Thailand continues to hunt for the super-rich “bleisure” traveller

Yet another variant of the Elite card was officially launched yesterday. Tourist Authority of Thailand governor Yuthasak Supasorn coined the term “bleisure” to describe the affluent foreigner who is looking for a safe haven both to retire and to indulge in selected business activities. He said the timing was to coincide with Thailand’s recovery from the pandemic-created economic malaise.

Successful applicants for the Flexible Plus Program, one of many Elite visa options, will be stamped with a non-immigrant (rather than visitor) status which will enable them to apply for a work permit. The facility will also be available on request to many, though not all, existing Elite holders who have the right to live in Thailand from 5-20 years on payment of fees ranging from 600,000 baht to over two…