Thailand is the second largest economy in Southeast Asia, marking its fastest expansion since 2012, and was the most visited country in Southeast Asia in the first six months of 2024. The country is renowned for its rich culture, warm hospitality, amazing cuisine and breathtaking landscapes. These unique features are why many choose Thailand as their second home.
With responsibility to help grow long-term residents, Thailand Privilege Card (TPC), a state-owned enterprise, is working relentlessly to improve its level of services and member offerings.
Manatase Annawat, President of TPC, says membership has grown to approximately 38,000 today, up from 20,000 members in 2022.
“Our target members are affluent travelers, investors, retirees, expats, digital nomads and others. They are from China, Japan, the U.S., U.K., Russia, Taiwan, Germany and France,” he notes.
TPC has four membership tiers, Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Reserve. Gold, the entry level tier, has a five-year visa validity and costs 900,000 baht (US$26,995). Reserve, the highest tier, has a 20-year validity with extension, costs 5 million baht (US$149,975), and is available by invitation.
TPC’s Uniqueness
While there are various visa programs available, Annawat believes TPC has what it takes to meet, and exceed, the demand of members.
TPC members can enjoy its well-known “signature airport services”, provided by professional staff. The Elite Personal Assistant (EPA) welcomes members at the gate at Suvarnabhumi and Phuket airports.
EPAs help members access TPC premium services i.e. fast track immigration lanes, lounge, pick-up and transfers. When TPC members depart Thailand, the EPA ensures a smooth check-in, so clients begin their journey stress free.
Having access to fast track lanes can significantly reduce waiting time. With this service a passenger can spend less than 30 minutes going through immigration in Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Packages include an exclusive offer for governmental concierge services to facilitate members throughout their stay. These services can include acquiring a visa, transferring stamps to new passport, stay extension, or opening a bank account.
“We ensure our members’ journeys are seamless and smooth. Hence, we have a 24-hour call center and concierge services for them,” Annawat says.
Improving Lifestyle Services
Annawat understands that providing a VIP-like experience for its members at the airport helps build a good first impression. The key for TPC’s success is to ensure the experience is consistent throughout the members’ stay.
One way to achieve this is to improve lifestyle services and offerings, which come in five categories: Stay, Travel, Leisure, Health and Well-being and Wealth. TPC members, depending on their membership tier, will receive points annually.
Points can be used for lifestyle services, including hotel accommodation, concert tickets, limousine services, spa and massage, movie tickets, access to golf courses, airport lounge, co-working space and medical check-up.
Annawat and his team have been improving TPC’s lifestyle services. “Today, we are working with close to 400 lifestyle vendors across all categories. A year ago, we had about 100 vendors, so we raised the bar to ensure all foreigners who chose Thailand as their second home can receive those privileges during their stay as residents. We’re also seeking General Sales & Service Agents to expand our reach to potential members around the world.”
Expansion Plans
Annawat aims to grow TPC’s membership to 40,000 by the end of 2024. One segment he hopes to grow is digital nomads, which is poised to grow to 60 million globally by 2030, from about 40 million in 2023. “We see the trend of people work from anywhere in the world, and their world has become borderless. The trend of people relocating from their home country is increasing,” he says.
Annawat believes TPC is only beginning to reach its full potential, and he is committed to providing more enhanced services.
“Thailand has a lot to offer. We want the high net worth people to live in Thailand for a long period because of effective infrastructure, sensitivity to LGBTQIA+, a multiculture friendly environment and Thai hospitality as DNA. We want them to come, to stay, to fall in love with Thailand and tell the world what an amazing country Thailand is.”
