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Is it risky to use an agent for my non-O retirement visa extension in Thailand?
Non-O VisaVisa ExtensionRetirement VisaImmigration RulesUsing Agents for VisaBank Requirements for VisaMonthly Income MethodThai BanksExpats in Thailand
Jul 15, 2025
10 months ago
Jingles **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI’m second guessing my plan and could use some advice from the hive mind here. I arrived last week on a non-o retirement visa. I got a phone number and opened a bank account at Kasikorn on Friday. My original plan was to get this much done, then use a reputable agent for the rest of the process. However, it seems like immigration is cracking down all over, and I don’t want to jeopardize getting an extension by not actually having 800k in the bank for the proper seasoning period. How risky is it to use an agent right now? I was planning to go with the 65k/month method for the following year, and will start those monthly deposits as soon as I figure out how to use Wise!
TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on managing their non-O retirement visa extension process amid tightening immigration rules in Thailand. They currently hold a non-O visa, have set up a bank account, and are considering whether to handle their visa extension independently or engage an agent. Concerns arise regarding the necessity to maintain the required 800,000 baht in the bank and implications of using an agent for financial shortcuts. Comments from the community emphasize that using an agent might restrict future visa renewals and suggest adhering strictly to legal 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.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
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#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Ann-Louise ********
Wise is easy to use, even I can do it without phoning my daughters! 😉🙄🙃
Jingles **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ann-Louise *******
Thanks! Sounds like we’re in about the same place with the technology…🙃.Ann-Louise ********
@Jingles *********
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Reply to
Ann-Louise ********
Reply
Tony *****
Can I ask which branch did you open your account with. I’ve been denied in three branches so far. Submitted an application today but it got rejected
Jingles **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Tony ****
Kasikorn Chang Phueak Chiang Mai. The international driver’s license seemed important to them to see for some reason. Luckily, I had one!Jingles **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThey didn't tell you why or what was missing? That would be helpful!
Tony *****
@Jingles *********
thanks for that. I have no idea why my application was rejected on the systemReply to
Tony *****
Reply
Phil ******
@Jingles *********
no its fine use a reputable one. ฿65k can't be u sed for the 2nd yearRok ********
If you can afford abide by the rules 100%… would be my motto.
Tony *********
DON'T USE AN AGENT
Geoffrey ******
For the record, requirements for retirement visa are 800k in the bank, or 65k in monthly income, which can only be done in the second year on. Using an agent is something that people have been doing here long before most of us have lived here. But, it is not a legal visa. If you choose to use an agent, chances are nothing will ever happen, but ask yourself, is it worth the risk, especially if you have the funds to deposit. Good luck.
Nick *******
First thing first, using an agent isn’t strictly playing by immigration rules but it’s tolerated (for now) by the highest officials, so no problem for those that go down this route.
Until…. As in your case, you want to move from using an agent to doing it yourself and move to using the 65k p/m option. Your renewal ‘could’ be hampered because when you go to renew your visa, immigration will see that you didn’t have the 800k in your Thai bank account as required to fulfil the terms to acquire that visa. I would argue in the current climate, it’s unlikely but ‘possible’ you ‘could’ be deemed as having overstayed with an invalid visa.
Until…. As in your case, you want to move from using an agent to doing it yourself and move to using the 65k p/m option. Your renewal ‘could’ be hampered because when you go to renew your visa, immigration will see that you didn’t have the 800k in your Thai bank account as required to fulfil the terms to acquire that visa. I would argue in the current climate, it’s unlikely but ‘possible’ you ‘could’ be deemed as having overstayed with an invalid visa.
Nongnuch ********
you can do the application to the 1-year extension fully legal if you put your own funds into your bank account and use the agent to help you with the rest of the application process. Agents offer their service for both options: using your own funds, or fronting the funds for you. For the "legal" service they usually charge 10-12,000 THB , and for the tea-money route they charge around 32,000 THB
Gary ***********
What would and agent usually charge if you already had your 3 month non o and had get 800k to deposit (or already deposited)?
Graham ******
@Gary **********
why then would you need an agent if you have the 800k?Gary ***********
@Graham *****
just for an easy lifeReply to
Gary ***********
Reply
เดแคลน ***********
Unless you put that 800k in yout bank for 1 year you will be forever trapped using an agent.
Graham ******
@เดแคลน **********
For the first extension it's 800k for just over 5 months then it can drop to 400k for the rest of the year while transferring 65k a month for year two onwardsReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Lee *************
Remember to do the opposite of what your western brain thinks, that then will work
Mark ********
************************
Matts *************
Ask your agent which bank they currently recommend
Chris *******
If using your own money and an agent as a convenience that's fine.
