General Reports

[GettingFedUp]

Still interested in Thailand? Here's a list of the 34 selected hotels for "alternative quarantine". Hotel #16 is 500 k baht (16,000 USD) for 14 days! Don't forget to add hospital expenses for testing, etc.

The ASQ charge includes testing. If you test positive you will be hospitalised but of course you have to be in possession of USD 100,000 of insurance to cover this.

Update on the Elite Visa. The press have been saying it is allowed entry but the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand announcement on 3 August (https://www.caat.or.th/th/archives/52448) does not include it. The only changes seem to be foreigners with Certificates of Residence, Work Permit holders can now bring family in and a tweak to the terms to allow migrant labour from neighbouring countries in.

If anyone is considering the Elite Visa, be very careful by checking with the Embassy or Consulate that you'll be able to get a certificate of entry before you proceed. Thai Elite may be rather more interested in hitting sales targets than giving realistic guidance. THB 500 k to 2 million is quite a lot to be out of pocket if you cannot use the thing.

[Banana Boi]

Still interested in Thailand? Here's a list of the 34 selected hotels for "alternative quarantine". Hotel #16 is 500 k baht (16,000 USD) for 14 days! Don't forget to add hospital expenses for testing, etc.

1. Movenpick Wellness Hotel BDMS Resort Bangkok with 250 rooms in conjunction with the hospital. Bangkok Deluxe occupancy rate is 60,300 baht / person / 14 days while Wellness Suites 68,700 baht / person / 14 days.

2. Cubic Hotel Sukhumvit, 79 rooms with Sukhumvit Hospital The occupancy rate is 32,000 baht / person / 14 days.

3. The Idle Residence, 125 rooms with Samitivej Hospital Junior suite occupancy rate is 60,000 baht / person / 14 days, Deluxe 55,000 baht / person / 14 days and superior 50,000 baht / person / 14 days.

4. Grand Richmond Hotel with 250 rooms in collaboration with Vibhavadi Hospital The accommodation rate is 55,000 baht / person / 14 days.

5. Royal Benja Hotel, there are 194 rooms shared with Sukhumvit Hospital. Rates for Deluxe Room City View 45,000 baht / person / 14 days.

6. Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel, 118 rooms in combination with Bamrung Hospital Deluxe Room 92,000 baht / person / 14 days and Garden Terrace Room with a private balcony 144,000 baht / person / 14 days.

7. Grand Center Point Sukhumvit 55 Hotel, 198 rooms in collaboration with Sukhumvit Hospital Signature Deluxe 62,000 baht / person / 14 days, Corner Suite 55,000 baht / person / 14 days and Family Suite125,000 baht / person / 14 days.

8. Amara Bangkok hotel, 56 rooms with the Sukhumvit Hospital. Executive Room 50,000 baht / person / 14 days, Executive Connecting Room 59,000 baht / person / 14 days and Club 10 Room 99,000 baht / person / 14 days.

9. The Kinn Hotel, Bangkok, 61 rooms together with Wiparam Hospital Deluxe Room 30,000 baht / person / 14 days (family package 55,000 baht), executive room 35,000 baht / person / 14 days (family package 65,000 baht), junior room 40,000 baht / person / 14 Days (Family Package 85,000 Baht) and Suite Room 35,000 Baht / Person / 14 Days (Family Package 100,000 Baht).

10. Siam Mandarina Hotel, 120 rooms in partnership with Chularat 9 Airport, rate Non Smoking fee 42,000 baht / person / 14 days and Smoking 52,000 baht / person / 14 days.

11. Two 3 hotels in 50 rooms with Vibhavadi Hospital Superior Room 45,000 baht / person / 14 days and Executive Room 75,000 baht / person / 14 days.

12.189 Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort hotels together with Bang Pakok Hospital 9 International Deluxe Room 73,000 baht / person / 14 days, Deluxe River View Room 75,000 baht / person / 14 days, Deluxe River Front Room 77,000 baht / person / 14 days and Junior Suite Room 79,000 baht / person / 14 days.

13. Tango Hotel, 30 rooms shared with Vibhavadi Hospital Rates for Superior Room 35,000 baht / person / 14 days and Deluxe Room 39,000 baht / person / 14 days.

