What are the requirements and process for applying for a retirement visa in Thailand, and is it necessary to use an agent?

To be sure you have all needed docs/ forms, pick up retirement set at Immigration. Collect and complete all in specified timeframe and submit in order at Immigration. Save you from having to make multiple trips.

Is it a visa where you talk about or is it a 1 year extension of stay based on retirement

@Vaner ******

. Big big difference. Extension of stay based on retirement the money not have to be international transfer and almost never go under consideration. Go to Thai Visa Thai visa advice group for good info !

As said above, you need the 800k in your bank for 2 months before and 3 months after and even after the 3 months is up it must never fall below 400k.

You need a bank statement showing that the money came from outside Thailand, a letter from your bank confirming the ammount in your bank on the day of application and a bank statement printed and dated on the day of application also plus all your other paperwork for rental lease, pasdport copies, etc etc.....

4 weeks seems long to keep your passport but on getting the visa it is stamped as 'under consideration' and they will give you a date to return to immigration for the actual visa stamp so maybe the agent just finds it easier to keep the passport for this period. You dont need an agent by the way but it can make it easier.

Here is a link to what is needed, (Phuket specific )most areas will have the same requirements or very close.

Your local immigration office can supply the requirements and forms needed.

Must have 800k in the bank for two months before application and three months after, and must then remain 400k for the rest of the year.

Just go get the visa yourself from immigration, that way you don't have to give your passport away