BUT at this time it is much easier to use your money.
BUT at this time it is much easier to use your money.
Art *******
If trying to cheat the process, you are setting yourself for failure.
Obey and comply…
Obey and comply…
Jordan *****
@Art ******
bla bla blaReply to
Jordan *****
Reply
Polat *******
Agents are not working with Kasikorn Bank. One of them told me 'that bank is doing everything according to book'. The other two well-known banks they are working with are also acting very strictly recently. So you do not have a choice other than transferring the required amount.
Keith *******
Remember the THB65,000 had to go into your bank every month on time for 12 months before you can apply.
Graham ******
@Keith ******
exactly so transfer the 800k first then start the following month with 65k monthly transfers all showing as international transfersKeith *******
@Graham *****
you have two options: transfer the THB800,000 all at once or any number of amounts. But the full amount must be in your account 3 months before you apply and stay 3 months after. Or, you can put THB65,000 into your account every month for 12 months then apply. You cannot miss say a month then put double in the next month. The authorities won't accept that. They need to see you have a regular monthly income. The authorities were forced to change the rules because of rorting by foreigners. Hope this clears it up for you.John **********
@Keith ******
you can only use the monthly income in the 2nd year onwards unless your embassy in Thailand provides an income certificateKeith *******
@John *********
thats not how I read it. Its an alternative to the lump sum. That has never changed.Graham ******
@Keith ******
it's not how you read it that matters, it is 800k or Embassy affidavit for the first year then you can switch to 65k transfersGraham ******
yes, so not the 65k transfers as has been read by the poster
Keith *******
@Graham *****
as long as you have THB800,000 in the bank you don't need to transfer THB65,000 per month. One can use either of the two options.Graham ******
@Keith ******
not in the first year (unless it's the income affidavit) and the 65k transfers can be used for the second year but has to be done in parallel with the 800k to 500k bank balancesJohn **********
@Keith ******
it is an alternative to the lump sum but you need a full 12 months of transfers of a minimum of 65k baht each and every month. Consequently you can't normally use that method for your first extension of stay and a number of immigration offices won't allow you to do so even if you somehow meet that requirement.Keith *******
Embassies are refusing to provide those income statements now. Have been for a number of years.
Graham ******
@Keith ******
some Embassies still provide themKeith *******
@Graham *****
the Australian and British don't. Not sure about American.John **********
@Keith ******
a number of embassies won't provide them, some still do.Graham ******
@Keith ******
monthly transfers mean every month not occasional monthsReply to
Graham ******
Reply
Ando **********
@Graham *****
so if you do these deposits, does that mean after the first extension/ year, you DON'T have to keep the 800k for 3 months and not go below 400k requirements for 2nd extension/ year application?Graham ******
@Ando *********
yes, if you want once your second extension is inked in there is no longer a minimum bank balance requirementAndo **********
@Graham *****
thanks for replies guys. So just too clarify. once you get extension by having 800k in bank for 2 months prior. If you start 65k deposit in the month you get extension and then every month, so 12 mths deposit before next extension application. You DONT have to keep the 800k in Bank for 3 mths after first extension and minimum 400k until 2nd extension as you normally would have to if you didn't do monthly payments?Graham ******
@Ando *********
yes you do, the 800k for the first 3 months and never below 400k for the rest of the year are the conditions that the first extension was granted, fail to meet these conditions then your next extension will be denied [and technically you have been on overstay].Ando **********
@Graham *****
Ok ta. That makes sense. The second extension application is based on 12 monthly deposits instead of previous 800k etc. conditions. That's great to know. Cheers🍻✌️🙏🙏🙏Keith *******
@Ando *********
I'm not sure about what you said. That is not how I understand it. To keep your visa, you must have THB800,000 in your account 3 months before and 3 months after which means for an annual visa renewal that money stays in your account. I'd be interested in any update on this as it affects me as well.Reply to
Keith *******
Reply
Anna *********
Do it yourself. It’s not complicated and according to others once you have used an agent it is difficult to get rid of them
John **********
@Anna ********
it's not that difficult but does usually involve leaving the country and starting over with a new visaAnna *********
@John *********
he already has his visa so why would he have to leave the country All he has to do is deposit the 800k baht into the bank account he already has and then get his extension
No need to complicate things and no need for an agent
John **********
@Anna ********
I was referring to getting off the agent merry-go-round once you're on itReply to
John **********
Reply
Todd *********
@Anna ********
it’s very easy to change from them. But why would you want to?Anna *********
@Todd ********
who cares …..exactly my thoughtsTodd *********
@Anna ********
and yet here you are arguing away pointlessly. 👏🏼Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Anna *********
@Todd ********
that’s not everyone’s opinion or experienceBill *********
@Anna ********
That's my opinion AND my experience. I can choose to reuse my agent or do it alone, but my agent has helped me out so much I will continue to use her services.Anna *********
@Bill ********
good for you but not everyone feels that wayTodd *********
@Anna ********
those are two very different things. It IS everyone’s experience. At least for the people who actually have used an agent. It is not everyone’s opinion. Largely because they have no experience. The difference is quite crucial
Anna *********
So your suggestion is that no one has had a bad experience and anyone who has a bad opinion of agents has never used one.