14. Amari Buri Ram Hotel, 30 rooms in collaboration with TBA Hospital, Deluxe Room Pool View (36 sqm.) 54,500 baht / person / 15 days, Deluxe Room Pool Terrace (36 sqm.) 57,000 baht / person / 15 days and Grand Deluxe Room (40 sqm.) 60,000 baht / person / 15 days.

15. Anantara Mai Khao Hotel, Phuket, amount 36 villas together with Bangkok Phuket Hospital Occupancy rate of 220,000 baht / person / 15 days in the Pool Villa and 650,000 baht / 4 persons in the Two Bedroom Pool Villa for 4 people / 15 days.

16. Tri Sala Phuket Hotel, in collaboration with Bangkok Phuket Hospital Ocean View Pool Junior Suite 220,000 baht / 1 person / 14 days, Ocean View Pool Junior Suite 375,000 baht / 2 persons / 14 days and Ocean View Pool Junior Suite 500,000 baht / 3 persons / 14 days.

17. Grand Hotel Center Point Terminal 21,160 rooms in collaboration with Bumrungrad Hospital Rates for Deluxe Premium Room (40 sqm.) 80,000 baht / person / 16 days and Grand Suite Room (65 sqm.) 95,000 baht / person / 16 days.

18. O2 Luxury Hotel, 152 rooms in conjunction with the hospital. Chularat 3 Inter Deluxe Room Rate (40 sqm.) 38,000 baht / person / 15 days.

19. Tree Sukhumvit Hotel, 30 rooms, together with Vejthani Hospital Junior Suite Room with balcony (45 sqm.) 40,000 baht / person / 16 days.

20. The Princeton Hotel, Bangkok, 70 rooms shared with Vibhavadi Hospital Superior Room (27 sqm.) 29,000 baht / person / 16 days, Deluxe Room (40 sqm.) 32,000 baht / person / 16 days, Executive Room (45 sqm.) 35,000 baht / person / 16 days and Family Suites (63 sqm.) 40,000 baht / person / 16 days.

21. Best Western Plus Wanda Grand Hotel, 76 rooms shared with World Medical Hospital Superior Room (30 sqm.) 57,000 baht / person / 16 days.

22. Solaria Nishitetsu Bangkok Hotel 200 rooms In conjunction with Samitivej Hospital, Standard Room 60,000 baht / person / 16 days, Deluxe Room 70,000 baht / person / 16 days, Grand Deluxe Room 80,000 baht / person / 16 days and Solaria Room 100,000 baht / person / 16 days.

23. Anantara Phuket Suites and Villas Hotel, 100 rooms in partnership with Bangkok Phuket Hospital Occupancy One Bedroom Suite 99,500 baht / 1 adult / 16 days, One Bedroom Suite 155,000 baht / 2 adults / 16 days, One Bedroom Suite 200,000 baht / 2 adults + 1 child / 16 days, Two Bedroom Suite 185,000 baht / 2 adults / 16 days, Two Bedroom Suite 240,000 baht / 3 adults / 16 days and Two Bedroom Suite 295,000 baht / 1 adult / 16 days.

24. The Salil Hotel, Sukhumvit 57,70 rooms together with Samitivej Hospital Deluxe Suite (35 sqm.) 55,000 baht / person / 16 days and The Living Suite (45 sqm.) 65,000 baht / person / 16 days.

25. The Salil Hotel, Thonglor, 90 rooms in conjunction with Samitivej Hospital Rates for Superior Room (25 sqm.) 40,000 baht / person / 16 days and Deluxe Room (35 sqm.) 45,000 baht / person / 16 days.

26. Mytrium Hotel Sukhumvit 18 with 70 rooms shared with the hospital. Bumrungrad Studio Superior (34 sqm.) 58,000 baht / person / 16 days, One-Bedroom Deluxe (46 sqm.) 68,000 baht / person / 16 days, One-Bedroom Grand Deluxe (54 sqm.) 75,000 baht / person / 16 days and Two-Bedroom Suite (67 sqm.) 115,000 baht / person / 16 days.

27. Hotel ibis Styles Bangkok Sukhumvit, 60 rooms together with Samitivej Hospital Standard Room Rates (23-26 sqm.) 48,000 Baht / Person / 15 Days.

28. Hotel Mezzanine 200 rooms in conjunction with Sinphat Srinakarin Hospital Deluxe Room (32 sqm.) 33,000 Baht / Person / 15 days, Luxury Room (38 sqm.) 38,000 baht / person / 15 days, Executive Room (54 sqm.) 45,000 baht / person / 15 days and Family Site Room (90 sqm.) 85,000 baht / person / 15 days.

