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Is a quoted fee of 30,000 baht for a retirement visa processing fair?

Retirement VisaVisa FeesThailand ImmigrationNON-O VisaVisa Application ProcessExpat Advice
May 25, 2022
3 years ago
DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I contacted TikTok Services to do my retirement Visa. I'm from America and I have the 800,000bt. They are quoting me 30,000bt. Is that a fair price?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
An American expat with 800,000 baht is quoted 30,000 baht by TikTok Services for a retirement visa. Many commenters suggest that the price is excessive, highlighting that the cost for a DIY application is only 1,900 baht, plus some potential bank charges. Several users recommend researching other agents, with typical fees ranging from 8,000 to 15,000 baht for those who prefer not to handle it themselves. The conversation emphasizes the simplicity of the application process, especially for those meeting the financial requirements.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Colin ***********
Follow up questions: Is it better to apply in the USA or in Thailand. I have heard that you don’t need the 800k if applying in the US, just guaranteed income such as SS. If applying in Thailand, I have heard that you don’t need health insurance. Any advice will be much appreciated. Thanks.
3 years ago
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Andy **********
*****
3 years ago
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Thelittle ************
Too much I found agency did with
*****
or less
3 years ago
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Cyrille ************
Is it à first time or renewal ?
3 years ago
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Ryan ********
tiktok visa services quote you 30k ? 🤣

you dont need to hire them since you have balace aly on account.

30k is overpriced
3 years ago
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THAI ******************************
It depends on what your previous visa was.

If you have a non-o visa then our team charges 14,000 THB for the yearly extension.

Message our team for a exact quote:

**********************


As mentioned by others if you can support all your requirements it is also possible for you to simply apply on your own for 1,900 THB at immigration.

Some of the prices mentioned on the comments may be rather high if they are just speaking about a extension.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Thai *****************************
 where does the extension you are referring to get issued from?
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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Eric *******
Absolutely NOT.

I can understand you thought about using an agent applying for the first time (even if the process is not that complicated, having the 800k), but in your situation (very easy one for them) agents should never ask you for more than between 8.000 Thb and 15.000 Thb, period.

So 30.000 Thb is just a monumental rip off.

If you do use an agent this time, do it on your own next year for your 1 year extension, as you"ll be on easy street being familiar with the whole process then (just pay attention to everything your agent will ask you and do for ya the first time) .
3 years ago
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Sebastian *************
3 years ago
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Philip **********
Why don’t you do it yourself? It’s as easy as making ice cubes. It literally took me 45 minutes after I submitted my documents.
3 years ago
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Edward ******
60 days money in the bank before applying for retirement visa. Easy to do it do yourself.
3 years ago
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Michael **************
Stop.

Do it yourself.

It’s not hard at all besides you are going to need to supply them with all the info
3 years ago
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Joshua **********
Have you had the 800k seasoned in the account before application or do you need the visa right away? Because if not i'd be factoring that into your quoted price 👍
3 years ago
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Wyn **********
Could they be quoting you
*****
to do the visa without the money in the bank double check because i have used Tik Tok and only had good fair expriences.
3 years ago
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Paul *********
Don't understand why you would even consider not doing it yourself. The agent will ask you for all the details anyway and send the details you give them and make money from you. Doesn't make sense to me
3 years ago
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Anyarin ****************
*****
3 years ago
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John **********
Did you know that, Tik Tok is chinese?
3 years ago
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Peter *********
Is it your 1stever non o visa ?
3 years ago
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Dave *********
Yes ..I paid 22k but been doing it for a few years with the same company . I'd say fai..
3 years ago
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THAI ******************************
@Dave ********
 This is rather high, our fee is 14,000 THB.

You can message our team here to confirm:

**********************
3 years ago
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THAI ******************************
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Hans ******
1900 bath at immigration

Not hard to do
3 years ago
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Tipsda ********
Why don't you do it by yourself 😂..

Or you have overflow of 💰💸 and don't know what to do with it .

