Best Thailand Elite Visa Lawyers in Bang Khen

About Thailand Elite Visa Law in Bang Khen, Thailand

The Thailand Elite Visa, now officially branded as the Thailand Privilege Visa, is a long-stay visa program operated by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., a state enterprise under the Tourism Authority of Thailand. It provides eligible foreign nationals with a Privilege Entry Visa that allows multi-entry long-term residence, concierge services, and lifestyle benefits. Membership packages typically range from 5 to 20 years and include airport services, government liaison assistance, and access to partner privileges. The visa is still commonly called the Thailand Elite Visa, even though the program has been updated and expanded.

Holders receive a one-year permit of stay each time they enter Thailand and can maintain uninterrupted residence by exiting and re-entering or by applying for an annual in-country extension of stay. The visa does not authorize employment. If you plan to work, you must change to an appropriate visa and obtain a work permit or consider alternatives such as the Long-Term Resident visa where eligible.

For residents of Bang Khen in northern Bangkok, most immigration processes for Thailand Privilege Visa holders are handled by Immigration Bureau Division 1 at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in nearby Laksi. This is the local hub for 90-day reporting, re-entry permits, in-country extensions of stay, and address updates.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Choosing the right membership tier and add-on benefits can be complex. A lawyer can review program terms, clarify eligibility, and explain how membership duration, fees, and family add-ons apply to your circumstances.

Compliance issues are common. Lawyers help ensure you meet 90-day reporting, re-entry, and TM30 residence notification requirements, reducing the risk of fines or status problems.

If you intend to work, start a business, or volunteer, you will need advice on switching from a privilege visa to a work-authorized category, obtaining a work permit, or evaluating alternatives such as the Long-Term Resident or SMART programs.

Background issues, past overstays, name changes, or complex nationality histories may require strategic handling to avoid refusals. A lawyer can coordinate with authorities to resolve obstacles before you apply.

Tax residence and cross-border income planning are crucial for long-stay residents. A lawyer working with a tax professional can help you assess Thai tax residency rules, foreign income remittance considerations, and double tax treaty implications.

Property, family, and succession questions often arise. Legal support helps with condominium purchases, long-term leases, adding or removing dependents from your membership, prenuptial planning, and powers of attorney for dealings while abroad.

If disputes occur, such as membership cancellations, benefit denials, or refund questions, a lawyer can review contracts and advise on negotiation or remedies.

Local Laws Overview

Immigration Act B.E. 2522 governs visa issuance, entry, stay, and reporting. The Thailand Privilege Visa is a Privilege Entry Visa that grants a one-year permit of stay per entry. You can extend the annual stay at the Immigration Bureau in Bangkok without leaving the country, subject to program and immigration rules.

90-day reporting is mandatory. Every non-Thai who stays in Thailand for 90 consecutive days must report their current address within the specified window. You can report in person at Immigration Division 1 in Bangkok, by authorized representative, by mail, or online where eligible. Missing the deadline may cause fines.

TM30 residence notification is the duty of the property owner, hotel, or landlord to report a foreign occupant within the legal timeframe. Although the filer is usually the host, your own compliance may be checked during services like extensions or 90-day reporting, so ensure your landlord submits the TM30 and keep proof.

Re-entry permits are required if you plan to travel and wish to keep your current permit of stay. You can obtain single or multiple re-entry permits from Immigration Division 1 or at international airports before departure. Traveling without a re-entry permit cancels your current stay and you will receive a fresh one-year stay only upon your next entry.

Work is not permitted on the Thailand Privilege Visa. Engaging in employment without appropriate authorization can lead to fines, detention, and removal. To work, you must hold a work-eligible visa and a valid work permit or meet the criteria of a category that authorizes employment.

Overstays incur fines of 500 baht per day up to a statutory maximum, and serious or repeated overstays can lead to bans. Overstays exceeding 90 days can trigger entry bans that increase with the length of overstay. Always track your permission of stay, not just visa validity.

Tax residence is determined by days present in Thailand. Spending 180 days or more in a calendar year typically makes you a Thai tax resident, which may require reporting Thai-sourced income and certain foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand. The Thailand Privilege Visa itself does not grant tax exemptions. Seek personalized tax advice.

Personal data and background checks apply. The operating company and the Immigration Bureau conduct due diligence. Expect to provide identification, passport copies, and possibly a police clearance and financial information, depending on your profile and nationality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thailand Privilege Visa and how does it differ from a regular tourist visa

It is a membership-based long-stay visa program that provides a multi-entry Privilege Entry Visa for 5 to 20 years along with concierge and lifestyle services. Unlike a standard tourist visa, it allows repeated long stays with a one-year permission per entry and access to member services. It does not authorize work.

