Thailand Elite Cards to be, again, available this year

BANGKOK, January 12 (TNA) - Thailand Elite Card will be available again this year, with its second-round sales expected at some 1,300 cards by the end of 2013. SurapolSawetseranee, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Chairman of Thailand Privilege Card Company's board told journalists that the company is recruiting a new general manager, as well as sales and marketing staffs and it is also working with privilege-related agencies to prepare for the new round of Thailand Elite Card sales. Surapol foresaw that the new round sales of Thailand Elite Card should begin within the first quarter of this year, as Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra will meet representatives of privilege-related agencies on January 25 to convince them to increase privileges for the card's holders. Surapol said in the near future, TAT will also convene chiefs of 27 overseas TAT bureaus to introduce its policies and details about sales of Thailand Elite Card, targeted toward high-end international business operators and tourists, including those from China, India and Russia. The TAT governor acknowledged that the relaunched Thailand Elite Card will be priced at two million baht, with each holder required to pay the annual fee of 20,000 baht and the membership lasting 20 years, and that each member will enjoy many privileges, including a five-year visa at a time and a one-year stay in Thailand per visit,instead of 90 days offered in its first-launch some years ago. (TNA)