First overseas push in Hong Kong

It was the company's first overseas promotion and followed similar efforts to attract membership at Phuket in 2007 and in Pattaya earlier this year.

The Thailand Elite Card, which costs Bt1.5 million for individual lifetime membership, entitles holders to a wide range of tourism and business privileges in Thailand, including a five-year multiple-entry visa

About 200 millionaires, both potential investors and existing Elite Card members, were invited to the plush Hong Kong dinner.

TPC president Rapee Moungnont said the event would attract the attention of many companies in Hong Kong and nearby mainland areas.

The company aims to sign up more members from Hong Kong and China because Thailand has long enjoyed a close relationship with both places. The event is also expected to stimulate more investment in Thailand, he said.

At present, there are 250 Thailand Elite Card holders in Hong Kong, and the company believes there are another 90 potential members in the territory, Rapee said.

TPC regards Hong Kong as one of its key territories in terms of the tourism industry and service businesses.

TPC has plans to hold similar gala dinners in China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea next.

One Elite Card holder, Lan Kwai Fong Group chairman Allan Zeman, said he regarded Thailand as a good investment prospect.

He said his group had invested in resorts and residential developments in Phuket and was now expanding into shopping malls and restaurants there.

Chalermsak Suranant, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand's Hong Kong office, said the Kingdom is a popular holiday destination for people in Hong Kong, and this would help the its hotels, resorts and related businesses to grow.