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What are some recommendations for reliable visa agents in Thailand and their service costs?

Nov 11, 2024
a year ago
George ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi

Looking for suggestions for a reliable visa agent. I have reached out to many and the rates and requirements vary greatly.

One agent, Speedy Visa in Pattaya, charge THB7000 for Bangkok Bank account, and THB32,500 for non-o visa, and claim they deposit THB800,000 on my behalf so no need to lock up my own funds and 12 month rental contact not needed. Sounds almost too good to be true. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge about them.

Suggestions welcomed.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The post discusses the search for reliable visa agents in Pattaya, highlighting the varying rates and services offered by different agents. One agent, Speedy Visa, is mentioned for charging THB 32,500 for a NON-O visa while claiming to help with bank account requirements. Several commenters express skepticism about their pricing, suggesting that it is significantly higher than average. Recommendations for other agents like MOTS and Maneerat Visa, which offer competitive rates, are provided. Commenters also share advice on handling visa processes independently to avoid high agent fees.
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.
Dave *******
Expensive that
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Harris **********
You can get it for
*****
plus an extra 4 for multiple entry, that includes the proof of funds just send your bankbook passport, best you do more homework
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Jack ********
I also recommend Thai Visa Centre for Bangkok, though be aware that your visa will come from a provincial office, not Chaeng Wattana In Pattaya, Maneerat Travel seems to be the most popular.
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Kevin *******
Sounds about right price-wise for Bangkok but I have heard (here) that Pattaya is cheaper. I recommend both Thai Visa Centre and Thai Visa Expert, their service is not quite the same but you can ask each for more info. TVC is more hands-off, i.e. less work for you. First time will cost a little more than renewal, but you get an extra 3 months the first time.
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Joe **********
Just go to jomtien immigration and slip them 20k problem solved!
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Winston ********
Basic info

Tue 10:00 - 16:00

Online Now

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Thu 10:00 - 16:00

Fri 10:00 - 16:00

Sat 10:00 - 13:00

Sun Closed

2-508-8428

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I did mine from NON-O n 5 years Retirement Visa renewed every year without even visiting immigration. They say 2 weeks but usually done in 2-4 days in my case. Totally hassle free
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Michael *******
Asking for trouble if you ask me.Apply for non immigrant O in your own country.That gives you 3 months.You can open bank account on your own no problem which is what I did.After 2 months convert non O to retirement visa.Using an agent causes lots of problems when you go to renew retirement visa again.Im assuming you have the 800k to deposit.
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Kenneth *******
Stop asking questions here and go to immigration for visa needs, I suggest to the office in Bangkok. For bank I went to Bangkok Bank on Selom Rd Bkk and then got all the info they asked for and had no problem. If you need the B800,000 and do not have that then you can't afford to get retirement so go for a different one.
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Mark ********
Don't use speedy vise services - very expensive!
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James **************
Too *bad* to be true actually. Plenty offer 23-25k for visa and 4-5k bank account plus 12k yearly renewal...Pattaya
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Chang ******
With 15 month retirement visa
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Leon ********
@Chang *****
if you live in Phuket?
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Leon ********
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Chang ******
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Chang ******
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Andy *******
MOTS
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Tom ************
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Nick *******
Following
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Bob **********
That should come with a multi re entry permit 4000 with an agent 25,000 is the going rate plus the 4k for re entry
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Patrick ********
@Bob *********
That's about correct
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Patrick ********
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Stevan ***********
Try VIP. V ISA
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Leon ********
2 years ago, before the Russian influx, prices were about 20 % of what they charge now. But because of the influx they charge whatever they want.I would personally make sure i have REAL funds in the bank. If you are found out, you get kicked out immediately.
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George ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Leon *******
I like your advice about real funds. Once I have the account and the visa, I will rseplace the 800k funds via WISE. If I have to use my own funds for the initial 800k, I would need to transfer via my home bank becuase WISE transfer not guaranteed to show up as deposited from outside Thailand. My home bank's fees are 3% plus crappy exchange rate.
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Terry ********
@George ***********
I’ve been using Wise and at least for the past year, transfers are always marked as “international transfer”. That’s with Bangkok Bank. Other banks may be different.
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Greg ***********
@George ***********
when transferring with WISE, you need to mark it as "funds for living costs in Thailand" and by thus, it will be coded as having come from abroad. Same applies when you choose "to buy property in Thailand"
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Greg ***********
@George ***********
you can open the bank account on any visa, for 5000.- THB at F.S. Consulting Co. And with own funds, with 800,000.- THB in your bank account, you don't need to pay any agent 32.500.- THB to put the money up for you. Mainly not, because when you start out with a agent, you will need the agent every other year, you will be caught in what we call "the agent carousell". You can do the "change of visa type" from the tourist visa to the initial 90-days retirement visa, all by yourself. The "change" fee is 2000.- THB, and the Extension fee is 1900.- THB. An agent who helps you to sort both applications (again, using your own funds) would charge maybe 12.500.- THB for the complete service
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Greg ***********
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Paul *******
Try and do it yourself. I used an agent for my first year in Phuket. It was extremely expensive and it caused major issues when I attempted to renew the next year.

Give yourself plenty of time. It really doesn't matter if you have to visit the immigration office a few times.
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Christopher ***********
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Damien ********
Try Maneerat Visa

Pattaya

Very popular with bettter fees
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Ian ********
Were do you live, pattaya . As i want the same help, im in bkk
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Samuel ******
I used MOTS service for retirement visa,bank account and drivers license. Everything was smooth and easy. Highly recommended them.
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Robert **********
MOTS services I think are 25,000 baht for visa, 4000 baht for bank account. They will cover the 800,000 thb and sort you with a Pattaya address if you don't have one.
@https://web.facebook*********************
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Михайло ********
I saw
*****
thb for the same service in Pattaya
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Jeffrey **********
To me personally their prices seem about double of what they should be
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George ************
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Jeffrey *********
any recommendations?
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Keith ********
@George ***********
Maneerat soi
****
, excellent trustworthy service, used them for years.
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Eric ******
@George ***********
I learned of him when I was watching Thailand videos on You Tube. Several channels have done interviews with him that pretty much answer any questions we would have. Just search One Stop Pattaya on YT and they will come up. It’s not too good to be true, that is how agents usually work, which is why you HAVE to be careful on who you choose. The wrong agent can really screw things up for you. Whether you hire Mark or not, watch his videos and at least you’ll know what to expect and the right questions to ask. Hope this helps.
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Eric ******
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