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What is the current cost of obtaining a volunteer visa in Thailand?
Volunteer VisaVisa CostThailand VisaImmigrationExpat Visa RulesVisa AgentsVisa FraudVisa Requirements
Sep 15, 2020
6 years ago
Karl **********
ORIGINAL POSTERHow much is it for a volunteer Visa
Surely not 65k my mate wants to pay?
Surely not 65k my mate wants to pay?
TLDR : Answer Summary
The cost for a volunteer visa in Thailand varies, with some users suggesting that it ranges from 30,000 to 70,000 Baht depending on the agency and duration of stay. Many discussions point out that securing this type of visa can be done through agents, but caution against potential issues related to visa fraud and the legality of the visas obtained. There is a consensus that while some individuals have succeeded in obtaining visas for lower amounts, costs can escalate due to the complex immigration environment. The community expresses concerns about the risks involved when using dubious agents for visa applications.
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
Trusted Thai Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Karl **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThank you for posting this!
But all good now
But all good now
Chris *******
56k 15 months , happy to share info if you want me DM me 👍🏼
Karl *********
65k for a volunteer visa is quite expensive. shouldn't be more than 38k. And is it legit, well that depends on how much the agent pays to the immigration. The whole immigration system is corrupt from what I have seen and experienced in the past.
Joe ***********
Several years ago an Aussy friend living in Chaiyaphum showed me his Extension Documents and Passport... He told me the sequence of how he got his One year Extension of Stay... He was concerned after others had commented on his passport stamps.
No Agent had been used -
the I/O said he could 'fix it' and he did. 35,000 Baht later Stamps for a non imm O Visa appeared in his passport - Same day the One Year Extension of Stay stamp also appeared... During the process the I/O kept going back and forth to the office of the Big Boss - getting a sign-off on every step. Nothing bad happened but my friend on his next trip back to Australia - went to the Thai Consulate / Embassy and started all over with a 90 day O visa.
No Agent had been used -
the I/O said he could 'fix it' and he did. 35,000 Baht later Stamps for a non imm O Visa appeared in his passport - Same day the One Year Extension of Stay stamp also appeared... During the process the I/O kept going back and forth to the office of the Big Boss - getting a sign-off on every step. Nothing bad happened but my friend on his next trip back to Australia - went to the Thai Consulate / Embassy and started all over with a 90 day O visa.
Joe ***********
(Edit Below) For a number of years the Immigration office in Ayutthaya was widely known as the Go To place for back door Extensions of Stay. I watched a friend get called out at Krabi Immigration for his Extension stamp labeled "Ayutthaya"... The head lady called out loudly "This Extension Stamp is no good". ... My friend played dumb..." What do you mean?, he said. She continued. This means you did not go to the Ayutthaya office and get this Extension Stamp. He didn't get thrown out but was forced to exit and reenter Thailand on a new Visa - then get the Extension. He was however a marked man. A year later he and his partner were forced to leave - accusing his partner of working without a proper visa and WP. A lot of money down the drain over two years time. (Edit)... I completely forgot - the partner had a Medical Extension done by the same Agent who had done the 'Retirement' Extension... Also done in Ayutthaya Imm. Office.
Jay *****
Agencies advertising from 40-65k.
Stu **********
65k for 15 months
Stu **********
I think 65k includes multiple re-enteries
Stu **********
So yeah thats only 60k. My bad
Stu **********
25k for the first 3 months and 35k for a 12 month extension. Thats the 65k visa the poster is talking about
Jane ***********
actually it's less than 40K
Keryn ******
At the end of the day, if people chose to get a visa through which ever means they chose, it’s no ones bussiness but their own as to how, when, where an why they got it. Don’t understand why the keyboard warriors have to get on here an ramble. If you don’t agree with something, just keep scrolling. The guy asked a question, it’s now turned into a nasty slinging match. Sad.
