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What are the pros and cons of using a visa agency versus going directly to the immigration office in Thailand?
Visa RulesImmigrationThai Visa AgencyRetirement VisaNon-O VisaBank Account OpeningInsurance RequirementsPattaya Immigration OfficeVisa Application Process
Jul 24, 2023
3 years ago
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI was coming in September and was wondering why some people use a visa agency and pay about 30,000 baht for a visa and bank account, and accident insurance versus people that go to the immigration office. What the pros and cons are for both. How long it takes for visa approval bank approval etc...
My plan is to arrive on September 1 and stay a week in Bangkok.
Then take a bus to Pattaya after a week.
Thanks in advance...
My plan is to arrive on September 1 and stay a week in Bangkok.
Then take a bus to Pattaya after a week.
Thanks in advance...
TLDR : Answer Summary
In Thailand, individuals looking to obtain a retirement visa or extend their stay often debate between using a visa agency or handling their application directly at the immigration office. Some expats prefer agencies, citing less stress and quicker service, especially in challenging locations like Pattaya, where specific rules can complicate processes. A significant number opt for agencies due to the convenience, avoiding potential bureaucratic hurdles and gathering required paperwork, often referred to as documentation headaches. Conversely, others advocate for DIY applications, suggesting potential savings if one meets the legal requirements. Each option entails its pros and cons, notably in terms of time, cost, and requirements such as evidence of funds and insurance, making it critical for newcomers to consider their individual situation before deciding.
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
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#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Nate ***********
Okay I need a little help with my VISA plan here. US citizen planning to travel to Thailand for a total stay in Southeast Asia of 5 months. Opting for a Thai multi entry tourist visa. My question is, if I'm planning to leave on the last day of November and return on the last day of April, when should I apply for the Visa? Anybody with recent knowledge of how far out the Thai consulate in Chicago is taking to issue such visas? Thanks in advance for any relevant help.
David *********
The bottom line is , it all comes down to 800k .sitting stagnant .
Eno ***********
@David ********
The money sits in your account only a few months. Because you can withdraw half of it after a while. After your Retirement Visa is apprived, you will be feeding your thai bank account with *****
bath per month until your first renewal. Then you have a proof of income for 12 month and do your renewal with that. In reality you need 800.000 for the first few months, then 400.000 until end of the first year and then take 400.000 out and your visa runs on the 65.000 you put in each month.David *********
@Eno **********
yes that is a potential option for some , it's not what most do however ..Most sit 800k in a bank account and don't touch it , the true cost of this is around 80k PA .So , back to my original answer , it all comes down to a stagnant 800k sitting doing nothing .
Eno ***********
@David ********
of course david, i full understand your point. 800.000 thb or 21. 000 usd is alot of money, and i am sure, your Bank gives you a ton of interest for the 5 months you need it. I just try to help with what i expirience and share what i find out.Reply to
Eno ***********
Reply
Eno ***********
My agent charged me 3500. But i had to do a bit if work too. They set up appointment with the bank, i had to go there. They set up residency certificate, i had to pick it up. They checked all application papers for retirement visa, and i had to go to immigration myself. I think thats worth the efford if you see 3500 vs 45.000.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Eno **********
Please send contact info looking at all options. Thanks.John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI am curious to see what other agencies charge and do they also provide drivers license yellow card pink id other services
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERI do not live there. My question was, are there other visa agencies that offer more services than visa and bank accounts, and if so, what are their contact info and prices. I would never do anything questionable, illegal, or fake, so I wonder how you deduced that from my post.
Andi ***********
@John ******
Yes there are agents that assist with the driving test and license.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Lynnette *******
@John ******
driving license? Don't you usually go do test and get one or are you suggesting a fake one?Reply to
Lynnette *******
Reply
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERPassport kept here 30 days (processing) Permit for entry single 1000 baht Multiple 4000 baht Open new bank account BKK bank Certificator by immigration 500 baht Under 64 3700 baht (500 b to bank account 700b to atm card 2500 b to accident insurance
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERSounds like I need to bite the bullet and allocate 30,000 baht for peace of mind, speed and accuracy. Someone in here mentioned the Maneerat Agency Pattaya they quoted me 25,000 baht (new visa 15 month) NonO (3 month) and 1 year (12 month) this is how it is written so not sure what it means. "Passport will be kept here
Antanas *************
Some people after an agency Was left without money and passport. And Agency after that disappeared too :)))
Reply to
Antanas *************
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Charles ***********
Visa agencies are great for people who are too busy / too lazy to do the research needed, people who don't like queuing and people who struggle to organise paperwork.
