Best Thailand Elite Visa Lawyers in Bang Khun Thian

About Thailand Elite Visa Law in Bang Khun Thian, Thailand

The Thailand Elite Visa, now administered by Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd., is a long-term residence program that grants eligible foreign nationals a multiple-entry, renewable permission to stay in Thailand for an extended period tied to a membership package. While immigration rules are national, residents of Bang Khun Thian handle most filings through Bangkok Immigration Division 1 and can access Thailand Privilege concierge support for many government interactions. Holders must still follow Thai immigration law, including 90-day reporting and address notifications, and they cannot work in Thailand on this visa.

The program offers several membership tiers that generally include a 5-year visa term renewable during the membership period, airport facilitation, government concierge services, and other lifestyle benefits. Packages, benefits, and fees are periodically updated, so applicants should verify current details before applying.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

- You want tailored immigration planning, including whether a Thailand Elite Visa fits your goals versus alternatives such as Non-Immigrant or Long-Term Resident visas.

- You need help understanding eligibility, criminal background considerations, and documentation to avoid delays or refusals.

- You plan to bring dependents and must structure applications correctly for spouses and children, including timing with school calendars and previous visas.

- You own or rent property in Bang Khun Thian and need guidance on TM30 landlord reporting and address changes to stay compliant.

- You have previous overstays, visa cancellations, or complex travel histories that require remediation before applying.

- You want to run a business or perform remote work and need advice on what activities are considered work under Thai law, plus lawful pathways if you intend to work.

- You need to coordinate tax residency, banking, and asset planning given Thailand’s personal income tax rules and double tax treaty issues.

- You require assistance if your membership lapses, you want to upgrade or cancel, or you need to switch to another visa category.

Local Laws Overview

- Immigration Act B.E. 2522 governs entry, stay, extensions, and reporting. Elite visa holders must comply with the same rules as other non-immigrants.

- 90-day reporting rule: If you remain in Thailand for 90 consecutive days, you must report your current address on or before day 90, then every 90 days thereafter. Reporting can be done at Immigration Division 1 in Bangkok, online when available, or by mail if you meet criteria.

- TM30 requirement: The property owner or manager must report your stay within 24 hours of arrival at a residence in Thailand, including when you return from a trip abroad. This is filed with immigration, often online. Elite holders remain subject to TM30.

- Multiple entry and permitted stay: The Thailand Elite Visa is issued as a multiple-entry, long-stay category. Each entry typically grants up to a 1-year stay, aligned with your membership and visa validity. Members re-enter to refresh stay periods as permitted. A re-entry permit is normally not required because the visa itself is multiple entry.

- Work prohibition: Elite visa holders are not permitted to work in Thailand and cannot obtain a Thai work permit on the Elite visa. If you plan to work, consult a lawyer about appropriate visa and work authorization pathways.

- Address updates and changes: If you move within Bang Khun Thian or elsewhere, ensure the landlord files a new TM30 and you update immigration records as required.

- Local processing in Bangkok: Residents of Bang Khun Thian generally use Immigration Division 1 at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex for 90-day reports, stays, and other filings. Thailand Privilege concierge can coordinate some arrangements, including airport stamp services and certain in-person appointments.

- Travel documents: Keep your passport valid beyond the proposed visa duration. Policy on TM6 arrival cards has changed over time and may vary by entry mode, so verify current requirements before travel.

- Tax residency: Spending 180 days or more in Thailand in a tax year can trigger tax residence. Thailand has evolving rules on foreign-sourced income and remittances. Seek advice from a Thai tax professional to avoid unexpected liabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Thailand Elite Visa and how does it differ from other visas?

It is a membership-based long-stay visa issued under the Thailand Privilege program. It offers multiple entry rights, extended stay per entry, and concierge benefits. Unlike business or retirement visas, it does not permit work and is tied to a paid membership rather than employment, marriage, or age-only criteria.

Can I work in Thailand while on an Elite visa?

No. The Elite visa does not allow employment or a work permit. If you intend to work or run day-to-day operations of a business in Thailand, consult a lawyer about a suitable visa and work authorization.

