How to buy early membership

2025.10.22 Thailand Elite Old Membership

Here’s a detailed blog-style guide on how to find a seller for an old Thailand Elite membership (sometimes called the “old membership” or “legacy membership”), what you should know about the process, and how to mitigate the risks. If you like, I can also pull up recent pricing examples and real market offers.

What is an “Early Thailand Elite Membership”

The term “early membership” refers to early-issued Thailand Elite memberships (prior to changes) that had lifetime validity or far more generous transfer rules than current packages.
These memberships are no longer sold by the official program; the official channel now offers newer tiers with different rules.
Because of their rarity and favourable terms (in some cases unlimited transfers, no annual fee, “lifetime” etc.), they attract interest from buyers seeking long-term stay in Thailand.

Why someone might sell an early membership

The original member may no longer need the benefits (e.g., returning to home country, moving elsewhere).
They might want to realise value in the membership, since it can be “transferred” to another person (under certain rules).
For the buyer, acquiring an old membership can mean bypassing higher fees/newer terms of the current program.

How to Find a Seller

Here are practical steps and channels you can explore:

1. Use authorised brokers / intermediaries

There are firms that explicitly advertise that they “help with private sale / purchase of old Thailand Elite memberships”. For example the “Old Membership” site states they act as intermediary for seller→buyer.
These brokers can assist in: verifying ownership, verifying the membership type, drafting contracts, escrow/payment structure, handling the name-change process.
While using a broker adds cost, it can significantly reduce risk.

2. Peer networks and expatriate forums

Online forums (Reddit, Facebook groups) where Thailand-residents and expatriates discuss the Thailand Elite program often have posts from sellers or interested buyers. For example: “Selling permanent Thailand Elite member with visa pass.”
You can join Facebook groups like “Thailand Elite Visa Members Group” or “Thailand Elite Visa Q&A Group” and post that you are “seeking old membership for transfer”.
When using this route, you must be especially vigilant (see below).

3. Direct outreach

If you identify potential sellers (e.g., someone leaving Thailand, someone no longer needing the membership), you can approach them directly.
Ask for proof of membership, ask them whether the membership type actually allows transfer, ask about the remaining validity period, etc.

4. Advertisements / specialised listings

Some websites (especially in Japan or other markets) offer listings for “old Thailand Elite Memberships for sale”. For example, the site in Japanese offers how to buy / how to sell. thailandelite.oldmembership.com
You can search for terms like: “Thailand Elite old membership for sale”, “Thailand Privilege old membership transfer”, etc. Be cautious of scams.

What to Check & What Mistakes to Avoid

Because this is a non-standard transaction (the official program is not marketing these memberships for resale), there are many pitfalls. Here’s a checklist.

✅ What to check

Membership type & transferability: Determine exactly which “old membership type” it is (lifetime vs 30-year vs single-transfer etc). For instance: “Most attractive … membership expires for life. Unlimited number of transfers.” thailandelite.oldmembership.com
“Some memberships have lifetime; others 30-year after transfer.” thailandelite.oldmembership.com
Ownership verification: Confirm the seller is the official member, membership is valid, no outstanding liabilities or penalties.
Remaining validity: How much period remains? Are you buying the remainder of term? Are you buying a “fresh” transfer?
Transfer procedure & fees: Understand what the official program requires for name change or transfer, and what fees apply (including membership transfer fee to the program)
Contract and escrow: Make sure there is a proper sales contract with clear terms (payment schedule, what happens if transfer is denied, etc). Brokers often highlight this. thailandelite.oldmembership.com
Background check for buyer: The buyer often must apply for membership (even in transfer) and undergo screening. Only after approval is transfer finalized. thailandelite.oldmembership.com+1
Legitimacy of broker/agent: If you use an intermediary, check they are authorised or at least reputable. Some forum posts warn of unscrupulous agents.

⚠️ Mistakes / risks

Assuming transfer is automatic: Some old memberships may have restrictions; some new ones are non-transferable. For example, new tiers may explicitly state “No transfer” in their terms.
Overpaying: Because these are rare, asking prices might be very high. Without full clarity on rights and validity, you may get less than you expected.
Not completing proper legal transfer: If the name change/official membership update isn’t done, the membership might revert, or benefits may be denied.
Insufficient due diligence: Not verifying that the membership is indeed eligible for transfer and that the program will approve you as buyer.

Step-by-Step: How to Proceed if You Want to Buy

Here’s a structured workflow you might follow.

Define your budget and requirement: How long stay are you seeking? What benefits matter? Do you specifically want the “old membership” with lifetime or unlimited transfers?
Search for available listings/sellers:
- Contact brokerage-services specialising in old memberships.
- Post in expat forums/groups your interest: “Looking to buy old Thailand Elite membership – willing to negotiate”.
- Ask for leads from current old-members who may want to sell.
Engage seller & verify membership:
- Request proof of membership type, validity, the terms (transfer rights).
- Ask for their reason for selling.
- Ask about any outstanding obligations, debts or fees.
Negotiate term and price:
- Agree on transfer price (the market value is not fixed). thailandelite.oldmembership.com
- Agree on payment milestones, escrow if possible.
- Draft a binding sales contract with both parties.
Complete buyer’s application to the program:
- Buyer must apply for membership or transfer via via the program’s procedure; background check may take 2-3 months.
- Monitor process until official approval.
Payment and transfer:
- After approval, payment to seller happens (or escrow pays seller upon completion).
- Official name change/transfer of membership in program records.
- Seller ensures transfer‐fee to the program is paid (if required).
Take possession and begin enjoying benefits:
- Confirm membership card, visa stamp/process, integration into your profile.
- Check your rights (visa validity, stay quota, etc) to avoid surprises.

Key Considerations for You

As an overseas buyer you’ll want to ensure you meet any eligibility criteria the program may have (foreign passport, acceptable background, etc). The old program still required certain qualifications.
Understand tax, residency and visa implications for staying long-term in Thailand. The old membership may give you long-stay rights, but you still must comply with Thai immigration rules (e.g., 90-day reporting, etc).
Check how much time remains on the membership you are buying, or whether the seller’s usage may reduce your effective term (depending on “first transfer becomes 30-year” situations). thailandelite.oldmembership.com
Currency and remittance: Payment might involve large sums (in Thai baht or other currency). Ensure you have safe banking/transfer method and legal clarity.

Final Thoughts

Buying an old Thailand Elite membership can offer an extraordinary opportunity to secure long-term access and benefits in Thailand via a rare transferable package. But it also comes with substantial risk—non-standard sale, complicated transfer, possibility of scams or mis-representation. If you proceed:

Use a trusted intermediary or ensure you have expert legal/immigration review.
Verify every detail of membership rights, transfer procedure, seller’s standing.
Be patient, because the process (application, screening, payment, transfer) can take months.
Be realistic about value, risk, and what you are actually acquiring (not just the “lifetime visa” narrative).