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The Thailand Elite Visa is a premium visa option designed to offer individuals the convenience of long-term residency in Thailand combined with an exclusive VIP experience. It is available through the Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC), a government-owned entity. For 2025, the TPC has included new updates that are intended to broaden its appeal, making the Thailand Elite Visa more accessible, attractive, and beneficial to Thailand Privilege members. This year’s changes include expanded eligibility, a waived application fee, and several enticing new perks and services. In this article, we will cover what the visa is, and more importantly, the new 2025 Thailand Elite Visa updates the TPC has announced. What is the Thailand Elite Visa? The Thailand Elite Visa is a type of long-term tourist visa that offers a diverse list of free perks and benefits aimed at elevating the holder's experience in Thailand. Depending on the chosen Thailand Privilege membership, holders of the Thailand Elite Visa will be able to stay for up to 20 years in Thailand. Thailand Privilege Gold: 5 years of residency Thailand Privilege Platinum: 10 years of residency Thailand Privilege Diamond: 15 years of residency Thailand Privilege Reserve: 20 years of residency As mentioned before, the Thailand Elite Visa comes with a huge array of free perks, exclusive benefits, and special deals. These include spa treatments, health check-ups, hotel stays, and other luxury benefits. The TPC also collaborates with law firms and visa consultancy agencies to offer free application support to all interested applicants. These agencies, also known as General Sales and Services Agents (GSSAs), are government-subsidized to provide complete assistance with the Thailand Elite Visa application process at no cost. What’s New with the Thailand Elite Visa in 2025? The TPC has implemented several updates to enhance the Thailand Elite Visa experience for 2025, most of which focus on improving the accessibility of the visa, simplifying the application process, and adding more value for its members. Expansion of Nationalities Eligible for Thailand Elite Visa Initially, the Thailand Elite Visa program excluded applicants from certain countries due to security concerns, especially those on the UN’s sanction lists. However, as of 2024, the previously ineligible nationalities can now apply for the Thailand Elite Visa, which includes: Asia: Afghanistan, Pakistan Africa: Central Africa, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan Middle East: Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Palestine, Syria, Yemen To better vet applicants from these and all other nations, TPC has also enhanced its screening process, which now involves four key organizations: Thai Immigration Office: This organization manages visa approvals and monitors foreign activity within the country. Department of Consular Affairs: This organization conducts checks related to foreign relations and security. Royal Thai Police’s Foreign Affairs Division: This organization oversees legal compliance and safety assessments. Central Investigation Bureau: This organization verifies criminal records and background information. With these rigorous checks, the TPC has lifted nearly all nationality restrictions, now accepting applications from citizens of almost every country, except the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). This expanded eligibility makes the Thailand Elite Visa available to a larger pool of nationalities, aligning with the TPC’s vision to welcome more affluent individuals to Thailand to benefit the economy. Waiving of the Thailand Privilege 50,000 THB Application Fee Until recently, a 50,000 THB fee was required to initiate the application’s background check process. The fee served as a deposit to ensure that only “serious” applicants proceeded, with the amount either deducted from the membership fee or refunded if the background check was unsuccessful. However, after consulting GSSAs and reviewing application feedback, the TPC had decided to waive this fee until early 2025. This change removes a financial barrier and creates a simpler, more appealing application process for prospective members. Should this waiver receive positive feedback, the TPC may consider canceling the application fee for good. New Perks and Programs The TPC continues to add new benefits and services to keep the Thailand Elite Visa memberships attractive, valuable, and competitive. Some of the latest perks and benefits added for Thailand Elite Visa holders include: Exclusive Lounge at Chaeng Watthana Government Complex: Thailand Elite Visa members now have access to a new exclusive lounge within the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex. This comfortable lounge space offers members a relaxing environment to wait during immigration-related appointments and assistance from Elite Personal Assistants, making the entire process more convenient and less stressful. 