September 2024: Thailand Privilege Card Introduces Updated Membership Policy

In a transformative move, the Thailand Privilege Card has revised its membership policy to welcome applications from every nationality, with the sole exception of North Korea. This immediate change underscores the ongoing evolution of Thailand’s long-term residency visa program, which is committed to offering unmatched benefits and Thailand residency options to individuals worldwide.

Thailand Privilege Card Opens Doors to Most Affluent Applicants

Historically, the Thailand Privilege Card program was restricted to citizens from 29 specific countries, as determined by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to geopolitical and security concerns. This limitation prevented many interested individuals from applying for long-term residency in Thailand.

Recent data, however, has shown a significant increase in visitors from these restricted nations. In response, the Immigration Office has reassessed the policy to reflect the growing interest in long-term residency among these groups.

As a result, Thailand Privilege has now expanded its eligibility criteria. Effective immediately, citizens from all countries, except North Korea, can now apply for membership, ushering in a new era for Thailand’s residency program.

Maintaining Rigorous Security Standards with Comprehensive Background Checks

With the Thailand Privilege Card now available to a broader range of applicants, it remains crucial to uphold rigorous security measures. The background check process for each membership application will continue to be thorough, ensuring safety and compliance. The following key organizations are responsible for this detailed vetting:

• Immigration Office: This office will carefully examine the applicant’s history to ensure their presence in Thailand poses no threat to national security or public safety.
• Department of Consular Affairs: This department will verify the authenticity of the applicant’s documents and consular records, confirming that all legal and diplomatic requirements are met.
• Foreign Affairs Division of the Royal Thai Police: This division will cross-check the applicant’s background with international law enforcement databases to identify any potential security concerns.
• Central Investigation Bureau: The bureau will conduct a comprehensive investigation to evaluate the applicant’s overall suitability for the Thailand Privilege Card program.

Please note that an applicant must receive approval from all four organizations to proceed to the payment step. If any of these parties reject the applicant, they will not be able to advance to the payment phase.

This multi-faceted approach guarantees that only those who meet Thailand’s stringent security and compliance standards receive membership. By adhering to these high due diligence standards, the Thailand Privilege program maintains a secure and professional pathway for welcoming expatriates to Thailand.