Or everyone who posts issues with agents is lying
Or everyone who posts issues with agents is lying
Todd *********
@Anna ********
I’m sure if you look hard enough you will find someone with a bad experience… who cares? And agency with a bad reputation won’t be in business long. The simple fact is that agencies have been doing business for many years here. And some of you seem to have a weird obsession with painting these Thai businesses in a bad light.
My suggestion is that people use one of the many reputable agencies available including the owner of this visa page. If they do not wish to go thru the immigration office and bank hassles… so they can enjoy retirement. And no need to tie up 800k at 0%. Not exactly the savviest financial decision one can make
Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
John **********
Something to bear in mind. If you use an agent to supply the 800k baht for your extension you will have to use them again next year. Why? Because you won't have met the terms of your extension. You won't be able to get an extension by yourself next year either with 800k baht or by using the 65k monthly income method
Todd *********
@John *********
unless you exit and start over. Which is easy enough. I’m not sure why anyone would be desperate to not use the agent though. Most people use them continuouslyJohn **********
@Todd ********
I suspect using agents to supply the funds is going to become increasingly difficultTodd *********
@John *********
why?John **********
@Todd ********
Bangkok Bank have recently implemented a rule change regarding how long money has to be in the bank before they provide documentation for immigration. I suspect this is entirely targeted at agents and other banks will follow suitTodd *********
@John *********
fair enough. What is their new timeline? But I gotta think nobody going to take aim at agents here. Or any other country for that matter. The money has a particular flow… that won’t get disrupted. And they are generally Thai businesses in service for many years.
John **********
@Todd ********
either the money has to have been in the account for 4 months or they will freeze the money in the account for 4 months. I can't see many agents wanting to tie up their money for that longReply to
John **********
Reply
Wylie *******
If you use an agent to bypass the 800k requirement then you will not be able to switch to monthly deposit method. When you go to apply for the 2nd extension using the banked money method you will first need to prove you met the requirements of the previous extension. Which is the 800k must remain in your account for 3 months after, and not go below 400k the rest of the year. Since you used an agent that used a fake account or brown envelope to bypass the initial seasoned 800k you will not have the proper account and proof to show you met that obligation.
Once you use an agent to bypass the financial requirement you will be stuck using an agent for every subsequent extension. The only way to break free from that will be to leave the country and start all over again.
Once you use an agent to bypass the financial requirement you will be stuck using an agent for every subsequent extension. The only way to break free from that will be to leave the country and start all over again.
Glenn *****
@Wylie ******
I did the fake 800K, made the 65K deposits and then switched to the 65K no 800K method without issue. The first year was with an agent with the second year by myself.Brandon ************
@Wylie ******
You can break free yourself without leaving, but it will take 2 years, and your agent will have to be getting your extension from the immigration office where you live.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Gerg **********
So do you not have the 800,000 to put in the bank, or are you just not wanting to?
Jingles **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gerg *********
I have the 800k. I just feel squeamish about transferring it here. It’s my first time. I think I just have to get over the nervous “oh crap that’s a lot of money what if something happens to it” line of thinking!Melissa *********
@Jingles *********
I think of the 800k thb as my moving away money if I ever get bored in Thailand. I have a separate Thai account for daily spending.Jingles **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Melissa ********
Moving away money…I like that perspective. Thanks!Reply to
Jingles **********
Reply
Graham ******
@Jingles *********
you've done the difficult part, just transfer the money, definitely no need to waste money on an agentGerg **********
@Jingles *********
I wired transferred $80,000 USD last year to my Thai bank. I wanted to buy a new car and I needed the 800,000 baht for my extension. I used the SWIFT code to wire it and it was fast and safe. Cost about $25 to do it. Don’t be worried. Just call your home bank with the SWIFT code for your Thai bank and have your Thai bank account number handy and see if they can do that for you. Thai banks are legit.Henry *********
@Jingles *********
Understandable, but if you've decided to retire in Thailand it's better to do everything legally.Anna *********
@Jingles *********
Thai banks are legitimate and safeTransferring the funds is ‘safer’ then using an agent 😀
Reply to
Anna *********
Reply
Paul ********
You will receive answers ranging from "illegal - you should be deported yesterday" to "no problem."