Ahkim ********
it's because they need some fuel for the fire of their insecurity, without it their false sense of superiority likewise falls into ashes
Ron *******
@Keryn *****
agree 100% in re lectures by putative Mr or Mrs Thailand Farangs..smhIvan ************
Captain Thailand,
@R**
Reply to
Ivan ************
Reply
Keryn ******
I doubt they will check if anyone is caught with “visa fraud”. They’re getting money, and a lot of it at that. They’re trying to bring money into the country, not kick out the people that are already here spending money. Every cent counts. If it was such a big no no then why aren’t immigration and the police checking into the agency’s that are advertising the fraudulent visa?
Bobby ********
@Keryn *****
. If it was the case why wouldn't Thai immigration be selling these visas? And look, if people are confident with these dodgy visas, it's all well and good. As with most things illegal, you only suffer if you're caught and you may be right that none will be checked.Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
Where is your evidence for the assertions you make?Bobby ********
@Jane **********
. You're talking out of your backside. I warn people about using scummy agents because it could get them in deep shit. If an agent can do something which you can't do yourself at immigration there's a message there. Probably 90% of what agents do is legal, but that leaves 10%. Why do you think mugs are paying 60,000 baht upwards for a "volunteer" visa without even volunteering, when the real deal costs 2,000 baht. Are you really that stupid? Don't take your bad temper out on me. If you think I'm talking shit, simply ignore me instead of getting worked upJane ***********
@Bobby *******
Where is your evidence for any of this?\ Who has been deported/locked up etc for using a visa agent? You're the one talking out out of your arse. What is your motivation for talking such crap. Have you thought about seeing a therapist? It might help.Sergejs *********
@Jane **********
read the news from time to time) many!Jane ***********
@Sergejs ********
show me ONESergejs *********
@Jane **********
🙈ffs read the historical news, I will not ran to be your PA, it regularly popped in the news, this or that done wrong by visa agents, starting from fake stamps up to simply negotiated milder irregularities that anyway discovered at later stage and punished.Ivan ************
@Ser****
in all the cases of issues with visa agents I have never seen a report of them going after the customers. As a rule visa agents dealing with farang get legit extensions from immigration, just through questionable means. They have to, fake stamps would not work as they would be picked up immediately when the foreigner leaves.Any cases with actual fake stamps are dealing with migrant workers from neighbouring countries, who possibly enter and leave in the first place not through an official checkpoint.
Sergejs *********
@Ivan ***********
of course irregularities are on the shoulders of customers , where else the irregularities can be - depending on a kind and degree of an irregularity an appropriate punitive and or remedial action is taken.Ivan ************
@Ser****
the extensions are legit, and digging into them too much may implicate people actually in immigration, which in general is not what they want. If you have an example of an agent being "busted" that actually resulted in that agents Western customers being arrested/deported for immigration violations, please share.You are just repeating that there are innumerable reports in the media while not being able to find a single one that actually says this. You will find plenty of reports of visa agents being "busted". Many of which are magically back in business the next day. I have read these too, for many years. Have never seen reference to the customers being rounded up.
Sergejs *********
@Ivan ***********
among other things agents from time to time stretch legal limits and agree with Immigration on smth. what Immigration should not have done - when it's come to the light, it's often a problem for the customer. If this result that a customer used smth fake or at the moment of review is happening actually to be on overstay (wrongly assuming he's not) then it dealt in a due course of justice, like IDC etc., there is no mercy shown for that.what I was saying that bona fide customers of visa agents in case of irregularity on the side of visa agent, getting no excuse or indulgence
Ivan ************
@Ser****
so where's the evidence for this? 99%+ of the time, I honestly don't think they look into it. If you got it, you got it. What can happen, is that person will be unable to get their NEXT extension. That's what usually happens when there is a crackdown on something, existing people are unaffected, but they can't use the loophole any more.Even past crackdowns they have had on people who were not really studying properly on Ed visas or not really volunteering properly on those visas, what happened was they grilled them on their next extension and denied them extensions. There have never been mass arrests and IDC and deportations over this stuff, that's a fantasy and doesn't happen.
Any stuff you find about mass roundups of foreigners, it's not Westerners that used dodgy agents.