How long can I stay on each entry and how do I maintain continuous residence

You receive a one-year permit of stay on each entry. To stay continuously without leaving, you can apply for an in-country annual extension of stay through Immigration Division 1 before your current permission expires. Alternatively, exit and re-enter to obtain a new one-year stay.

Can I work or run a business while holding this visa

No. Employment is prohibited on the Thailand Privilege Visa. To work or run a business that requires a work permit, you must change to an appropriate visa category and obtain the necessary permits. Your lawyer can advise on options and timing.

Where do I handle 90-day reporting and other immigration matters if I live in Bang Khen

Use Immigration Bureau Division 1 at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road in nearby Laksi. Most Thailand Privilege Visa procedures in Bangkok, including 90-day reports, re-entry permits, and in-country extensions, are processed there. Certain reports can also be made online or by mail if you are eligible.

What is TM30 and does it apply to me

TM30 is the residence notification that a host must file when a foreigner stays at their property. Hotels file this automatically. For private rentals, your landlord should file it within the legal timeframe. Keep copies of the TM30 receipt since immigration officers may ask for it when you seek services.

How do I get the visa placed in my passport and do I need re-entry permits

After approval and fee payment, your Privilege Entry Visa is affixed at a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate, or at Immigration Division 1 in Bangkok as directed by the operator. If you travel while holding an in-country permit of stay, obtain a single or multiple re-entry permit to preserve that stay.

Can my spouse and children join my membership

Yes, many packages allow adding dependents, usually a lawful spouse and children under specified age limits for an additional fee. Requirements and fees vary by membership tier. Birth and marriage certificates and legalized documents may be required.

How long does the application take and what documents are usually required

Processing times commonly range from several weeks to a few months, depending on background checks and volume. Expect to provide a passport copy, completed application, photo, proof of lawful status if applying in Thailand, and possibly a police clearance and financial evidence if requested.

Does the visa make me a tax resident or give tax benefits

No. Visa status does not control tax status. If you are in Thailand for 180 days or more in a year, you are generally a tax resident and may be taxed on Thai-sourced income and certain foreign-sourced income remitted to Thailand. Obtain advice from a qualified tax professional.

What happens if I overstay or my passport is replaced

Overstay leads to fines and can result in entry bans for long overstays. Always renew or extend your permission before it expires. If you get a new passport, transfer your visa and ensure immigration updates your records. Carry both old and new passports until the transfer is reflected.

Additional Resources

Immigration Bureau - Division 1, Government Complex Chaeng Watthana, Building B, Laksi District, Bangkok. This office handles 90-day reports, re-entry permits, and in-country extensions for Bangkok residents including Bang Khen.

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. - The state enterprise under the Tourism Authority of Thailand that operates the Thailand Privilege Visa program, membership applications, and concierge services.

Royal Thai Embassies and Consulates - For visa affixation outside Thailand and related consular services.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Oversees embassies and consulates and issues guidance related to visas and entry.

Thai Revenue Department - For tax residency, foreign income remittance rules, personal income tax filing, and related inquiries.

Ministry of Labour and Department of Employment - For information on work authorization and work permits if you plan to work in Thailand under a different visa.

Airports of Thailand - For airport services coordination related to member benefits and immigration formalities at major airports.

Next Steps

Clarify your goals. Decide whether you primarily want long-stay convenience, lifestyle benefits, or a path that allows employment. If work is a priority, compare the Thailand Privilege Visa with alternatives before committing.

Check eligibility. Confirm you have no visa overstay history, serious criminal record, or immigration bans. If issues exist, consult a lawyer before applying to plan remediation.

Select a membership tier. Compare duration, fees, family add-ons, and benefits. Review the membership agreement and refund or transfer policies with a lawyer so you understand all terms.

Prepare documents. Gather your passport, photos, application forms, and any police clearance or financial records requested. If you reside in Bang Khen, coordinate with your landlord for TM30 compliance.

Plan the issuance. After approval, follow instructions for visa affixation at an embassy or at Immigration Division 1. If you need to travel frequently, obtain a multiple re-entry permit and set reminders for 90-day reporting.

Address tax and lifestyle logistics. If you will be present 180 days or more, seek tax advice and set up record-keeping. Consider local health care providers, banking arrangements, and driving license procedures compatible with your visa status.

Engage professional help. A local lawyer experienced in Thailand Privilege Visa matters can guide you through compliance, family add-ons, changes of status, and any disputes, helping you maintain uninterrupted and lawful residence in Bang Khen and beyond.