Stephenie Le Soux. You're talking to the wrong person. I have no time for any visa agent. Sadly I've witnessed the result of a visa agent "service" gone wrong, and it wasn't pretty. I've been in Thailand for 12 years and never needed an agent, and I don't intend to change that status quo. I like to stay legal as I want to remain in Thailand
When I had mine done in Australia some years ago, the friggin consulate in Sydney actually verified with my doctor the authenticity. I really couldn't believe they would go to the trouble for what is essentially bullshit. BUT... we all know it......this is Thailand.
Agree with Michael Dawson. Get married and get the non-O (married to a Thai) visa which is cheaper to maintain than any retirement visa, even if the bureaucratic extension process is wearying it does pay dividends. As Michael has said it's the only longstay visa which allows you to get a work permit. Unlike normal "work" visas (B) the married visa is not directly tied to the work permit. In other words you can stop and start work whenever you want. Keep in mind however, that your wife will have you by the short and curlies forever after, so don't upset her! 😆