The Thailand Privilege Card offers foreign nationals a way to spend several years living in Thailand without having to rely on repeated short-term tourist visas. With membership packages covering five, 10, 15 and 20-plus years, the programme is aimed at people who want to make the Southeast Asian country a longer-term base for retirement, business, travel or a change of lifestyle.
The membership costs range from approximately EUR 17,300 to EUR 133,350, depending on the package. In return, members receive long-stay visa privileges and access to services designed to make travelling to and living in Thailand easier. These include priority airport immigration, airport lounge access, meet-and-greet assistance and limousine transfers, alongside lifestyle benefits such as golf, restaurant reservations, spa access and wellness experiences.
Manatase Annawat, President of Thailand Privilege Card Co., discussed the programme with Euronews Travel during the World Travel Market in London. He believes Thailand’s location makes it particularly attractive to Europeans looking for a base from which to explore other parts of Asia.
“We are right in the middle of Asia, so travelling to any part of Asia would be within two to four hours,” Annawat told Euronews Travel. He said members could use Thailand as their home base while taking relatively short trips to other Asian destinations.
The country’s appeal, however, extends beyond its location. Annawat pointed to its healthcare facilities, hospitality, food culture, business opportunities and warm climate as reasons why foreign nationals might consider staying longer. He described some Thai hospitals as being almost like hotels, highlighting the level of comfort and service available to patients.
Food is another part of the country’s appeal. Annawat estimated that Thailand has around 20,000 restaurants, suggesting that it could take a decade to experience them all. For people who enjoy exploring different cuisines, the country’s food scene offers an additional reason to consider a longer stay.
Thailand also offers different living environments depending on what residents are looking for. Bangkok remains the most popular location among Thailand Privilege Card members, according to Annawat. The capital attracts people who prefer an urban setting with access to business, entertainment, restaurants and international services.
Others choose Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, where a quieter pace of life and proximity to mountains appeal to those who prefer a less crowded environment. In the south, Phuket attracts residents with its beaches and established tourism infrastructure.
Retirees are among the groups the programme is designed to attract. Annawat argued that Thailand can offer a more affordable lifestyle than many European countries, allowing foreign residents to get more value from their money. He also highlighted the country’s approach to welcoming international residents, saying that local communities make an effort to look after foreigners who choose to settle there.
“We take good care of them,” he said.
The Thailand Privilege Card is structured around long-term membership rather than requiring members to remain in Thailand continuously. Although the packages provide membership periods ranging from five years to more than 20 years, holders do not have to spend the entire period inside the country. They can travel elsewhere and return to Thailand, with their membership providing access to the programme’s entry and exit privileges.
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The airport services are among its main attractions. Members can receive assistance with immigration procedures, use airport lounges and arrange meet-and-greet services. Limousine transfers are also included among the benefits, giving members additional convenience when arriving in or departing from Thailand.
Beyond travel arrangements, the programme also offers practical assistance for people establishing themselves in the country. This can include guidance with opening a bank account, obtaining a driving licence and meeting immigration reporting requirements. Such support may be particularly useful for foreign residents who are unfamiliar with Thai administrative procedures or who are moving without an established local network.
Annawat said members could contact the programme’s support team whenever they needed assistance during their stay.
“You know that whenever you come to Thailand and you need help or assistance, we have someone to assist you,” he explained.
The membership is not simply a longer tourist holiday. It is a premium-priced option for foreign nationals who want greater convenience and a longer-term arrangement for spending time in Thailand. Its cost, however, means it is unlikely to suit everyone considering a move to the country.
Prospective members should also distinguish between the privileges offered by the programme and the wider requirements of living in Thailand. A long-stay membership does not automatically settle every question connected to employment, taxation, property ownership or other legal matters. Anyone considering relocation should check the current visa conditions, membership terms and relevant Thai regulations before making a financial commitment.
For those who can justify the cost, the Thailand Privilege Card presents an alternative to managing repeated short-term stays. It combines long-term entry privileges with airport services and practical support, giving members a structured way to use Thailand as a base for several years.
