@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.

@Tod ********

While I agree, Thai pass has been yet another disastrous fail implementation. I never left so I don't have any skin in the game, but having common sense regarding proper vs improper whining situation should be a thing that people who have been here for a long time like you and I should understand.

@Stuart ********

Well, its their responsibility to find a reputable agent. For example, if your agent is not sending you the 90 days report slip confirmation after doing the report for you, red flag. If the agent is giving you options that other agents cant do, red flag. If price is too cheap, red flag. If your agent dont have an office listed on google that you can easily visit, red flag.

The people who have had issue have been using bad agent. Good agent work with immigration officer, everyone get their cut, and the stamps and everything are real. Agent can also do your 90 days report for a small fee. Something can be illegal but legit. For example, black market of lotto ticket in Thailand is illegal, but if you win, you get paid fully. Its illegal but not enforced, just like the use of agent. So there is no gray area, its illegal, but not enforced, and the process is legit.

@Stuart ********

The people who have had issue have been using bad agent. Good agent work with immigration officer, everyone get their cut, and the stamps and everything are real. Agent can also do your 90 days report for a small fee. The only mistake you are making is confusing legality with legitimacy. Something can be illegal but legit. For example, black market of lotto ticket in Thailand is illegal, but if you win, you get paid fully. Its illegal but not enforced, just like the use of agent. So there is no gray area, its illegal, but not enforced, and the process is legit..

p.s:

@Ross *******

is not speaking from experience, hes fear mongering. He has zero clue what hes talking about.

@Santi *********

There is no chance that you have a warrant in your name given the story you just told us.