Answereda year ago
What are the typical costs and experiences of using an agent for NON-O retirement visa renewal in Thailand?
Anyone used a agent in last few week for non o retirement renewal,paid 11;000 last year now they are asking 20,000;any one experienced this thanks
Answer summary
The discussion revolves around the rising costs of hiring an agent for the renewal of a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand, with mentions of existing user experiences. Some members shared that they managed the process themselves for around 1,900 THB, while others reported agents charging as much as 20,000 THB. The conversation highlights variances in agent fees, which seem to have increased significantly, and the importance of having the required funds in a Thai bank account for a smoother renewal process.
101 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Shane *********
Will check with mine, but prices have doubled plus!
Mark ********
OPI understand what a lot of people are saying but losing £800 in interest,I can’t justify doing it myself for 1900 baht,even if agent charges 20,000 it’s financially better earning interest
David *******
@Mark *******
Yes $19,000 in Australia better off if you pay agent 17,000. Or immigration direct. (No agent)
And they place the money
Robert *****
Trust me that's not really a good analogy, if Immigration hassles you it can cause problems you don't even wanna know about.
Sean *****
@Mark *******
my thoughts exactly keeping my money in England in bonds more than pays for agent fees , and should there be another Covid or similar your money is not stuck in Thailand, also should anything happen I am pretty sure any beneficiary would have slim chance of getting money
Mark *********
@Mark *******
So good Visa,14,000 BRoberto *********
@Mark *******
Only for one year, then you switch to 65k monthly transfers. Best strategy
Ray ********
@Roberto ********
if banks freeze your account you're screwedRoberto *********
@Ray *******
Why would they freeze my account? 😂
Paul ********
@Mark *******
£800 interest that’s approximately 5% ( which is high ) but let’s say you get that Less 20% tax leaves £640
Less the
*****
bhat you pay an agent ( £480 ) approx Means your only £160 better off for doing it legit
Plus your
*****
0 bhat earns 1.5% in Thai bank (12,000 bhat ) about £280 So technically you are £120 up by doing it legit 🤣🤣🤣
Shane *********
@Mark *******
agree, and I'm worried about banks here now. Luckily I run a low balance - had a frozen account at Bangkok Bank, now ok.
Wayne ********
@Mark *******
if that’s the way you wanna look at it financially strictly up to you. The agent is making 20% on his 80,000 in only five months not a bad rate of return. I’d be interested to know what rate of return you’ll be getting on your 80,000 in order to save the 1900 that it would cost you with Immigration.Fabian **********
@Wayne *******
there are other and better ways to make your money work for you. By depositing it in a Thai bank account you're losing out on opportunity cost
J **************
@Wayne *******
currently in making 8 % return on my 800,000 baht in USA equities …that’s a five year average. That’s $1952 a year. Or 63,000 baht a year. By paying the agent 20,000 I’m saving 43,000 baht a year. This is why some expats prefer this method
Eddie ********
@J *************
What agency did you use?
Ant ***********
If you have the 800K already sitting in Thai bank for the required time
Agent price 8000K baht
If you don’t have the required funds
Agent price 16K
Agent price 8000K baht
If you don’t have the required funds
Agent price 16K
Heinz *******
@Ant **********
Ant W Tailor What agency did you use?Eddie ********
@Ant **********
What agency did you use?
Ralf **********
You will have a reason not to do it by yourself , so you will have to pay for the service
Greg ***********
"as long as you have the required 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account" - you can do it by yourself for 1900 THB. However if the agent "fronted" it, you are stuck with the same agent, year for year, unless you invalidate your stay permit and re-start from the beginning
Rene ********
@Greg **********
nope, that depends whereGreg ***********
@Rene *******
of course it dependsRene ********
@Greg **********
, sureGreg ***********
@Rene *******
if you did everything by the book, yes, why not. definitely possibleRene ********
@Greg **********
I changed from agent to self totally easily
Giraffe *********
@Greg **********
incorrect changed agent last year no problemsGreg ***********
@Giraffe ********
I never said it was not possible. But if an agent fronted the money, you are caught in his hamster wheel. Then you can't change. You can switch between agents if you do everything by the book. If you have no own funds and the agent of the previous year has shut down, you have a small problem which can only be solved with $$$$
Graham ******
@Giraffe ********
so you didn't do what Greg said
Rick *******
@Greg **********
Thanks GregRick *******
@Greg **********
Is that online or at immigration office?Greg ***********
@Rick ******
a yearly "extension of the stay permit" must be applied for at the Immigration which serves the location where you liveMark ********
OP@Greg **********
my agent actually shut down informing none of clientsGreg ***********
so your application is not a "repeated" one, but an application with a new agent. I guess that's why it has a higher price
Peter *********
I used Thai Visa centre. No problems!
David *********
If you want to use an agent go to thai visa centre they straight up with fees and1st class service
THAI ******************************
@Peter ********
We never engage in bait-and-switch pricing.While our rates may occasionally change, we always provide advance notice and give clients the option to extend early.
