In October 2023, marking its 20th anniversary, Thailand’s long-running Thailand Elite Card program – commonly known as the Elite Visa – underwent a comprehensive rebrand and product refresh. The program is now officially known as the Thailand Privilege Card.
The Thailand Privilege Card is Thailand’s government-backed long-term visa and residency-by-membership program, administered by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a state-owned enterprise operating under the supervision of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The program provides eligible foreign nationals with long-stay visa access, concierge services, and lifestyle privileges in Thailand.
The rebrand represents more than a change in name or visual identity. It introduced a modernized membership structure, strengthened governance and compliance standards, and repositioned the program to align with global expectations for long-term mobility and residency solutions.
Reasons for the Rebrand from Thailand Elite Card to Thailand Privilege Card
Key reasons for the rebrand include the following:
- Product modernization and simplification
Over time, the legacy Thailand Elite Card evolved into a complex mix of overlapping packages. As part of the relaunch, these offerings were consolidated into a clearer and more streamlined set of membership tiers – Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Reserve –making the program easier for applicants, partners, and agents to understand and promote. - Brand repositioning: from “Elite” to “Privilege”
The shift from “Elite” to “Privilege” refocused the brand on tangible benefits – long-term visa access, concierge support, and lifestyle services – rather than exclusivity or social status. This repositioning broadened the program’s appeal to entrepreneurs, retirees, remote workers, investors, and frequent visitors, beyond a narrowly defined “elite” demographic. - Improved regulatory clarity and governance
The rebrand from the Elite Card also aligned with clearer communication around compliance, due diligence, and onboarding standards. Enhanced messaging on background checks and verification processes reflects evolving global expectations for mobility programs – particularly in relation to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) compliance, reinforcing confidence among government stakeholders, financial institutions, partners, and the public. - Commercial and distribution strategy updates
The relaunch provided an opportunity to refresh sales and distribution channels, including authorized agents and international partners, alongside new global marketing initiatives. These updates were designed to strengthen international reach and improve consistency in how the program is presented across markets.
What Changed for Applicants and Existing Members?
- New membership tiers and pricing: Legacy Elite packages were discontinued and replaced with new tier names, membership durations, and updated point and benefit structures. Applicants after the cut-off date must apply under the Thailand Privilege Card framework.
- Transitional rules for existing members: Members who joined under pre–October 2023 packages were allowed to retain the terms and conditions stated in their original approval letters. However, renewals or upgrades will be subject to the updated membership structure and policies.
- Operational enhancements: Stronger onboarding checks were introduced, along with updated service workflows delivered through Elite Personal Assistants (EPA), Elite Personal Liaisons (EPL), and centralized support via the Member Contact Center (MCC).
- Promotions and limited offers: Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. periodically introduces time-limited promotions, such as Bronze membership windows and family add-on offers. As availability and terms may change, applicants are encouraged to check with Thai Relo Services for the latest update on Thailand Privilege Card (Thailand Elite Visa) applications.
Transition from Thailand Elite Card to Thailand Privilege Card Membership Structure
As part of the transition, legacy “Elite” packages were discontinued and replaced with a streamlined membership structure—Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and the invitation-only Reserve tier—alongside limited-time promotional offerings such as the Bronze package. At the same time, the program introduced the Privilege Points system, under which members receive annual points redeemable for selected lifestyle and service benefits. Together, these updates provide greater flexibility and personalization while improving clarity for applicants and aligning the program with modern international expectations.
What Are Thailand Privilege Card “Privilege Points”?
Unlike the legacy Thailand Elite Card (Elite Visa), the Thailand Privilege Card introduces an annual Privilege Points system through which certain benefits are delivered. Each member receives a fixed number of points per membership year, based on their membership tier:
- Thailand Privilege Card – Gold: 20 points per year
- Thailand Privilege Card – Platinum: 35 points per year
- Thailand Privilege Card – Diamond: 55 points per year
- Thailand Privilege Card – Reserve: 120 points per year
Higher-tier memberships receive more points, providing greater flexibility and access to a wider range of premium benefits.
How the Thailand Privilege Card’s Privilege Points System Works?
- Annual reset: Privilege Points are allocated annually and reset at the start of each membership year; unused points do not roll over.
- Categories of privileges: Privilege Points may be redeemed for selected services and lifestyle benefits across the following categories: Signature Services, Stay, Travel, Leisure, Health & Well-Being, and Wealth.
- No fixed value: Privilege Points do not have a fixed value, and there can be significant variation in value depending on how and where the points are redeemed. Members are encouraged to review available options to maximize the benefit of their points.
- Personalization: The Privilege Points system allows members to personalize their experience by selecting benefits that best match their lifestyle, rather than receiving a fixed bundle of services.
- Supplementary members: Supplementary members do not receive Privilege Points of their own. However, they may use and share Privilege Points allocated to the main member.
To explore the full Privilege Book of the Thailand Privilege Card (formerly Thailand Elite Card), please click here.
Why Choose the Thailand Privilege Card (Thailand Elite Card)?
The Thailand Privilege Card is designed for foreigners seeking a long-term, hassle-free stay in Thailand, complemented by lifestyle benefits and professional support beyond a standard visa.
