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aeroman
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Anyone here buy a card?
BANGKOK For decades Thailand was a favourite destination for backpackers. Now the government is courting the rich and famous.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand has persuaded 80 wealthy foreigners to pay $25000 each to be classified lifelong elite tourists and treated "like a king" with privileges such as fast-track immigration, luxury-resorts discounts and the right to buy property in the kingdom.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will today present each VIP traveller with a black and gold "Thailand Elite" card emblazoned with a ceremonial palm-leaf fan, often associated with Thailand's royal family and high society.
Tourism is one of the few strong points in Thailand's economy, expected to grow 6% this year despite the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome outbreak and fears of terrorist attacks. The tourism body expects to sell about 1000 cards by year-end. Sapa-AFP
on another note I read today that the misnistry of public decency is trying to take over the morality policing from the police. In an article about Elle models exposing their breasts. That could be trouble!
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 11:14 pm on Nov. 19, 2003
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griffin
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for that price really worth considering, as you can buy property with it!
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Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 3:47 am on Nov. 20, 2003
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Vancouver Jay
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Griff, is that a piss-take? I think I remember some minor beaureaucrat saying on TV that the land-rights were being taken out of the deal.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 5:13 am on Nov. 20, 2003
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ringthebells
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thailand privilege
1 mio baht
livelong visa
special access at airport etc.
special promotions events
sunds like a good deal, if not for the tourist, then for the thai government.
If I had money pouring out of my ears, I would buy one.
rtb
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 5:17 am on Nov. 20, 2003
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Hermanolobo
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Even now I am in possession of my press/aviation travel privilege pack.
Encouraging me to come and invest my time and money in LOS. 20% discount for MP from the PM, also 20% off Barfines and TG's. (They get get to stay the night at super posh hotel, brekky included) Concessionary drinks and hotel rates and visits to the elephant farm for dung inspection.
Unfortunately I have decided to go to Cuba at the invitation of my old mate Fidel and the Buena Vista Social Club.
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 8:55 am on Nov. 20, 2003
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griffin
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thaksin is thinking to increase the price to usd 30, 000 as already over 100 high net worths apllied for the privilige card.
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Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:01 am on Nov. 21, 2003
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Yurune
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You can purchase up to ten rai of land....but it is held in the name of the Thai Privelege Card Company.
You cannot rent out any property you build on it...there was an article in the Nation yesterday.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:04 am on Nov. 21, 2003
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griffin
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hm,
that means I buy the property and give it back to the thai state, not very clever and exciting! better put it in the name of any bargirl then, at least I have the chance of putting some pressure on her if necessary and may be, only may be she is even nice to me and don't do anything stupid with my property!
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Thai Girls : Meet Active Thai Girls
Posted on: 12:20 am on Nov. 21, 2003
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Vancouver Jay
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You Ruin, so if I build a house, a brother comes to visit, passes out drunk, and the next day treats me to a soapy, TPCC can steal my house, right? "Farang make hotel!" TIT! 
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 12:26 am on Nov. 21, 2003
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Yurune
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The article from the Nation
The majority of the first batch of Thailand Elite Card holders said they were very happy with the right to buy land and property, made possible by the exclusive membership programme, the director of the card's marketing firm said yesterday.
"We already have 80 VIP members, who have paid US$25, 000 [close to Bt1 million] each for lifetime membership. More than 50 per cent indicated that they wanted landownership rights in our country, " said Paisit Kaenchan, director of Thailand Privilege Card Co (TPC).
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra formally launched the card during a party at Government House yesterday. More than 350 people attended.
The programme is one of the government's campaigns to attract deeppocketed tourists. It aims to raise membership to one million and bring in Bt1 trillion in foreign revenue.
At the party it emerged that the right to purchase land and property was one of the most attractive incentives for foreigners subscribing to the card, said Paisit.
Cardholders can buy real estate through TPC, which will hold the property in its name on the foreign buyers' behalf, he said. The purchase must be for residential purposes only and the property can never be resold or rented out.
Current law prohibits foreigners from direct ownership of property apart from condominiums, though foreigners can lease land or property for up to 90 years.
Some foreigners circumvent this regulation by setting up joint ventures with local firms, which are usually their nominees, to purchase property.
Thaksin said TPC would set up a fund to buy land and property on behalf of members, who in turn will hold unit trusts of the fund.
"This is not in conflict with Thai law, because ownership is still held by the fund, which will be listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, " he added.
"If this programme gets a good response from foreigners, we may increase the membership fee, " he said.
Abhisit Vejjajiva, deputy leader of the opposition Democrat Party, mentioned that the Chuan government had been roundly blamed while Thaksin was in opposition for legal revisions that allowed foreigners to buy up to one rai of land as an attempt to sell national assets to foreigners.
"But with the privileges given to card members, foreigners will be able to buy up to 10 rai. It makes me wonder whether the present government is using its power to let foreign businessmen take over Thai property, " said Abhisit.
Peter M Kennedy, a VIP cardholder from the US, is chairman of Dominick Co AG, a Swiss private bank. He said he liked the programme very much for its unique and attractive promotion of Thai tourism and the Thai economy.
"When I am back in the US, I will introduce this card to my colleagues and believe that it will be popular, " he said.
He said Thailand was safe for tourists because there was less violence than in neighbouring countries and most people were very gentle.
Cardholders are also entitled to free stays or discounts at luxury resorts and restaurants as well as discounts at hospitals and brandname outlets, said Paisit.
He added that the company expected card use to cost Bt30, 000 to Bt40, 000 a year, which would be amply covered by the membership fees.
The firm will also invest funds from the fees for a decent return of at least 4 per cent a year.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 1:45 am on Nov. 21, 2003
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