TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

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buksida
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TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

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Directors of the Tourism Authority of Thailand offices and TAT marketing representatives in Russia and the Asia-Pacific convened here today to discuss ways to expand the number of subscribers to the membership privilege scheme known as the Thailand Elite Card.

The meeting, called by Mr. Suraphon Svetasreni, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of the Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) was designed to provide the TAT representatives in 12 countries with a full briefing on the privileges, terms and conditions, marketing tools, and sale kits required to promote memberships.

The event is in the buildup to a global relaunch of the Thailand Elite Card in June.

The Thailand Elite card project is designed to attract high net worth individuals and encourage them to make repeat visits to Thailand, whether for business or leisure. It is within the scope of the strategy to grow visitor expenditure and the economic impact of travel and tourism across Thailand.

Ms. Vilaiwan Twichasri, Deputy Governor of TAT and the Acting Managing Director of TPC stated that, “There were some key adjustments according to the change of the business environment and consensus of the Thai Cabinet; namely, privileges, sales and purchase conditions, as well as the marketing tools and sales kits.”

TAT and TPC are projecting about 1,300 new members within the first year after the launch, with about half expected before the end of 2013. The countries targetted in the first phase of the membership drive are China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Russia, and the ASEAN and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

Under the revamped membership terms and conditions, cardholders will be able to join up for an initial down payment fee of two million Baht followed by a 20,000 Baht annual fee over a 20-year validity period. Cardholders will be eligible for a five-year Multiple Entry Visa to Thailand and a one-year stay privilege per visit.

They will also be able to avail of the Thailand Elite Personal Assistance (EPL) at Suvarnabhumi Airport and Phuket Airport, including a fast-track channel at the immigration counters and airport transfers by BMW series 7 limousines. They will also have a 24-hour call centre access for any special assistance.

One of the most important privileges is usage of high-standard, five-star golfing and spa facilities 24 times per calendar year.

Mr Suraphon Svetasreni said, “The Thailand Elite Card will go a long way towards helping TAT raise the level of visitor arrivals to new heights. It will certainly be good for our luxury hotels, boutique properties, shopping malls and the many niche-market products that we are now focussing on.”

He said that the first round of briefings for TAT representatives in Asia and Russia would be followed by another round of briefings later in June for TAT directors and marketing representatives in Europe, Africa, Middle East and America.

Later on, special marketing representatives will be appointed to work on a commission basis to sell subscriptions.

Source: TAT

Thought: Two million for a visa that costs 1900 (since you have to re-enter after a year), a posh cab, and ten extra minutes out of the airport ... bargain ... :shock: Now, if you could legally own a property (as Thais can elsewhere on the planet) it may be worth thinking about for some ...
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Re: TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

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This one is a leftover Toxin scam. Cronies got millions of taxpayer baht to set the thing up thinking rich falangs are total suckers. As you say buks, save a few mins at the airport and a posh cab. Discounts on golf (but they still have to pay). Nothing in it that remotely justifies 2 million upfront plus 20K a year.
Lots of rich falangs around but many of them got their money by being smart, not stupid.
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Re: TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

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If they took me all the way to Hua Hin several times a year with their posh taxi I might almost be able to justify the 20,000 a year but the two million to join is plain silly.
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Re: TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

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Thailand Privilege Card targets B1bn in revenue

Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC), the operator of Thailand Elite Card, expects to increase revenue to 1 billion baht within the next three years after the launch of four new cards and appointing Henley & Partners as its global sales agent.

The four new cards are Elite Family Excursion for a five-year membership costing 800,000 baht, Elite Family Alternative for a 10-year membership at 800,000 baht; Elite Privilege Access for a 10-year membership at 1 million baht and Elite Superiority Extension for a 20-year membership at 1 million baht.

President Pruet Boobphakam voiced confidence that the four new membership cards along with the new marketing strategy will boost TPC's revenue to achieve the goal.

The company expects revenue to grow 10% to over 400 million baht with the addition of 678 new memberships this year.

Mr Pruet said Europeans and Americans are TCP's main focus, as they are seen as high-spending tourists in Thailand.

Tourism and Sports Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul said the four new Thailand Elite Card's membership cards will attract high-spending foreigners and will indirectly stimulate Thailand's economy as they will invest more in real estate, luxury cars and infrastructure investment.

"Thailand Elite Card might bring in a small amount of revenue to the country compared to other businesses," she said. "But if we look closely at it, we will find that the privilege card can indirectly entice high-end travellers to return to Thailand and our focus is to get tourists to revisit."

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/tou ... in-revenue
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Re: TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

Post by brianks »

I have looked closely at this card and have concluded that if your going in and out of the country several times a year it can really make your entry and exit quite a bit easier. Yes, its costly but 5 years of no hassle at airport, lounge at airport and not renewing your visa every year is a definite plus. All depends on how you value your time spent going and coming.
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Re: TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

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dont go on the first day, i dont want you to get hurt in the crush.
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Re: TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

Post by limbu »

A recent press release about Henley & Partners and the 20 year visa:

Henley & Partners Appointed Global Concessionaire for Thailand Residence Program


London, Monday 3 April 2017

International residence and citizenship advisory firm, Henley & Partners, has secured the global concession to promote Thailand’s exclusive residence program which gives foreigners authorization to live in the country for up to 20 years. It’s the first program of its kind worldwide, offering unlimited access to the jewel of Southeast Asia as well as a range of special VIP privileges. The program was initiated by the Royal Thai Government to attract wealthy global citizens, families, investors and entrepreneurs who want to spend extended periods of time in the country and take advantage of its beneficial tax regime and affordable but exceptionally high standard of living.