Kevin *********
I’ve always resisted agents figuring I could just do it myself. But there’s no way to plan to do anything when they change the rules so many times. They messed me up so much last year I had to pay a late fee! Add that nonsense to all the stresses of the lines and having everything perfect when you get there has me thinking that maybe it would be better using a service. And my situation isn’t complicated at all. At least it wasn’t before!!!
Terary **********
Agents are useful for complicated visa situations. Simple visitors for up to 2 months, should come, enjoy, leave.
Those of us who stay longer tend to have complicated visa situations.
Those of us who stay longer tend to have complicated visa situations.
Richard *******
I have heard that once you start with a visa service you are stuck doing it that way ongoing and cannot transition to doing it yourself
Andi ***********
@Richard ******
You can DIY after using a agent. Many people do.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Paul *********
When you've dealt with Thai immigration and you understand that they are not as soft as we are in the west then you'll gladly pay a visa service. You need to experience being interviewed by an immigration officer first hand on arrival to fully understand why.
Robert **********
@Paul ********
I disagree. US immigration much worse. Getting a retirement visa doesn’t depend on convincing at officer you are worthy, mostly just meeting the requirementsReply to
Robert **********
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Mitchell *******
You opened up a can of worms. 😅
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mitchell ******
Goal accomplishedReply to
John *******
Reply
Kurt ***********
@John ******
Many of us are pensioners from Denmark, who are offset against the pension, when we settle outside Europe. The remaining amount is not enough as income documentation to extend the annual visa, therefore we have to use an agent, who can help solve the problem.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Kurt **********
Military Veteran with Service Connected Disabilities AmericanKurt ***********
@Andrew ****
I dont use a agent. But some of my friends do. I dont now which agentAndrew *****
@Kurt **********
thanksReply to
Andrew *****
Reply
Mark **********
If you're staying less than 30 days, you don't need a visa.
Graham *******
I would not say people are lazy, using an agent, saves a lot of time and stress and some certainly do not meet all the requirements! I believe still that you are required to provide your police records which is a hassle and I believe still you need health insurance. When I opened a bank account, they asked for insurance, somehow my agent frigged it! If u are planning to be mobile in the process, consider the implications for your tm30 and residency certificate! Consider also what address you will give the bank and immigration and consider what happens if they are different! Banks are become more of a hassle you may well be asked why u need a bank account and in my case i had to get permission form immigration before BKB would give me one! The permutations are endless! To get a 12 month extension of stay took close to 2 months!
Rob **********
Most people tend to use a visa agent for 2 reasons, either they are too lazy to do it themselves, or they don’t meet the legal requirements for the visa they are on. It is very easy to do it yourself, if you meet the requirements.
Todd *********
@Rob *********
i mean that no retiree today gives a rats ass about 800k baht. It’s beer money. If you don’t have 800k to put somewhere, you aren’t retired. But you leave it at home making 5% or more which pays you at least 40k every year and have your agent handle all the details in Thailand for you. It’s beyond simple to do. And you profit nicely from doing no running around. How does this not make sense to anyone with a financial clue?Rob **********
@Todd ********
Sydney University doesn’t take illiterate students, glad I bluffed my way thru my degree then, and able to retire very early. As previously mentioned look after that 109 baht per day you are saving, it might make all the difference 😂😂😂Steve ********
@Rob *********
Ignore this prick. He works for @Thai *****************************
. He goes into meltdown when people won't agree with him, and starts abusing people. He thinks he knows it all and knows nothing.Todd *********
@Steve *******
‘works for TVC’ 😂😂 good lord man. Shake your head. dude calls me a prick, tells me to stfu after giving him a very sound financial reason and whines like a beeatch about ‘abusing’ people. I’m looking forward to senility. It seems fun for sure! You’re the bestest
Rob **********
@Steve *******
no worries Steve, thanks mate. Have seen his name around the place, yes exactly just another person who thinks he knows everything 👍 Thanks for your comment mate🙏Todd *********
And big playa
@Rob *********
wants to showtime making 120k baht (almost as much as American SS at a whopping $3500 a month) and thinking he is a big wheel. Good lord lads. Sober upTodd *********
@Rob *********
