Answered3 years ago
Why do people choose to use agents for visa applications in Thailand despite the ease of online processing?
Why are people using agents for visa applications? What advantage is it when so easy todo online
Answer summary
Many expats in Thailand opt to use agents for their visa applications despite the availability of online processing. Key reasons include the complexity of the application process, concerns over mistakes that could lead to rejections, and a preference for convenience during time-sensitive situations. Some users expressed that while they initially found the online system easy, others had faced challenges, leading them to rely on agents. Trust in the agents’ ability to handle applications correctly is a significant factor, particularly when sensitive information is involved. The cost of using an agent is also weighed against the potential hassle and risk of application errors.
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Martin *********
Can you do mine
Dzung ***********
@Martin ********
You need Evisa, mate?
Mark **********
OP@Martin ********
nothing I can do that u cant buddy, just an on line form to fill out, did my partners last week for the UK, did it on my phone in bed in about an hour... give it a goMartin *********
@Mark *********
i need to
Jordi ********
One visa is not the other...So there is no general 'visa application'. Me and the wife did my non-o our self. One, because we don't want to support the agent system and two, because when you do have to start doing it yourself (change of rules or whatever), they actually know your face and you know it has been done right before (which is sometimes a bit shady with agent). But honestly, there where multiple times that steam was coming out of my ears, blood from the eyes and so on. Yes, you probably live longer using an agent.
Leigh *****
Thai evisa isnt exactly easy to use,😁😁
Mark **********
OP@Leigh ****
first time was a little stressful but think alot of us over think things. Now I find it very easyLeigh *****
@Mark *********
yes was easier for me this year appyling for a metv,but if you not know computers very well iits hardMark **********
OP@Leigh ****
yes, during the lock down and having to jump through hoops to enter Thailand gave me the education to tackle the evisa :)
James *********
I think for the same reasons some folks have a mechanic do their car maintenance, use a laundry service, a taxi, maid, chef, etc... Do you buy your bread from a baker, at a market, or do you make it at home? How about the ingredients for that bread, do you grow the wheat, collect the water from a natural source, develop the yeast, build the fire to cook it. The list of things we all choose to pay someone else to do for us is enormous , and paying someone else to do those things allows us to do other things that we enjoy. I'd much rather sit in a comfortable chair and enjoy watching a beautiful sunset than having to pluck and gut a chicken every night to feed myself...
Mark **********
OP@James ********
if filling out an on line application involved any of those things u mentioned then yes I too would use an agentJames *********
@Mark *********
Do you buy your clothing, or make them yourself?Mark **********
OP@James ********
the simple question seems to have triggered you more lolJames *********
@Mark *********
It's the same exact concept Mark. The fact that some folks do some things different than you seems to disturb you a bit much. To each their own. Cheers! 😄😎Mark **********
OP@James ********
your comparisons dont compare to filling out an on line form though do they, think your taking it a bit to the extreme dont you, but if I had a cotton field and all the other necessary equipment needed to make cloths yes then I would make my own clothes, but I dont, however I do have a phone which was all the necessary equipment I needed for all my visa applications so far
Oliver ********
Agents in Thailand are pretty cheap - often worth paying for help rather than wasting time figuring out how it works.
Mark **********
OP@Oliver *******
not sure *****
bht + is cheap for couple of hours work
Bashir *******
@Mark *********
it's not always a couple hours of workMark **********
OP@Bashir ******
to be fair Im not taking actual costs to the embassy into account there so appreciate they dont earn the full figureMark **********
OP@Bashir ******
yes not always, took only an hour to do myself but already had the paperwork translated to English so can take longer if u need to get translations done
Robert ********
Once you’ve been made to do the farang monkey dance by immigration enough times an agent seems more civilised.
Dzung ***********
Agent takes a humble fee 300 k Vnd equal $13 very cheap and everything is correct, legal and safe, mate. We do exactly and everyone feels happy. Someone wants to do by themselves, we are willing to help free.
Mark **********
OP@Dzung **********
300k equals $13 ?
