Answered2 years ago
Why do agents charge more than 50,000 baht for DTV applications when the official visa cost is much lower?
Applying for DTV, and seeing some agents charges more then 50,000 baht when the embassy official rate is 400 USD. Why is the service charges so w expensive ?
Answer summary
The high service charges for DTV visa applications, which can exceed 50,000 baht while the official embassy rate is approximately 400 USD, are attributed to a variety of factors. Many expats point out that agents often target individuals who are less informed about the process or who do not meet financial requirements. Additionally, it's noted that much of the work can be done independently, thus reducing the need for expensive agency services. Some users shared experiences of successfully navigating the application alone, while others mentioned that agents may create financial accounts to meet requirements, adding to the complexity and cost. Ultimately, many commenters advise to either apply independently or find a well-recommended agent if time is a constraint.
22 repliesnewest first
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Warren *********
Pretty sure Baan Thai Immigration Solutions Co Ltd is more reasonable and they’re trustworthy too
Terin ********
If anyone needs help I can try to help you!
BarSo******
I used an agent purely to help me because I was travelling and didn’t have much time. My agent was fantastic and very communicative. It didn’t cost me as much as quoted in this post.
If you don’t have the time, do it yourself. If you don’t have much time then choose a good agent with references.
If you don’t have the time, do it yourself. If you don’t have much time then choose a good agent with references.
Paul *******
@BarSo******
Out of curiosity, I asked one agent to give me a quote, who was charging 27,000 Baht to help with an application done in Vientiane. 30,000 Baht if you needed their lodging and driving service while there. I felt that was already quite expensive. This soon ballooned to 50,000, then 100,000 Baht. Crazy amount of money.
Andi ***********
@Paul ******
30K inc lodging and taxi service is real cheap.. is that lodging in a tent? 100k inc the 500k statements ?Paul *******
@Andi **********
No, presumably one of the many 2 or 3 star hotels in Vientiane. This was back in August/early September when I asked. 100K including statements, probably yes.
BarSo******
@Paul ******
I was charged a flat fee for everything.
Henrik *****
Because you are not supposed to use an agent.
Since you have to apply outside of Thailand and have to be in the country of the Embassy, and must not return to Thailand until the visa is granted /rejected, so not much a agent can do.
Do not look for loopholes, but make sure you fullfill the requirements.
Since you have to apply outside of Thailand and have to be in the country of the Embassy, and must not return to Thailand until the visa is granted /rejected, so not much a agent can do.
Do not look for loopholes, but make sure you fullfill the requirements.
Jim ********
Welcome to the LOS - Land Of Scams. Need I say more?
Alain ***********
They charge so much for a very simple reason : there are suckers out there falling for their scammy “advice”.

DTV is an unmitigated disaster for those agencies who see the regular customers dwindle as they move to that DIY cheap visa and extensions.
 Far too many agencies are chasing a dwindling number of potential customers. Time for a huge cleanup.

DTV is an unmitigated disaster for those agencies who see the regular customers dwindle as they move to that DIY cheap visa and extensions.
 Far too many agencies are chasing a dwindling number of potential customers. Time for a huge cleanup.
Rob *********
I know people who paid more than 100.000 THB, with flights included etc etc.... Try to avoid this kind of "agencies"
Kevin ********
I’m not sure why people would use an agent. Not meeting the financial requirements is not something they can help with really, as you have to have the money for X months in an account in YOUR name.
Greg ********
@Kevin *******
As Andi says they get around it. Same way agents get around the money for retirement visas. They work with people.Andi ***********
@Greg *******
Do you think the retirement visa agents are cutting their price due to the move to DTV?Greg ********
@Andi **********
Not seen it. I only know Pattaya and there is a lot of competition here. Not seen many in Pattaya offering DTV though. Prices in Pattaya for retirement seem to be around 25k first time and they provide the money. 14 renewal with money provided. 7k if you have the money and just want to hand it over for convenience. Some shop around but it might be 1000 or 2000 either way.From what I have seen retirees do not seem to be jumping as much to DTV as they are in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.Andi ***********
@Kevin *******
The agents "create" an account for the 500k. Many embassies do not require it to be in your account for a certain period and that is where the agents use. There are many who do not have the 500k or even the funds to pay for a 6 month Muay Thai course. The agent will sort that out for a large fee.
Wesley ********
Because you don’t need an agent so the agents know if someone is trying to use an agent they are a sucker and easy to get money out of
Anonymous ******************
Agents are for dumb people who not got a clue 😂 it cost 10,000 I was asked for 65,000 by an agency but did it myself thanks to this group
Phonemyat *******
If u have all docs with u, why u apply through agent? Simple have docs apply urself just find similar case here.
Aaron *****
It’s mainly for people who don’t meet the financial requirements. When I first researched it I was told 95k and then just joined this group and did it myself
Steve *******
Because they are done people who don't have everything that is required to apply yourself. But using an agent also means that they own your visa, so every time you want to do an extension or if you ha e issues with immigration, they will ask for a huge fee.
Do it yourself or ask someone in the group to help instead.
Do it yourself or ask someone in the group to help instead.
Sean *******
That's probably for people who don't meet the financial requirements. Do it yourself it's not hard.
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