That breaks down to a monthly cost of between around US$425 and $600, over the lifetime of the membership.

Contrast that with the LTR visa, which is about $13 per month, rising to a mighty $26 if one can't re-qualify at the 5 year mark. LTR also provides the possibility of a work permit with highly favorable terms (no 4:1 Thai:foreigner ratio, plus certain tax benefits).

There would seem to be a lot of potential overlap between the target audience for the two programs... But I guess $400-$600 more per month is worth it for the lifestyle benefits vs. the employment ones, for some folks?