29. Royal Rattanakosin Hotel, 137 rooms with Piyavate Hospital Grand Deluxe Room 35,000 baht / person / 16 days (smoking room + 5,000 baht).

30. Conrad Bangkok Hotel, 100 rooms with Bumrungrad Hospital International Rates for Deluxe Room (41 sqm.) Starting at 137,000 baht / person / 16 days.

31. Royal Suite Hotel, 69 rooms together with Bangkok Hospital Rates for a Deluxe Room (45 sqm.) 44,000 baht / person / 16 days, One Bedroom Suite (60 sqm.) 52,000 baht / person / 16 days, Two Bedroom Suite (104 sqm.) 89,000 baht / 2 people / 16 days And Three Bedroom Suite (136 sqm.) 120,000 baht / 3 persons / 16 days.

32. Amanta Hotel and Residence, 60 rooms in association with Sukhumvit Hospital 1 Bedroom Deluxe (52 sqm.) 59,000 baht / person / 16 days, 1 Bedroom Executive (81 sqm.) 63,000 baht / person / 16 days, 2 Bedroom Deluxe (88 sqm.) 118,000 baht / 2 people / 16 Day, 2 Bedroom Executive (101 sqm.) 125,000 baht / 2 persons / 16 days and 3 Bedroom Deluxe (169 sqm.) 173,000 baht / 2 persons / 16 days. In addition, the additional expenses for 37,740 baht.

33. Ozone Hotel At Sam Yan, 40 rooms together with Wiparam-Chai Prakan Hospital Rates for Superior Room 35,000 baht / person, Deluxe Room 36,500 baht / person and Junior Suite 39,000 baht / person.

34. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, 23 rooms in combination with BNH Hospital The occupancy rate of Krungthep Deluxe Balcony Room (44 sqm.) 125,000 baht / person / 16 days and Krungthep Deluxe Suite (84 sqm.) 200,000 baht / person / 16 days.

[Chacal60]

Which country has the more stable economy, Thailand or Colombia?

A question worthy of long talk over many cold ones. Both are reasonably "middle income" - Colombia weathered a blistering internal war that raged for decades. But I think Thailand might have the slight edge. Unless tourism is more important to the GDP in Thailand than my non-scientific judgement assumes.

Corruption is rampant in both, but having never lived in Colombia I'm only guessing that the payoff game is slightly more predictable (and less dangerous) in the LOS than it is in Shakiralandia.

[Turgid]

Which country has the more stable economy, Thailand or Colombia?

[EihTooms]

...
I heard September 26 is (D)-Day for those on Visa Amnesty.

Not to hold out false hope for those on the outside trying to get in on a normal short term visa, but I wouldn't be surprised if that date is the "Out With The Old, In With The New" dividing line Thailand has set and will fairly soon thereafter begin allowing international flights of family members, property owners, rental lease holders, tourists, visitors, business travelers, etc back in but with strict quarantine and financial responsibility requirements.

They will have somewhat successfully driven out most of the visa extension manipulators by then. They had already done much to drive out anyone on an O-A Non Immigrant (retirement) type visas that didn't really qualify for it financially or otherwise. After that, there would be no real reason for them not to start allowing fresh new paying customers back into the country as long as they really did pass the strict new requirements except for spite against certain countries.

Not saying it will be easy to enter Thailand on a normal short term visa soon after that date. But I would look for it to be doable with some measure of inconvenience and not the impossible-to-solve puzzle it appears to be now. Of couse, it will depend on available flights. But if and when there are any, I suspect Thailand will accept visitors who do indeed show no signs of the virus, are willing to endure quarrantine and can show they are capable of dealing with any medical issues on their own dime.

Just a hunch.

[LittleBigMan]

In normal times it's meant for those who are under 50 and do not quality for an OA Retirement Visa. Otherwise there is no other reason to get a Thai Elite Visa. However, with the possibility of being allowed to enter Thailand when you otherwise are unable to enter Thailand it puts a new twist on why people would obtain the Elite Visa.

Imagine if you happened to be out of Thailand when the lockdown began. Happened to a friend of mine on an OA Visa and he's still not back in Thailand.