800k is the only requirement and you have it ..😂😅👌💸
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Tipsda *******
 if only that were true.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone! I'll give it a shot by myself
3 years ago
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Luc ********
1900 baht, and not difficult in pattaya, although bangkok is more of a challange. never pay more than 8k for an agent for a small job like this.
3 years ago
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Peter *******
Absolutely NOT necessary to use agents, as Immigration will guide you and help you with your retirement visa application at every step.
3 years ago
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Dana *******
I did it myself... It was free and very easy.... Saved 20k-30k Baths...
3 years ago
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Bob ********
@Dana ******
 I'm going on 73 now and have been doing it myself since I was 50. I think it is "Fear of the Unknown" that prompts people to use agents. I didn't know or heard of agents back then so I just started at the beginning myself, my first step was to go into Immigration and ask them what do I have to do. From there they guided me step by step. I know for certain they are still doing that as I had to start at the beginning again last month after being stuck in Europe since the Covid struck the world and my Retirement Ext. had expired. A lot of paperwork for sure but the chap that does all the photo-copying at Immigration knew exactly what documents needed to be copied (3of each) and again I was "walked through" the process. At this stage I have been granted my 90 day Retirement Ext. Next stage the One Year Ext.

The only difference this time, they decided to tip themselves 100 bt. so it cost 2,000 bt. plus around 90 bt. for photo-copies.
3 years ago
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Dana *******
@Robert *******
 I did exactly the same ! Indeed, they charged me 2'000 THB instead of 1'900. But I was quite happy to let it go ! 😄
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Robert *******
 not everyone gas an IO that is as co operative or helpful. There is no way my office would do any photocopying for you. You would have to leave, get the copy and then que up again only to be told something else is required. Trying to get a certificate of residence out of them is like pulling hens teeth.
3 years ago
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Bob ********
@Nick ***********
I have to admit the counter I was dealing with were positively rude, I dreaded the thoughts of dealing with them (ladies)...but persevered and have moved on the deal with a different one next time.. TG.
3 years ago
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Bob ********
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Luc ********
@Dana ******
 don't lie, it is 1900 baht..
3 years ago
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Dana *******
@Luc *******
 That is very little compared to the 20'000 - 30'000 baths that an agent might ask. Read again : I wrote that I saved 20'000 to 30'000 baths...
3 years ago
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Luc ********
@Dana ******
 you wrote it was free…
3 years ago
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Dana *******
@Luc *******
 It is free of non-compulsory charges... 😉
3 years ago
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Dana *******
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Edward ******
Are you 50years?
3 years ago
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DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Edward *****
 59
3 years ago
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DeWayne *******
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Khyle ****
and now we know why scammers online are doing well...
3 years ago
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Bob **********
If you have the funds do it yourself it's not hard for my O-A visa with my funds I was quoted 8000
3 years ago
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Bob ***********
Are you in the US or Thailand now?
3 years ago
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DeWayne *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob **********
 thialand
3 years ago
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Bob ***********
@DeWayne ******
 I'll send you a DM.
3 years ago
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Bob ***********
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Richard *******
No just take the time and do it yourself….Should have gotten the OA Multiple Entry Visa before you left the US mine was $240 with the delivery fees
3 years ago
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Gianni **********
25.
******
.000 must include :

3 months Non O Visa × 1 year Retirement Visa , total 15 months.
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
@Gianni *********
 is that an agent in Bangkok? Is there any preference to where one should employ an agents services? More expensive in Bangkok vs elsewhere?
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
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Gianni **********
With agent 25.
******
.000 fair price
3 years ago
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Dave **********
Just helped a friend who had the funds. Cost was 1900 bth so why pay a Agent if you qualify?
3 years ago
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Pete *******
1900 baht, do it yourself. Agents are just rip off merchants preying on the uninformed
3 years ago
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David ***********
Over price find someone else normal about
*****
b
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
@David **********
 where for example? Are you talking Bangkok or?
3 years ago
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Steve **********
@Steven **********
 I paid 12,500 with
@Mots ********
 and that included a re-entry stamp.
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
@Steve *********
 and that’s using you’re own 800k right?
3 years ago
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Steve **********
@Steven **********
 yes
3 years ago
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Steve **********
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David ***********
@Steven **********
 Pattaya soi 6 a bar called The Queen Victoria
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
@David **********
 Is that supposed to be a joke?
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
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Richard ********
Maybe it s better to pay an expensive serious agent than giving 3000 to a clown
3 years ago
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Lyndon ************
To obtain the non-o in country and putting 800k into a Thai bank account costs 2000THB for the first 90 days, and the 1900THB for the following 12 months.

It's not that difficult to do yourself.

