How much does a 1-year Student Visa cost in Thailand, and what are the current challenges with obtaining one?

@Terry *****

You are a Fool, if you go for such a Scam. I don't believe any so-called "Agent" can "get around" the legal requirements. And, even if they did, it would be fraudulent, and if you are ever discovered you would be fined, possibly jailed, and definately deported. AND, instead of simply investing your money in a safe Thai Bank Account earning good interest, you would be "pissing away" 15K Baht or more?

@Richard *********

800k baht is far more than what is needed to live here comfortably. Very few Thais spend that much in a year.

@Richard *********

If you really can't fathom why someone doesn't want to leave 800k in a Thai bank, maybe you ought to stop laughing and start using your head a little more.

@Bonnie ********

Bangkok and Phuket are mostly back to normal now, but I'd stay far far away from anything to do with ED in Chiang Mai.

@Kool ******

And therefore the fees charged allow for the loan, rather than actually having one's own 800 k in the bank?

Fascinating.

Thank you

Cheers 🍺

@Kool ******

In the abstract, I can surmise how this as such falls under a loan loophole, so to speak... could you please explain further?

Cheers 🍺

@Frank *********

technically it falls under loansharking, that is grey area legal, as long as the interest rate isn't over the top credit card interest rate.

When the current financial rules went into place for the retirement visa, that being bt800,000 in your account at least two months before you apply, then the full amount in your account for three months after you get your extension stamp, then not dropping below bt400,000 for the rest of the year. This was done with the intent on putting too much tying up of funds for the loansharks, thinking they would stop those kind of loans, but the loansharks just adapted...lolol.

@Garrett **********

Several agents have informed me that starting in 2023 they are cracking down and ALL documentation must be present and 100% complete.

That means an updated bank book, 2 months of bank records printed out the day you go to immigration, signed by the bank. It must have 800k baht that has been in that bank for 60 or more days. If you are renewing a retiree visa you need 1 year of bank records and your balance must never go below 400k THB. Also a copy of your TM-30. An active lease agreement. You must not be delinquent on your 90-day reporting. Your fully filled out visa application. I think that's everything.

I have been informed by several agents that without all of these things, you will not get your retiree visa.

Of course it's always up to the IO you interview with. And maybe some agents can still get it done under the table for you with missing documentation. But from what I'm hearing, you might not have much luck getting that done.