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Thai Immigration

Thailand Privilege Visa GOLD Membership

The Thailand Privilege Visa Gold Membership is the entry-level tier in Thailand’s newly restructured long-term residency program for foreign nationals seeking a legal and convenient basis for extended stay. Launched in October 2023 by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC)—a state enterprise under the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)—this membership provides a 5-year renewable visa, along with access to lifestyle, immigration, and administrative benefits.

Unlike traditional Thai visas, the Gold Membership does not require proof of employment, retirement income, or family sponsorship. However, it does not grant the right to work, and it does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship. The program is contractual, privilege-based, and subject to cancellation in cases of non-compliance or criminal behavior.

This article provides a comprehensive legal and procedural overview of the Thailand Privilege Visa – Gold Membership, including visa mechanics, immigration compliance obligations, use cases, and limitations under Thai law.

1. Legal and Administrative Authority

1.1 Governing Body

  • Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC): Fully owned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)

  • Administers the program under Cabinet resolutions and ministerial policies

  • Overseen by relevant agencies under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979)

1.2 Visa Type

  • A non-immigrant “PE” (Privilege Entry) visa

  • Issued under the Immigration Bureau’s authority

  • Valid for 5 years, with 1-year renewable entries

The PE visa is distinct from other non-immigrant categories (e.g., “O,” “B,” or “O-A”) and is issued solely through TPC membership.

2. Core Features of the Gold Membership

Feature Detail
Visa Validity 5 years (multiple entry)
Cost THB 900,000 (non-refundable, lump sum)
Renewability Visa re-stamped annually for the duration
Membership Points 20 privilege points/year
Family Inclusion ❌ Not allowed under Gold tier
Government Liaison Services ✅ Limited access to TPC concierge

3. Immigration Rights and Limitations

✅ Rights and Privileges

  • Legally reside in Thailand for up to 5 years

  • Multiple re-entry allowed without re-entry permit

  • Assistance with 90-day reporting and visa renewals

  • Fast-track immigration lanes at major airports

  • Use of TPC liaison officers for some government-related services

❌ Limitations

  • No work rights — employment without work permit is illegal under Thai law

  • No path to Thai Permanent Residency or Citizenship

  • No inclusion of spouse or children under Gold tier

  • Visa is subject to revocation in cases of:

    • Criminal activity

    • Immigration law violation

    • Misrepresentation during application

4. Immigration Compliance Obligations

4.1 90-Day Reporting

  • Still required under Section 37(5) of the Immigration Act

  • Can be fulfilled:

    • In person at immigration

    • By mail

    • Via TPC concierge

4.2 Address Change Notification

  • Any change of residence must be reported using Form TM.28

  • If hosting foreign guests, landlords must file Form TM.30

4.3 Tax Residency and Financial Disclosure

  • If a member stays 180+ days/year, they become a Thai tax resident

  • Obliged to:

    • File PND 90 or 91 personal income tax returns

    • Declare Thai-sourced income

    • Declare foreign income if remitted (under 2024 rule)

5. 2024 Foreign Income Remittance Rule (Critical for Long-Term Gold Members)

Thailand enacted a major tax change effective 1 January 2024, affecting all foreign residents:

  • Foreign income remitted into Thailand by tax residents is now taxable in the year it is remitted, regardless of when it was earned.

  • Applies to:

    • Offshore salary or consulting income

    • Dividends, capital gains

    • Pension income, if sent to Thailand

Gold members who remit foreign funds into Thailand should consult tax professionals for reporting obligations and potential liability.

6. Application and Approval Process

Step 1: Submit Application

  • Via authorized agents or directly to Thailand Privilege

  • Required:

    • Copy of passport

    • Completed application form

    • Digital photo

    • Personal background information

Step 2: Background Check

  • Conducted by the Immigration Bureau and other security agencies

  • Criminal records, blacklist status, visa overstay history evaluated

Step 3: Membership Payment

  • Upon approval, applicant pays the THB 900,000 fee

  • Membership is activated upon payment receipt

Step 4: Visa Issuance

  • Visa can be affixed:

    • At a Thai Embassy/Consulate abroad

    • At Bangkok Immigration Bureau (for in-country applicants)

  • TPC issues a membership card, which functions as a form of identification

7. Use Cases for Gold Membership

✅ Appropriate For:

  • Remote workers or digital nomads (who earn offshore and don’t engage in Thai employment)

