@Michael *********

... yes...

Many agents charge different rates. If you are happy to use an agent, then great. If not, then also great. I like the ease and peace of mind.

@Rui ********************

... Easy way is to use a good agent. They did it for me. Made it easy for me and still make my life easy. Same as when I rented a condo. I used an agent. Proper signed contracts and get your deposit back. I know Thais who have had arguments with other Thais over deposits.

@Rui ********************

... Quite simple .. Apply to live in a country and don't break the laws of said country and you won't have a problem

I just keep my 800,000 in the bank and don't drop below it. The agent never asks for proof of it. But if they do it's there and been at the right level all the time.

@Kim ********

Some people choose to use an agent, and some prefer to do it themselves. That is all I am saying.

@Kim ********

.... Exactly, my opinion and my right to speak. It's an open discussion. That is why you are here as well. Isn't it? I don't really care if you thought it was a harsh comment. It's not really your place to be offended if the comment wasn't directed at you. My point is people come here to get answers to valid questions, and it's right for someone to try and respond in the best way they can. If people want to get a visa for themselves or get an agent to do it for them, then that is their choice and shouldn't be open to ridicule.

@Colin ********

... Everyone has a choice. You can choose to pay for a service and have them do it for you and then listen to all the negative comments on here. Or you can save your money. Do it yourself. Find out it's more of a problem than it's worth and get hit with negative comments about how you should have gone to an agent. The whole point is for someone to ask a question and receive comments on how they might want to proceed based on those valid comments. How I decide to proceed and you decide should not be open to ridicule but by constructive advice. That is why people are here. If you are here for ridicule them go somewhere else to try and enhance your basement keyboard warriors skills. You are not welcome.

Go to an agent. Wasting your precious time. They will sort out everything for you.

Get your 90 day Non O from the embassy in your home country. Turn up to Thailand and you have 90 days from when you land to sort everything out. Go to an agent and they will sort out a visa, bank account, driving licences and a TM30 which is just proof of residence. Can be a long stay hotel no problem until you get settled in. Then you can look for a condo. With all that in place you can then buy a motorcycle or car. If you are heading to Pattaya I highly recommend One Stop Visa in Soi 6. They just take complete care of everything and alleviate all your concerns.