showing off lol? your budget is very small. But you seem immensely proud of it. 👏🏼 Relax big shooter. You now understand better why so many use agents. It even pays to do it. And you don’t have to do any of the legwork that you seem to enjoy. I prefer having fun to standing in immigration lines. Ur welcome for the education. Now scramble back under your rock and stfuTodd *********
@Rob *********
happy to oblige your enthusiasm Rob. Start training, looks like you need itRob **********
@Todd ********
No training needed, a walk in the park.Todd *********
@Rob *********
maybe we can go stand in line at immigration and you can teach me how to do it? Sounds like you guys have fun with that.Rob **********
@Todd ********
no standing in line it’s an appointment system, and have never spent more than a hour maximum there, you just don’t have the brains to understand it , do you🤷♂️Todd *********
@Rob *********
ahhh. Wisdom. Just organize the list of required paperwork, drive over to your bank to pick up the banks records, drive to immigration and get your stamp and all less than hour. Excellent. Have you considered how this world for people on say Koh Tao? Or Pai? Or people doing it for first time? Or Without immigration in their back yard? And the 1900 baht doesn’t cut too deep into the budget. ExcellentTodd *********
@Rob *********
Sydney university??!! 😂😂 they specialize in helping the financially illiterate find a way to make a living! A degree you say?! Wow. Only 38 years ago. And here you are. Big round of applause.Todd *********
Anybody know why this
@Rob *********
dunce is raving on about 109 baht per day? Hard to say. The old 🐐 has issuesReply to
Todd *********
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Rob **********
@Todd ********
total rubbish, I have been doing mine for many years, my extension always in and out in no more than a hour, and that is a Non O based on marriage, easy if you are organized, which obviously you are not.Todd *********
@Rob *********
It’s great you have a wife to get you a visa 😂 she must be very organizedRob **********
@Todd ********
no I do it all myself, we have been married for 35 years, so I am used to dealing with Thai officials.Reply to
Rob **********
Reply
Todd *********
@Rob *********
wrong. And wrong. The two reasons are; 1- they understand basic principles of finance. And 2- they don’t like standing around like a puppy waiting in lines.
Todd *********
@Rob *********
if you don’t understand what I’m talking about, you don’t have a basic finance clue. And it’s definitely not rocket science. But some of you can’t do basic math 😂😂Rob **********
@Todd ********
it is very easy, either you have the money to meet the requirements or you don’t it can’t be more black and white, if you can’t understand that you are obviously the one with no idea🤷♂️Todd *********
@Rob *********
the money? It’s 800k lol. Not 8M. It’s beer money to the average retiree. Can you calculate what 5% returns on 800k is? It's very far from black and white. As nobody would bring the 800k to sit in an account in thailand (with the currency risk) doing nothing while it could be elsewhere making high interest. Not sure how this very simple fact eludes you? Or why you pretend it's not accurate.Todd *********
@Rob *********
not all of us need to get a wife here to qualify. I’m not at all worried about the 1700 AUD. But you would be a bit of a fool to pass it up when it’s free money. You don’t like free money?Rob **********
@Todd ********
as I said we have been married for 35 years, we met in Australia as my wife has been a dual citizen since she went to School in Sydney. I didn’t come here to get a wife, that is so narrow minded of you.Reply to
Rob **********
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Carlo ******************
You better do a good insurance...
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Carlo *****************
For health I have military VA Champ not sure what the bank account accident insurance is but I guess it is required.Carlo ******************
@John ******
make sure it cover you, most of US insurances are not accepted in Thailand and the one from the bank it covers small accidentsReply to
Carlo ******************
Reply
Lena *******
@Carlo *****************
You mean health insurance? Does an agent help with that?Carlo ******************
@Lena ******
it's very easy and you can do it on your own...Reply to
Carlo ******************
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Eno ***********
Its true, there are quite a few things what can go wrong with the visa application, thats why heaps of people use an expensive agent. I have done the middle way, using an agent called Visa Paper Ready. These guys are assisting you with getting a bank acount, guiding you to get all the paperwork you need and they even check onsite all required Papers before you hand them yourself to immigration. And it was pretty affordable too. Bank account, guidance and preparing your Visa application for the Retirement visa did cost me 3500 bath. And i handed in my application next day and it was approved almost on the same day.