Mark **********
OP@Marianne *******
yes did not know what he meant by Vnd and thought he was referring to thai bhtMarianne ********
@Mark *********
because the person you answered mentioned their reasoning, in their own currency and USD.Mark **********
OP@Marianne *******
not sure what that has to do with cost of agents in ThailandBashir *******
Depends on the situation. Some situations are complicated, people are on a time crunch, or there's alot at stake and they know that immigration will sometimes deliberately find ways to nitpick and make people give up so they get an agent to facilitate the process.
Paul ********
Why do people pay someone to clean house? Cook food? Repair motorbike?
Everyone is different. Why are you worrying about what other people do? Take care yourself.
Everyone is different. Why are you worrying about what other people do? Take care yourself.
Mark **********
OP@Paul *******
not worrying about anything, was simply asking what advantages there were in using an agent, had some good answers... yours not being one of them. ;)Paul ********
Dzung ***********
@Paul *******
Exactly, mate. Everyone has his own job for a living!
Dennis ***********
Is there any way to meet up with any of the moderators to get assistance with documents and help with the application from A-Z to ensure that we have everything in order.It would be a great assistance.JM thoughts.
จอนห์ *******
@Dennis **********
send this group a message. 'Thai Visa Centre' are the moderators. Or call into their office to meet in person.Dennis ***********
@จอนห์ ******
Can you give me location.Thankyouจอนห์ *******
Send a message to this group. It is Thai Visa Centres Facebook group page. They'll provide you with their address.
Nigel *********
@Dennis **********
would you pay for their time?Dennis ***********
@Nigel ********
of course.Gianpaolo ******
The online procedure is not exactly simple! As long as you accidentally add a point or a space, you're screwed! I live in Italy, precisely in Naples, the Thai consulate was in a beautiful area and close to one of the best pizzerias in the world! It was a joy to go and also I had my multi-entry tourist visa in just 2 minutes! Too bad they closed it
Lyb ******
@Gianpaolo *****
I just did the procedure. The system filled in the details automatically as I entered the picture of my passport. Name, first and middle name. At the end, I had to acknowledge that all data were correct. I saw that the evisa application switched my names in another order. I noticed that and sent screenshots to the ambassy. After no response for a couple of days, I decided to file for my visa. After 2 more days, I received an request to send some Pdf files from bank account etc. Immediately after that, I got another mail that said that my application was denied, no reason whatsoever given. I asked for clarification and the response was that I entered wrong names (which I did not) and that I did not had to complain to them as it was me that did this awful crime. Luckily, I had a screenshot of my application and passport to prove that. So they assumed that I made a mistake, and rejected the application.On the evisa website, my application was marked blue with a blue dot as being rejected but in the remarks it showed a purple dot 'pending'🤷♂️. I can understand why people go to agents 😉
Mark **********
OP@Lyb *****
i have had the exact thing happen on all my applications where it puts my middle name as my first name, I too emaild them but had a reply and it simply stated that this was normal. Never have I had a rejection though.Mark **********
OP@Lyb *****
yes hopefully you get it accepted soonLyb ******
@Mark *********
good for you Mark. I think they are reconsidering their rejection. But I also think 2 different people are working on my 'case' as I am getting requests for the same info twice. To be continued 🤷♂️Gianpaolo ******
@Lyb *****
I agree with you! I have read several posts on different groups regarding evisa denials! something that I had never read with the old procedureMark **********
OP@Gianpaolo *****
also seen a few refusal letters letters now and none mention the reasons u mention. Normally todo with income and available funds and no real reason to returnMark **********
OP@Gianpaolo *****
i genuinely found it simple, just need to take time out to check everything thoroughly before submitting applicationGianpaolo ******
@Mark *********
I would never turn to an agent but there are people who are no longer young and are not familiar with computers! Honestly, I understand them turning to an agentGianpaolo ******
@Mark *********
i confirm , I was much happier going to the consulate in person! Look how wonderfulMark **********
OP@Gianpaolo *****
yes fully understand that as i was same initially and the whole process fogged my brain at first. Now having done a few i find it very simple
Rob **********
Because a lot of people who use agents don’t actually meet the criteria for their extensions, and some people who meet the criteria just couldn’t be bothered to do it themselves.
