Answered9 years ago
What should I be aware of when using a visa agent for my retirement extension in Thailand?
Just a "Be Careful". A good friend of mine just used for the second time his visa agent to renew his extension based on retirement. He just found out CW didn't accept the agent's '800k' part of the paperwork. He's now on 6 days overstay and off for a T. visa. Anyone else experienced this?
Answer summary
A user shares a cautionary tale about a friend who faced issues with a visa agent while renewing a retirement extension, resulting in an overstay. Several commenters discuss the pitfalls of using agents, the importance of meeting financial requirements personally, and the potential lack of acceptance by Chaengwattana for agent-based applications. The conversation highlights varied experiences with immigration agents and the complexities surrounding visa extensions in Thailand.
20 repliesnewest first
Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.
Tod *********
The way it usually works is paper-pushers will use Chaengwattana to get the 90 day Non-O visa (using the agents money), AND take the person out there to get his picture taken in section C-2 as well (the section you get a 90 day Non-Immigrant visas issued).
Then they keep the persons passport and send it to another immigration office to get the yearly extension and give the passport back to the person in a few days.
Then they keep the persons passport and send it to another immigration office to get the yearly extension and give the passport back to the person in a few days.
Joe ***********
Some using agents should study / examine using the Income Method instead of Cash in the Bank. They may find they don't need an agent
Jim *******
OPMark Barron. Maybe but then it would seem many without the financials use this avenue. I've another friend who has twice,and no problems. They seem an extremely expensive way to go.
Jim *******
OPI only know that his photo was taken at CW the first time. He's in Lao now hopefully getting a tourist visa so I'll ask him when he's back.
Amornrat **********
@Jim ******
let him check where the extension was issued. The Non O should or will be issued in CW, but extensions can vary from agent to agent. A reliable agent should know this...Jim *******
OPInteresting,as is the fact, that on his first experience he Was,taken out to the said CW for this service inclusive of having his photo taken there. One year and about 8 days ago.
Amornrat **********
@Jim ******
the passport holder.Amornrat **********
It is commonly known that CW does not do this service.
Jim *******
OP@Mark *******
. Incidentally, who is potentially in trouble if anyone is caught?Mark ********
I appreciate why people go this route (and there but by the grace of the great spaghetti monster etc.) but just pointing out that there are potentially quite serious consequences if they get caught out (and hence explains why the costs of going down this route are so high)
Mark ********
Your friend is lucky they weren't blacklisted and deported for fraudulent paperwork so could have been worse
Jim *******
OPCorrect Tod. However he did on the first occasion.
Tod *********
IF I was a betting man I'd bet the person who used the agent NEVER set foot out at C/W immigration office at all. :O They found out when the agent told them they couldn't do it. :/
Tod *********
Honestly, I haven't seen the bigger paper-pushers (agents) in Bangkok use CW for extensions based on retirement for a good while now.
In fact most of the stamps I see where people used them come from other provinces around Bangkok.
In fact most of the stamps I see where people used them come from other provinces around Bangkok.
Tod *********
The moral of this story is probably NOT to use agents to push paper for visa extensions :/ OR if you do use one, meet the financial requirements yourself. ;)
Jim *******
OPAs do I.
Jim *******
OPRobert A. Piccus. Agree,but,many are doing exactly the same, and as I said, his first time with the same company worked perfectly ok,so I guess one would logically think it would again for him,as has been the case for his buddy with a different agent but exactly the same needs and at the same time. Anyway, as I opened, I was only trying to give others a "Be Careful", which I thought may help some.
Jim *******
OPTod,true but guess for those that don't have the financial requirements there's not much other choice. On top of that,he paid
*****
k to them the first time and this time was *****
k.
Tero ************
Did your friend get his agent fee refund ?
Jim *******
OPAt present Tero I don't know.
Activity
6 joined6
people
Related
25What are the requirements for obtaining a Non-O Retirement Visa in Thailand, and can I withdraw funds after meeting those requirements?
4.2k38412mo
What visa should I apply for before moving to Thailand for retirement?
2k20134mo
What are the steps to transition from a 90-day Non O visa to a 1-year Retirement visa in Thailand without having 800k in the bank?
2.5k22208mo
How far in advance should I start the paperwork for my retirement visa renewal in Pattaya?
3.4k27329mo
What should I be aware of when renewing my retirement visa in Thailand?
3k18439mo
What are some Pattaya shops to renew my retirement visa and obtain an 800,000 baht statement?
1.9k1691y
Which visa should I choose: DTV or Retirement visa for staying in Thailand?
4.3k29541y
What are the costs and risks associated with using an agent for the Non-O visa extension in Thailand?
8k70761y
What documents do I need for renewing my retirement visa in Thailand if I meet the income requirements?
3k19391y
What are the options for obtaining a retirement visa in Thailand without the required funds?
10.4k891071y
What are the advantages of renewing my retirement visa compared to using visa exemptions in Thailand?
11.6k981282y
What are the considerations when applying for a retirement visa in Thailand through an agent in Pattaya?
1.1k662y
What should I do if my Non-O visa is expiring and I don’t meet the 800k requirement for a one-year extension?
3.6k27392y
What are the current requirements for renewing a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand?
2.7k18272y
When should I update my bank passbook for my non-O retirement visa extension application in Thailand?
1.6k862y
What should I do if my retirement visa renewal is pending due to not meeting the bank balance requirement?
7.1k51882y
Can I renew my retirement visa in Thailand immediately after 2 months of meeting the financial requirements?
1.5k10143y
How do I transfer my retirement visa to my new Australian passport in Thailand?
2k15155y
What are the banking requirements for a Non-O retirement extension in Thailand?
637155y
What are the current requirements for extending a Non Immigrant Visa O based on Retirement in Thailand?
2.4k21155y
Can I use a combination of bank funds and monthly transfers for my retirement visa extension in Thailand?
809446y
Do I need to show that I spend 50,000 THB a month for my retirement visa extension in Thailand?
2.8k23236y
What are the financial requirements for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?
43117y
What are the requirements for the retirement visa extension deadlines in Thailand?
1.9k1858y
How does the retirement visa work for expats in Thailand, including age requirements and financial criteria?
3.9k34258y
Resources
Need help with your retirement visa?
#1 visa agent · 4,000+ reviews · 100,000+ expats served