Deby **************
Do you have a link or contact info for them please?
Eno ***********
@Deby *************
Not sure what their facebook page is. But they are only in Chiang MaiReply to
Eno ***********
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Peter *********
You ever been Thailand 🇹🇭 before ?
Paul *********
@Peter ********
it's pretty obvious that he hasn't if he plans to spend a week in Bangkok 🤣🤣🤣John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
only in day dreamsJohn *******
ORIGINAL POSTERPeter *********
@John ******
well good luck when you enter immigration for your 1st vise lol 😆 then you will.understand why people use an agent 😉John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Peter ********
Thanks for the advice. Tell me what you think about the company Visa Paper ReadyPeter *********
@John ******
never heard of them one I recomend for Vida help is tik.tok jontienReply to
Peter *********
Reply
Sharon *******
@John ******
You're retiring to a country that you have never visited? That seems quite brave.John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERHonestly, I am financially able to have options, and I always have backup plans, and backup countries, so it's no big deal to me. At this point in my life, happiness is the quest, and that is my filter. Thailand checks many boxes and gives lifestyle options, but I am traveling and will use Thailand as a base.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sharon ******
I guess we can say that about everyone that went before me.Sharon *******
@John ******
I've seen lots of posts from people who have been visiting Thailand for many years before retiring there. I've only been once but have visited many areas so I had a good overview. I think making such an important life decision without visiting first is pretty unusual.Reply to
Sharon *******
Reply
Martin *****
@Peter ********
. I doubt it other wise he would know what he is asking 😏Peter *********
@Martin ****
exactly why I asked him lol 😆Reply to
Peter *********
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Sam ********
Do you have 800,000 Bhat in the bank for 2 months prior to your application? And 3 months afterward? If not then Agent is your only choice to streamline the process.
If you do have the money in an account then there are a dozen more hurdles to jump thru including purchasing unnecessary insurance. They make it very challenging to say the lease. In the end it only costs 4500 Bhat vs 25,000 but the 5 trips to immigration and all the other headaches isn’t worth the saving IMO.
If you do have the money in an account then there are a dozen more hurdles to jump thru including purchasing unnecessary insurance. They make it very challenging to say the lease. In the end it only costs 4500 Bhat vs 25,000 but the 5 trips to immigration and all the other headaches isn’t worth the saving IMO.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Sam *******
I will have the 800,000 baht but not two monthsSteve **********
@John ******
just waitSteve **********
If your income stream can be diverted to FFT in bank , just keep it above 65k / month. No problem
Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTERRoger. Do some agents provide more services than others? The one I spoke with only does Visa and Bank Accounts. Thanks
Brandon ************
@John ******
Some specialize, some do one or two things. For example some might help you with drivers license etcJohn *******
ORIGINAL POSTERFor around 30,000 Baht
Reply to
John *******
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Sam ********
@John ******
then you have to use the agentsReply to
Sam ********
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Brandon ************
@Sam *******
there's no insurance requirement for a retirement extension based on a non-O visa.Steve **********
@Sam *******
Where TF are you fools getting your numbers from ?Sam ********
@Steve *********
how much do you pay an agency for a retirement visa?Reply to
Sam ********
Reply
Noel *********
3000 to open bank account via agent is far better than being turned away trying to do it yourself ...easy......
Dave **********
@Noel ********
I have been with the Bangkok Bank, the Kasikorn bank and the last 18 years with the SCB! Never had any problems with anything!Noel *********
@Dave *********
it's not so easy now. You can be very lucky ' but 3 banks turned me down , hence the agent option...wasted to much much time.....Reply to
Noel *********
Reply
Steve ********
@Noel ********
That's strange. I've had four (still have two) bank accounts in Thailand. Never paid a single baht to open an account (other than the 200 baht for the debit card). Why is it people have so much trouble to open a simple transaction account?Noel *********
@Steve *******
really depends on the bank and area....Steve ********
@Noel ********
Well that could be true. All my accounts have been or are in Bangkok in farang-heavy areas, so it's been a breeze. I imagine it's the Isaan-devotees that have the issues.Taz **********
@Steve *******
issaan no problem 3 accounts
Also 1 for friend
& helped girlfriend from Laos open one too
What I’ve seen in post are Pattaya, Bangkok, Phuket
Dimitri ********
@Steve *******
I walked around for 3 days before I was able to open a bank account in BKK. And that was almost 5 years ago. Things got only more difficult.Steve ********
@Dimitri *******
Yeah I know people have had problems and I just shake my head in amazement. I always found it so easy. I guess having the retirement visa is the clincherAndy ********
Steve Smythe your experiences of Thai Immigration and opening bank accounts are very similar to mine.