VaiAna **********
Each to their own
Jamie *************
Simple answer....I just don't want to do it myself. Pay for conveniences. Same reason I eat at restaurants. I can do it myself, but I'd rather not that day.
Brown ********
@Jamie ************
and it comes down to if you're loaded enough. If I had a couple million dollars like some expats do be paying to have someone else to do it for sure
Roberto *********
@Jamie ************
The money I save NOT using an agent will pay for a dozen restaurant meals!Jamie *************
@Roberto ********
I'm fortunate enough not to have to care about that.Roberto *********
@Jamie ************
And I'm in an even better position!Mark **********
OP@Jamie ************
to be honest i found it more hassle going through an agent than I found doing it for myself on line in bed with my phoneJamie *************
@Mark *********
I haven't had any issues with my agent. But I've been using her for a long timeMark **********
OP@Jamie ************
fully understand as I was same at first but really is simple if u have the nesaccery paperwork. Took me about an hour to do partners for visa to the UK, and then a trip to Bangkok for bio metrics, takes me a little less time to do my own from UK and never had a problem... Jury still out on partners application but should get an answer in about a weeks time, was told 14 days a week agoJamie *************
@Mark *********
nope, I looked at it once, and said "nah" haha.Mark **********
OP@Jamie ************
have u tried doing it yourself before?
Dave *********
I don't mind spending a day a year applying for a visa extension/myself, but is it possible to get an agent to do the weekly shop?
Dianne *****
@Dave ********
I have never spent more than 2 hours doing my yearly extention. Those saying that it takes many hours and lots of queuing can't be for realDave *********
@Dianne ****
I have. The round trip to immigration is 3 hours alone.
Kim *********
@Dianne ****
depends on where you go - what time you go - and what day you go - the day after a holiday is usually a bad ideaMark **********
OP@Dave ********
sure they will do anything for the right amount of gold
Lincoln *******
Some people still use agents to book flights when that is even easier to do online...
Stuart ***********
@Lincoln ******
that does not cost 25-35,000 Baht though.
Euan ********
@Stuart **********
do you know what your Thai account interest rate is?In the UK I could put the funds in a bond or ISA and the interest more than covers annual agency fees.
Stuart ***********
@Euan *******
I think you are answering someone else's post, I didn't say it was a sound financial investment. Everybody could probably do illegal things to earn money. I prefer to stay within the rules and in the scheme of things 800,000 is not a lot to lose a bit of interest on, but each to their own.
Lincoln *******
@Stuart **********
true, but still costs more than booking direct.Stuart ***********
@Hubert ******
yes the bank account is definitely the difficult part. Once you have that everything else is straightforward. I went to several banks before finally getting Bangkok bank to open my account. Good luck.
Hubert *******
@Stuart **********
I do have enough funds for retirement visa and over 50. However failed to figure out one straight way to open a Thai bank account and convert to the first 90 day non-o immigration visa with a 60 day tourists visa, even plus extension of 30 days. Therefore I have no choice but using agent to get through this nonsense hassle invented by red tape after stepping my feet on Thai-land.Stuart ***********
@Lincoln ******
I think you are absolutely correct, but the process is fairly easy once you have opened a bank account here, it's just a case of providing the documents that are required and filling in a simple form.Lincoln *******
@Stuart **********
agree many use agents when they can't get a visa legitimately. I'm sure some use agents for visas just because they think it is too complicated too though (TIT afterall)And yes some use travel agents to keep things stress free (my own parents still do unless i book for them)
Stuart ***********
@Lincoln ******
I am not saying I use an agent to book flights (I don't), but it's not that much more expensive and some people are nervous booking flights (which is your point). Using an agent for a visa is expensive and unnecessary, unless you want to break Thailand's rules IMO.
Henry *********
I've always assumed it's because they don't have the 800,000 for a Retirement Extension, so use an agent to sort it.
Ang *****
@Henry ********
…or have the funds but not the Thai bank account to get the process started.Mark **********
OP@Henry ********
yes can see the advantage there and know a few on retirement visas that dont actually have the nesaccery funds
Andi ***********
@Henry ********
Many do have the 800k but don't want to leave it in a Thai bank earning scant interest.
