Thailand Tourism Agency Adopts Invitation-Only Strategy for Pricey Card.

Byline: Nondhanada Intarakomalyasut

Sep. 20--Membership in the Thailand Elite Card will be mostly by invitation only as part of the revised terms aimed at limiting the privileges to well-heeled tourists.

Selected high-rollers, such as football celebrity David Beckham, will get cards free in an effort to promote the campaign.

The one-million-baht (US$25,000) lifetime membership entitles holders to a variety of benefits including a special entry permit and fast-track immigration.

Not all people who apply will be approved and most of the target group will be invited to join the service, said Juthamas Siriwan, governor of the Tourism Authority …