Sergejs *********
@Ivan ***********
when someone had been caught with irregularities then they are left with their problem, from time to time there are reports on this, for last couple of years these reports piles up into some number.it's nothing Thailand specific, all the SEA area has a similar problem when visa agents push the limits, just for different points and needs.
Ivan ************
Examples:
(1) Someone was on a dodgy retirement extension where they were loaned the deposit. Immigration close that loophole and now they can't extend without the money. They aren't arrested, they just can't do this for their next extension. If they actually manage to get the money in the bank legitimately, they can extend.
(2) Someone is going to a dodgy school and the school is shut down or they are tested and can't speak Thai. They are denied their extension. They switch to another, somewhat more legitimate school, and continue with that instead. No arrests and IDC.
(1) Someone was on a dodgy retirement extension where they were loaned the deposit. Immigration close that loophole and now they can't extend without the money. They aren't arrested, they just can't do this for their next extension. If they actually manage to get the money in the bank legitimately, they can extend.
(2) Someone is going to a dodgy school and the school is shut down or they are tested and can't speak Thai. They are denied their extension. They switch to another, somewhat more legitimate school, and continue with that instead. No arrests and IDC.
Ivan ************
@Ser****
so post a report. I'm not questioning that loopholes can be closed and someone who used one can be stuck and unable to continue using it and get another extension. That happens.What doesn't happen is immigration rounding up everyone currently on that loophole and sticking them in IDC.
Jane ***********
@Sergejs ********
again - show me evidence of just ONE case. Sergejs *********
@Jane **********
in the published news, will not spend a second racking through last few years news, sorryJane ***********
@Sergejs ********
Well let me help you - you can’t and won’t find an eg because there isn’t one. Bobby ********
@Jane **********
. You're the one getting worked up, so perhaps you need a therapist. Just ignore me.******************************************************************
Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
So who there got deported/locked up? NO ONEBobby ********
@Jane **********
****************************
Bobby ********
Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
that's all just bollocks (did you actually listen to/watch those? Nope? Thought not).. name me ONE person who has been 'banged up' or deported due to using a visa agent. NO ONE.Bobby ********
@Jane **********
. Everyone else is wrong and you're right. So be happy that you're so perfect. Enjoy your volunteering! 🤣🤣🤣Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
dude I’m not volunteering. 🤪🤪😂😂Jane ***********
Sorry was replying to windbag
@Bobby *******
who is always asserting that everyone is going to get jailed for using a visa agent, which is factually incorrect. Reply to
Jane ***********
Reply
Patrick ************
WhAt u going to volunteer???
Rei ***********
@Patrick ***********
volunteering to pay 65k Reply to
Rei ***********
Reply
Oliver ********
Is your "mate" a volunteer?
Cameron ********
I wonder if immigration are going to crack down on the hoards of fake volunteers at any point
Joe ***********
Visa fraud is discovered quite frequently even in normal times. Typically for a 'Retirement' Extension of Stay a big fee was paid. The agent paid a banker to open and close an account in the Farang's name (most often unknown to the Farang) . They temporarily deposited 800K. Then an I/O was paid to ignore the discrepancies. All worked well until a new boss showed up and wanted to make his mark with the top brass. Thus the reason the reformer Immigration Chief "Big Joke" was sacked quite quickly about 2 years ago. The tea money stopped and that could not be allowed.
David ******
@Cameron *******
No chance its all about the moneyBim *******
@Cameron *******
no they benefit from the kickbacks. It's obvious these agencies are paying under the table. Ադամ ********
Arrange teams of volunteers to pick up garbage. Plenty of work available.
Somchit **********
Warning people is fine. Hoping for others to get in trouble isn't in my book.
Patrick ************
@Cameron *******
for sure they will same as the medical visa soon is done ,, to much scam and cheap Charlie try to get in Stu **********
@Patrick ***********
"Cheap Charlie's" dont drop 65k on a visa. WTF u talking bout. Dont answer that. Ur lameReply to
Stu **********
Reply
James ******
@Cameron *******
guaranty it. Some people are in for a nasty shock Ahkim ********
why would you want that?