90-Day Reporting Service: Thailand requires foreigners staying long-term in Thailand to report their residence to the immigration office every 90 days. The TPC has introduced a home pick-up and drop-off service for this requirement, meaning members don’t need to visit immigration or TPC offices personally. This service is especially valuable for members who may have busy schedules or prefer not to travel specifically for the 90-day report. “The Ultimate Tourism in Bangkok” Program: Running until February 28, 2025, this exclusive program allows Thailand Elite Visa members to enjoy privileged shopping experiences and access to select activities at top department stores in Bangkok. Additionally, this program provides unlimited online medical consultations through the Phyathai-Paolo Hospital Group, a major healthcare provider in Thailand. Monthly Discounts and Exclusive Deals: To further increase the value of a Thailand Elite Visa membership, the TPC partners with various vendors and businesses to provide monthly discounts and deals for its members. Recent additions include discounts on hearing assessments and gourmet bakery products, with new offers added regularly. Members receive a monthly newsletter detailing these promotions and limited-time offers, keeping them informed and engaged with fresh benefits. Contact Siam Legal International for Professional Assistance with Your Thailand Elite Visa With the 2025 updates to the application process and additional perks, obtaining a Thailand Elite Visa and enjoying Thailand Privilege Membership has never been easier or more rewarding. For professional, free application support, turn to an experienced GSSA like Siam Legal. With over 20 years in operation, we’re one of Thailand's largest and most successful GSSAs and our Thailand Elite team has the expertise and connections with the TPC to help you obtain your Elite Visa smoothly, quickly, and hassle-free. Alongside free Thailand Privilege application services, Siam Legal provides exclusive perks, including complimentary bank account setup, free notarizations, and free consultation for any legal matter. Contact Siam Legal’s Thailand Elite Team today to experience top-tier luxury and ease during your stay in Thailand.  

Strengthening ties with the US and promoting the Thailand Privilege Visa! Siam Legal joined forces with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT),holding a meeting and a strategy session in October at their New York City office. Siam Legal’s Managing Director Dennis Ramm and the leader of their dedicated Thailand Privilege Services Team Rex Baay discussed targeted initiatives for American travelers and investors seeking a deeper connection with Thailand. As the officially appointed General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) for the Thailand Privilege Program in North America, Siam Legal is dedicated to providing expert guidance and support to individuals and families interested in easy and rewarding long-term stays in Thailand. With their hands-on experience with Thailand Privilege applicants, Siam Legal was able to provide valuable insight to the TAT and helped guide their efforts to make the Thailand Privilege program easier to access and more rewarding for American members. As a full-service law firm with over 20 years of experience, Siam Legal provides unparalleled legal support to expats and foreign visitors in a variety of areas throughout their entire journey in Thailand. Their multiple teams possess the expertise and insight to help clients navigate all their legal and immigration matters, ensuring a comfortable and secure time in the Land of Smiles. Ready to experience all the excitement offered by the Thailand Privilege Program? Contact Siam Legal’s Thailand Privilege Services Team.  

At the beginning of 2024, the Thai Revenue Department enforced a new tax policy regarding foreign-sourced income,which stated that if it met any one of two conditions, it would be considered taxable. These conditions included the following: Income is earned by a tax resident in Thailand Income is brought into Thailand However, as of early September 2024, the Thai Revenue Department is drafting a new law that if passed, will change Thailand’s current tax system on foreign-sourced income again and align it with the international principle of “worldwide income” under the residence rule. This new amendment to the Thailand Revenue Code will also have a significant effect on multinational corporations, as it will set the minimum corporate tax to 15%, which is the current OECD standard. Thailand’s New Tax Law Draft for Foreign Income The principle of worldwide income under the residence rule requires that the income an individual earns, regardless of its source, must be taxed by the country where the individual has resided for the majority of their time. In Thailand, one is considered a tax resident if they spend 180 days or more in the country within any Thai tax year, which is the same as the calendar year. Currently, Thailand only requires an individual to pay income tax on their foreign-sourced income if they are a tax resident and they bring that income into Thailand. But with this new draft law, which follows the principle of worldwide income, all tax residents in Thailand will be subject to paying taxes on their foreign-sourced income, whether they have brought it into the country or not. To further explain how the draft will impact tax residents in Thailand, the Director-General of the Thai Revenue Department, Kulaya Tantitemit, has stepped in to add that the new