.

2. Background check conducted by Immigration Bureau, MOFA, and Royal Thai Police.

3. Approval notification typically within 1–3 months.

4. Payment of fee upon approval.

5. Visa issuance at Thai embassy, consulate, or within Thailand.

The PE visa can be affixed at Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok Immigration, or consular offices abroad.

C. Visa Validity and Entry

• Entry is initially granted for 1 year (renewable in-country annually or every 5 years depending on the membership).

• Holders must comply with 90-day address reporting.

• Multiple re-entry is allowed, and re-entry permits are not required due to the visa’s multi-entry nature.

V. Legal and Tax Considerations

A. Tax Residency

• Thailand defines tax residency as 180 days or more per calendar year.

• Privilege Visa holders who stay longer than 180 days may become subject to personal income tax in Thailand.

• TPC offers assistance through government liaison services but does not handle tax compliance on behalf of members.

B. Property Ownership and Business

• Members may purchase condominiums (under the foreign quota of the Condominium Act).

• They may not directly own land but can enter long-term leaseholds or form BOI-promoted companies for business and investment.

• The visa does not authorize employment, though TPC may assist with BOI applications or other business structuring where appropriate.

VI. Privileges and Practical Use Cases

The Privilege Visa is most attractive to:

• Digital nomads and retirees seeking ease of travel and luxury access

• Investors and property buyers wanting to base themselves in Thailand

• Frequent travelers in and out of the ASEAN region who value expedited immigration processes

Key privileges include:

• VIP greeting and fast-track service at airports

• Access to government concierge services (e.g., driver’s license, visa extension)

• Annual health checks, golf green fees, spa packages

• Priority services at selected hospitals and service centers

• Privileged banking and credit access via partner institutions

VII. Limitations and Obligations

While the Privilege Visa provides comfort and access, it does not offer:

• Work permit eligibility (unless separate business/work permit is arranged)

• Voting rights or access to Thai citizenship

• Legal immunity or tax exemptions

Members are required to:

• Report their address every 90 days

• Renew annual extensions (in some packages)

• Maintain good standing with Thai immigration laws

VIII. Comparison With Other Long-Stay Options

IX. Conclusion

The Thailand Privilege Visa is a unique hybrid of immigration facilitation and luxury lifestyle program. While it does not create a path to citizenship or allow work outright, it provides long-term stay rights and convenience to high-net-worth individuals seeking residence in Thailand for leisure, business engagement, or investment. Its legal and immigration structure is stable, with close coordination between the TAT and Thai Immigration Bureau.

Prospective applicants should assess their long-term plans, tax residency implications, and lifestyle goals before applying. Due to the high upfront cost, it is most suitable for those who prioritize convenience, government liaison support, and exclusive access to services.