Bobby ********
@Ahkim *******
. It's not what people "want", it's possible that may happen.Somchit **********
@Bobby *******
It's exactly what alot of people want. It's called schadenfreude and it's rampant in these visa forums Bobby ********
@Somchit *********
. If people are confident about buying dodgy visas, why are they getting upset? I just like to warn them because I've seen first hand the result of visa fraud, and it ain't prettyAhkim ********
@Som****
, at least you realizeSomchit **********
@Ahkim *******
Yeah, and I hate it. It's one ugly human trait and I personally don't understand how anyone can find joy in the misfortunes of others. Ahkim ********
yes, it requires a misery deep enough to wish that same pain unto others.
happiness and unity is literally their enemy, as it reminds them of what they no longer have.
how deep and well deserved is the suffering of these husks. yet still it would be better for them to realize how they injure themselves
happiness and unity is literally their enemy, as it reminds them of what they no longer have.
how deep and well deserved is the suffering of these husks. yet still it would be better for them to realize how they injure themselves
Ahkim ********
dont waste my time with your ignorance. look at these vultures, they can't wait for the axe to drop.
lowlifes
lowlifes
Reply to
Ahkim ********
Reply
Troy *******
12 months is usually 50k. 35k is a bargain. But that's assuming you're on a non-o already. If you're only on a tourist visa then you HAVE TO go 15 months. So the cheapest option is 17k for a medical 3months... Then you can convert to the volunteer 12 months.
Frank **********
If you are legitimately volunteering somewhere and not just visa hustling, you can do this yourself and it won't cost anywhere near that amount.
Alex ********
@Frank *********
yup.Reply to
Alex ********
Reply
Elisabetta *********
NO NO NO!
My son payed 35k for one year !
Valid until 26-9-2021
My son payed 35k for one year !
Valid until 26-9-2021
Karsten ********
Visas applied at amnesty start from 27. September... So 26.9 is correct
Nic *******
@Elisabetta ********
valid for 1 year it's only the 15-9-20 how do you work that out❓Adam ****************
@Elisabetta ********
where from? Which agency?Reply to
Adam ****************
Reply
Ahkim ********
pm me, I know an agency which will do it for 30k
Ahkim ********
so what, pay 30-40k extra for 3 months or..?
Neo *****
@Ahkim *******
not 15monthsReply to
Neo *****
Reply
Bobby ********
That's what you pay an agent to get you a fake visa. Be warned the penalties are severe if you're caught. Visa fraud results in lifetime ban, so think carefully
Alex ********
We have a visa business and when I was involved we occasionally got someone asking for advice because visa was revoked because the agent deposited required funds into a bank on their behalf, then withdrew it as soon as visa was confirmed.
I guess its like any immigration debt anywhere in the world. In that they occasionally investigate a processed visa.
Probably another reason it happens is agents don't pay tea money owed when using a back-door. Probably leads to an investigation
I guess its like any immigration debt anywhere in the world. In that they occasionally investigate a processed visa.
Probably another reason it happens is agents don't pay tea money owed when using a back-door. Probably leads to an investigation
Alex ********
As an added note....
Specific funds aren't stipulated when applying for voluntary visa.
Specific funds aren't stipulated when applying for voluntary visa.
Reply to
Alex ********
Reply
Jane ***********
Mogens Nygaard Wow.
Raed ************
I think i know a friend who gat a retirement visa without the 800k in the bank after ,,,, a few months later the immigration closed the office and they arrested all the people who gat visas without the all requirements for each type ,,, true story
Mark *************************
Agents dont do fake visas, they get it done thru the backdoor but once its on your passport, its as legal as any visa obtained straight from immigration.
Jane ***********
Where is the evidence for this? Ie - paying an agent to get a volunteer visa results in a lifetime ban? Seriously, do share your evidence.
