For many Europeans, Thailand is a dream holiday destination, but an increasing number are considering it as a long-term base. The Thailand Privilege Card, a government-backed membership programme, offers visas for stays of five to twenty years, with a range of benefits designed to ease the transition to life in the Southeast Asian country.
The card is not a traditional visa but a premium membership that provides a long-stay visa and a suite of services. Prices start at around €17,300 and can reach €133,350 for the most comprehensive packages. The programme is aimed at affluent foreigners, including retirees, remote workers, and entrepreneurs.
Why Thailand? A strategic location and lifestyle appeal
Manatase Annawat, President of Thailand Privilege Card Co., speaking at the World Travel Market in London, highlighted Thailand's central position in Asia: “We are right in the middle of Asia, so travelling to any part of Asia would be within two to four hours. So people can also use Thailand as a base to stay and then also travel to any parts of Asia easily.”
For Europeans, the appeal extends beyond travel convenience. Annawat points to Thailand's world-class healthcare, with some hospitals described as “almost like a hotel,” and its renowned hospitality. He also notes the country has around 20,000 restaurants, which he estimates would take a decade to fully explore.
The climate is another draw. “We have 365 days of warm climate and also mountains, sea, sand, sun, everything,” said Annawat. “It’s a lifestyle that you have been dreaming of. It is a place to come, to visit, to stay longer and even retire in Thailand.”
Most members currently reside in Bangkok, the capital, but others choose the northern city of Chiang Mai, known for its mountainous surroundings and cooler temperatures, or Phuket in the south, famous for its beaches.
Financial and practical advantages
Thailand is particularly attractive for retirees because the cost of living is significantly lower than in most European countries. Annawat emphasised that locals welcome foreigners and do not make them feel like outsiders. “We take good care of them,” he added.
The membership offers flexibility: holders are not required to stay in the country for the entire duration, but having the card simplifies entry and exit. Benefits include VIP airport treatment, such as fast-track immigration, lounge access, meet-and-greet services, and limousine transfers. Lifestyle perks range from golf course access to reservations at top restaurants, spas, and wellness facilities.
Practical support is also part of the package. The team behind the card helps with opening bank accounts, obtaining driving licences, and handling immigration reporting requirements, which can be a significant burden for expats.
For Europeans weighing their options, the Thailand Privilege Card offers a structured path to a long-term stay in Asia. While it is not a citizenship or permanent residency programme, it provides a legal and comfortable way to live in Thailand for years, with the added benefit of using it as a hub for exploring the region.
As Europe's own discussions on migration and integration continue, some may find that Thailand's approach to welcoming long-term visitors offers a different model. The card is a clear example of how countries outside the EU are competing for affluent residents, a trend that European policymakers might note.