How long can I stay on each entry with an Elite visa?

Members typically receive up to a 1-year permitted stay per entry, subject to the visa and membership validity. You can exit and re-enter to obtain a new permitted stay while your visa and membership remain valid.

Do I need to do 90-day reporting in Bang Khun Thian?

Yes. If you stay 90 consecutive days in Thailand, you must report your address every 90 days. You can report at Immigration Division 1 in Bangkok, online when the system is available and you qualify, or by mail. Keep proof of reporting.

What is TM30 and who files it?

TM30 is the 24-hour address notification required by law. The property owner or lodging manager must file it when you first stay at an address or return from abroad. Tenants should confirm that it was submitted, because missing TM30 records can affect other services at immigration.

Can my spouse and children join me under the Elite program?

Many membership tiers allow dependents with additional fees and conditions. Age limits apply for dependent children. Because package terms change, verify current dependent rules before applying.

Do I need a re-entry permit for travel?

The Elite visa is a multiple-entry visa, so a separate re-entry permit is normally not required. Always check your visa sticker or e-visa details before travel and keep membership valid.

Can I open a bank account, get a Thai driver’s license, or buy a condo?

Yes, Elite members commonly open bank accounts and obtain driver’s licenses, often with concierge assistance. Foreigners can buy condos in their own name subject to the foreign quota. None of these activities grant the right to work.

Where do I handle immigration in Bangkok if I live in Bang Khun Thian?

Use Immigration Division 1 at the Chaeng Watthana Government Complex for most in-person services. Thailand Privilege can arrange appointments or on-arrival services at Bangkok airports where available.

What happens if my membership expires or I overstay?

When membership ends, your visa benefits end. You must depart or switch status lawfully. Overstays can lead to fines, blacklisting, and future visa issues. If you anticipate an issue, consult a lawyer before your status lapses.

Additional Resources

Thailand Privilege Card Co., Ltd. - State enterprise under the Tourism Authority of Thailand that operates the Elite program. Contact them for membership packages, eligibility, and concierge services.

Immigration Bureau, Division 1, Bangkok - Handles 90-day reports, address updates, extensions of stay, and other immigration services for Bangkok residents, including those in Bang Khun Thian.

Bang Khun Thian District Office - Useful for local civil matters such as house registration interactions with landlords and certain certifications that may be requested for banking or licensing.

Revenue Department of Thailand - For guidance on tax residency, foreign-sourced income, and filing obligations if you spend extended time in Thailand.

Department of Land Transport - For obtaining or renewing a Thai driver’s license, including required residency documents.

Department of Lands - For information on condominium ownership, land office procedures, and transfers in Bangkok.

Tourist Police - Provides general assistance to foreigners in Thailand. For emergencies or immediate help, use the national hotlines.

Next Steps

- Clarify your goals: long-term living, frequent travel, family joining, business interests, or retirement. This determines whether the Elite visa is the right fit.

- Verify current program details: membership tiers, fees, benefits, processing times, and dependent policies can change. Confirm directly with Thailand Privilege or a licensed agent.

- Review your immigration history: gather passport copies, prior visas, and entry stamps. Disclose any overstays or refusals to your lawyer for risk assessment.

- Prepare documents: valid passport with sufficient validity, photographs if requested, proof of address in Bang Khun Thian or intended residence, and any background or health declarations required by the program.

- Plan compliance: set reminders for 90-day reporting, ensure your landlord files TM30 after each arrival or move, and keep copies of receipts and confirmations.

- Coordinate local logistics: arrange appointments at Immigration Division 1 when needed, and consider Thailand Privilege concierge assistance for airport services and government visits.

- Address tax and financial setup: consult a Thai tax professional on residency and foreign income rules, and plan for banking, insurance, and licensing needs.

- Engage a licensed Thai immigration lawyer: obtain a tailored strategy, review contract terms of membership, and create a timeline for application, visa issuance, and post-approval compliance.

This guide provides general information only. Immigration and tax policies change frequently. Always consult a qualified professional before taking action.