Bobby ********
@Jane **********
. Visa fraud can result in life ban. Not just volunteer visas! Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
Where is the evidence for this?Bobby ********
@Jane **********
. Why do I need evidence? I'm not prosecuting a court case! I simply caution people as I've first hand experience of visa fraud. I was staying with my cousin in Chiang Mai when they came for him. He used one of these scum agents to avoid the 800k in the bank. Got away with it for two years. Then the agent got busted. But they don't charge the agent as the agent will hand over their records. 10.30 at night he got the knock on the door and asked to see his bank book. Game over. Arrest. Detention. Deportation. Life Ban. They didn't even let him pack up his condo. I had to do that and send his stuff on. He did say the worst experience was the detention centre. He coughed up the money very fast to get a flight out. He reckons when people describe these centres as "inhumane" they're understating. So not my opinion, and please don't get angry with me simply because I want to warn people. If you think I'm talking shit it's fine, just ignore me!Mark *************************
@Bobby *******
using an agent to obtain visa is legal in thailand. If the agency screws up or get caught, we are not liable to anything, at most we are victims. This story about your cousin is so made up it makes Harry Potter look like an episode of National Geography. No way in hell can the thai government charge anyone for being a victim. You use an agent, which is legal, to get your visa. You provide whatever the agent requires. How is that illegal? Moreover, in your original you mentioned 'fake visa'. Agents dont do fake visas, only fake agents do fake visas if that makes any sense.Bobby ********
@Mark ************************
. There are many comments from both angles in this forum. ******************************************************************
*****
89-legallity-of-visa-agents/Bobby ********
@Mark ************************
. If you are happy to believe that it's good for you! The situation with my cousin I witnessed first hand. The Thais don't recognise the "victim" card. They know when someone is bullshitting. I merely presented an actual event. My term "fake visa" describes an illegally obtained visa. The stamp in the passport is real enough (in most cases), only a few "agents" have been caught with bogus stamps. You are completely at liberty to ignore or disregard what I say. I can't understand why people get so worked up about something which in their mind they believe is equally "fake".Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
'I was staying with a cousin' (yeah right), 'busted', 'knock on the door' 'coughed'. I think you've watched too many 1980s British TV shows mate. I'm not angry. I just wish people like you would stop posting utter crap on the internet. And yes, you're right - I should ignore you and your 'advice' as should everyone else 😂Joe ***********
@Jane **********
- You are very naive... it happens... I have watched it happen to a friend in front of my eyes. Jane ***********
@Joe **********
I’m not naive. I know it’s not strictly ‘legit’ as with so many things in Thailand and life. I know that many people in Thailand are on very limited means and to them paying an agent 1000 bucks is huge if it doesn’t work out. Fortunately I’m not in that position myself. It’s a calculated risk I have taken, pure and simple.John *******
@Jane **********
Kool Breeze is another with advice he pulls off a news wire ...believable sources haha Bobby ********
@Jane **********
. You really are angry. Tell me one reason I'd make that up. What advantage is there? Ignore it, you pathetic moron. What has 1980s TV shows got to do with Thai immigration? Go take your medication. I'm going to try to warn people to be careful.Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
Give me one concrete eg of someone (apart from your 'cousin' LOL) who has been deported/locked up etc for using a visa agent?Bobby ********
@Jane **********
. A bit worried are you? How much did you pay for your "volunteer" visa? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣Jane ***********
@Bobby *******
Liar liar pants on fireBobby ********
@Jane **********
. Oh dear. Been drinking have you?Jane ***********
Besides your opinion
Reply to
Jane ***********
Reply
Gordon *********
@Bobby *******
agent don't give fake Visa's they Will be on the same computer as the ones that have to show *********
thousand in the bankReply to
Gordon *********
Reply
Napalak **********
70.000
Karl **********
ORIGINAL POSTERThanks for the info!
Bim *******
The whole point of the amnesty is to bleed people who are the most desperate.
Michael ********
Tick Tock guess price rises closer you get
Wojciech ***********
30k / 12 month some people wrote
Reply to
Wojciech ***********
Reply
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