@Bobby *******

because THEY CAN AFFORD IT.

@Marc *******

well it does to me. Less than $100 a month for a leave to stay for a year? Hell yeah. That’s the issue. Some people posting think that’s an outrageous amount of money, others (inc me) often spend that for a 3 night stay in a hotel

@Bobby *******

they are not necessarily ‘bogus extensions’ by ‘bribes’. I really suggest you research what you’re talking about prior to posting ( preferably by talking to immigration officials as I have rather than other ‘expats’ with a lot of time on their hands). No one is disputing there are ‘rogue’ agents out there but there is nothing that prevents you, for eg, applying for a visa in district where you don’t permanently live. It’s NOT hard to get out of ‘agent cycle’. If you choose to apply for, for eg, a retirement visa in your home country after using an agent, there is zero problem as long as you fulfil the requirements (like anyone else). Stop spreading misinformation

@Tod ********

I don't need your prayers. I'm very happy with (and confident about) the decision I've made and I also to live with the consequences. I find your attitude patronising ('until you leave the glorious "Land 'O Thailz'.) I've travelled to, and lived in, over 70 countries, so I (I'm guessing) I have a lot more 'world experience' than you. I don't have a 'a paper pusher', I have a legit agency, and I've even spoken to immigration about it/them. I don't like the way you bully and 'scare monger' about this, and wonder what your motives are beyond 'I don't anyone to be take for a ride'. Happy to leave it at that.

@Jon ********

totally it will

Phil Jones totally

@Tod ********

but Tod, many of us DON’T WANT TO spend ages sorting tedious paperwork and then spend hours in immigration offices. Here’s why - because of the hassle and time involved. I have a cleaner for the same reason - yes I could clean my house myself but I don’t want to, and I also earn more in the time that’s being done than I pay someone to do it.

@Tod ********

Tod, bless you. I love the way you hold out for the 'don't use an agent thing' and the way you talk about it as being so 'under the table'. But many agents are regularly visited and checked by immigration. I know several people who have got a retirement visa through an agent and then, subsequently, applied and got an extension, or indeed new visa some time later, in their own country. Of course, people should be aware of what their doing but, as

@Steve *******

says, many of us are (frankly) glad to pay a small amount to take the hassle of paperwork away.

Being vaccinated may help lessen severity of symptoms if you contract COVID. It doesn’t prevent you being infected or spreading it to others, especially if you’re asymptotic due to having been vaccinated

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