If there are other ways for people under 50 to stay in Thailand as an expat I'm all ears. No, I am not teaching English in Buriram or marrying a Thai girl just to get in to a country.

I heard September 26 is the-Day for those on Visa Amnesty.

Don't get me wrong I'm not against getting an Elite never say never. Now if I was actually stuck outside Thailand and needed to get in I might shell out the 500,000 but as I noted the requirement is no different than for someone on the list "Marriage" going through the hoops are the same. As for the list if the Elite allowed me to just show a test cleared when I arrive I would gladly take another and even quarantine but otherwise there is no benefit to paying that amount. Pre-Covid there isn't any special benefit and now Post I still don't.

If I was stuck outside and I told my wife and son it would cost me that amount 100% they would tell me to stay put and just make that amount available at their Thai accounts. I could clearly come up with a number of creative options but it would take time to get the necessary documents, testing and stories straight but once in even if I was under 50 there are a number of illegal ways to stay as long as you like if one is willing to shell out that amount of money for an Elite one shouldn't have to wait in line?

The immigration people are missing their red envelop if one wants to stay they can stay even after September.

[GettingFedUp]

If there are other ways for people under 50 to stay in Thailand as an expat I'm all ears.

Staying is (or was) possible. See below. Getting in, not at the moment.

I heard September 26 is the-Day for those on Visa Amnesty.

I'm guessing that the spell "correction" on here has changed "DDay" to the-Day.

26th September is "get out or overstay day" for people haven't got things straight by then. By "straight" I mean been granted an extension by Immigration or a shiny new visa of a category which will allow them to remain. The criteria for obtaining an extension are not specified although a letter from one's embassy stating that return home is not possible seems to be the minimum, although the "discretion of local Immigration Officials" may mean a brown envelope will suffice (or generally the use of an agency to provide the envelope). I have only seen the Australian Embassy announcing that they will issue such a letter to their citizens.

I don't think there are that many genuinely stranded visitors left. There have been outbound flights regularly pretty much throughout to Europe, Middle East and East Asia with onward connections to North America and Oceania. Also repatriation flights for Russians.

The people who face the biggest issue are those who have in the past played the system a bit. Quite a few didn't get the non-Imm OA or O (with 12 month extension for retirement) but chose the 12 month O (Tourist) visa which limits them to 90 days per entry. The choice would have been either because they don't meet the age criteria, can't or won't meet the financial criteria (income or money in a Thai bank account) or in the case of the OA they wouldn't get a clean criminal record check.

They used to go on a trip out of the country every 3 months to stamp out and stamp back in renewing their 90 days, with an annual trip to an overseas Thai Embassy or Consulate to renew. This visa run is no longer possible. Even if they are willing and able to go down the OA visa route they have a problem because the funds have to be in place for at least 2 months before application (and 3 months before renewal).

[Banana Boi]

When the Elite Visa was purposed in 2013? I checked into it and I didn't have to read far to say to myself " who the fuck came up with this stupid shit to actually think anyone with any sense would shell out the money to get one " I've seen and met a lot of people living who can't tie their shoes and need and use people to get things done for them I also know this isn't inclusive of Thailand ex-pats living here.

In normal times it's meant for those who are under 50 and do not quality for an OA Retirement Visa. Otherwise there is no other reason to get a Thai Elite Visa. However, with the possibility of being allowed to enter Thailand when you otherwise are unable to enter Thailand it puts a new twist on why people would obtain the Elite Visa.

Imagine if you happened to be out of Thailand when the lockdown began. Happened to a friend of mine on an OA Visa and he's still not back in Thailand.

If there are other ways for people under 50 to stay in Thailand as an expat I'm all ears. No, I am not teaching English in Buriram or marrying a Thai girl just to get in to a country.

I heard September 26 is the-Day for those on Visa Amnesty.

[LittleBigMan]

When I go to other countries I show them a picture of when my foot got fucked up at Koh Tao to go to the handicap line. From now on if the line is long in Thailand I will show them my license as well to go to the Thai line and see how it works for me. Thanks for the tip.

A simple lapse at times I forgot that I wasn't? So far so good this mental game I play works here because I'm Asian and look like one of them? It is being respectful to your elders which might seem missed at times even here in Thailand but I figure if people are going to call me papa and Wai me all the time I'm going to use it to my advantage.

