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Is it worthwhile to use an agent for applying for an 'O' visa in Thailand?

Thai visaO visavisa applicationexpatimmigrationagent vs DIYfinancial requirementsretirement visaThai immigration process
May 7, 2022
3 years ago
Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi, will be applying for an 'O' visa in country shortly. Will be depositing tb 800k in local bank. What are people's views using an agent? Worthwhile or not?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion encompasses opinions on whether to use an agent when applying for an 'O' visa in Thailand, particularly focusing on the financial requirements such as the need to deposit 800,000 THB in a local bank. Many participants suggest that if you meet all requirements, it is straightforward to apply on your own, saving considerable money, as agents can charge significantly higher fees for their services. However, some believe that agents can offer convenience and may handle complex cases better, provided they come recommended. Ultimately, it seems to depend on personal preference, financial comfort, and the specific circumstances of the applicant.
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  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
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Chut ******
another easy way, buy elite card
3 years ago
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Terary **********
I prefer not use an agent but sometimes it is worth while. I think also depends a little on the immigration office you intend to use. I find Pattay's immigration office to be challenging while Bankgok and Phuket a little more user friendly.

If you have the time and patients, do it yourself. If you have special needs, value your time, or rather not be bothered, use an agent.

If you choose to use an agent, get a recommendation from some who has used that agent for the same purpose you require.
3 years ago
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Aslam ******
No agents required
3 years ago
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Grant *******
Many of the agent visa's/extensions are not valid. Better to do yourself
3 years ago
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Ben *********
Not.
3 years ago
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David *********
Some agencies are very good. You can pay 25,000 to 30,000 THB to an agency and everything is done including the bank deposit. Yes you can do yourself much cheaper 1,900 THB
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@David ********
 1900 is only for a one month extension not for a retiree visa. and my agent charges even less than 50% of what you have mentioned. and i don't leave my home. It's all done for me and peace of mind for a year. It's been my third renewal in Feb this year
3 years ago
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David *********
@Winston *******
 you have this all wrong. Yes it is true you can extend a tourist visa 30 days for 1,900 THB. I never mentioned a tourist visa. To apply for a retirement visa for the first time it will cost 1,900 THB and will be valid for 3 months. You can then apply for a one year extension which is also 1,900 THB. Of course you have to meet financial requirements with the bank or proof of income. All I said was it is easier to have an agent do for you especially the first time. For the first time most agents charge 24,000 to 30:000 THB To renew a retirement visa most agents charge 12,000 THB. Or you can do yourself for 1,900 THB. I prefer to renew mine and my wife’s visa myself each year for 1,900 THB each. What you pay each year is about 10 times what I pay doing it myself. For now I prefer to spend the money I save doing it myself on other things.
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@David ********
 ok you know better good for you. Just as i know it you can't get a retiree visa without first applying for a non O which is valid for 3 months and then and then only can you apply for a retiree visa for 12 months which is renewable every year.
3 years ago
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David *********
@Winston *******
 Isn’t that what I said Also You should not admit you do not meet the financial requirements on Facebook or any other social media.
3 years ago
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Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ********
 Agreed
3 years ago
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Mark *******
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Paulus *********
Do it yourself it's easy
3 years ago
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THAI ******************************
Everyone has their own preference.

A fullservice agent handles everything.

If you are in bangkok our team does document pickup/drop off, as well as reporting without you ever needing to leave your condo/residence.
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@Thai *****************************
 you're awesome
3 years ago
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Winston ********
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Bobby ********
Waste of money. Get the lowdown from people in this group and do it yourself
3 years ago
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Chris *******
If you qualify and have an account and the required money, why would you use an agent?

