Trump Card

Almost every airline and hotel chain touts a loyalty card. Taking that concept a giant step forward, Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is offering jet-setters memberships in a card scheme where benefits can be had across the entire country.

Last month, Thaksin welcomed 80 high-flying businessmen into the Thailand Elite Privilege Club as inaugural members. For a one-off lifetime fee of $25,000, the millionaires were each presented with a Thailand Elite card entitling them to discounts on Thai Airways and at Thailand's best hotels, free golf at a slew of courses, free spa treatments, fast-track immigration, free...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!