It is just my belief? I never get hassle at Immigration because people like to have their power with me it isn't about my ego nor loss of face stuff. I do all the right things that are needed so they can't use that power? I don't mind waiting when I have to I watch people every one I love this stuff it is just a game to past the time. When it is my turn I say Sawasdee Krup with a Wai hand them my passport once the lady at the 90 day counter looks at me looks at the clerk next to her and say in Thai " I've been here for 5 hours and not one fucker has given me a Wai until now " just the other day couldn't do my 90 online again drove down to Jomtien I was out in 1 minute the temperature took longer. The young girl at the information counter see me " Sawasdee Ka Papa " how she knows me when TreeTown first open she and her husband opened the Hot Dog kiosk the Chili taste like shit but I purchased once a week just to keep up the PR and conversation maybe one day it comes in handy? This is the same stupid shit throughout the Retirement Extension counter I play helpless even when I already know the answer the girl who hands you your passport back the next day and takes your photo on her phone is always extra helpful although my son is already married etc. While back she was really nice and helpful I ask her you got a boyfriend or husband told her not for me but for my son he is already married but I said he needs to trade up today she still remembers me.

As for the airport, it would be interesting if it works for you no harm in trying. You might want to also try using your Airline I. The. One of my cousins comes during high season pre virus at Taipei he orders a wheelchair when he arrives in Thailand he comes through the VIP lane the gather up his baggage with another guy then they wheel him out to arrivals where I'm waiting for him he tips them both a 100 baht time save one-hour big spender?

I'm not being cheap but for me, it is getting the best bang for my baht. I've traveled first and business class more when I was working the majority of the time because I was with the airline industry so I got the perks but it never spoiled me. Prior to leaving the industry, I had a lot of former employees move to other carriers in my early days travel to Thailand there was a seat available once the door closed I was moved in Business the seats and food great but one thing that bother me passengers seem to be so comfortable the gas odor was wild with some of these people. I'm not a big guy in fact as I noted I use Eva exclusively and find the economy seats a better fit to me than Economy plus I didn't even like the entertainment headset they gave out after a while even when I could get upgraded I decline as long as I got an aisle seat I was happy in the end how people what to spend their money is as they say " up to you " that includes even the girls but I guess if I was as big as The Rock going coach would me out of the question even before he made it big.

[Rick Rock]

When I go to other countries I show them a picture of when my foot got fucked up at Koh Tao to go to the handicap line. From now on if the line is long in Thailand I will show them my license as well to go to the Thai line and see how it works for me. Thanks for the tip.

Or you could just fly business class like the rest of us who don't want to wait in line.

Shouldn't be an issue though. It's going to be very a long time before there are crowded airports anywhere in Asia.

[Mr Enternational]

Whenever I go out / in at the airport even without an Elite I use the VIP lanes simple by faking a limp when with my brother he is 70 I just say I'm with him. Arriving majority of the time I show them my DL and use the Thai lanes.

When I go to other countries I show them a picture of when my foot got fucked up at Koh Tao to go to the handicap line. From now on if the line is long in Thailand I will show them my license as well to go to the Thai line and see how it works for me. Thanks for the tip.

[LittleBigMan]

Just my 2 baht?

When the Elite Visa was purposed in 2013? I checked into it and I didn't have to read far to say to myself " who the fuck came up with this stupid shit to actually think anyone with any sense would shell out the money to get one " I've seen and met a lot of people living who can't tie their shoes and need and use people to get things done for them I also know this isn't inclusive of Thailand ex-pats living here.

Here is a bit of math I do the minimum elite cost is 500,000 baht for 5 years the last 5 years this is what I've spent in obtaining a Retirement Extension. I will exclude the trip I use to make once a year to the Embassy to obtain my letter of income verification since it has been discontinued. If you haven't reached any degree of dementia and organized it takes less than 5 minutes to get all my paperwork ready it takes longer to go to my bank and get a verification 100 baht. Sure you got to have a minimum of 800,000 and open a bank account and if you can't do this or want to give me a ring and I will lead you to an individual the cost will run you 20,000 baht and that price includes 5000 baht for me just to take you to the guy.

Last 5 years I've spent for my Extension 1900 for application X 5 = 9,500 baht, Single Entry Fee 1000 X 5 = 5,000 baht, Multi-Entry Fee 3800 = 19,000 baht Total 33,000 baht vs. 500,000 baht doing it myself I save 467,000 baht.

