Asked by someone in their forties

“Is the Thailand Privilege (Elite) visa worth the money?”

My answerShane Ruddle, 20+ years in Pattaya

Only if you're sure you'll never want to work here. It isn't a work visa, and it can't be converted into one.

Someone I know paid close to a million baht for one. Very little admin, so it seemed perfect. Then he decided he wanted to work, and had to walk away from it. He's now on a business visa with a work permit, like me.

Packages today start at ฿650,000 for five years.

Choose the visa for the life you might want in a few years, not just the one you have now.

Up to date as of November 2026. Rules in Thailand change often, so check the current position before you act.

Next stepFind the right visa in six questions

The full story

Article

Visas in Pattaya: What 20 Years Here Has Taught Me

A Pattaya business owner's experience of Thai visas: the business visa, retirement visas, the DTV for remote workers, and the costly mistake of choosing the wrong one.

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More questions: VisasAll 43 questions →
Visas · Asked by a remote worker“I work online for a UK company. Which visa should I get?”Most remote workers use the DTV, the Destination Thailand Visa: five years, up to 180 days per entry, with around ฿500,000 in savings.My full answer Visas · Asked by someone buying a guesthouse“Which visa do I need to work in my own business?”A Non-Immigrant B, the business visa, alongside a work permit. It's what I'm on.My full answer Visas · Asked by someone planning a recce trip“How long can I stay without a visa while I look around?”Since 15 September 2026, most Western passports get 30 days on arrival, with one 30-day extension at Jomtien immigration.My full answer