Brian ********
I applied for an Elite Visa last month to get in under the window. Time was closing in, so I couldn't afford it to be rejected because I made a stupid mistake. That said, my other option was a retirement visa, and I was planning to use an agent for the same reason. I'll use one to start a bank account and to get my license, again for the same reason.
Mark ******
@Brian *******
hi, why pay for an Elite if you can qualify being over 50 & have the funds. Surely the 1900 baht a year is a better option if you qualify?
Dan ********
@Mark *****
because he's caked.Brian ********
@Mark *****
they are changing visa requirements regularly these days. Who knows what will happen with the retirement visa in a few years? Remember, you have to renew it every year. With a 20 year Elite, I'm set for a good long time.Brian ********
@Dianne ****
nothing since or nothing yet? And yes, it may not change, but over 20 years I'm betting it does. If I lose that bet, no big deal. I have the money and it is worth the piece of mind.Dianne *****
@Brian *******
bar stool experts will tell you that visa requirements are changing all the time. When this just isn't the case. Yes, there was a change to income verification methods for "retirement" visas in 2018, and the addition of medical insurance for Non OA visas but nothing since, and nothing for more than a decade before that!Not sure where this notion of visa requirements changing all the time. Perhaps some people enjoy scare mongering or speculating without facts.
Brian ********
@Mark *****
thanks. It shouldn't be a problem.Mark ******
@Brian *******
ahh okay, yes I see. It's alot of cash but gives you long term peace of mind and if you got it then why not! hope it goes through okay 👍
Brian *********
I think you essentially answered your own question.
Admittedly some details are a bit of effort or a little difficult to understand. Example my very first visa application was rejected because my name on the application did not appear the same as my passport. Granted, it did not state ‘as it appears on your passport’ but none the less was a gotcha.
I see two sides.
If a person has the resources and eliminate the headache, why not pay someone to do the legwork.
The second side is trust. Is the agent honest, does things legally? You will provide your sensitive information to a third party, make sure they’re legit.
Admittedly some details are a bit of effort or a little difficult to understand. Example my very first visa application was rejected because my name on the application did not appear the same as my passport. Granted, it did not state ‘as it appears on your passport’ but none the less was a gotcha.
I see two sides.
If a person has the resources and eliminate the headache, why not pay someone to do the legwork.
The second side is trust. Is the agent honest, does things legally? You will provide your sensitive information to a third party, make sure they’re legit.
Mark **********
OPI was one of those using an agent as for some reason thought it was too much hassle to do myself. Now do my own and just done my partners. The process very simple on line. As for agents saying guaranteed acceptance, well thats just nonsense and no way can they guarantee it...as I found out at a cost of
*****
bht lol
THAI ******************************
@Mark *********
When we talk about guaranteeing acceptance, what we mean is that we thoroughly vet each case before any fees come into play. Also our fees are always collected as a fully refundable deposit with a contract in place which would entitle the customer to a full refund if we fail to render the requested service. This is to offer our clients an additional layer of assurance.
There are many reasons someone might choose third-party help, but if you're equipped and willing to go it alone, that's a great option 😊
Katie **********
@Thai *****************************
I can't recommend your services enough, Grace is a star! She had endless juggling with my new passport and visa and solved everything with ease!Mark **********
OP@Thai *****************************
the agent we used, wont mention them by name, refused to pay back money, just said next application will be free, they then told us there was a 3 month wait for Bangkok appointment. Did application ourselves and got a Bangkok appointment for the following week so guess we chose a dodgy Agency
Martin *********
Mark **********
OP@Martin ********
ok, not sure which businesses its relevant for so just rather not rock that boatMartin *********
@Mark *********
for restaurants and Hotels but as Agents are used for ‘ foreigners’ that won’t be relevant.Mark **********
OP@Martin ********
because of the laws here on bad reviewsMartin *********
@Mark *********
why won’t you mention by name ? .. that may help others in the future surely ?THAI ******************************
@Mark *********
We're genuinely sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience with a previous agency. Regrettably, stories like yours are all too common, and often we find that we're not the first agency someone has turned to. It's precisely situations like these that drive us to maintain a transparent and thorough process.Activity
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