Travel agents keen to earn some extra income might consider working with the Thailand Privilege Card (TPC) as they look to expand their reach in Australia.
Traveltalk was invited to an exclusive dinner where officials from the TPC outlined their ambition to encourage more Aussies to sign up.
The TPC is a government-backed long stay membership program designed for international visitors who want to spend extended periods in Thailand, combining long term visa privileges with VIP services and lifestyle benefits.
The program is operated by Thailand Privilege Card Co, a state enterprise supervised by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and has been running for 24 years.
The scheme currently has more than 41,000 members globally with Australia the 11th top market. TPC has set a target of attracting 50 new Australian members.
“It is my great pleasure to be here today to promote Thailand Privilege,” said Manatase Annawat, CEO of TPC.
“We are delighted with the long term relationship between Thailand and Australia. Tonight is a great opportunity to extend our bond and the relationship between the two nations.
“Our duty is to promote Thailand to those who want to live or who want to travel frequently to Thailand.”
For Australians, the appeal is the ability to enjoy Thailand with fewer of the administrative hassles associated with repeated long stays, while receiving benefits ranging from fast track immigration and airport assistance to hotel, dining, wellness, travel and leisure privileges.
There are currently five membership levels, offering different durations and benefits.
Bronze costs THB650,000 (approx. $AU27,370) and provides five years of membership, with benefits including unlimited airport fast track, Elite Personal Assistant services and access to Thailand Privilege lounges.
Gold is THB900,000 (approx. $AU37,900) for five years and includes 20 privilege points each year, along with airport fast track, personal assistance and a range of lifestyle benefits.
Platinum costs THB1.5 million (approx. $AU63,160) and is valid for 10 years, with 35 points annually, while Diamond costs THB2.5 million (approx. $AU105,280) for 15 years and provides 55 points each year.
At the top end is Reserve, available by invitation only, costing THB5 million (approx. $AU210,550) for 20 years and providing 120 privilege points annually.
Points can be exchanged for benefits including hotel stays, airport transfers and lounges, limousine services, dining, entertainment, golf, spa and wellness experiences.
“Why do our members choose Thailand as their second home? Thailand is located in the middle of Asia and you can travel anywhere in Asia within two to four hours,” added Mr Annawat (pictured above).
“Also there are not many countries in the world where you have the perfect combination between the modern world and the classical world.
“And then of course there is the lifestyle. The thing that most people love about Thailand is the hospitality…or what I like to call ‘hospi-Thai-lity’.”
For Australian travel agents, the opportunity is not simply about selling a long stay visa.
TPC is looking to build its Australian distribution network, potentially giving agents a new revenue stream while offering their higher value clients an alternative way to experience Thailand.
https://www.thailandprivilege.co.th/home
