Thailand Privilege Visa
Thailand's paid-tier long-term visa (formerly Thailand Elite) offering 5 to 20-year stays with concierge services, restructured in 2023.
The Thailand Privilege Card program, rebranded from Thailand Elite in 2023 under the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, provides long-term residency visas to foreign nationals who pay a membership fee. Prior to the 2023 restructure, the program offered fixed packages (5, 10, and 20-year stays) at set price points ranging from approximately THB 600,000 to THB 2,500,000. Following the 2023 restructure, the program introduced tiered membership categories with revised pricing and benefits. As of mid-2026, the program offers multiple membership tiers with visa periods of 5 to 20 years. The visa is a Non-Immigrant Long-Stay type, renewed annually by the Privilege program office without requiring the member to appear at a standard Immigration window. Benefits typically include fast-track airport services, government liaison services, dedicated member support, and golf course access, depending on the tier purchased. Importantly, the Thailand Privilege visa does not grant a work permit. Holders may not work in Thailand without a separate work permit application. The visa also does not confer any preferential property purchase rights, foreign buyers hold the same legal position as any other foreign visitor under Thai property law.
What it means for buyersWhy this matters when you buy in Phuket.
For a buyer who wants long-term residential comfort in Phuket without the income or asset verification requirements of the LTR visa or the annual renewal burden of the O-A, Thailand Privilege is a practical option. The upfront cost should be weighed against the administrative convenience it provides over the visa period. Buyers should verify current tier pricing and benefit structures directly from the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., as these have changed since the 2023 restructure.
Mario is familiar with Thailand Privilege as a residency option and can connect buyers with licensed program representatives. He clarifies to buyers that the Privilege visa is a convenience product, not a legal property right, it makes living in Thailand easier but does not change the ownership structures available to foreign nationals.