Best advice I got was be polite, smile and dress respectfuly to fit the environment you are in. I have accounts with 4 different Thai banks and have always received great customer service at immigration.
Maybe there was something in that advice I received?
Best advice I got was be polite, smile and dress respectfuly to fit the environment you are in. I have accounts with 4 different Thai banks and have always received great customer service at immigration.
Maybe there was something in that advice I received?
Todd *********
@Steve *******
that was 20 years ago mate. 90% have issues with bank accounts prior to visa issuance. Hence.. agentsSteve ********
@Todd ********
I've opened two accounts in the last 2-3 years. Feel sorry for the 90% but that's life I guess. They're obviously doing something wrong.Todd *********
@Steve *******
some are easy. I was rejected twice for no apparent reason and the third said no problem 🤷♂️. And the banks are making life more difficult. In todays world of mandatory KYC for all banks, and crackdowns on money laundering, it seems to have become more difficult to open accountsSteve ********
@Todd ********
I wouldn't know. They seem to trust meTodd *********
@Steve *******
C’mon man. U are not honestly thinking that hundreds or even thousands of people are having issues, and this is because the banks don’t trust them? And trusts you?Steve ********
@Todd ********
I've no idea. They're probably trying to open with a tourist visa or without a lease. With no substantive address or reason to have a bank account I wouldn't be trusting them either. You'll have to ask those who were denied. A neighbour of mine from the US just opened an account two weeks ago. Retirement visa and 12-month lease, he got accepted. I'm not an expert, but you seem to be, so you should know all the answersTodd *********
@Steve *******
they are trying to open with a tourist visa as they can’t yet get a retirement visa without one…. u hadn’t thought of that?Steve ********
@Todd ********
If people are silly enough to come here as a tourist and try to open an account, it's their problem surely. You can get a retirement visa in your home country before you get here....you hadn't thought of that?Mark **********
@Steve *******
🔔 🔚Mitchell *******
@Steve *******
it used to be easier to open an account on a tourist visa or visa exempt. That is the issue. It is getting harder now to go that route. And each branch has their own rules. Now you almost have to either do it before arrival, or use an agent.Todd *********
@Mitchell ******
not when Steve did it in the 90’s!!Steve ********
@Mitchell ******
Why does a tourist require a bank account? That's got me intrigued. But now I'm beginning to understand why people have so much trouble. I don't know which country you're from, but I do know a tourist can't open a bank account in the UK, Germany or Australia. You must show proof of residence and proof of address. Why would Thailand be any different?Mitchell *******
@Steve *******
there are plenty of people who do just that, in order to start the visa process while they are here for 3 months etc. (Hell, I have been in SE Asia for a year. I couldn't do it from home if I was doing it). The first step is to have $$$ in an account. So you need an account. This is why people do agents. It is getting harder to open that account on your own.
Todd *********
@Mitchell ******
some of the ol fellas got here in the nineties and haven’t realized the reality of the situation today for many newcomers. But they sure are keen on telling everyone how it’s gonna beSteve ********
@Mitchell ******
I guess if you want to do the shortcuts you have to pay the price. It's very difficult for a tourist in ANY country to open a bank account, because the regulatory authorities have to ask the question "why does a tourist on a short term visa need a bank account?". I've never had a problem because I've always been in Thailand on long-term visas.Todd *********
@Steve *******
I clearly have. But as you and I are both well aware, there is an insurance requirement. You had forgotten? C’mon man. Senility? And the vast majority arrive here as tourists to test drive retirement on a tourist visa. They don’t commit in their home nation as there is no need to. You said you have been here twenty years. The game has changed dramatically. Gotta keep up
Steve ********
@Todd ********
Well you wouldn't want insurance would you? Why would you when there's GoFundMe to fall back on. "Test drive" retirement? Wow! That's a good one. The retirement visa from your home country is 90 days. Isn't that a long enough "test drive"? Can't believe the crap you're spoutingTodd *********
@Steve *******
for many - especially over 70, it’s better to self insure. I’m happy to let the readers decide. I would take the 24k for doing nothing and go have fun on visa day. It’s easy, time saving and a money maker. You prefer standing in lines for the right to break open the piggy bank every year and dish out 1900 baht. That’s fair. I can understand either route. As they say in Thailand ‘up to you’
Steve ********
@Todd ********
It's 90 days insurance. It covers the validity of the visa. You obviously need to keep up with what's going on. You don't need insurance for the in-country extension. What's the line that you stand in? You've lost me there. You seem to be rambling a bit. Come back tomorrow when you're sober.Todd *********
@Steve *******
what lines lol? I’m not standing in any lines at all. I value my time. But maybe they send out the bank staff and the immigration officers to greet you when you arrive so you don’t need to line up? Do you just send them a message on Line?