Once your documents have been reviewed and your passport collected, your quoted price is guaranteed (we never increase it afterward).
John-Paul ******
@THAI *****************************
best out there. Always up front and professional. Cost depends upon service/s required as with every business. One can trust them to get everything done without any issues or hidden/additional fees.Peter *********
@THAI *****************************
excellent..David *********
@Peter ********
same same
Phil *****
Very easy to do yourself as long as you have the money in the bank the required time
Gary ********
@Phil ****
I think we all know that. Not everyone is in that situation.J **************
@Phil ****
let’s assume he doesn’t
Andy *******
Ignore the dumb answers, with new banking rules it varies from 16,000-22,000
Graham ******
@Andy ******
so it's dumb to stay legal?Andy *******
@Graham *****
No, It's dumb that they don't read the question and give the guy the advice he is seeking not their effing opinions
Kim *********
@Andy ******
dumb answer to do it yourself? Yeah yeah 😂Andy *******
@Kim ********
Miss Kim, he only asked the cost of an agent if you take the time to read the post.Kim *********
@Peter ******
I didn't read it that way but you are probably right
Peter *******
@Kim ********
he’s already stated that he doesn’t want to deposit 800,000 in a Thai bank account 🤷♂️Kim *********
@Andy ******
you are right - he did. But maybe the answers re doing it himself could inspire him to try (?)Eddie ********
@Andy ******
Who did you use? Agency good?Andy *******
@Eddie *******
many good ones out there depending on where you liveTHAI ******************************
@Andy ******
We service all provinces in thailand 🙏
Chow ******
@Andy ******
14,000 one stop visa on Soi 6THAI ******************************
@Andy ******
Our price is 15,000 thb, and we can service all provinces right now.We had to raise it 1,000 thb from 14,000.
All banks.
Kevin ******
@THAI *****************************
please inbox me, thank you.THAI ******************************
Steve ******
@Andy ******
16,500 mine in August with single re entry,used maneerat in pattaya😊Andy *******
@Steve *****
which bank ?Steve ******
@Andy ******
bangkok bank froze my account for 7 weeks I had to travel from sakon nakhon to pattaya to produce paperwork I have since opened an account with kasikornbank
Reinhard ********
@Andy ******
Right.Allso they have to change the bank account from Bangkok Bank to another bank
Frank **********
It is so easy to do yourself.
Fabian **********
@Pete ******
and what are you going to do about it? Bitch and moan because you got nothing better to do with your life?
Ralph *******
@Frank *********
Most people do it because they haven’t got the 800k.
Chris *****
@Ralph ******
I think some people have the money but they rather not deposit that much money in a Thai bank account.
Chris ******
@Chris ****
exactly thisFrank **********
@Ralph ******
right.Wayne ********
@Frank *********
not if you don’t have the money for the bank.
Hartmut ********
@Wayne *******
Wenn ich das Geld nicht habe, dann darf ich auch nicht das Gesetz brechenHartmut ********
@Wayne *******
Wenn die Agentur jemanden Geld leiht für das Visum, ist das gegen das GesetzWayne ********
Chris *****
@Wayne *******
I think some people have the money but they rather not deposit that much money in a Thai bank account.Fabian **********
@Ian ******
I just transfer the bare minimum I need into my Thai Bank account (or use an international travel debit card to make direct purchases) to cover my living expenses and leave the bulk of my savings in my overseas bank accounts earning interest which I can withdraw at anytime and invest elsewhere at my discretion. This offers me more flexibility and liquidity, especially if I spot an investment opportunity in the market and need funds on short notice. Bare in mind not everyone opts or qualifies for the 65k monthly installments. Anyone that doesn't will still need to front up with 800k
Ian *******
@Fabian *********
so where does your daily spending and bill paying money comes from. I assume you are sending it to Thailand as needed. I am guessing you are probably sending around the 65k each month anyway. So where is the difference?Fabian **********
@Chris ***********
sure, there's always some Karen on his moral high horse dictating to others what they should or should not do. I bet if you dig a bit deeper, many of these muppets are not as innocent as they pretend to be
Chris ************
@Fabian *********
nah, doesn't work that way. There is always someone saying how they have the better way. 😂Fabian **********
@Graham *****
my personal choice is to maximise my capital and let it work for me Not a hard concept
Graham ******
@Fabian *********
so your personal choice is to get an illegal extensionFabian **********
@Pete ******
agree to disagree. I have my money working for me in other investment portfolios It all comes down to each individuals personal financial situation and cost benefit analysis (opportunity cost)
Making blanket statements and claiming it's the "best" option for "everyone" without knowing their circumstances or other opportunities available is a mistake IMHO
Do what's right for you and let others make their own personal choices without the guilt trip
Pete *******
@Fabian *********
using the monthly income option and paying 1900 baht per extension is the most financially astute method.Fabian **********
@Chris ****
precisely. I have the money but I prefer to have it working for me instead of sitting in a Thai bank account doing nothing So using an agent makes sense in my situation
Roberto *********
@Wayne *******
And then have the account frozen while the auditors carry out money-laundering checks. Good advice!Frank **********
@Wayne *******
true.Roberto *********
Nope. Costs me 1900 baht!
