Thailand Privilege Card Bronze or Destination Thailand Visa: Thailand's Newest Long-Term Visas

[@cheyeser]

Wife and I successfully applied for a DTV, was a clear and easy enough process, just needed to show proof of our income, bank account and proof that our work is remote. Did look at the privilege program before the price went through the roof which made it terrible value vs the dtv is just such good value. Love the channel, keep up the great work.

[@thebangkokguide]

Sounds great! Thanks for sharing and the kind words!

[@trbelcher]

Imho, the LTR is the greatest and most underrated visa for long term stays in Thailand.

[@thebangkokguide]

If you qualify, it's definitely a great option!

[@sarlina1]

I will add that the 5 year Privilege Visa Bronze can be stretched to be effective for 6 years, if the last yearly renewal is done just before the validation of the visa expires. So this 5 year visa can in fact be stretched to give you 6 years in Thailand.

[@thebangkokguide]

I didn’t know that. Thanks for the added information! Cheers

[@sarlina1]

@@thebangkokguide Yep, most are not aware of that possibility. In case you wonder, 11 years as a visa agent here 😊 You are always spot on with your visa advice 🙏

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words. It’s much appreciated coming from somebody with your experience!

[@Hector5257]

Excellent and balanced review. The Privilege visa is certainly by far the easiest to apply for and provides a simple long term access to Thailand. The DTV is new and full of uncertainties and administrative hoops: the Soft Power options are the most risky as no one knows how extension documentation will be dealt with, and probably in different ways from different Thai Immigration Offices. With the Privilege visa you essentially buy long term peace of mind.

[@sarlina1]

@Hector5257 Exactly. I have spoken to my contacts at immigration about the extensions of the DTV within Thailand, and they say they won't give freebie extensions out without proper documentation. That means the documents need to be current. As it looks now, it seems easier entering the country, so doing border runs every 180 days seems like the safest bet. A lot can change on this visa, but with the Privilege visa we know exactly how that works. It's the VIP of visas, for those who can afford them.

[@KeepingItRealBro]

Got a DTV just because I'm a frequent traveller and long term tourist. Don't need it, but total cost was $900. However I'm fairly certain that this won't be the end of it, nor last the full five years without further hassle.

[@thebangkokguide]

Good option. I wonder whether there will be changes as well. We tend to get pretty frequent changes to visa rules here. Cheers!

[@peelout23-s8h]

Interesting. Was considering the Elite visa before they got greedy and jacked up the prices. Might reconsider as it's not a bad option at 650,000 for 5 years. Was looking at DTV but seems like a bit of a headache. Thanks for the info!

[@thebangkokguide]

Each visa has it's pros and cons... I think it often comes down to whether somebody has enough money that they value time and relaxation over the cost of the visa. Good luck with your selection!

[@richardontube]

Great summary Cal!

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks! Cheers

[@Jason1fromNYC]

Another great video. Great explanation on the current longer term visa options.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@traceylankford8579]

You explain things so well. That privilege one is the bomb!!🤑

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words. Definitely a good option. Very straightforward! Cheers

[@curiousthecat]

I’m really torn between the bronze privilege visa and the retirement visa. The former is simple but requires a 5 year commitment. The latter is, from what I understand, ‘slightly’ more expensive (800k THB) but, if after a year I decide Thailand is not for me, I can take that money elsewhere [ignoring the hassles of currency conversions]. The retirement visa appears to offer a proof of monthly income (65k THB) option, but I’ve read conflicting statements w/r if that works with the original/first year application.

[@thebangkokguide]

Both can be good options. The retirement visa is a deposit that must be held in your account, whereas Privilege Bronze is a direct payment, so that is definitely a difference. I'll do a video on retiring in Thailand soon, so I'll make sure to cover the visa fully there! Cheers

[@michaeltakayama8415]

The retirement visa is cheaper. The required deposit is your money, in a personal account at a Thai bank of your choosing, and you can withdraw it whenever you want, if you choose to terminate your visa. The Privilege Card is a non-refundable payment. The monthly income method for the retirement visa requires proof of 12 consecutvie months of the minimum deposits into a Thai bank account in your name. So, it is possible to use this method for your original application & first year extension, if you already have a Thai bank account, prior to your application/extension. Some people have gotten a Thai bank account, while on other visas, such as the education visa or a work visa. Or you can start with a Privilege Card, open a bank account, and then switch to a retirement visa, after 12 months of making the bank deposits. It may be possible to open a Thai bank account while on a tourist visa, if you go through an agent. You can then spend 12 months depositing funds into that account from your home country, prior to applying for a retirement visa. But, I would check with a Thai lawyer first. Having a bank account in a foreign country may involve a grey area of the law, and sometimes the accounts are closed, if you are not actually residing in that country. Disclaimer: I am not an expert on these matters - this is from my own research and may be inaccurate. Please do your own due diligence. In my opinion, it is best to get information from the official Thai government websites, and/or seek the advice/help of professionals, before making any decisions.