Here are some of the feature indicated by obtaining the Elite Visa, can open a Bank account never had a problem 20 years ago even before I started to live here, Driver license still got to go through the process can easily buy one like the Extension, still got to do the 90 days, suppose to get some privilege at the airport's clubs big deal? Whenever I go out / in at the airport even without an Elite I use the VIP lanes simple by faking a limp when with my brother he is 70 I just say I'm with him. Arriving majority of the time I show them my DL and use the Thai lanes.

This was all before the Virus today if you got an Elite you still need to go through all the processes just like any Thai National who wants to be repatriated to Thailand so what is the point of Elite. My brother has a Marriage Visa he is on the list with Business, Diplomats, Elite, if he leaves and wants to come back to Thailand, will have to go through all the same hoops. For 500,000 baht sorry nothing personal but one is got to be pretty stupid, hard-up, or just like to brag to apply for one even if you have the money you just want to throw away to me it is just worthless.

The closure is and was the sensible thing to do but this country hasn't even begun to feel the economic effects all their MP can blow all the smoke up everyone ass they want to make their people think they are above the Virus and that their own people will save the day and spend and the nearby tourist is coming I say dream on as each suggestion fails and the number doesn't come to fruit they will have to expand the opening even before a vaccine is found. Of course, my opinion is a bit bias since I want to leave and come back without any restrictions now that would be the good old days to me?

[GettingFedUp]

I'm still really curious about these Elite cards.

Is the card your visa, or does it help you get the visa, which is stamped in your passport? Thai immigration officials would have to know about these cards. I've also seen that for some Thai visas that you need to deposit a certain amount in a Thai bank to get the visa--do you have to do this in addition of paying the fee? It seems a way of getting a visa without having to deal with consulate paperwork.

Most of your questions are answered in the FAQ on the Thailand Elite website.

https://www.thailandelite.com/faqs?locate=en

The visa is a 5 year multiple entry visa. Renewal is dependent on which level of membership is bought. 1 year maximum stay per visit but this can be extended at Immigration Offices.

Part of the add-on "benefits" of the scheme is meet and greet on arrival so if the membership is arranged outside the country they'll escort you through immigration and get the visa placed in your passport. They'll even give you a car into town (some cities) and concessionary golf green fees (some courses).

No bank deposit or income proof requirement.

However, you're likely to encounter just as much paperwork to obtain the Elite Card as you will for a regular visa, although it will only be once every 5 years (lowest priced option). You will still have to go through hoops to get a Certificate of Entry from the Thai Embassy / Consulate until such time as travel restrictions are eased.

Finally I have seen numerous press articles stating that Thai Elite are permitted entry from 1 August (this piece rounds up the current situation https://thepattayanews.com/2020/08/0...g-from-august/) but I have yet to see anything on official channels. Immigration (https://www.immigration.go.th/en/) still shows the "from 1 July" list (which does not include the Elite programme). The one Thai Embassy I checked also doesn't include it on the list.

[Banana Boi]

I'm still really curious about these Elite cards.

Is the card your visa, or does it help you get the visa, which is stamped in your passport? Thai immigration officials would have to know about these cards. I've also seen that for some Thai visas that you need to deposit a certain amount in a Thai bank to get the visa--do you have to do this in addition of paying the fee? It seems a way of getting a visa without having to deal with consulate paperwork.

I believe it's a 1 page Visa that is put in your passport similar to some of the other Visas Thailand offers. AFAIK there is no bank deposit needed for a Thai Elite Visa. I know there is a deposit of 800k baht required for an OA Retirement Visa. If you are over 50 just apply for an OA Visa for a nominal fee but of course this will not get you in to Thailand yet. Read Thaivisa.com if you have Visa questions. Then go talk to the Thai Consulate in your city. Imo 500k baht is a lot of money to chance.

[One Eyed Man]

This is the only site I would trust in getting your Thai Elite Visa. https://www.thailandelite.com/?locate=en.

Go to the Thailand consulate in your city to discuss the process in detail if you are serious in applying. It's a lot of money to shell out. Remember TIT.

I'm still really curious about these Elite cards.

Is the card your visa, or does it help you get the visa, which is stamped in your passport? Thai immigration officials would have to know about these cards. I've also seen that for some Thai visas that you need to deposit a certain amount in a Thai bank to get the visa--do you have to do this in addition of paying the fee? It seems a way of getting a visa without having to deal with consulate paperwork.