@Stuart ********

Yes, this is why in my post above I do mention that although the other group was "accurate by the law", it was not always helpful advice. Now that its run by the most legit agency in Thailand, a lot of people will be able to ask serious questions will less stress.

@Stuart *********

This group was created because the bigger group was complete garbage (run by dictatorial foreigners). I've been here since day 1 almost. Yes, they do provide accurate "by the book" info, but in Thailand, there are other alternatives and way of thinking about how to tackle certain situations that was shamed upon my mods and admin in the other group.

I got banned from the bigger group (Thai Visa Advice), years ago, because it was run by dictatorial foreigners. In fact, this group (And Everything Else) was created by someone who also got banned by the low life mods and admin from the bigger group. I didn't mind Tod, but he is a bit too "by the book", but other mods in the bigger group were complete garbage. I am very happy to see "Thai Visa Centre" buying the bigger group, they have been my agent for many years. One of the few legit agent in Thailand. I am not telling you guys that as a advertisement for them, but simply that the bigger group will finally have variety of thought and accurate information/alternative, which was seriously lacking. Just because the people there were able to "quote the law', doesn't mean that they were being "helpful" to people in difficult situations.

I see from the comments that a lot of angry old farang got bad experiences and now are playing smart, lol! Just because you made mistakes doesn't mean everyone will. Not every Thai woman you marry require you to pay her family, or to be rich, I'm proof of that, lol! You mostly hear only the bad experiences in such group, do not get discouraged. The low of the low foreigners are in these group whining all day that "life is tough" and that women are so difficult. They are failing for a reason, do not listen to them.

@Native ***************

A few years ago you didn't have to go to school while on Ed Visa, but things have changed. They (officers) are testing your Thai skill every 3 months so at any point if you don't improve you are in trouble.

@Sako ****************

You do not need 400k baht in bank if you use an agent. Everyone who use agent for Non-O does it due to not having the fund in bank. Like others have said, it's bribery, but it's not enforced since the 90s... so.

@Daniel ******

It's not "legal" but getting in trouble for using an agent is extremely rare. The best way to stay long term is to get married.

@Kool ******

You need to be legally married with the marriage certificate to get such extension. Yes, it's a practical thing to recall it marriage visa or marriage extension. Let's be real, all the visa names and extensions are overly complicated to understand, it's like me trying to explain the DSM-V to people with no Psychology background. It's a "jargon", so for us, simple humans, I prefer renaming it to something understandable which doesn't denature what it is practically.

Ofc I'm talking about an "extension of stay based on being married to a Thai national". This one-year extension is basically a "marriage visa", which can be extended every year forever.

@Stuart ********

Marriage visa is 1 year and does not require border bounce. And the borders are all closed anyway.