Okay, my mistake. The original post does say that you "don't need money." I overlooked that. You DO need money to keep it above board. My bad.

@Giovanni ***************

if you walk into an agent and you already have the equivalent of 800,000 Thai Baht in your home country's bank account, then there is nothing illegal about paying that agent to assist you with opening a Thai bank account. You then wire transfer 800K Baht to your Thai bank account & have the agent help you get your first non-O visa and 12 month extension of stay. Please tell me what you believe is illegal about this scenario?

@Jeff ************

you're welcome & BTW, the new Thai Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) is supposed to come online May 1st. If you are planning on coming after May 1st, that's something you'll also need to be aware of. Recommend you go to YouTube & watch Tim Newton Today (TNT.) He does English language news in Thailand out of Phuket. He just did a good overview of the new TDAC system maybe 4 or 5 days ago. Also, search for Jett Gunther's channel. He did a video with a tax firm out of Bangkok, maybe 3 days ago. It was very informative.

@Jeff ************

no, it's legal. Many people choose to use an agent when they first move here because the agent speaks the language, has contacts in the banking & immigration systems and knows exactly what you need to do. They will hold your hand so to speak and walk you through the entire process.

You look like you may be 50 years or older. If you are 50+ the you could apply for a non-O visa + a 12 month extension of stay. This would give you 15 months in TL and you don't need to leave the country every 180 days. Then you just renew the extension of stay every 12 months. Do you need the DTV? The retirement visa is typically very easy to get.

Are you asking for an agent recommendation in Thailand? If yes, then you are going to need to tell us what part of TL (e.g. BKK, Pattaya, Phuket, etc) so people can recommend a agent in your area. If you are in TL, the cheapest way to get a visa is to do it yourself at any immigration office. It's a bit complicated the first time you do it on your own but if you are patient, you'll save a whole lot of money vs using an agent. It'll only cost you a couple thousand Baht if YOU do it at immigration.

@Ross ******

BTW, have you researched & understand how the recent changes in Thai income tax rules may or may not impact you living in TL? It's something I'd recommend you look into if you haven't already.

@Bob *********

I don't understand your concern. Yes, it will cost him the first time but IMO if you don't know how to do it, it's best to hire someone who does. Also who is "they" in your comment? Also, you have choices with most agents. Either you can pay the agent extra to deposit 800K in your stead or once the account is open in your name, you wire transfer the 800K from your bank in your country.

@Ross ******

I flew into TL on a visa exemption in 2017 and then I did exactly what I described to you above. I don't know where you will be living but I was living in Pattaya in 2017. That said & addressing BrandonThurkettle's concerns, I used Key Visa in South Pattaya & they were fantastic. I also see many people rave about TikTok visa & Motts Visa, although I've never used either of those companies. Recommend you search the group for "visa agents" & you are bound to find some positive testimonials.

IMHO, the easiest way to get your retirement visa (the first time) is fly in to TL, visa exempt. Once you're here pay an agent to open your Thai bank account & do your visa paperwork & legwork. Transfer in 800K and you'll be able to stay for 15 months (3 months for the first O visa & 12 months for the extension of stay.) During your 1st 15 months you can educate yourself about how to do your next extension of stay without paying an agent.