Steve ********
@Todd ********
Me too. The only line I ever stood in was the one at the airport immigration, until I worked out I could use the seniors line. Now it's easy! But nope, no other lines to stand in, so again you're rambling. Go have another joint and STFU.Todd *********
I’ll come along with beer and watch you stand in line
Steve ********
@Todd ********
I told you I don't anymore. I slip into the senior citizens queue. It's good. It worked the last three times I came through Suvarnabhumi.Todd *********
@Steve *******
that’s a good play. I’m a few years away though…Steve ********
@Todd ********
Never mind. I guess you must stand in line then? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Todd *********
@Steve *******
I don’t need to. As I clearly stated for you many times, I value my time. I don’t stand in lineSteve ********
@Todd ********
So do I, which is why I join the express seniors lane at Suvarnabhumi. You just told me you don't, but now you're saying otherwise. Good for you. Keep on puffing manAndy ********
@Steve *******
, @Rob *********
isn’t it amazing how @Todd ********
runs his life so efficiently he doesn’t queue at airports, banks or immigration offices?That efficiency allows his to spend hours every day promoting visa agents on Facebook.
Maybe if he got out of his mummy’s basement and interacted with real people he would learn the social skills required to be able to open a bank account or maintain a long term visa on his own.
Todd *********
@Andy *******
isn’t it remarkable that simians like yourself are unable to procure an actual long term visa. Given your advanced ages, and all the wooden nickels you poor lads have saved by dressing nicely and standing in line at various Thai banks and immigration offices, over many years to suckle the generous teat of govt services… it’s amazing that you couldn’t cobble together the funds to get your own ACTUAL long term visa in the form of LTR. And avoid all of the silliness. If you 3 have a cocktail party 🎉 the collective IQ in the room might run into double digits. Cheers lads. Don’t forget your 90 day check in. Have the little lady mark it in the calendar for you.PS- love the little love triangle with da boyz you inspired here Andy. So cute!!
Rob **********
@Andy *******
I don’t think he would be clever enough to find his way to the door to get out, maybe his agent could help him with that.Steve ********
@Andy *******
You get today's GOLD award! 👍. I've wondered if he needs an agent to operate his bum gun for him to save him any unnecessary effort!Rob **********
@Steve *******
Yes I think he would need his agent to help, he wouldn’t be able to do it himself, that’s for sure.Todd *********
@Steve *******
now im saying otherwise? 😂 is English your first language?Todd *********
@Steve *******
lol. What does that have to do with anything? Yes - I’m some years away from the senior citizen line. But FastTrack is great. I said I value my time. So I don’t stand in line. Mind you, I don’t have my bank manager come outside to greet me with my immigration required paperwork like you do. They must really trust you 😂. And if I ever needed to go to immigration, I’m sure they would not let me skip the line as you can.Noel *********
@Steve *******
I was turned down at 3 in undon and well that was enough for me.....Steve ********
@Noel ********
Yeah that's what I thought. Isaan is not the friendliest place if you're a farang.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
James **************
@Noel ********
and it's getting worse.... and you only have a week to sort the bank account, otherwise your 2 month 800k in thai bank stipulation is fooked....not to mention 800k in uk bank at 5% interest! I chose the agency.....Reply to
James **************
Reply
Lynnette *******
Depends on how long you want to stay.