Making an appointment online saves you waiting in line...
3 years ago
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Steve **********
Outrageous. I paid 12,500 for that same thing with a re-entry stamp at Mot’s.
3 years ago
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Don ********
Where are you located?
3 years ago
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Johnny ******
3,000 baht would be a fair price.
3 years ago
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Johnny ******
yes, why?
3 years ago
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Johnny ******
What are you on about? Only illegal ones get ones for 15k plus. Legit ones just gather your documents, they don't bribe immigration officers.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Johnny *****
 no reputable agent would get you a Visa extension for 3000 baht.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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Nick ************
@Johnny *****
 are you being serious?
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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Tony *********
It costs 1,900 Baht for one year to do it yourself. Why on earth are you thinking of paying someone 30,000 baht to fill out a couple of forms and provide a bank statement!
3 years ago
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Todd *********
@Steven **********
 not that I know of. But Bangkok and Pattaya seem to have lots of agents
3 years ago
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Todd *********
@Tony ********
 it depends… 800k baht at 5% produces 40k baht annually if invested well somewhere. And not dead in a Thai savings acct. That easily pays your 30k fee and covers your bar bill all month. And you don’t have to do any paperwork or go to immigration and wait in line. Bit of a no brainer really for anyone who owns a calculator
3 years ago
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Luc ********
@Todd ********
 i paid
*****
baht for an agent when baht was 34 to the euro. I transferd
*****
euros when the baht was 39 to the euro .. easy maths(and luck)
3 years ago
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John *********
@Todd ********
 where u get 5 per cent
3 years ago
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Todd *********
Pretty much anywhere now. My savings account in Mexico pays 5.2%. Interest rates are rising fast this year and u may even be able to find a secure 5% with bonds or saving instruments. Depends on which country. Does anyone know current interest rate in Thailand for one year savings on 800k?

Or you buy any one of hundreds owls global stocks with a greater than 5% dividend. This exposes you to fluctuations of the share price, but that could make u far more than just 5%…
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
@Todd ********
 is there any advantage to using an agent in Bangkok over elsewhere? Cheaper or easier?
3 years ago
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Stephen **********
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Nick ************
@Todd ********
 Todd, you are like a breath of fresh air or the light at the end of the tunnel. After the frustration and runaround I have suffered on so many occasions ( even been laughed at)
*****
baht is cheap to get what I need plus a nice few days in Bangkok if i choose.
3 years ago
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Todd *********
@Nick ***********
 yessir, that is true. There is plenty of old school thinking about it… it’s 1900 baht dammit!!! But money never sleeps. And if you need to tie up 800k, ur losing money
3 years ago
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Todd *********
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Peggy ************
@Todd ********
 5% interest per year? Where would you get that in the current climate please 🤔
3 years ago
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Tony *********
@Todd ********
 each to his own of course but for me it isn't worth paying 30,000 baht to someone for doing this:

Drive to Central Plaza and go to my bank and ask them for a bank statement. Wait 15 minutes. Told to come back in 1 hour and pick up the letter and statement.

Stroll through the air conditioned shopping center and go to my favorite restaurant and have a nice lunch.

After lunch walk for 5 minutes back to my bank and pick up the statement.

Get in my car and drive to immigration and wait for about 15 minutes before I see someone to whom I hand my passport a form with my signature on it and the letter and bank statement. "Just sign it sir. Don't bother with the form we'll fill it out for you"