[@curiousthecat]

@ Let me state that I’m not interested in nudge, nudge, wink, wink agent side door visa action. Say no more. I’ve been leaning towards the bronze privilege visa since it was announced. There have been some KZbin expats implying the monthly deposits could be in a non-Thai bank (US $ in my case). Apparently at some point in the recent past the US embassy would notarize SS payment info which could also be used as proof of ‘income’ [service no longer offered]. What you’ve said is what my current understanding is (I wasn’t clear on the 12 months requirement). At any rate, my current hesitation as to a 5 year ‘commitment’ [bronze visa: 5 years paid upfront whether I stay that long or not] relates to the current (last 2 weeks) instability in the US and world political/economic situation. As you said, the 800k BHT retirement visa deposit is mine to take with me should the need arise…though I’ve also seen a post that implies getting money out of a Thai bank/Thailand may not be as simple as could be hoped. The bronze privilege visa is still my current focus.

[@michaeltakayama8415]

@@curiousthecat I apologize if I said, or implied, that anyone should use an agent to do shady visa things. This was not my intent. In fact, I discourage anyone from playing around in any gray areas of the law of any country, with or without an agent. What I should have said is that some people have managed to open a Thai bank account, while on a tourist visa, using an agent or by doing to a bank branch on their own. I do not know if it is legal to open & maintain a bank account in Thailaand, if you do not actually reside there. If it is not legal, then the bank may close the account. So, it is best to check with a Thai lawyer before trying to open an account, on a tourist visa.

[@michaeltakayama8415]

@@curiousthecat If you are not certain that you want to stay in Thailand for 5 years, and your primary goal is simply to get out of the US, you might want to consider the Philippines, as well. You can stay in the Philippines for up to 3 years on a visa-free entry + extensions. The fee structure for extensions is a bit convoluted, but it averages to approximately 50 USD/mo over the 3 year period. They also have a retirement visa, if you are interested. It is a bit easier to get than Thailand's Non-O and the deposit is lower, but the initial & annual fees are higher. Assuming that you are a US citizen, you could also move to Guam and stay there for as long as you like, no visa, no deposits, no fees. If you just dislike mainland US, Hawaii and Alaska are good visa-free, deposit-free, fee-free options, too. Another option, if you like to travel, is slow travel. You can stay in Malaysia for 3 months, and in Thailannd for 2 months, visa free. The other SE countries allow you to stay for 1 month, typically. It is also possible to get extensions in many of these countries, but why bother? Just keep bouncing around for a few years, until you get tired & feel like returning to the US. With regards to the Bronze Privilege Card vs Non-O retirement visa, if money is no object and you do not plan to stay more than 5 years, go with the Bronze. If you plan to stay more than 5 years, then go with the Non-O. This was my own conclusion, when I was considering the original Thai Ellite Visa vs the Non-O. Anyways, good luck with your decision. There is a lot to consider. :)

[@michaeltakayama8415]

Good comparison. The uncertainties & inconsistencies surrounding the DTV program, as well as already-occurring abuses of the program, warrant caution for anyone who is planning a long-term stay. It would be wise to have a backup plan, since there are likely to be significant changes to this program over the next year or two, and these changes may negatively impact many travelers.

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words and input. I wonder whether there will be some changes to the program as well. Immigration policies definitely tend to shift fairly frequently.

[@williamm1258]

Lure you over with the DTV, now they talk about taxation, rumors of possible cancellation of DTV, still have 90 day reporting. Seems they don't really want you here unless you are really rich.

[@TheHoffsCheeseburger]

Guessing the Bronze would make you able to avoid having to pay thai income tax?

[@thebangkokguide]

Alas there isn't any tax exemption. I think the only way around the taxes will be to maintain residency for less than 180 days.

[@TheHoffsCheeseburger]

@ Oh too bad.. it’s a bit expensive but was something to shoot for if meant tax free.

[@davidvalez2256]

How many points per year with the bronze card? At 1:05 into the video it was missing from the screen.

[@thebangkokguide]

My understanding is that it doesn't have a set point allocation.

[@mariovandenhovel1341]

Good to know

[@thebangkokguide]

Cheers!

[@chrisstevens1344]

I was looking at the DTV but just saw that people are having a hard time getting it extended. Have you heard anything about that?

[@thebangkokguide]

I saw this recently as well... it's still a bit unclear, but it seems that getting the in-country extension may involve a very similar review process as the initial application.

