Hi there. I am a British national. From Langton Matravers, near Swanage in Dorset. I worked with the RAF & RNZAF in New Zealand where I retired. I have been coming to Thailand for the past 15 years and decided to live in Bangkok now. I will be 90 years in February and age is catching up on me very fast. My wife is from the Fiji Islands. We've been so attached to a little Thai girl (profile photo) since she was 2 years. She's now 9 last September. I have a big problem with the hope that I would get some good advice from you all. My wife was conned by an Indian man in Pratunam who was introduced to her in August. He has an office at the Palladium. He said he makes Retirement visa, so my wife was led to believe him. He offered my wife 29500 THB to arrange for my Retirement Visa and multiple entry. He promised to get everything done in 3 days without a problem. My wife paid the full amount on the 17th August, 22 days before my 90day visa expired. Three days turned into 5 days, 1 week, 1 month and last week, my wife went to report on the matter to the Phayathai Police Station with Thai/ English speaking friends. The man was instructed to return the 29500 THB and pay 20000 for the Over staying fine of 3 months. Before leaving the station, a police officer offered to help get me a 1 month visa for 3800 THB, 5000 THB so I don't get blacklisted and 19500 for a returning/multiple entry. All together 28300 THB. I was to receive my passport/visa without a problem in 3 days. It's now almost two weeks and I am due to leave for NZ on the 8th (next Friday). Now he says that he cannot get me a visa and will return my money and passport this Monday. I am now in a messed up state. I am devastated that I will have to part with my precious little Pontip. I am worried that I will not be able to return to Thailand as I now will be Black Listed. I would like to hear from you all if anyone has gone through the trouble of over staying but has a way of returning to Thailand? Do I go to the British Embassy for help?
Is there any solution? I would very much appreciate your responses. Thank you.
TLDR : Answer Summary
A British expat, nearing 90 years old, shared his experience of being scammed by a supposed visa agent in Bangkok who offered to process his retirement visa for a fee but failed to deliver. After reporting the incident to the police and facing the potential of being blacklisted for overstaying, he sought advice from the community on how to resolve the situation, avoid future issues, and if he should contact the British Embassy for assistance. Supportive comments offered various solutions, including leaving Thailand before exceeding the 90-day overstay limit and pursuing a legitimate visa application process.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
