The Ultimate Guide to Thailand Privilege Visas: Who Qualifies & How to Apply

The Thailand Privilege visa program (formerly known as Thailand Elite) is designed to attract global high-net-worth individuals who want to live in Thailand. As a Thailand Privilege Card member, you’ll be able to stay in-country as a resident, uninterrupted, for up to 5, 10, 15, or 20 years depending on the program you sign up for.

Benefits of Thailand Privilege Membership

A few benefits you’ll get (depending on the membership tier you choose) include:

• Options to upgrade to higher-level programs
• Immigration service and assistance with official needs like opening a bank account, obtaining a driver’s license, etc.
• Expedited immigration and passport control processing (Premium Lane at select airports)
• Airport lounge access
• VIP greeting and escort through airports by Elite Personal Assistant (EPA)
• Complimentary limousine transfers (varies by package)
• Privilege Points to redeem for spa treatments, golf, and other services
• Annual health checkups
• 24/7 Member Contact Center
• Annual reporting instead of 90-day reporting
• No need for re-entry permits

Who Qualifies for Thailand Privilege

To qualify for the Thailand Privilege Visa, you must:

• Have a foreign passport
• Have no overstay record in Thailand
• Have no record of imprisonment
• Have never declared bankruptcy
• Have never been declared a person of unsound mind

Update for 2025: Previously restricted nationalities are now eligible to apply, with only North Korea remaining excluded.

Thailand Privilege Visa Packages and Costs (2025)

The program has been completely restructured with new tiers and benefits:

Bronze Membership (Limited Time – Until December 31, 2025)

• Duration: 5 years
• Cost: 650,000 THB (about $18,000)
• Benefits: Base privileges, VIP airport services
• Points: No privilege points
• Family: Cannot add dependents
• Note: This is a special promotional tier

Gold Membership

• Duration: 5 years
• Cost: 900,000 THB (about $25,000)
• Benefits: All base privileges plus extras
• Points: 20 privilege points per year
• Family: Cannot add dependents

Platinum Membership

• Duration: 10 years
• Cost: 1,500,000 THB (about $42,000)
• Benefits: Enhanced privileges
• Points: 35 privilege points per year
• Family: Can add family members for 1,000,000 THB each

Diamond Membership

• Duration: 15 years
• Cost: 2,500,000 THB (about $69,000)
• Benefits: Premium privileges
• Points: 55 privilege points per year
• Family: Can add family members

Reserve Membership (Invitation Only)

• Duration: 20 years
• Cost: 5,000,000 THB (about $138,000)
• Benefits: Ultimate privileges
• Points: 120 privilege points per year
• Family: Can add family members for 500,000 THB each
• Special: Limited to 100 members per year

What Are Privilege Points?

The new point system allows members to customize their benefits. Points can be redeemed for:

• Spa treatments at luxury hotels
• Golf rounds at premium courses
• Airport transfers
• Hotel stays
• Fine dining experiences
• Health checkups
• And more

Higher-tier memberships receive more points annually to spend on these perks.

Thailand Privilege Application Process

1. Choose Your Package: Select the membership tier that best fits your needs and budget
2. Submit Application: Fill out the application form and submit with:
   • Copy of passport (all pages)
   • Recent passport photo
   • Completed application form
   • PDPA consent form
3. Background Check: Wait 1-3 months for approval (no upfront fee required as of 2025)
4. Payment: Once approved, receive bank transfer instructions for your chosen package
5. Receive Membership: Get your membership card and visa details
6. Visa Issuance: Can be done at:
   • Thai airports upon arrival (Suvarnabhumi, Chiang Mai, Phuket)
   • Thai Embassy/Consulate in your home country
   • Immigration Bureau in Bangkok if already in Thailand

Important Updates for 2025

Application Fee Waived

The previous 50,000 THB application fee has been temporarily waived (possibly permanent).

New Benefits Added

• Exclusive lounge at Chaeng Watthana Government Complex
• Home pick-up service for 90-day reporting
• “Ultimate Tourism in Bangkok” program with shopping privileges

Family Add-On Promotions

Special promotion (July 1 – September 30, 2025): Reduced rates for adding family members to Platinum, Diamond, and Reserve packages.

Comparison with Other Long-Term Options

Thailand Privilege vs LTR Visa:

• Privilege: More lifestyle benefits, easier requirements, higher cost
• LTR: Lower cost, work benefits, stricter requirements

Thailand Privilege vs Retirement Visa:

• Privilege: No age requirement, more perks, higher cost
• Retirement: Must be 50+, lower cost, fewer benefits

Working with an Authorized Agent

Thailand Privilege Card Company works with authorized General Sales and Services Agents (GSSAs) who can assist with your application at no additional cost. They can help with:

• Application preparation
• Document verification
• Communication with TPC
• Visa issuance arrangements

Is Thailand Privilege Worth It?

Consider Thailand Privilege if you:

• Want long-term residence without visa hassles
• Value VIP treatment and convenience
• Can afford the upfront investment
• Don’t qualify for other long-term visas
• Want flexibility to come and go freely

Other Thailand Visa Options

• Comprehensive Guide to Thailand Tourist & Resident Visas: Digital Nomads, Semi-Retired, Investors & More
• Thailand Tourist Visa: How to Apply and How to Extend Your Stay
• Thailand SMART Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
• Thailand Long Term Resident Visa (Digital Nomad Visa): Live and Work Remotely in Thailand
• Thailand Retirement Visa: Requirements & How to Apply
• Thailand Permanent Residency: Qualifications & How to Apply

Featured image via Unsplash.