Tag: thailand

Thailand Elite Visa

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The Thailand Elite Visa, rebranded in 2023 as part of the Thailand Privilege Visa Program, is a unique long-term residency scheme issued under Section 17 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979). Unlike standard visa categories, it is not based on employment, marriage, retirement, or investment in the conventional sense. Rather, it operates under a contractual model, wherein the applicant becomes a member of a government-owned company—Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC)—in exchange for residency and service privileges.

This visa functions as both a residence permit and an access pass to a suite of concierge-style services and administrative advantages. Its structure, rooted in legal discretion and civil contract law, offers privileges that go beyond immigration formalities.

II. Legal Basis and Administrative Framework

Section 17 of the Immigration Act

“In special cases, the Minister, with the approval of the Cabinet, may permit any alien to stay in the Kingdom under any condition.”

This discretionary clause allows for the issuance of visas outside the rigid conditions of typical immigration laws. The Thai Elite Visa falls squarely within this special provision.

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC)

  • A wholly owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

  • Acts as both the contracting party and the service provider

  • Coordinates directly with the Thai Immigration Bureau for visa processing and extensions

III. Visa and Membership Structure

The visa associated with the program is classified as a Non-Immigrant PE (Privilege Entry) Visa. Validity, benefits, and privileges depend on the membership tier:

Tier Cost (THB) Total Validity Transferable Points/Year Eligible for Dependents
GOLD 900,000 5 years No 20 No
PLATINUM 1.5 million 10 years Yes (1 transfer) 35 Yes
DIAMOND 2.5 million 15 years Yes (1 transfer) 55 Yes
RESERVE 5 million 20 years Yes (exclusive) 120 Yes (invite only)

Each tier grants a 5-year PE visa, with automatic renewal inside Thailand. The visa allows for 365-day stays per entry and includes multiple-entry privileges.

IV. Immigration and Legal Privileges

1. Extended Stay Without Standard Eligibility Conditions

Members are exempt from traditional immigration requirements, such as:

  • Income thresholds or bank deposits

  • Employment contracts or business licenses

  • Marriage or family sponsorship

  • Health insurance (as of 2025 regulations)

2. Multiple Entry with No Reentry Permit Requirement

Unlike most visa categories, Elite members do not need reentry permits. They can leave and re-enter Thailand at will during the visa’s validity.

3. In-Country Stay Extensions

  • Visa is extended annually at the One Stop Service Center (OSSC) or provincial immigration offices

  • No requirement to exit the country for renewals

4. Delegated Immigration Compliance

Foreigners in Thailand must submit:

  • TM.47: 90-day address confirmation

  • TM.30: Notification of address change

Elite members can authorize TPC to handle these filings via a Power of Attorney, thereby avoiding in-person visits to immigration offices.

V. Points-Based Privileges and Concierge Services

Each membership tier grants Privilege Points annually. These are redeemable through TPC for both lifestyle and administrative services. These privileges are contractual and non-statutory—i.e., not embedded in immigration law, but in the service agreement.

Categories of Redeemable Privileges

Category Examples
Transport Airport limousine, intercity private car, airport meet & greet
Healthcare Executive check-ups at Bumrungrad, BNH, Samitivej hospitals
Hospitality Luxury hotel stays, fine dining, wellness retreats
Golf & Leisure Complimentary rounds at partner golf clubs, spa packages
Concierge Event booking, translation services, shopping assistant

  • Points expire at year-end and cannot be transferred or rolled over

VI. Government Liaison Services

TPC also supports members with navigation of Thai bureaucratic systems. While these services do not confer exemptions, they substantially reduce complexity and language barriers.

Administrative Task Support Offered
Driver’s License Translation, appointment booking, test support at Department of Land Transport
Bank Account Setup Certification letters and coordination with select commercial banks
TIN (Tax ID Number) Support in registration with the Thai Revenue Department
Document Legalization Coordination with certified translators and notarial services

VII. Tax Residency and Financial Considerations

1. Tax Residency Status

A member becomes a Thai tax resident if they are in Thailand for 183 or more days in a calendar year. Consequences include:

  • Filing an annual personal income tax return (PND.90/91)

  • Possible declaration of foreign income, subject to timing

2. Foreign Income Rules (Section 41, Revenue Code)

“Foreign-sourced income is taxable only if remitted into Thailand during the same year it was earned.”