[@williamm1258]

I just travel every 90 days. No immigration days, no paperwork. It's not like the are not alot of places to visit in Asia which i was doing anyway. I just have a schedule for the visits now.

[@PaulPaullus]

...8 months with 3 visa runs....no problem....

[@thebangkokguide]

That’s fairly normal. When I first moved here I got a full year before I encountered problems.

[@cagrieren5770]

Still can I get privilege visa as a DTV holder ? Thanks.

[@thebangkokguide]

I believe you would need to cancel the DTV in order to apply for Privilege Card.

[@GuitarJams-zs7yf]

On the DTV soft power activities, music festivals are mentioned. I’ve noticed many people asking others about it, but no one can provide a clear explanation. Does it mean attending music festivals to listen to music, participating in music festivals to perform in a band or something else?

[@thebangkokguide]

This is still very unclear. From my understanding, it's mostly just the remote worker and digital nomad verifications that have been getting processed.

[@Candychilli]

Dear Cal, as always a very nice and interesting video. Any ideas for a video about the topic comparison Health Insurances for let's say retirees, expats etc.? That would be great. Again: many thanks

[@thebangkokguide]

I will do a video about health insurance. It's been in the works for a while. It's a complex topic so it's taken some time but should come out relatively soon. Cheers!

[@AzeOfSpadez]

How did you stay for years in Thailand?

[@thebangkokguide]

I work here. I'm on a non-b visa with a work permit. Also a great option if you can find a good international job here!

[@ethics3]

I suppose Ill be on a marriage visa but the next time I get to thailand , I will schedule a sit down meeting with a thai accountant voiced in the thai taxation of expats earnings and savings before I commit to staying more than 180 days at a time . I have no problem with affording a second base in the Philippines

[@thebangkokguide]

The tax law is definitely an issue that you'll need to consider. I think many expats will consider splitting time here.

[@Mark-yo5ue]

IMHO, the Privilege card is not a cost effective way to stay in Thailand, unless you don’t qualify for any of the other visas available in Thailand. Privilege still requires 90 day reporting and provides no tax benefits. Not a good option at all. The LTR visa is the best all around visa, (50k THB for an up to 10 year visa, tax exemption for foreign sourced income and no 90 day reporting) but the income and or wealth / asset requirements are higher. Privilege visa should be a last resort visa in my opinion.

[@thebangkokguide]

LTR is definitely a good option if you can qualify. Privilege Card holders receive assistance with 90 day reporting, but the tax issue definitely looms over all the visas, with the exception of the LTR. Cheers!

[@SoeaOu]

Bronze is 250£ per month, that is a pretty good deal considering the perks and stress free living. This is really tempting. Their site mention something about gyms and coworking spaces, i wonder if its discounts orincluded, that would be crazy

[@thebangkokguide]

Yeah it’s definitely the most convenient option. The banking setup and immigration reporting assistance is also quite useful… as it’s still not clear how to setup a Thai bank account with the DTV. The fast track at immigration and airport limo services are great add-ons as well. Overall there are quite a lot of perks that makes for a very smooth time here. Cheers!

[@zickzack987]

Addional: TPV does not include a work permit. DTV renewal after 180 days has still vague conditions.

[@thebangkokguide]

Good additional information. Actually the DTV doesn't include a work permit either. It strictly allows holders to work remotely, and the income must be from abroad. Agree on the DTV renewal... it seems that the extension process involves a fairly rigorous review but it's still a little bit unclear. Thanks for your input!

[@zickzack987]

@thebangkokguide True. I mean TPV does not allow any work, also not remote. It is a tourist visa.

[@vs123]

So good my friend

[@thebangkokguide]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@davidvalez2256]

I would like to see how the Privilege card bronze compares to a retirement visa. It seems more convenient, but not sure it’s worth 650,000 for people over 50.

[@Rudy1150]

i agree, maybe if the bronze was 10-years and $20,000usd it would be worth it. Otherwise the retirement visa seems to be the way to go.

[@davidvalez2256]

Thanks guys. I was hoping to get a LTR visa, but I don’t have passive income nor do I want to buy a condo. I already need money in the bank and health insurance, so I think you’re right it’s a no-brainer. I would like to come and go as I please, I still have questions about that.

[@thebangkokguide]

I'll cover retirement in Thailand more broadly in a video soon. Definitely a good option for people over 50! Cheers

[@sanderscupac7829]

​@@thebangkokguideI look forward to seeing that.