Stuart *******
@Roberto ********
Me tooFabian **********
@Roberto ********
but you have 800k baht in a Thai Bank account doing nothing. I prefer to have that money working for meGraham ******
@Fabian *********
You only need the 800k for just over 5 months then 400k for 7-9 months if planned correctly. That works ;)Fabian **********
@Ian ******
it wasn't ignored. If you scroll through the thread this was acknowledged in the discussion. What you're ignoring is that "many" doesn't translate to "everyone". It depends on each individuals personal circumstances. Some may opt for the monthly instalments, some may opt for the 800k upfront and some may opt for a combination of the two. The point is that is money going into a Thai Bank account (doing nothing) that you could be investing elsewhere. Ultimately it's a personal choice. I'm just explaining what I do. What you do is entirely up to you.Ian *******
@Fabian *********
but the point you're ignoring is that many are using the 65k per month, so no you are incorrect when you say they are trying up 800k. Personally I prefer to "tie up" the 800k, but that's my choice..Fabian **********
@Graham *****
what fines? LOL. If you've been here long enough, then you should know by now that Immigration turn a blind eye because they get a cut from the agent. So don't play dumb. We all know how it works. This is Thailand, not England, Europe, Australia or the United States. Stop fear mongering. You've made your choice, let others do the sameGraham ******
@Fabian *********
At least you'll have no issues paying for your fines and deportation costs if you're ever caught out.Fabian **********
@Graham *****
the point is that money is sitting idle when it could be generating passive income elsewhere. AUD 38k is nothing to sniff at. That's a deposit for a houseEveryone's situation is different depending on the individuals personal financial circumstances and aspirations.
It's not one shoe fits all
Roberto *********
@Fabian *********
Nope. I use the 65k monthly transfer method. I don't use the lump sum
Jack ********
@Fabian *********
it’s peanuts. Working for you? ฿800K is a good weekend in Bangkok son
Dave *******
@Jack *******
yea rightFabian **********
@Jack *******
sounds like you're making a big assumption with zero evidenceJack ********
@Fabian *********
sounds like you can’t afford Thailand.Fabian **********
@Magnus *****************
I do the same
Magnus ******************
@Jack *******
I have stockaccount in Thailand. So i can trade. No problems at all.Fabian **********
@Jack *******
peanuts? LOL. That's literally AUD 38k I can INVEST elsewhere instead of earning "peanuts" in a Thai Bank A/C🤡
Robin *******
@Roberto ********
sameActivity
47 joined47
people
Related
25What are the requirements and steps for obtaining a Non-O visa for retirement in Thailand?
3.6k30421mo
What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and can I withdraw funds after meeting those requirements?
4.2k38412mo
How do you renew a retirement visa in Thailand if you're mentally or physically disabled?
6.5k64533mo
What are the differences between the Non-O and Non-OA retirement visas in Thailand, and why do many expats prefer one over the other?
17.6k943406mo
How much does a retirement visa cost in Thailand now?
14k802508mo
Can I apply for another Non-O visa after returning to the US if I used my Non-O visa to enter Thailand?
4.1k39309mo
Can I apply for a retirement visa while already in Thailand or do I need to leave and apply from abroad?
2.3k17221y
Should I apply for a retirement visa before traveling or after returning to Thailand on a tourist visa?
1k691y
What documents do I need for renewing my retirement visa in Thailand if I meet the income requirements?
3k19391y
Should I apply for my retirement visa in the USA or in Thailand?
678352y
What are the current requirements for renewing a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
2.7k18272y
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?
13.4k1031682y
What steps can I take to obtain a retirement visa for Thailand during my current trip?
4.7k43302y
What should I do if my retirement visa renewal is pending due to not meeting the bank balance requirement?
7.1k51882y
What are the current requirements for renewing a Non-O visa for retirement in Thailand?
788293y
What are the steps and costs involved in applying for a retirement visa in Thailand using an agent or on my own?
3.3k20423y
What are the current experiences of applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Chiang Mai?
2k1883y
What are the benefits of applying for an OA retirement visa versus an O retirement visa in Thailand?
2k9304y
When does the 3-month requirement for maintaining 800K baht in a retirement O visa bank account start?
1k5114y
What are the requirements for applying for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand after entering on a tourist visa?
2k12234y
What are the requirements for renewing a Non-OA retirement visa from the US and returning to Thailand?
2.5k22155y
What are the requirements and processes for renewing a Non-O visa in Thailand?
2k14187y
What Are the Financial Requirements for Renewing a Non O Retirement Visa in Thailand?
1.3k967y
What Are the Latest Requirements for Renewing a Non-O (Retirement) Visa in Thailand?
1.7k12147y
Do you need 800,000 THB in the bank every year for retirement visa renewal in Thailand?
1.4k8149y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served