Many things are in flux right now. Best to visit and talk with a reputable agent and get first hand information.
Many things are in flux right now. Best to visit and talk with a reputable agent and get first hand information.
Stuart ***********
I would ask myself, is it worth breaking the law and risking being deported/banned (this does happen) at a time when there is close scrutiny on banks and you can withdraw your money in a little over a years time? Up to you, but you have already completed the difficult part of the process.
Jingles **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Stuart **********
That’s true. Thank you. I think I just need to take a deep breath and stay the course!Reply to
Jingles **********
Reply
Stuart ***********
@Paul *******
visit an agent? They have a vested interest to tell him to use an agent for this process.Paul ********
@Stuart **********
If you say so, Captain Thailand. But some of these agents have been in business for many, many years. They have hundreds of thousands of clients, some for decades.If they misrepresent or lie, they will instantly lose all that good will painstakingly gathered.
But up to you, of course.
Stuart ***********
@Paul *******
calling names, how adult 🤣. I navigated the visa process myself, made my own decisions and took 'impartial' advice when needed. It's very easy for most people.Reply to
Stuart ***********
Reply
Brook ********
Ask yourself, is it legal?
Are the banks cracking down?
Could I be deported and banned?
If I do, will I be locked into using an agent forever?
What is the cost of a guilty conscience and constant paranoia?
Are the banks cracking down?
Could I be deported and banned?
If I do, will I be locked into using an agent forever?
What is the cost of a guilty conscience and constant paranoia?
Todd *********
@Nick ******
yes Nick, the visa makes one stupid 😂. Sorry you don’t qualify. But not exactly surprising. Learn the system and you can too. ‘They'll be coming for you, they'll be coming for you’ 😂😂. No need to soil your trousers over it mate.
Nick *******
@Todd ********
Shows how childish you are to make assumptions about other people’s situations. I can see your butt really gets hurt when others disagree with your posts. Looks like you need to get your ego in check, little boy. 🤣🤡Todd *********
@Nick ******
beat it Nick. I don’t speak stupid. SorryI better go get ready in case they are coming for me 😂😂😂😂
Nick *******
@Todd ********
Poor Toddy doesn’t like being called stupid 😭. Doesn’t like being challenged either. Shut up you baby. Cry, whinge, sob, sniffle. What an ego, get over yourself. I bet if u were chocolate, you’d eat yourself. 🤣🤣🤣🤡🤡🤡Reply to
Nick *******
Reply
Todd *********
@Brook *******
1. yes it’s perfectly legal. 2. The banks are limiting new accounts for people who don’t have long term visas in compliance with global banking regulations to limit money laundering and fraud. 3. No you could not be deported or banned. 4. No, you obviously won’t be ‘locked into’ anything. But the agents do great work. Not many people change. And obviously you get to keep control and profit from the 800k in your own chosen location. If guilt and paranoia would affect you, there are excellent psychologists around to assist
Nick *******
@Todd ********
I’d challenge your description of ‘perfectly legal’. Not having 800k in your bank for the stated time required to satisfy the terms of the visa, is breaking immigration rules. If you’re breaking the rules then your visa isn’t (legally?) valid.Todd *********
@Nick ******
You can challenge it all you wish. But the visa you receive is perfectly legal and valid. And stamped directly in your passport by a Thai immigration officer. That is simply the fact of the matter. Fear and rumour need not own your life.Nick *******
@Todd ********
You keep telling yourself that big boy, they’ll be coming for you soon enough. Btw, NOTHING owns my life, I don’t have to get visas or anything else in this country by the back door.Todd *********
@Nick ******
lol. Nobody coming for me mate. I’m good for a decade. You however, have a different level of grovelling to accomplish annually, bring knee pads. You are owned… and it looks good on yaReply to
Todd *********
Reply
Dennis *********
@Todd ********
could be illegal if he doesn’t have the 800k to put in the account for the required time and was going to use an agent to circumvent that…..don’t know if he was or not.Todd *********
@Dennis ********
using the agent is just fine. Done in Thailand (and many other nations) for decades. And of course you don’t put the 800k in your account. No need to tie it up. That’s often why people use and agent. And great convenience.And you get a perfectly legal stamp from an immigration officer. 👍
Steve ********
@Todd ********
Todd, your replies just get better & better. Ignore the paranoid, guilt trippers who are here to change the world as we know it 😉Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve ********
@Todd ********
Brilliant answer Todd. Couldn't have put it better myself. Love the bit about guilt & paranoia.... I assumed most of us were here for rest & relaxation 😌Todd *********
@Steve *******
haha, me too. And the agents are great for that!!Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
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