John *******
ORIGINAL POSTER@Lynnette ******
retirementReply to
John *******
Reply
Us *****
Probably because 30k baht is less than 1k usd and it will save you a crazy headache. If you think you can just go to immigration for the first time and do everything yourself then do it. Time is money, I wouldn't choose a few weeks of headache for 800 dollars.
Maple *********
@Us ****
I looking for the person like you. Next time let me fixed your crazy headache in immigration.😆😆😆Us *****
@Maple ********
i would honestly pay you to do the 90 day reporting and education visa extension in person for me. It is a headache for me to wake up early in the morning. Time is money, I enjoy sleeping in.Reply to
Us *****
Reply
Steve ********
@Us ****
Takes me about an hour once a year. I'm not paying someone 30,000 baht for an hour's work!Rob **********
@Steve *******
exactly Steve, takes me around a hour too once a year, I’d you are organized it’s a vert straightforward process, why spend 30k for nothing.Steve ********
@R**
That's all it takes. Just be organised. Put the paperwork in order, present it to the immigration officer, and you're done. I think they like those that are well organised. I shake my head when I read that some people pay tens of thousands of baht for an hour's work!Rob **********
@Steve *******
correct mate, been doing it for years myself as well, and I’m on a Non O based on Marriage, which you knows entails more paperwork, it’s very easy if you are prepared and have all your ducks in a row. I can’t understand why people who meet the requirements would use an agent, makes no sense to me at all.Reply to
Rob **********
Reply
Mark ********
@Steve *******
Yeah, I have never had an issue doing myself either.Steve ********
@Mark *******
I've no idea how people turn the process into a big drama. Many are frightened shitless of immigration offices, but I'm not one of them. Each office has a list of requirements. You present the list with the requirements ticked off. So simple.Us *****
@Steve *******
all you guys have years of experience. This guy is brand new. $800 USD for someone to hold your hands thru immigration, getting a bank acccount, and health insurance is well worth it.Steve ********
@Us ****
So you say but I can't see it. Maybe I just come from a generation which was not so entitled and where we were taught to do things yourself and not rely on others. You make it sound like major surgery. It's a visit to a government agency, filling in a form and presenting a few documents. But hey! It's all good. If there are helpless feeble people around who need a carer it's their choice!Us *****
@Steve *******
again Steve, you are a pro. This guy is new and it is overwhelming. He does not have the luxury of trial and error. I come from a generation of specialization. I am great at making money as a financial analyst. I need to concentrate on my job since the slightest error or a lack of concentration could be a million baht mistake in an hour. I would gladly pay someone to do the work for me so I can concentrate on my job. That is why we have specialization.Steve ********
@Us ****
I see where you're coming from. I'm retired so an hour or so each year is no big deal for me.Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Steve *******
I'll go wait in line for you for 15k. How about that? 😏Steve ********
@Brandon ***********
Buddy I just don't get it. I really don't. I've been here over twenty years, and I've had beers with guys who complain bitterly about paying 300 baht to get into a national park, and whine about a cab driver who tried to "fleece" them for 50 baht more than the fare should, but don't bat an eyelid dropping *****
+ baht to a visa agent. Am I missing something?Todd *********
@Steve *******
you are preferring it as a way saving money right? It’s 1900 baht at immigration and not 16k baht for agent. Seems pretty reasonable so far! And if using the 65k monthly method… fantastic! Except…. With The 800k method - it needs to be in your bank and most you will get in Thailand is 0.25%. If you leave the 800k at home making 5% (easy) your 800k makes 40k annual interest. With no currency risk. Which easily pays your 16k agent bill and leaves you with 24k to pay your bar tab. Or go have a few nice dinners. Would you rather pay 1900 baht and waste a day… or have 24k depositted in your account and waste no day? That… is what you are missing.
And let’s face it, you are being a bit disingenuous about the 1 hour spent. At very least you need to go to your bank, get your records for the 800k and then go to immigration. If you live in an empty village, an hour maybe no problem. If you live in a desirable tourist city or island, ur likely standing in line for awhile and for first timers especially, they are all but guaranteed to encounter some frustrations. And waste a day or two chasing around to satisfy immigration.
There are obvious reasons for using an agent… or not. Depends very much on each circumstance.
George *************
@Todd ********
krungsri bank mee Tae Dai account pays 0.90%, better than the 0.25 you use.Todd *********
@George ************
I definitely don’t use 0.25 or 0.9 for anything lol. That would be ridiculous. Inflation is 6% +. Only a fool would invest at 0.9%. Is that account deemed eligible to hold the 800k for immigration purposes?