This permits legal tax deferral on offshore income by adjusting remittance schedules—an important feature for remote professionals or global investors.

VIII. Dependent Inclusion

Tiers from Platinum upward allow for family members to be included:

  • Eligible dependents: spouse and children under 20

  • Additional fee: typically 1,000,000 THB per dependent

  • Dependents receive the same visa duration but no privilege points

IX. Legal Restrictions and Revocation Conditions

1. No Work Authorization

The Elite Visa does not permit employment in Thailand. Prohibited activities include:

  • Paid work

  • Managing or directing a business

  • Volunteering or advisory roles

Violations trigger immediate visa cancellation, fines, deportation, and blacklisting under the Alien Working Act B.E. 2551 (2008).

2. Property Ownership

Elite members are treated as foreigners under Thai property law:

  • Cannot own land

  • Can purchase condominium units within the 49% foreign quota

  • May lease land or property up to 30 years, renewable by contract

3. Termination Triggers

Cause Consequence
Criminal conviction Revocation of membership and visa
Unauthorized work Deportation and entry ban
False information in application Termination without refund
Immigration violation (overstay) Immediate cancellation and blacklist

All memberships are non-refundable regardless of termination reason.

X. Application Process

Eligibility

  • Minimum age: 20 years

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity

  • No criminal or immigration violation record

Process

  1. Application submitted to TPC or licensed agent

  2. Background screening by Thai Immigration and Royal Thai Police

  3. Conditional approval issued

  4. Payment of membership fee

  5. Welcome kit and member ID issued

  6. Visa affixed at:

    • Thai Embassy abroad, or

    • One Stop Service Center in Bangkok (for in-country applicants)

Processing time: 30–90 days depending on nationality and background check

XI. Summary

Privilege Scope
Long-term stay Up to 20 years (renewable 5-year visas)
No income/sponsor requirements Residence based purely on membership
Concierge government services Driver’s license, bank, TIN setup, 90-day reporting handled
Lifestyle privileges Healthcare, hospitality, airport fast-track, leisure access
Tax planning potential Offshore income deferral permitted by Revenue Code Section 41
Minimal compliance burden No reentry permits; in-country visa renewal

XII. Conclusion

The Thailand Elite Visa represents a rare and deliberate blending of immigration authority with civil contractual arrangements. Unlike other visas, it is not built on eligibility criteria but on a financial agreement sanctioned by the Thai government. It is not a path to citizenship, permanent residency, or employment—but it provides long-term legal residence, immigration stability, and bureaucratic ease for individuals who operate within its clearly defined limits.

This program is ideal for:

  • Retirees seeking long-stay residence without income verification

  • Remote professionals with offshore income and no need for a work permit

  • High-net-worth individuals seeking low-friction access to Thailand

Marriage in Thailand

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The Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand regulates marriage in Thailand. The minimum age for marriage in Thailand is 20, but people as young as 17 can get married if their parents or legal guardians agree.

Thailand requires a number of documents from foreigners who want to be married, including a passport, a declaration of their marital status, and evidence that they are legally free to do so. They can also be asked to submit a certified Thai translation of their original documents.

If a Thai national is under 20 years old, they must also present their ID card, household registration, and a letter of permission from their parents.

Thai district offices or the Office of the Registrar at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok are the two places where marriages can be registered. Both parties must physically appear at the registration office in order for the marriage to be registered.

Thai law acknowledges both civil and religious weddings, but only civil marriages are considered to be legally binding. A traditional Thai wedding ceremony is also an option, but it is not required by law.

In order to make sure that all legal criteria are satisfied, couples who are thinking about getting married in Thailand may want to consult a local attorney or wedding planner.

Getting a Divorce in Thailand

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Divorce in Thailand is a complex process that can be long and expensive. The process can be made more manageable by using a lawyer who is familiar with the local family law in Thailand.

The first step in divorce in Thailand is to get a written legal order from the Court. The legal order is a document that sets out the terms of the divorce such as child custody and division of property. The Court will also award alimony and/or child support where appropriate.