Unless it is just convenience and money is not a concern.
3 years ago
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Ron ******************
If you meet all the requirements and you have a few hours available each year do it yourself. If you use an agent you will save time at a hefty price and could be scammed in the process.
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@Ron *****************
 I made my Non-O visa while i was in Thailand. I used an agency. Then i made my retiree visa. This year Feb was my third renewal with my agent. No hassles, no problems, no going to the immigration, no bank deposit. I just pay them a nominal fee plus 4000 thb for multiple entry visa. Within 2 biz days I get my passport with my visa by courier. Luckily I did it before the onset of the pandemic. 3 years down the line i have had peace of mind.
3 years ago
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Siddhartha *********
can you refer agency to me too?
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@Siddhartha ********
 check your messenger please
3 years ago
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Winston ********
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Ron ******************
@Winston *******
 good for you.
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@Ron *****************
 thanks. many have benefitted too
3 years ago
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Ron ******************
@Winston *******
 yes. It is a personal choice and some who use agents get great results.
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@Ron *****************
 very true Ron. It suits me and now 3 years down the line no hassles of any sort.
3 years ago
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Winston ********
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Stuart *********
If you’ve got the money then fairly easy to do it yourself. Just work through the check list of documents you need copies of, bank letters etc and apply.

Most people use an agent because they can’t meet the financial requirements.
3 years ago
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Zap **********
Thanks
@Kool ******
3 years ago
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Zap **********
@Kool ******
 does it have to come from your own bank account overseas or just any source overseas? For example your personal financial management company.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Michelle ***********
 They don’t care about the source, just that it comes from overseas.
3 years ago
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Kool *******
@Michelle ***********
 any overseas source, but it must be direct deposited into your Thai bank account, and your bank statement must show that.
3 years ago
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Kool *******
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Philip **********
@Mark ******
Read 22

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*****
3 years ago
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Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Stuart ********
 was looking at alternatives for year 1 to see if it was possible to not tie up tb 800k. Year 2would be sending tb 65k monthly.
3 years ago
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Philip **********
@Mark ******
 Are you over 50? Look at the extension based on retirement option. No 800 k no insurance requirement.

Stay away from agents unless you can’t meet the financial requirements.
3 years ago
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Mark *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Philip *********
 Over 50, would have to wait 13 for seasoning before I could use the 65k monthly option. No 800k ?
3 years ago
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Kool *******
@Mark ******
 he's misinterpreting a type OA retirement visa that you would get at the Thai embassy in your home country. You can use your home country bank deposit. In Thailand you need the bt800,000 in a Thai bank account in your name only for your one year extension on a type O visa based on retirement, but be very aware that this bt800k must come from an overseas source deposited directly into your account. You can't just deposit bt800k cash, and you can't take it out from an ATM, and use that receipt. It must come from an overseas source directly into your account. Many people use Wise to do this with, checking the long term option on the transfer. The same applies to your monthly bt65,000+ deposits for next year
3 years ago
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Philip **********
@Kool ******
 I’m on a non O based on retirement. I don’t have 800 k in bank. My monthly income is over 65 k Bhat a month. I provided proof with a verification letter from the Canadian Embassy. Yes I know most countries don’t issue the letters. You can also use bank statements to show your monthly income. I was already in Thailand.
3 years ago
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Kool *******
@Philip *********
 the bank statements must show that the bt65k a month came from overseas. The government about 4 years ago now required that the income notarized letters from embassies had to be verified that they were true, as many people were simply lying on them, as no embassy was checking. Those countries that still issue them, like Canada, do actually verify that what is listed is true, and as such immigration accepts them. Other countries refused to do that, like the US.
3 years ago
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Philip **********
@Kool ******
 Good to be Canadian!
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@Philip *********
 To me Canada sucks. I hate their policies n I have a lot of reasons for that.
3 years ago
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Philip **********
@Winston *******
 Policies on what? What reasons? Sounds like you got denied a visa. Have you ever lived in Canada?
3 years ago
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Winston ********
@Philip *********
 I am Canadian and i know what i am talking about. This isn't the place nor the time and each to his own. You are very quick to judge and draw assumptions when you don't know the ABC of what some people go through.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Philip *********
 er what? What do you mean no 800k?
3 years ago
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Philip **********
@Stuart ********
 I’m on a non o based on retirement. I used the over 65 k monthly income method. I don’t have 800 k in bank. I didn’t even have a bank account when I first applied. ( I do now though). I thought you knew this.
3 years ago
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Philip **********
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Stuart *********
@Mark ******
 once you go down the rabbit hole of using an agent you’re usually stuck with doing so again and again unless you “break the chain” and get a new Non O visa from abroad and start over. Many local immigration offices won’t deal with you once you have dealt via an agent.
3 years ago
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Stuart *********
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Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
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