Key reasons people choose the program include:
- Long-term stability without frequent renewals
Members receive a multiple-entry long-stay visa with validity ranging from 5 to 20 years, depending on the membership tier. This significantly reduces the need for frequent visa runs, renewals, and the administrative burden of residing in Thailand. The long-term visa validity granted under each membership tier is as follows:
• Thailand Privilege Card – Gold: 5-year Elite Visa
• Thailand Privilege Card – Platinum: 10-year Elite Visa
• Thailand Privilege Card – Diamond: 15-year Elite Visa
• Thailand Privilege Card – Reserve: 20-year Elite Visa - Simpler requirements than other long-term visas
Other long-term visas – such as retirement, work, or LTR visas – often involve age limits, income thresholds, employment contracts, or financial investment requirements. By contrast, the Thailand Privilege Card is membership-based, making it one of the most hassle-free long-term stay options available. - Seamless immigration experience
The program offers fast-track airport services, immigration assistance, and dedicated support for 90-day reporting and other immigration formalities, helping members navigate Thailand’s immigration processes with greater ease and confidence. - Multiple-entry flexibility
Thailand Privilege members enjoy unlimited entry and exit throughout the visa validity period without the need to apply for re-entry permits, making the program ideal for frequent travelers. - Lifestyle privileges beyond the visa
Unlike other visa options, the Thailand Privilege Card (formerly Thailand Elite Card) combines long-term residency with a wide range of lifestyle benefits, including airport services, wellness, travel, leisure experiences, and exclusive member privileges – allowing members to personalize their experience and enjoy the best Thailand has to offer through the Privilege Points system. - Government-backed credibility
The program is administered by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. under the supervision of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, providing reassurance around governance, compliance, and long-term continuity. - Designed for modern international lifestyles
Thailand Privilege appeals to a broad range of profiles – including retirees, entrepreneurs, remote workers, investors, and frequent visitors – who value flexibility, stability, and a premium experience without navigating complex immigration pathways. - Clear membership structure with upgrade options
With clearly defined membership tiers and transparent benefits, applicants can choose a level that fits their current needs while retaining the option to upgrade their membership tier in the future. - Family-friendly structure
Eligible family members can be included under the program, allowing households to enjoy long-term residence in Thailand under a single, coordinated framework, rather than managing multiple visa types. - Recognized and accepted nationwide
With more than two decades of implementation, the program is well established and widely recognized across Thailand’s immigration system, offering consistency compared to newer visa programs.
Interested in the Thailand Privilege Card?
For accurate guidance and a secure application process, contact Thai Relo Services, an authorized General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA). Our consultation and application support are provided completely free of charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people still refer to the Thailand Privilege Card as the Thailand Elite Card or Thai Elite Visa?
The Thailand Privilege Card was previously known as the Thailand Elite Card for more than 20 years. Following the official rebrand in October 2023, the program’s name changed, but the underlying long-stay visa framework remained the same. As a result, many people – including long-time members, agents, and online platforms – continue to use the legacy terms “Thailand Elite Card” or “Elite Visa” out of familiarity. All three names refer to the same program, with Thailand Privilege Card being the current official name.
How Is the Thailand Privilege Card Better Than the Legacy Thailand Elite Card?
Although the Thailand Privilege Card (the program’s current official name) and the Thailand Elite Card (the legacy name) refer to the same long-stay visa program, the rebranded Thailand Privilege Card represents a modernized and enhanced version of the original offering.
Under the legacy Elite program, the product structure had evolved into a complex mix of overlapping packages with varying benefits and pricing, which could be difficult for applicants and agents to navigate. The Thailand Privilege Card replaced this with a clearer and more simplified membership tier system – Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Reserve – making it easier to understand, compare, and select the appropriate membership.
In addition, the Thailand Privilege Card introduced the Privilege Points system, allowing members to redeem points for selected lifestyle and service benefits – such as airport services, wellness experiences, golf, and dining – based on individual preferences. This offers greater flexibility and personalization compared to the more rigid benefit structure under the legacy program.
Finally, the rebrand placed stronger emphasis on regulatory clarity, compliance, and governance. Clearer communication around due diligence, background checks, and onboarding standards reflects alignment with evolving international expectations, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) practices, reinforcing confidence among government stakeholders, financial institutions, partners, and the public.
How much is the application fee for the Thailand Privilege Card (formerly Thailand Elite Visa)?
There is currently no application fee for the Thailand Privilege Card. Applicants are only required to pay the applicable membership fee directly to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. for their chosen tier after the application has been approved. Applying through Thai Relo Services, an authorized General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA), is also completely free of charge.
How much is the Thailand Privilege Card’s membership fee?
The Thailand Privilege Card requires a one-time membership fee, with no annual fees. The fee varies by membership tier and visa validity period. Current membership fees are as follows:
- Thailand Privilege Card – Gold: THB 900,000 (5-year Elite Visa)
- Thailand Privilege Card – Platinum: THB 1,500,000 (10-year Elite Visa)
- Thailand Privilege Card – Diamond: THB 2,500,000 (15-year Elite Visa)
- Thailand Privilege Card – Reserve: THB 5,000,000 (20-year Elite Visa)
In addition, the Thailand Privilege Card – Bronze package is currently offered at THB 650,000 for a 5-year visa, available until 31 March 2026.
Who do I pay the Thailand Privilege Card membership fee to?
All membership fees must be paid directly to Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. after application approval. Any request to pay upfront before approval or to transfer payment to a different account should be treated as a red flag, and applicants are strongly advised to proceed with caution.