Answereda year ago
How do agents manipulate the retirement visa process with the 800k bank requirement in Thailand?
How do the agents for a retirement visa magic 800k in your bank account and provide the visa !? Do they bribe immigration officers is it legit? I understand you could I invest the 800k making good intrest rather than it sat there doing zip.
Answer summary
The discussion centers around the process of obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand, specifically the commonly cited method of showing ฿800,000 in a bank account. Several commenters share differing opinions on the legitimacy of this process. There are claims that agents help expedite the process by temporarily depositing the required amount, then withdrawing it, while allegedly bribing immigration officials to bypass regulations. Some suggest that while the method is widely practiced and results in a valid visa, it operates in a legal gray area and poses risks such as deportation if discovered. Alternatives, such as monthly income transfers, are also discussed as potentially more prudent.
98 repliesnewest first
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Marty ******
Don't rock the boat , bugger all bank interest return on yer $800k , easier than jumping thru hoops if you do it yourself and get it wrong , especially you get the wrong immigration officer having a bad day
Donnie **********
The last time I checked..the "B" word was not used for any reason at all ever period..Ya jus roll with the flow..no questions
Kook ******
To qualify for a Thai retirement visa (Non-Immigrant O or OA), you need to show financial means. One option is to have ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account (held there for at least 2 months before applying, and 3 months after approval). Alternatively, a combination of income and savings that total ฿800k can work too.
Dave ************
I cannot understand why you don't put 800k in an account and leave it there.
I know the intrest is virtually non existant, but if you pay an agent to deposit 800k in your account, and bribe others to claim it has been there for a period of time. The money you pay the agent is a fair bit more than the interest you would get if you had the money somewhere else.
I know the intrest is virtually non existant, but if you pay an agent to deposit 800k in your account, and bribe others to claim it has been there for a period of time. The money you pay the agent is a fair bit more than the interest you would get if you had the money somewhere else.
Lawrie *******
No wonder it is the land of the smiles..."Hello Falang...have I got a good deal for you?" 😁😁😁
Paul *********
A friend of mine just paid £800 takes 2 weeks then half that yearly for a retirement visa in pattaya 😃 so £400 per year a drop in the ocean, keep your money in your home country earning interest and transfer monthly needs as it's very difficult to transfer the out of thailand if your circumstances ever chang.
I plan to do this route next month as will be moving to the jomtien area
I plan to do this route next month as will be moving to the jomtien area
Jay ********
I get the impression Immo
Prefer we use agents ??
Tea ☕️ anyone?
Prefer we use agents ??
Tea ☕️ anyone?
Eric ***************
The 800,000 sits on a bank with no interest
Graham ******
@Eric **************
for just over 5 moths if you plan it correctly ;)
Tosh *****************
It’s normal procedure here ,
Nigel **************
100% Legit with Immigration receits, majority of commenters here are totally Ignorant
John ******
Not only the required 800K (in and out the bank account within 5 minutes) but the agent can also provide an address for you if needed.
And all this for a 20K fee.
And all this for a 20K fee.
Carsten ************
@John *****
12kBrandon ************
@John *****
except more than double that to startJohn ******
@Brandon ***********
No. 20K my friend paid for non-o + retirement, 15 months visa.
Paul *******
I can certainly understand why some people would not want to leave 800k Baht hanging around in a Thai bank when in the UK the money coup be earning. £18,250 at 4.3% interest is £809 per annum and to use an agent to get annual visa renewals according to 3 agents who contacted me is only £329. Therefore leaving the £18,250 in the UK makes you £500 a year (2.74% interest)
Paul *******
@John *****
. I have had 3 agents give me a price for getting me a retirement visa and 2 quoted 55k and the 3rd 42k , all 3 for a 15 month stay and then 14k a year thereafterJohn ******
@Bailey ******
No I can't, it was an insider of the IO.John ******
@Brandon ***********
Exactly 2 weeks, tomorrow back for the stamps in passportBrandon ************
@John *****
and how long ago was that?
Bailey *******
@John *****
Do you know which agent your friend used? Just curious 🤔
Sujy *********
A lot of misinformation being spread by some people who are regular commenter, which is quite disappointing. If you don't know the meaning of the word "legit", please do not comment non sense, it just make you look stupid.
To answer OP, yes, it's completely legit. The 12 months extension you get is a real one done by a real officer, but obtained with a bribe. It doesn't make this not legit since it's the same stamp as everyone else who got the extension without an agent.
And no, you are not stuck with that agent, again more misinformation. All you have to do is cancel your Non O visa right before leaving Thailand. You won't be bound to an agent if you do that.
To answer OP, yes, it's completely legit. The 12 months extension you get is a real one done by a real officer, but obtained with a bribe. It doesn't make this not legit since it's the same stamp as everyone else who got the extension without an agent.
And no, you are not stuck with that agent, again more misinformation. All you have to do is cancel your Non O visa right before leaving Thailand. You won't be bound to an agent if you do that.