draft law will only affect personal income taxes in Thailand. This means that corporate tax income or income from foreign mutual funds will not be affected if the draft is passed into law. Double Taxation with New Draft Law in Thailand Under the current tax law in Thailand, tax residents in Thailand are liable to pay taxes on the following sources of income: `Income from employment (such as wages, salaries, and remuneration). `Income from business operations. Passive or property-related income (such as interests, dividends, rental income, and goodwill). If the new draft law on foreign-sourced income is passed into law, individuals may be subject to paying tax twice, both in their home country and in Thailand. However, Thailand maintains many Double Tax Agreements (DTAs) with countries around the world which will remain unchanged by the new law. DTAs will help tax residents avoid paying twice. However, a DTA does not necissarily mean that taxpayers can avoid paying Thai tax entirely. Every DTA is different, and in some cases, tax residents of Thailand will still have to pay some tax, such as is if the tax rates in both countries vary. In this situation, if a tax resident earns income in a foreign country that taxes it at a lower rate than Thailand would, the tax resident will typically have to pay the difference, but not the full amount. For example, Mr. A, a tax resident of Thailand, earns $10,000 in a foreign country that has a DTA with Thailand. The foreign country levies a tax rate of 15%, or $1,500. But under Thai tax rules, Mr. A is in a tax bracket that requires him to pay 20%, or $2,000. In this case, Mr. A must then pay the 5% difference ($500) to the Thai Revenue Department. Again, under the new law, this would occur regardless of if Mr. A brings that money into Thailand at all. He will still need to pay income tax in the Thai tax year in which it was earned. Thailand’s New Tax Law Draft for Corporates Alongside drafting the new tax law for foreign-sourced income, the Thailand Revenue Department is also in the process of organizing a global minimum corporate tax rate in Thailand. This decision follows the international agreements established by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Thailand is a member of this organization and a party to the tax information exchange group. The global minimum tax (GMT) rate, which is 15%, will only be required of multinational enterprises with global revenues exceeding $870 million per year. From what has been shared, once the law has been implemented, all multinational enterprises will be obligated to pay the 15% minimum tax rate in the countries they operate. If an enterprise pays less than the 15% minimum tax rate in the country it operates, the enterprise will then need to pay additional tax in the country where the parent company is situated to bring the total to 15%. This is known as a “top-up tax.” Professional Tax Consulting in Thailand If you are experiencing any uncertainty regarding your responsibilities as a tax resident in Thailand or your business’s liabilities, contact the expert tax advisors at Siam Legal. With our help, you will gain a deeper understanding as to which of your sources of income are taxable and what your tax responsibilities are, along with how to prepare for what is to come when the new law is passed. Our experienced tax consultants can also help you determine which DTAs, deductions, and tax credits you are eligible for so that you can minimize your tax burden in Thailand through all legal methods. Not only will you avoid accidentally committing tax fraud and the risk of prosecution, but you’ll also have peace of mind knowing that you and your company will be able to keep as much of your hard-earned money as possible.  

With a big tax policy change going into effect this year and more changes to the Thai tax code planned,there is rising uncertainty about the country’s evolving tax landscape among Thailand’s expat population. This event was held to dispel these anxieties and educate foreigners on Thailand’s tax system so they can plan for the future with confidence. The seminar was recorded and can be viewed here on Siam Legal’s YouTube channel. This video focuses on discussing the tax regulations that apply to foreigners, with professional insights from Thomas Carden, Managing Director of American International Tax Advisers, and Ken Brown, Senior Consultant at Business Class Asia. Various organizations were in attendance, including Thailand Privilege Card Company Limited, AIA, Elite Homes, and Thai Elite Korea. This in-depth discussion provides viewers with detailed knowledge of how to adhere to current tax laws in Thailand, how to calculate their taxes, and how to reduce their tax burden with deductions and credits. The seminar also included information about double tax agreements (DTAs), common reporting standards, and Thai tax rates, as well as a Q&A section. Various guest speakers shared their insight and expertise, including Siam Legal International’s Senior Thai Tax Consultant: Dhanabol Chomsaengchok, known as “DC.” For personalized tax consulting services, interested parties can contact Siam Legal for a tax advisory session with DC and learn about their individual Thai tax responsibilities as well as how to minimize their burden legally.