The special residence visa is issued by the Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited (TPC) — a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. The ‘Land of Smiles’, as it’s often referred to because of the friendly disposition of its citizens, has become one of the most sought-after destinations in Southeast Asia, with an increasing number of wealthy families and retired individuals in Europe, the US, Japan and other developed nations wanting to take advantage of its temperate climate, spectacular landscape and outstanding leisure facilities.

Dominic Volek, Head of Southeast Asia at Henley & Partners, says they will be working closely with TPC over the coming months to attract foreigners who want to make Thailand their second home or take advantage of the excellent business opportunities. “Our firm has over 20 years of relevant experience and expertise in working with governments on the design, implementation and operation of the world’s most successful investment migration programs, raising more than USD 6 billion in foreign direct investment. There has been a sharp increase worldwide in the number of individuals wanting to acquire a beneficial second or third residence or citizenship to globalize their family’s opportunities and expand their business interests in a changing and uncertain world. At the same time, more and more governments are seeing these programs as an innovative way of driving economic growth, securing much-needed foreign investment as well as enriching their own nation by attracting people to their shores who have proven business success, many talents and valuable networks,” explains Volek.

The Thailand residence program provides a multiple entry visa and allows holders to stay in the country for up to 20 years as the one-year stay extension can be made every year without the usual need to cross the border. The application process is very efficient — it takes less than one month to get visa issuance and collection at designated airports — and there are seven different program options available. The following are the most popular options:
Elite Ultimate Privilege — 20-year residence visa with complimentary VIP services for applicants over the age of 20 years, who pay a one-off fee of approximately USD 60,000, plus an annual fee of approximately USD 600
Elite Privilege Access — designed for family applications and provides a 10-year residence visa, with complimentary VIP services. The one-off fee is approximately USD 30,000 for the main applicant and approximately USD 22,500 for each dependent with no annual fee or age restriction
Elite Easy Access — a popular option with a five-year residence visa for expats or business people wishing to enter and exit Thailand regularly and easily. The one-off fee for this package is approximately USD 15,000 with no annual fee or age restriction

Over the last four decades, Thailand has made remarkable progress in its socio-economic development, moving from a low-income to an upper-income country in less than a generation. The country has been widely cited as a development success story, with sustained strong growth and impressive poverty reduction. Besides being rich in agriculture, its industrial production facilities are global leaders in automobiles, electronics, healthcare and jewelry.

Volek concludes: “Making an active choice regarding your residence or citizenship gives you more control, personal freedom, privacy and security. International residence and citizenship planning has become an important focus for mobile entrepreneurs, wealthy individuals and their families who are interested in a more global lifestyle and broadening their opportunities. We are confident that we can help make a significant difference to Thailand’s economy by promoting this world-leading residence program to those wanting to establish Thailand as their second home for part of the year or even move there permanently.” (Source: https://www.henleyglobal.com/press-rele ... e-program/)
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Re: TAT revamps defunct Thailand Elite Card

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Thailand Elite Card eyes B1.5bn in revenue

https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/18 ... in-revenue

Plan to woo upper classes in South Asia, Oceania with five-year visa

Thailand Privilege Card Co, the operator of Thailand Elite Card, has outlined plans to focus on five lucrative markets in Asia-Pacific and Europe with the aim of selling 2,460 cards and generating 1.5 billion baht in revenue in 2020.

The company hopes to persuade the upper classes of Bangladesh/India, Australia/New Zealand, Britain, China and Japan to buy a 500,000-baht membership card.

The card's perks include a five-year multiple entry visa to Thailand, limousine pickups from the airport and assistance with immigration and 90-day reporting.

Somchai Soongswang, the newly appointed president of Thailand Privilege Card, pointed to the trend of younger tech workers relocating from China and Japan to Thailand, a segment the company hopes to tap.

Thailand Privilege Card is planning to hire more sales personnel in other countries like Australia and Britain, as well as expand sales operations to other airports beyond Suvarnabhumi and Phuket.

The company reported revenue of 1.3 billion baht, a 27% year-on-year increase, for fiscal 2019 (Oct 1, 2018-Sept 30, 2019).

As of Sept 30, members using the card in 125 countries totalled 8,602, up from 7,135 the year before.

Mr Somchai expects the number of card holders to hit 10,000 within the next fiscal year.

China accounted for 1,747 of Thai Elite holders, an 88% year-on-year increase, followed by Britain (479), Japan (443), the US (387) and France (348).

The most popular type of card is the Elite Easy Access for a five-year stay, costing 500,000 baht, followed by the Elite Superiority Extension for a 20-year stay (1 million baht) and the Elite Family Excursion for a five-year stay (800,000 baht).

The company posted a 200-million-baht net profit for fiscal 2019, Mr Somchai said, adding that he expects the company to clear its cumulative losses within the next few years.

The Thai Elite residency programme was started by the government in 2003 to attract high-spending foreigners to the country.

Mr Somchai said Thailand ranked fourth out of 20 countries in the Global Residence Program Index for 2018-19.

The index ranks countries by preference for overseas residency, with Thailand winning high marks for reputation and cost of living.
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