Mark ********
@Sujy ********
If the visa/extension has been obtained through fraudulent methods, it most definitely can be cancelled back to when it was issued, meaning the foreigner is automatically on overstay. Don't kid yourself that it's a "legit" visa - it most definitely isn't!Sujy *********
A lot of confusion, once again. If you pay an agent and get the visa or extension, it's legit. If you pay and get nothing or get a fake stamp, its not legit. If you buy a lotto ticket on the black market in Thailand and get paid if you win, it's legit, if you win and they tell you to ++++ off, its not. It's not more complicated then that. Do you get what you pay for? Yes. Are you in the system like everyone else? Yes. Can you DIY the next year? You can't extend by yourself the 2nd time if you used agent the 1st time, but you can cancel the visa, and restart with a fresh Non O. This is what Michael above is referring to.
Michael *******
It’s done in a different province to the one in which you live, many Phuket residents who use an agent get their visas issued in Pattaya - so they have to hand their passport over to a third party for their 90 day - if you try to renew anywhere else other than Pattaya (or wherever agent obtains the visa) you will be denied - and sent to that province - stuck in a hamster wheel effectively but everyone to their own.I know many folks who take this route fine until something goes wrong as it occasionally does.
Pete *******
@Sujy ********
so you are arguing that fraudulently obtaining an extension is legit? In what reality do you live?Graham ******
@Pete ******
The reality of misinformation
Ron ********
@Pete ******
Third world reality.
Jean-Claude *********
@Sujy ********
obtained with a bribe... and legit doesn't go well together. Yes, your visa can't be differentiated from a legit one at first look, but that doesn't make it legit as a legal term. You're clearly far beyond the grey zone in this case.Brandon ************
@Sujy ********
no one says you're stuck with THAT agent. But you are stuck using agents. And the entire point is to not have to leave and start over.Sujy *********
@Brandon ***********
You are only stuck with agent if you don't cancel your visa.Sujy *********
@Brandon ***********
You said that you don't have to cancel the retirement extension, so you knew what I was referring to. In which you are factually incorrect. If you don't cancel the 12 months extension or wtv it's call, leave the country and come back, you will not be able to do it on your own without using an agent again.Brandon ************
@Sujy ********
You CANNOT cancel a visa. A VISA is issued by an embassy and cannot be cancelled. You can cancel an extension issued by immigration. If you want to be pedantic, I can be tooSujy *********
@Brandon ***********
Yes, you can cancel :). I did it a few times. The first was when there was a crackdown on volunteer visa, had to cancel before leaving the country. Did it another time since because I had the $ for Non O extension. If you don't cancel you won't be able to DIY.Brandon ************
@Sujy ********
You can't cancel a visa. And you don't have to "cancel" a retirement extension, you just leave. But the point is that's what people are trying to avoid. So this "solution" is completely irrelevant to this post.
Paul *******
I can tell you from experience that it can be a REAL PIA in the future if you decide to apply for subsequent visas on your own without an agent.
Doug *******
@Paul ******
If you “can tell from experience” then please do so.Paul *******
@Doug ******
used an agent for my first year in Phuket, I even had my own funds.When trying to renew the second year on my own I was told, rather strongly, that I had to drive 5 hours to the province where the agent had setup my initial visa.
After a 5 hour drive I was told by that immigration office that I had to drive BACK to Phuket and do it there.
Paul *******
@Doug ******
yeah, that wasn't fun.Doug *******
@Paul ******
Okay thanks for the info.
Gerg **********
I’d be afraid there would be a crackdown and my agent would get caught up in the scandal and me along with it, possibly getting me deported and blacklisted.
Don *********
@Gerg *********
exactly
Hoffman ******
It’s like how does a plane take off
Who cares as long as it doesn’t crash let the pilot worry how the plane flys
Who cares as long as it doesn’t crash let the pilot worry how the plane flys
Steve *******
"Is it legit?" Are you for real!
Of course it ain't legit.
Of course it ain't legit.
Bill *******
@Steve ******
The visa is legit
Richard ******
@Bill ******
until you get caught and deported. 😂
Liam ***********
@Richard *****
if they (who is they) find out will you get deported?I don’t think so because if one goes then everyone involved is in doghouse
This can’t possibly be a secret,everyone is aware from bottom to top
Steve *******
@Bill ******
Nope. Fraudulently obtained, as are all visas/extentions if you don't have your own funds.
