Transcript of the above video: 

As the title of this video suggests, we are discussing, well we are discussing even newer issues regarding the Thailand Elite Visa especially for those who are coming in new. I actually got this from a reader who sent this, they are a member of Thailand Privilege. It's another word for the Thailand Elite Visa. They keep changing everything about Elite around; I don't know how many iterations of the Elite program we are at now. Sometimes it's referred to interchangeably as the Thailand Privilege Visa. The company that it is sort of responsible for processing membership sort of in the club if you will is called Thailand Privilege, so that is sort of the reason for the name of the visa. 

That being said, quoting directly, from the email: “General Reminder: Thailand Privilege Visa affixation at Suvarnabhumi, Phuket & Chiang Mai Airports.  Dear Thailand Privilege Card members. To help ensure a smooth and pleasant arrival experience we would like to share a friendly reminder regarding visa affixation at Suvarnabhumi, Phuket and Chiang Mai airports (new or renewal) at the airport. The Immigration Bureau is currently conducting more detailed reviews of travel histories, particularly for individuals who have made frequent short trips to neighbouring countries, especially those included on immigration's watch list for fraudulent activity," - and again, now they have a watch list for fraudulent activity. While this does not mean that members are automatically at risk, it is important to be aware of this process. For members who have scheduled an appointment for Thailand Privilege Visa affixation - either for a new stamp or a renewal - and whose travel history includes frequent Border Runs or repeated short stays abroad, Immigration Officers may ask additional questions upon arrival. In some cases, they may advise the member to enter Thailand on an alternative option such as 30, 60 or 90-day Visa exemption (depending on Nationality) instead of proceeding with the Thailand Privilege visa affixation at that time." So it's not a foregone conclusion you get into Thailand Elite. They even say the visa has been approved. Now it's not a foregone conclusion you'll get it attached into your passport when you arrive in Thailand and instead they may say oh, you can come in on 30, 60 or 90 days, while we continue to review it. Quoting further: "Please note, that members who already have a Thailand Privilege Visa affixed in their passport, are not affected by this announcement. They will continue to enter Thailand under their existing Thailand Privilege Visa regardless of any previous Border Runs or repeated short stays abroad. This update applies only to members planning to obtain or renew their Thailand Privilege Visa at the airport."

So that's the state of play for you folks out there who are looking to get into Thailand Elite Visa Status. If you're looking at this and you have not committed to any visa yet, if you are looking at Elite, you are looking at your visa options, it's really a good idea to contact a legal professional who has dealt with this over a prolonged period of time because there are a lot of options that you might not even see. It's sort of one of those 'you don't know what you don't know' kind of scenarios and there are multiple options out there that people who would be seeking Elite Visas might want to look at, various options, including sort of standard type of visas like standard Retirement Visa, which under present circumstances especially in light of this, might be a better option than Elite if you otherwise meet the criteria.

Meanwhile, other things like the Long-Term Residence Visa, even the DTV might be available out there, again depending on your circumstances and also, it's important to remember Elite is not work authorized. For those who are interested in work authorization here in Thailand, Business Visas and Work Permits are also available. 

So the thing to take away from the video is protocols at the airport regarding the issuance or as they say affixation, again this is after issuance of the visa, this is approval of the visa has occurred, yeah you meet the criteria, we are not going to affix it depending on your travel history; that's what's going on here. So again, assistance before you even go into the Elite Visa System, again from possibly a legal professional, might not be a bad idea, for no other reason that have them review your case and ascertain whether or not you are going to have problems with Elite or any other visa depending on the circumstances of your case. That being said, it remains to be seen how all this is going to play out, so we will certainly be keeping you updated on this channel as the situation evolves.