The old Thailand Elite Visa program ended in 2023, but existing memberships remain valid until their expiration. If you currently hold a Thailand Elite Visa, you have the option to switch to the updated Thailand Privilege program. This new system offers more benefits, exclusive perks, and the ability to renew your visa.
To make the switch easier, Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. (TPC) has announced that the usual 100,000-baht upgrade fee will be waived. This offer runs from January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2025, allowing you to move to a Thailand Privilege membership at no extra cost.
During this promotion, you only need to cover a small annual fee based on your remaining membership period which is a fraction of the full membership fee for new members.
Keep reading to find out how to upgrade and what you need to qualify for this deep discount.
What’s the Difference Between Thailand Elite and Thailand Privilege?
On October 1, 2023, Thailand Elite memberships were discontinued and replaced with new Thailand Privilege packages. The program now offers five membership tiers, ranging from 5 to 20 years:
- 5-year Bronze membership
- 5-year Gold membership
- 10-year Platinum membership
- 15-year Diamond membership
- 20-year Reserve membership (available by invitation only)
These memberships come with new perks and a Privilege Points system, allowing you to customize your benefits. Unlike the old program, Thailand Privilege offers:
- Free domestic flights, hotel memberships, personal accident insurance, and more
- Wealth advisory sessions at no extra charge
- Exclusive discounts at restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment venues
- Monthly luxury perks added just for Thailand Privilege members
The upgrade gives you access to more services and convenient benefits, making it a better option than keeping your old membership.
Who Can Upgrade Their Thailand Elite Membership?
If you hold an old Thailand Elite Visa, you may be eligible to upgrade to a Thailand Privilege membership. The following memberships qualify for an upgrade:
- Elite Easy Access
- Elite Family Excursion
- Elite Family Alternative
- Elite Privilege Access
- Elite Superiority Extension
- Elite Ultimate Privilege
- Elite Family Premium
- Elite Lifetime
You can switch to any Thailand Privilege membership except Bronze. The upgrade fee is waived, but you will need to pay an annual fee based on the years left on your current membership. This costs much less than paying for a new membership.
To upgrade, you must submit the same documents required for new applicants:
- A valid passport (at least 6 months before expiration, in color)
- A passport-sized photo (taken within the last 6 months)
- A completed and signed application form
- A signed PDPA form
- Proof of your current Thailand Elite membership (must have at least 3 months left)
- Any other required documents (for family memberships, etc.)
To qualify for the fee waiver, you must apply through TPC’s Member Liaison Department. Applications sent through a General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) will not be accepted.
How Can You Upgrade from Thailand Elite to Thailand Privilege?
Upgrading to a Thailand Privilege membership is a simple process. Follow these steps to complete your upgrade:
- Visit the Thailand Privilege website: www.thailandprivilege.co.th
- Send a request to the Member Liaison Department at: [email protected]
- Gather the required documents for your chosen membership.
- Submit your upgrade request along with all required documents.
- Complete a background check, which takes about 4 to 6 weeks.
- Pay your initial fee within 30 days after passing the background check.
- Receive your membership confirmation and ID from TPC.
- Book an appointment with the Member Contact Center (MCC) to get your visa affixed to your passport.
Once you complete these steps, you’ll officially be part of the Thailand Privilege program.
Make Extra Money by Helping Friends and Family Join Thailand Privilege
If you’re upgrading your old Thai Elite membership, you’ve got an easy path to the superior Thailand Privilege membership. But if you know friends and family who could benefit from the new Thailand Elite Visa, you can make extra money through the Thailand Privilege Referral Program. This program is designed to increase Thailand Privilege membership by rewarding everyday members for helping others join. You can earn money each time a person you referred has successfully signed up for the Thailand Privilege Program.