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What should expats know about the visa extension scam in Phuket?

Visa Extension Phuket Immigration Visa Agents Scams Thailand Visa Rules Expat Advice Immigration Issues

Jun 28, 2022

2 years ago

Michael ********

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TLDR : Answer Summary

The Phuket Immigration has reported issues regarding a visa extension scam, emphasizing that many expats are unaware of improper visa agency practices. Some comments express frustration over the reliance on agents for visa processes, suggesting that residents can handle simple visa matters on their own with adequate research.

Brett **********

It really amazes me that so many people choose to use "agents " for simple visa things. Although many Thai websites can be a bit confusing, with just a few minutes googling and a couple of questions on forums like this you can normally do everything cheaply and legitimately. I can possibly understand the need for one if you're trying to sort a business visa and they are actually qualified lawyers who specialise in it but so many people seem to think even the simplest visa issue needs the assistance of an agent and while so many of those people exist people will be happy to charge them for it. Never hand your passport to a stranger

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Siddhartha *********

Phil Jones so can you personally recommend or vouch for some one?

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Siddhartha *********

@Brett *********

can you recommend - for setting up legit company and accounting plus immigration works? Not the ones quoting 3X prices ? Thanks 👍

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Siddhartha *********

Great will check 👍

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Siddhartha ********

used a good one in Phuket many years ago that was cheap and good (but forgot name) but for Bangkok thats the only one i know thats been recomended by someone i trust

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Michael ********

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Brett **********

@Siddhartha ********

I can't but Michael Dawson normally gives solid advice so his recommendation should be good

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

@Siddhartha ********

siam legal

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Michael ********

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Kool *******

@Brett *********

the problems arise when the person can not meet the visa requirements so uses an agent to provide what is needed, for a price. Some are ligitimate, and some aren't.

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Brett **********

yes, and if you don't meet the requirements you should hopefully be aware of the risks you're taking. I'm talking more about the ones who completely qualify but think it's all too complicated and use an agent unnecessarily,.of which there are many

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Brett **********

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Alex *******

the nameless visa agency.

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

i can ask the lady in the article Kim she is a friend of mine

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Deanna *******

@Michael *******

I would be interested to know. I can warn others about the situation

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

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Deanna *******

@Michael *******

Thanks! Never heard of them, but will have them on my radar for other unsuspecting souls!

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Michael ********

ORIGINAL POSTER

Its not hard in Phuket so many horror stories quite a few previously posted here avoid ALL visa agents in Phuket.

I will get the name may send by message to avoid any stuff

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Michael ********

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Garrett ***********

"They weren't aware the police didn't make a police report but only wrote down the complaint in the daily log."

Ah, so that's how they cover stuff up.

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Garrett ***********

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