Getting a Divorce in Thailand can be very stressful and expensive, especially if there are children involved. This is why it is important to speak to our Thai family lawyers at MAGNA CARTA Law Firm before you decide to sign any agreements regarding divorce in Thailand.

There are two types of divorce in Thailand: contested and uncontested. The contested type of divorce requires the couple to appear in Court where a judge will decide on all aspects of the case.

If the couple are in agreement then they may be able to file for an uncontested divorce. This is a much quicker and cheaper way to obtain a divorce.

The other option is to file a contested divorce which involves more expense and can be complicated as there are often many grounds for filing for a divorce. This is the preferred method of filing for a divorce in Thailand as it provides more control over the terms of the divorce.

A Contested divorce is an action that requires the filing of a legal claim in the Family and Juvenile Courts. This can be done in a number of ways, including by either spouse requesting the case to be heard in Court or by both spouses agreeing to the divorce and obtaining the Court’s permission to proceed with the legal claim.

Grounds for a Contested Divorce in Thailand include: i) 3 years separation or longer ii) One spouse has deserted willfully the other spouse for more than one year iii) Adultery iv) One of the parties is committing serious insult to the other’s character or that of their family by any act, conduct or statement which degrades or destroys the other person’s reputation, dignity or standing in the community.

iv) One party has been convicted of a criminal offence that is incompatible with the maintenance or other rights of the other party, and he or she has not been pardoned by the Thai authorities as required under Thai law (Sin Suan Tua). This ground can be used when the person who has committed the offence resides abroad.

It can also be used when one of the spouses has died or was injured in a way that prevents him or her from maintaining the maintenance obligation.

In such cases, the deceased spouse can be made a debtor and a judgment creditor in order to make up for any financial shortfall that may result from the divorce.

In addition, some countries are very strict in recognizing Thai divorces. It is therefore very important to consult with a lawyer about the implications of getting a divorce in Thailand and the consequences for international clients.

How to Get Married in Thailand

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If you’re planning to get married in Thailand, there are a few things you should know. First, it’s important to understand the Thai culture and traditions before you head over there. This will ensure that you don’t have any issues during the wedding process.

You will also want to take note of the laws regarding marriage in Thailand, including the requirements you need to meet. These can be found in the Civil and Commercial Code, which is the main body of law that governs family and marriage in Thailand.

Generally, you’ll need to be over 17 years old to marry in Thailand or have permission from your parents. If you’re under this age, you should also have permission from a court to marry in Thailand.

Both parties must be in full legal capacity to marry (meaning they don’t have any criminal or immoral convictions). If you are not, your marriage will be considered illegal in Thailand.

In order to get married in Thailand, you will need to register your marriage with the registrar. Whether you’re a foreigner or a Thai citizen, this is the first step to getting married in Thailand.

The next step is to submit all the required documents and translations to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Bangkok for authentication. Normally, you’ll need to pay an additional fee for this service.

Once this is completed, you’ll need to head to a local district office, also known as an “amphur” or “khet,” to complete the marriage registration. Once you’ve done this, you can then start planning your dream wedding and celebrating with your loved ones!

If you are a foreigner, your marriage will require more paperwork and steps than if you are a Thai citizen. This is because you will need to provide your passport and the immigration card that you used to enter Thailand.

All of these documents must be translated into Thai and sworn by a foreigner who is approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Once this is done, you can then submit them to the Department of Consular Affairs in Bangkok for legalization.

When you submit these documents, you will also need to have your name and marriage date changed on your passport. This will allow you to travel in and out of Thailand more freely.

You can then register your marriage at any district office, but it’s best to do this at the nearest one to you. This will save you a lot of time and stress.

Once you’ve registered your marriage, the registrar will issue a marriage certificate that will be legally valid in Thailand and anywhere else you may go. You can then use this certificate for a variety of purposes, such as applying for a visa or opening a bank account.

Lastly, if you are a foreigner, your marriage can be officially recognized by your embassy in Thailand, as long as you have the correct documents. Depending on your country of citizenship, you might be able to get a marriage visa that lets you stay in Thailand for up to 30 days without having to return to your home country first.