Is it better to stay in the same area for my 12-month visa extension in Thailand?

Question

Well getting caught in the U.S. Federal Government downsizing so will be retiring this year versus next year.  Right now I'm planning on landing along the coast between Bangkok and Pattaya and will be applying for the 90 day "O" visa (I think versus the OA)  to enter and then doing the one year extension after I get a bank account sorted out.  So a few questions for anyone willing to provide any guidance or thoughts to the following:

1) Not 100% sure this is where I want to end up, but would it be better to stay in the same area until after the first 12 month Visa extension is completed or isn't this an issue (I keep reading there are slight differences in different immigration offices).

2) Anyone have a recommendation on an agency to assist with the opening a bank account, getting Thai license, and 12 month extension either in Pattaya or Bangkok?

I expect to arrive in Thailand sometime late Oct or early mid November (just completed a two week vacation there a couple of weeks ago. Any other thoughts or tidbits someone wants to share will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user plans to retire in Thailand and is seeking advice on applying for a 90-day 'O' visa and its subsequent extension. Key points discussed include whether to stay in one area until the first 12-month extension is completed (with reassurance that immigration procedures are fairly consistent across locations), recommendations for agencies to assist with banking and visa processes (noting that Pattaya offers more options), and suggestions to handle these tasks independently to save money. Additional comments shared experiences with specific visa agents and local practices.

Bill ********* · Answer

I don't know of a Visa agent in that particular area but the one I used in Bangkok made everything seemless. Got the bank account setup,  passport photo, all documentation done properly, and the retirement Visa completed in under a day with no stress. I can make money but I cannot make time so the Visa agent route is highly recommended from my point of view (also for the renewal).

Marianne ******** · Answer

A bank-account should be easy enough with your Non-O visa and a Certificate of Residence from Immigration. Do it yourself, save the money.

Extensions are also easy enough to do on your own, just go to the Immigration, get a list of required documents, prepare said documents, and go back when ready. Bring 2 sets of copies along with your original docments. Not sure why they wanted 2 sets from me, but they did.

Peter *************** · Answer

M Thai Visa in Jomtien. Great people.

Jan ****************** · Answer

If you arrive on a 90 days Non O visa, you still should be able to open a bank account yourself although you might have to visit several branches. And you can move where you want after you’ve done your first extension. The main requirements between the immigrations is still quite equal.

Brandon ************ · Answer

1) Retirement extensions are normally done on the spot, but I believe in Pattaya they'll keep your passport overnight and you pick it up the next day.  So that shouldn't make any difference about where you want to do it.

2) Pattaya has a LOT more agents and better prices, if you're looking for all of that.

I would suggest trying to do the bank account on your own though as the prices have recently skyrocketed to 12,000-15,000 for an agent to assist you in opening one. But you can check with the agents in Pattaya.

Is it better to stay in the same area for my 12-month visa extension in Thailand?

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