Dror *********
And some agents now also take care of those 500,000 bht for DTV great country 🫶
Mark ********
Of course it's not legit! The money you pay to the agent is also passed on to the bank manager and the immigration officer. Yes it's a bribe, no matter how much people will try to say it's not. Just get yourself onto the 65k monthly transfers. Makes a lot more sense
Mark *******
@Mark *******
land of smiles & bribes! You new here?Mark ********
@Mark ******
No, but I think you are! 😆😆😆Mark ********
@Mark ******
I answered the question. You think paying bribes to government officials is "legit" 😂😂😂Mark *******
@Mark *******
you must be the only delusional farang 🤣🤣🤣
Stephen ********
OP@Mark *******
why not use the agent though invest the 800k which covers the fees and you have money left over so win win.Mark ********
@Stephen *******
I don't use the 800k method. I transfer 65k each month - which is my money to live on. Why would I pay an agent? Seems a dumb waste of money, but to each their own!Pete *******
@Stephen *******
your math is off. You will lose money by paying an agent.Mark ********
@Rick ********
But what do you actually live on? 4.25% is pretty poor return for a retiree
Rick *********
@Pete ******
not by much. My high interest savings earns 4.25% so $425 per year on every 10k invested. So that interest easily pays an agent to avoid all the bs involved with doing it yourself. I am retired to AVOID hassles and not waste my time. 😎🙏😎
Mary **********
@Mark *******
is it 65k per person?Mark ********
@Mary *********
Yes
Michelle *****************
@Graham *****
tell me more about that pleaseGraham ******
@Michelle ****************
so recycle the 65kMichelle *****************
@Graham *****
not that much expenseGraham ******
@Michelle ****************
you have no monthly expenses when in Thailand?Mark ********
@James *******
non-O retirement at this point. Thinking of switching to DTV next year
James ********
@Mark *******
it is a bit off at times...tell me ( humor me ) , which visa do you live in thailand under please ?Mark ********
@James *******
So your English comprehension is not the best obviously!James ********
@Mark *******
oh yes got it but....you said " better standard of living " , not the same as your stupid reply.Mark ********
@James *******
It means I get to spend MY money on enjoyable activities I choose rather than paying it in taxation and inflated prices in my home country. Got it now? 😂😂
Michelle *****************
@Rick ********
each personRick *********
@Mary *********
yes it it I didn’t realize you were talking about 2 people. 🙏😎🙏Mary **********
@Rick ********
for 2 people it is 4kRick *********
@Mary *********
it’s about 2k USD, not 4k.Rick *********
@Michelle ****************
it’s not 4k. It’s about half that somewhere around 2k USD.
Kjetil **********
@Rick ********
Good 😁😆😅
Gregg *******
@James *******
freedom from Western opression is a good place to start.Rick *********
@Kjetil *********
I was just about to say this. ThanksJames ********
@Mark *******
Please explain how you didn't come here to count pennies but for a better standard of living ? Better standard of living ?Kjetil **********
@Mary *********
Are you drunk ? 65.000 baht is around 2.100-2.200 USD 😅🤣Michelle *****************
@Mary *********
exactly my issue that amount of money being drawn out of the super fund each month to pay into the bank account is ridiculousGraham ******
@Mary *********
The 65k can be recycled if you wishMary **********
@Mark *******
love the most nights comment.Mark ********
@Mary *********
I'm solo in Thailand (well, many nights I am 😆). I transfer 70,000 each month which covers all my Thailand expenses and also pays for a return flight to Australia once a year. But I didn't move here to count the pennies - I came for a better standard of living! 👍Mary **********
@Mark *******
that is almost 4k USD/mo....eek. dont need that much money every year. Need to think about that.Stephen ********
OP@Mark *******
but that’s Thailand everything like this if you get stopped on a motorbike no insurance or helmet pay a fine and on you go. That’s why we love it.Mark ********
@Stephen *******
I love it for other reasons than continually dipping into my wallet to pay bribes! But it's each to their own! I wonder why you even asked the question! 😂Dror *********
@Mark *******
its legit the IO took the money lol
Simon ******
You’re at the mercy of the agent if they pay and they can raise their prices yearly and your trapped
Simon *******
@Simon *****
800,000 bht can earn me £800-£1000 in the UK, which is about 40,000 bht they will need to increase the fee a lot for it not to be worthwhile.Simon ******
@Simon ******
everyone has different financial circumstances. My old friend got into trouble with agent paying his retirement visa because the fee increased by 10,000 baht and he didn’t have money to pay.
Mma *******
@Simon *****
your not trapped, at the end of your visa you can simply leave and come back in and reboot the whole process alone or with another agent.Brandon ************
There's no magic. They take you to the bank, they deposit 800,000 in your bank account, they get the bank staff to print a statement, they take the money out of your bank account. Then at the immigration office they bribe the officers to ignore the fact that the money was not in the account for required amount of time.
Uwe ****
It is normal all over Asia that "agents" make your life easier. Farang bureaucrats might tell you that it's illegal - but considering that the Thai government changes policies every few months, it's your decision who you want to follow.
Uwe ****
I haven’t stepped into a Thai immigration office in over five years. For me, it’s been worth it to invest a little more for peace of mind. Everyone has their reasons, and I get that some prefer to follow every rule to the letter—but personally, I value ease and flexibility over saving a few bucks or sticking strictly to a system that goes through constant changes.
Roberto *********
@Uwe ***
The retirement visa hasn't changed in years. Personally I prefer to pay 1900 baht each year rather than pay an agent up to 25,000 baht, but I use the *****
baht international transfer method. I mean, you need money to live on, don't you?Stephen ********
OP@Uwe ***
I’d rather an easy life an agent seems the way forward for sure. ✔️Activity
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