If you have used an agent for any extension in the past they will try to charge you 3.5k baht since this is "agent price" and you are in the system. If you haven't, it can simply be that the Krabi office is notorious for working with agencies and will try to take their tea money anyways.

If you are only leaving because you "have to" rather than "want to", then just use an agent to stay for now and get Elite Visa next year.

@Michael *******

Nobody is promoting agent in this comment section. We're simply trying to help OP figure out the email he got. If anything, you brought the story in a snarky way knowing fair well the sensational aspect of the article. A story that could easily be misinterpreted by people with very little experience. Also, you are old enough to not need an agent, so obv your snobbism toward agents and people who use them is understandable. Let me remind you that the group was created by Garrett. I've been here since Day 1. The reason why he created the group was because the bigger group was run by dictatorial admin with no care for freedom of speech. This group is a safe space for alternative solutions and discussions that don't get censored or closed comments. Promotions of agents have never been allowed, rightfully so. Nothing said here promotes such agent, as mentioned at the beginning of my post. The "if you don't like it here... blabla", is typical, but not impressive. There is no need for doubling down on the snarkiness. You are just an admin, nothing else, not above nor below anyone else.

@Michael *******

Your OP was not necessary. They are world-class and we both know how stupid this story was. Grace is the most honest Thai agent ive ever spoken to.

I don't know if this particular email is a scam or not, but Thai Visa Centre do contact people this way. So could be them or could be a scam copycat. The only way to know is to contact them on their official FB or Line and ask them directly. Having said that, Thai Visa Centre are very reputable and do deliver everything that they promise. They are probably the most legit visa agent in Thailand.

@Michael *******

The article title is factually incorrect. It was a Cannabis story in which terms like "Visa" were used as a PR stunt for the new chief in command (a reputation PR stunt). Thai Visa Centre never stopped operation (nor did anyone gets investigated for his stamps, it's fake news). The lady that got "busted" is still working for Thai Visa Centre. They are still delivering hundreds of Visa to foreigners every week. They have an office in Bangkok which I have visited before. My friend was waiting for his passport from them (volunteer visa) when the bust happened. Not only did he get his passport delivered a few days after the bust, but they gave him free 90 days report for the full year (it's usually 500 baht every 3 months). These are the facts. Whether or not you accept such facts is up to you.

it entirely depends on location and lifestyle. I don't think I ever spend more than 2k a month in Thailand and I've been living in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Isan. Usually closer to 1.5k USD. Rent and Food will determine a lot regarding that.

@Steve ******

Congratz you are part of the lucky one. But facts don't care about your anecdotal evidence which gave you a great feeling. I am happy for you.

Because of "saving face" mentality which is a big thing over here.

Thailand is not a first-world country therefore you should not expect a first-world level of logistics. Whining is reasonable here but just try to manage your expectations. Things that are super easy to deal with where I'm from (Canada) are much harder logistically here. Thailand is not as advanced in such areas. Some will say that I'm arrogant or wtv but no, I'm simply stating that not every country is competent equally. When I lived in Cambodia everything was logistically worse than Thailand, but I expected that because Cambodia is much poorer and a lot less advanced. But for every downside, you get an upside. For example, you get arrested without a permit, you pay 500 baht fine. For every annoying thing foreigners have to deal with there is a positive one that we get from being a foreigner. Visa is probably the #1 annoying thing, which I put the Pass in that category.