A common question among foreign nationals is whether they can apply for a Thailand Privilege Visa while holding a non-immigrant visa. With its longer stay, exclusive perks, and lifestyle benefits, many choose to make the switch.

According to Thai immigration law, you cannot hold a non-immigrant visa and a tourist visa (which the Thailand Privilege Visa falls under) at the same time. However, non-immigrant visa holders are still eligible to apply. You will only need to transition once your Thailand Privilege membership ID is issued, there’s no need to cancel your current visa right away.

Where can you apply as a non-immigrant visa holder?

You may apply either in Thailand or overseas, but there are important considerations:

• Applying in Thailand:
  • You can submit your application and pay the membership fee while on a non-immigrant visa.
  • Before affixing the Thailand Privilege Visa, you must cancel your non-immigrant visa in the same city or province where it was originally issued.
  • Visa affixation can only be done at the Thai Immigration Office on Chaengwattana Road in Bangkok.
• Applying outside Thailand:
  • You may keep your non-immigrant visa until it expires. Once expired, you can then apply for the Thailand Privilege Visa.

Alternatively, you may leave Thailand, wait until your non-immigrant visa expires and you receive your Welcome Letter, then return to Thailand to affix your Thailand Privilege Visa at the airport.