[@No_Strings]

This is great thanks! I didn't know about the privilege visa. At about £3K per year it's s good option. Also i could do non o retirement visa, I'm not sure what the overall cost for 5 years of non o would be. Probably not a lot. But the 180 day tax law is frustrating, and the privilege visa would help with hopping in and out below 180 days... Hmmm

[@thebangkokguide]

Glad it was helpful! Both options are good, depending on your situation. The tax law is definitely an issue that any prospective expat needs to consider these days. Might have quite a few shifting to a 179 plan. Cheers!

[@REALPERSON-mv9mp]

The first visa breaks down to $440 US per month for 5 years cheaper than a new car!!

[@thebangkokguide]

Correct. Thanks for your input!

[@REALPERSON-mv9mp]

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[@Alex-wx6rh]

I want to move to Thailand because my gf since 2 years is Thai and live in Phuket. I want tips on how to find a work, I have a business degree in Marketing and one bachelor in tourism management. Or can I simple apply for dtv and stay with here for 5 years? I have a second income from return from stocks that I can live off. But I would prefer working there. I'm currently working as personal assistent with people with disabilities. Thanks!

[@thebangkokguide]

I covered working in Thailand in a previous video. There are plenty of jobs in international business with large multinational companies... especially hotels, but the hiring process can be quite networking oriented. For the DTV, you'd need proof of remote income or contracts.. and then you'd need to do the border-runs and extensions as discussed in the video. It's not overly complicated, but the proof of remote income is a requirement. Cheers!

[@RobbanMeetsAsia]

Good information Cal, again! I had some problems this time when I arrived to Thailand, they nearly dident let me in 😳😅

[@thebangkokguide]

Ouch. What happened? Immigration has been tightening up more recently. I covered this in my last video. Thanks for sharing!

[@RobbanMeetsAsia]

@ I have been on ED visa for 6 months, then back to my home country for Christmas and New Year. Now when I came back I had a return ticket to Cambodia. So maybe they dident like that, but when I asked the immigration later that day, it’s just a recommendation so I was very confused. From an answer “ok this time we let you in” to an answer “it’s just a recommendation” 😵‍💫🤔

[@huhwhat9830]

DTV was so easy

[@thebangkokguide]

Great. Which embassy did you do it at? I've heard it depends a lot on which embassy you go through. Cheers!

[@matthiasbohne2700]

@@thebangkokguideyou don’t necessarily need to go through an embassy. You may also apply online through their dedicated platform. The process is clearly stated.

[@Mylle1974]

Thailand visa was maybe worth it before the 400% price increase..

[@thebangkokguide]

The Bronze membership essentially brought the price back to the original pricing.

[@Mylle1974]

​@@thebangkokguideohh they lowered the pricing for elite visa again?

[@Mylle1974]

Naa diamond is still only 15 years for 2.5m baht...before the increase the 20 year was 1m baht..cant even find a 20 year now..

[@stevek343]

Can't retire anywhere without getting screwed out of money.

[@thebangkokguide]

Money makes the world go round!

[@HectorGarcia-nb2ld]

Too expensive, retirement visa way way better

[@thebangkokguide]

Definitely a great option for over 50s. I'll cover retiring in Thailand in an upcoming video! Cheers

[@sharbymj]

We had planned on retiring in Thailand, but the new tax laws would make my meager social security taxable. So we will probably base out of the Philippines and spend 179 days in Thailand. My wife is a Filipina.

[@cy6412]

You should always list the prices in USD dollars.

[@thebangkokguide]

True. The conversion can fluctuate with exchange rates so it can affect the USD costs with larger amounts though. I'll try to add a USD conversion in the future though! Cheers

[@Admiral_Crunch_87]

The fastest way to convert THB to USD in your head (at least for me) is to move the decimal point two to the left, then triple the number. So 650,000 THB >> 6500 >> 19,500 USD. The exact number is a little different and will fluctuate, but it gets you very close. The current exact value today is $19,354. Cheers!

[@WoahRichieOnFIRE]

Medical appointments grant you DTV as well!

[@thebangkokguide]

Correct. Although it's unclear how extensions will be applied if medical treatment is already completed. The soft power program is still a bit unclear on a few things. Thanks for your input!

[@WoahRichieOnFIRE]

@ The beauty of living in Thailand … always keeping your brain sharp and wondering if this or that will work to get that visa 😂

[@puravida5683]

There are so many other SE Asian countries were entry and stays are easier and cheaper. In my personal opinion, Thailand has become too much of a tourist and undesirable destination.

[@thebangkokguide]

Definitely plenty of options! Cheers

[@R-sn1ty]

Thailand is still number one

[@paulrickenbaker]

Good vid. I've already checked into the Gold priviledge visa. Will file through Siam Legal. Pay $26000 to save $250000. What a deal.

[@thebangkokguide]

Sounds like a good plan! Cheers