  • Frequent travelers needing long-term multiple-entry residency

  • Pre-retirees who do not yet qualify for O-A or O-X visas

  • Foreign homeowners wishing to reside in their Thai property

  • Investors managing offshore assets while residing in Thailand

⚠️ Not Suitable For:

  • Those seeking permanent immigration status

  • Foreigners planning to work, open a business, or manage employees (without proper work authorization)

  • Applicants with dependents, unless applying under higher-tier memberships

8. Visa Cancellation and Legal Consequences

Gold membership and its associated visa may be terminated immediately for:

  • Violation of Thai laws

  • Employment without a work permit (Alien Working Act B.E. 2551)

  • National security issues

  • Submission of fraudulent documents

  • Breach of TPC membership contract

Consequences:

  • Visa cancellation and deportation

  • Immigration blacklist

  • No refund of membership fee

9. Comparison with Other Thailand Long-Stay Options

Criteria Gold Privilege Visa Retirement (O-A/O-X) LTR Visa
Duration 5 years 1–10 years (renewable) Up to 10 years
Work authorization ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Yes (for certain types)
Family inclusion ❌ Not allowed ✅ (spouse/children) ✅
Financial requirement THB 900,000 (fee) THB 800,000 bank deposit THB 3–5 million investment
Path to PR or citizenship ❌ No ❌ No ⚠️ Indirect (with PR application)

10. Conclusion

The Thailand Privilege Visa – Gold Membership provides a legally secure, multi-year solution for foreigners seeking long-term residence in Thailand without employment or immigration complexity. It offers unrestricted re-entry, visa convenience, and lifestyle privileges backed by a government enterprise.

However, Gold members must carefully manage their immigration compliance, particularly in relation to tax residency, foreign income remittance, and prohibited employment. It is not a visa for working professionals, nor does it provide a path to permanent legal status in Thailand.

As such, it is best suited for those who seek residential comfort, mobility, and legal simplicity—with the resources to sustain it independently.

Thai Immigration

90-Day Visa Thailand

90-Day Visa Thailand options are popular among travelers, expatriates, and business professionals who wish to stay in the country for an extended period without the need for frequent visa runs. These visas provide a balance between short-term stays and long-term residency, offering flexibility for various purposes such as tourism, business, retirement, or family visits. This article provides an in-depth exploration of Thailand’s 90-day visa options, covering the types of visas available, application processes, compliance requirements, and key considerations for applicants.

Types of 90-Day Visas in Thailand

Thailand offers several types of visas that allow for a 90-day stay, each tailored to specific purposes and eligibility criteria.

1. Single-Entry Tourist Visa (TR)

  • Purpose: For tourists who wish to stay in Thailand for up to 90 days.
  • Validity: The visa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 60 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days at a local immigration office.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must provide proof of travel plans, accommodation, and financial means.

2. Multiple-Entry Tourist Visa (METV)

  • Purpose: For frequent travelers who wish to enter Thailand multiple times within a six-month period.
  • Validity: Each entry allows a stay of up to 60 days, which can be extended for an additional 30 days.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate a consistent travel history and provide proof of financial stability.

3. Non-Immigrant Visa (Category B)

  • Purpose: For business professionals who wish to conduct business activities in Thailand.
  • Validity: Allows a stay of up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must provide a letter from a Thai company or employer, detailing the purpose of the visit and financial support.

4. Non-Immigrant Visa (Category O)

  • Purpose: For individuals visiting family, retiring, or seeking medical treatment in Thailand.
  • Validity: Allows a stay of up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must provide proof of relationship (for family visits), retirement funds, or medical documentation.

5. Non-Immigrant Visa (Category ED)

  • Purpose: For students enrolled in educational institutions in Thailand.
  • Validity: Allows a stay of up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension.
  • Eligibility: Applicants must provide an acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution.

Application Process for a 90-Day Visa

The application process for a 90-day visa in Thailand involves several steps, each requiring careful attention to detail and documentation.

1. Determine the Appropriate Visa Type

  • Identify the visa category that best suits the purpose of your visit (e.g., tourism, business, retirement, education).

2. Gather Required Documents

  • General Requirements:
    • Completed visa application form.
    • Passport with at least six months of validity and blank pages.
    • Recent passport-sized photographs.
    • Proof of travel plans (e.g., flight itinerary, hotel bookings).
    • Proof of financial means (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letters).
  • Specific Requirements:
    • Tourist Visa (TR/METV): Travel insurance, proof of accommodation.
    • Non-Immigrant Visa (Category B): Letter from a Thai company, business registration documents.
    • Non-Immigrant Visa (Category O): Proof of relationship, retirement funds, or medical documents.
    • Non-Immigrant Visa (Category ED): Acceptance letter from an educational institution.