20 minutes later pick up retirement extension stamped in my passport and go home.
3 years ago
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Tony ******
@Todd ********
 .. but paying someone 5000 THB or doing it yourself for 1900 is still a lot less than 30,000 isn't it? That's what my calculator tells me anyways.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Tony *****
 if you are paying someone 5000 baht for a Visa extension you are in for trouble somewhere along the line.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Todd ********
 sorry, I'm not sure what you are referring to.
3 years ago
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Todd *********
@Tony *****
 your calculator doesn’t understand money and interest
3 years ago
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Tony ******
@Todd ********
 Mu calculator tells me you can invest the money the same with or without paying the 30,000 to someone to fill in some forms for you. 100% don't follow your logic.
3 years ago
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Tony ******
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Nick ************
For 30k I got funds deposited, a bank account and absolutely no hassle getting my retirement extension. Took about one hour. I've had
*****
0 baht in a Thai account for nearly 3 years but for some reason I always get declined my retirement extension. I prefer to go through the process in person to make sure it is done right.
3 years ago
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Christopher ****************
Thanks!
3 years ago
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Christopher ****************
Do you still need 800,000 baht if your pension is $5,200 per month?
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Christopher ***************
 you need to show an income from abroad if not less than
*****
baht each and every month for the 12 months prior to your application. You can also use a combination if income and banked cash. If your income goes astray by even 1 baht in any month or you can not show that it came from outside Thailand then you will be declined.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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DaddyWarbucks ********
@Nick ***********
 who can you recommend to use?
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@DaddyWarbucks *******
 can not recommend here but will PM you. Probably get into trouble for that too.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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Tony *********
@Nick ***********
 there's no reason to get declined if you have the money in the bank. I've been doing this for 20 years by myself. There has to be a reason.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Tony ********
 Tod, if you can come up here and work out a way to get my extension locally I will pay for your flights and give you the agents fee.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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Russell *******
@Nick ***********
 hi ,do you know why you get declined ? Thanks 🙏
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Russell ******
 always something different. Wrong bit of paper. Right bit of paper but not hand written, double sided copy, previous extension from another province, new passport etc etc etc. Its not worth wasting any more time with them. I was told to get 2 covid extensions to allow money to season even though it had been in my account 8 months! I did this and went back but still no good as one covid extension was obtained out of my home province as I was in Bangkok at the time. I have managed many things with ease in Bangkok that local immigration will not even consider. They make up the rules as they go along and vary them every day.
3 years ago
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Russell *******
@Nick ***********
 oh ok , that sounds crazy . I would of thought they would just give you the opportunity of correcting what they are not happy with. Where have you been doing that ? So you now use a agent ? 🙏
3 years ago
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Russell *******
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Nick ************
I've now decided the
*****
0 baht is better off back in the UK.
3 years ago
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Todd *********
@Nick ***********
 no point leaving 800k dead money here
3 years ago
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Rob *********
@Todd ********
 Dead money? My Thai baht deposit has been one of my best investments compared to the small range of mutual funds that I hold.
3 years ago
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Todd *********
@Rob ********
 what is the return rate on your Thai baht deposit?
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Todd ********
 absolutely right.
3 years ago
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Nick ************
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Bobby ********
@Nick ***********
 OA visa is the only way to go
3 years ago
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Nick ************
@Bobby *******
 to be truthful I am not fully aware of the difference between OA and non O based on retirement. I am back in the UK next month and might invest a bit of time finding out. Funny thingis they fell over themselves to give me a re entry permit without me even asking for one. Strange people.
3 years ago
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Rob *********
@Nick ***********
 Agreed. I have no idea either what the difference is or why one requires insurance and the other doesn't.
3 years ago
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Rob *********
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Paulus *********
It is very easy to do it yourself
3 years ago
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Sam *******
1900 baht..
3 years ago
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Michael ******
No try manerat soi post office
3 years ago
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Johan ********
Get a signed bank certificate and go to immigration yourself. 30k is if they lend you funds.

If you don’t like to deal with immigration: Talk to other agents. Where are you located?
3 years ago
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Luc ********
@Johan *******
 13-
*****
is if they lend you the funds ... everything else is robbery .
3 years ago
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Luc ********
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Stenbjorn *********
Many I know pay in this range. It is not ridiculous. Of course some people say it is possible to do yourself. But it is your choice if you prefer to use an agent.
3 years ago
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Aristo *******
It’s okay to do yourself, the requirements can be found on the internet. But if you just want a smooth process by hiring someone, at least find a few other agencies for quotation.
3 years ago
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Steve *******
If you have the 800,000 just do it yourself at a cost of 1900 baht. I can understand using an agent if you don't want to keep the large sum tied up. But otherwise like I say just do it yourself.
3 years ago
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Mark ******
Go to your local immigration office, and ask what docs you need. It will cost you one thousand nine hundred baht!!
3 years ago
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Brian *******
Bear in mind that the service price will include a payment to immigration - way in excess of 1900 baht.
3 years ago
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Ivan ************
Not necessarily, if he actually has the 800k. No need for extra payments in that case.
3 years ago
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Brian *******
@Ivan ***********
 The last agent I spoke to said I didn't need the 400k...,​so the brown envelope was required. I did have that, so did it myself.
3 years ago
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Brian *******
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Garrett ***********
TVC does it for in the 20s, send them a message first.
3 years ago
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DaddyWarbucks ********
@Garrett **********
 is this Thai Visa Center?
3 years ago
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Garrett ***********
@DaddyWarbucks *******
 Yes
3 years ago
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Reply to
Garrett ***********
Reply
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