Seems a bit silly to make less than 8k in Thailand when you can easily make 40k or better in many nations.
As a frame of reference I keep mine tied up at 7.6% in Mexico.
George *************
@Todd ********
just correcting your statement that one can't earn more than 0.25% in a simple Thai savings account acceptable to immigration.Todd *********
@George ************
is yours acceptable to immigration though? Have you had it verified? Because it seems that any account that is ‘locked in’ in any way can be denied. I have never tried it. But whether is .25 or .95 is marginally useful at best. It does put an extra 5600 baht in your packet though.
Which brings up a good point. And with interest rates exceeding 5% now in many, many nations, would you rather earn 40k baht equivalent or more on your investment there or bring the money here (added currency risk) and make 7600 baht?
George *************
@Todd ********
the immigration requirement is that the principal must not be subject to market risk and that it can be withdrawn at any time with the only penalty being loss of interest. I have used the account mentioned above for 7 years in Phuket.Todd *********
@George ************
good info! Thx 🙏Brandon ************
@Steve *******
guess it's just perception. I'll go to a "western" bar with friends and drop 300 baht on a drink no problem but I'll be damned if I'm paying 300 baht for a shirt that I'll use a lot longer than that drink will last 😅😅Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Brandon ************
It's already going to be more difficult for you because you're going to one of the places with the worst immigration office in Thailand. Pattaya/Jomtien office has a lot of rules that most other immigration offices don't have that make it more difficult.
In Bangkok if you want to apply for the 90 day non-O retirement visa conversion from tourist, you just have to show that you have money in the bank, even if it's only been there one day.
At Jomtien you have to show that the money has been in your bank account for 2 months already before they will let you apply, but you also need to have 15 days left on your existing stay. Which means it's basically impossible to do if you enter without a visa, and even if you enter with a Visa you need to get your bank account setup within 2-3 days of arriving and get your money transferred over already.
In Bangkok if you want to apply for the 90 day non-O retirement visa conversion from tourist, you just have to show that you have money in the bank, even if it's only been there one day.
At Jomtien you have to show that the money has been in your bank account for 2 months already before they will let you apply, but you also need to have 15 days left on your existing stay. Which means it's basically impossible to do if you enter without a visa, and even if you enter with a Visa you need to get your bank account setup within 2-3 days of arriving and get your money transferred over already.
Nick *******
@Brandon ***********
No Jomtien Immigration office is no where near the worst office in Thailand. They are very efficent. You should make sure that all your documents are correct, Signed & Dated. Then there won't be any problems.Brandon ************
@Nick ******
they're one of the worst because they make up their own rules that no other office has.Nick *******
@Brandon ***********
well for the last 15yrs that i have used them it's been hassle free for me. No sudden rule changes.Reply to
Nick *******
Reply
Tony *********
@Brandon ***********
- is there only 1 main Bangkok Immigration office?I will Google if its just one.
As you seem to know what's what I will be entering 5th September on a Non Immigrant O multiple entry which expires 23rd September. Do you know if I will be stamped in for 90 days? I intend to apply for a retirement visa as soon as I can get everything sorted out.
Many thanks 🙏🏼
Brandon ************
@Tony ********
there are many offices in Bangkok but you can only use one. Each has a specific purpose. You would use the Chaeng Watthana office. And all entries with a non-O are stamped in for 90 days.
Tony *********
@Brandon ***********
- thank you for the clarification on the office much appreciated 👍🏼🙏🏼Reply to
Tony *********
Reply
Tom ********
@Brandon ***********
I do agree Jomtien/Chonburi does have stricter rules, but the Immigration process and the helpfulness of the staff at Jomtien is not bad, then again I have not dealt with another office eitherJeffrey **********
@Brandon ***********
And I thought Chiang mai was the worstLuffy ******
@Jeffrey *********
pattaya much more worst. No doubtBrandon ************
@Jeffrey *********
Chiang Mai has a few oddities like the airport office requiring you to go to the back office to convert your printed TM30 to their copy of TM30. But it also has a lot of good things like being one of the few offices that lets you apply for an extension 45 days before your current stamp expires, and quite easily issueing residence certificates.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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