3. Submit the Application

  • Submit the application and supporting documents to the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your home country or country of residence.
  • Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the visa type and nationality.

4. Attend an Interview (if required)

  • Some visa categories may require an interview to assess the applicant’s eligibility and intentions.

5. Receive the Visa

  • Once approved, the visa will be affixed to your passport, allowing you to enter Thailand within the specified validity period.

Compliance and Extension of Stay

Once in Thailand, visa holders must comply with specific regulations and may have the option to extend their stay.

1. 90-Day Reporting

  • Requirement: Foreigners staying in Thailand for more than 90 consecutive days must report their address to the Immigration Bureau.
  • Process: Submit a completed TM.47 form, along with proof of address (e.g., rental agreement, utility bill) and passport copies.
  • Penalties: Failure to comply with 90-day reporting requirements can result in fines or other penalties.

2. Visa Extensions

  • Eligibility: Certain visa types (e.g., Tourist Visa, Non-Immigrant Visa) can be extended for an additional 30 days.
  • Process: Submit an application for extension at a local immigration office, along with supporting documents and the required fee.
  • Limitations: Extensions are subject to approval and may not be granted for all visa types or circumstances.

3. Re-Entry Permits

  • Purpose: Allows visa holders to leave and re-enter Thailand without invalidating their visa.
  • Process: Apply for a re-entry permit at the Immigration Bureau before departing Thailand.
  • Types: Single re-entry permit (valid for one re-entry) or multiple re-entry permit (valid for multiple re-entries).

Key Considerations for Applicants

  1. Visa Validity and Entry Stamps:
    • Ensure that your visa is valid for the intended duration of stay and that you receive the correct entry stamp upon arrival.
  2. Financial Requirements:
    • Be prepared to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support your stay in Thailand.
  3. Health Insurance:
    • Some visa categories (e.g., Non-Immigrant Visa O-A for retirement) require proof of health insurance coverage.
  4. Legal Advice:
    • Seek professional advice to ensure that you meet all eligibility criteria and comply with Thai immigration laws.

Challenges and Common Issues

  1. Documentation Errors:
    • Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays or rejection of the visa application.
  2. Overstaying:
    • Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
  3. Changing Visa Types:
    • Switching from one visa type to another (e.g., from a Tourist Visa to a Non-Immigrant Visa) can be complex and may require leaving the country.
  4. Language Barriers:
    • Navigating the visa application and compliance process can be challenging for non-Thai speakers.

Recent Developments and Trends

  1. Digitalization:
    • The Thai Immigration Bureau has introduced online platforms for 90-day reporting and visa extensions, improving efficiency and accessibility.
  2. COVID-19 Impact:
    • The COVID-19 pandemic has led to temporary changes in visa policies, such as automatic extensions and reduced fees for certain visa categories.
  3. Tourism Recovery:
    • Thailand is implementing measures to revive its tourism industry, including streamlined visa processes and promotional campaigns.

Conclusion

Thailand’s 90-day visa options provide a flexible and convenient solution for travelers, expatriates, and business professionals seeking to stay in the country for an extended period. By understanding the different visa types, application processes, and compliance requirements, applicants can navigate the complexities of Thai immigration laws and ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience. Whether for tourism, business, retirement, or education, a 90-day visa offers the opportunity to explore and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer. With careful planning, thorough preparation, and professional guidance, applicants can maximize the benefits of their stay and comply with all legal obligations.

Thai Immigration

Spouse Visa in Thailand

The foreign national must be married to a Thai national or a foreign national with authorized residency in Thailand in order to be granted a spouse visa in Thailand. Officially, the visa is referred to as a non-immigrant “O” visa.

The general procedures are as follows:

1. In your home country, submit an application for a non-immigrant “O” visa at the Thai embassy or consulate. You must present the required paperwork, which includes a copy of your marriage license and evidence of your ability to support yourself.

2. You must visit a local immigration office once you have arrived in Thailand to request a 90-day extension of your non-immigrant “O” visa.

3. You must submit an application for a one-year extension of your visa at a nearby immigration office before the 90-day extension expires. You will be required to present documentation showing your ability to sustain yourself financially.

4. As long as you continue to meet the requirements, you can renew your visa for another year after the first one.

Keep in mind that the procedure and standards may change based on your unique circumstances and the regional immigration office. To guarantee a successful and efficient application procedure, it is advised to speak with a licensed immigration lawyer or agent.

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