I appreciate all the feedback and seeing how much this community can be supportive - and to know I am not alone with a bad back! 😄🙏

@Ken **********

thanks. I received the permit in email today. It just took a lot longer than expected.

@Brandon ***********

no, I understand, thanks. I am working with an agent for my retirement visa and it has been working fine and completely legit and any 'bribes' are used to speed the process and skip the long waits. No need for paying someone to forge my financial state. I was just curious how these other agents manage to do what I have heard from you an others. With these other agents, I always hear you are 'stuck' with them for any renewals because of what they have done, so I guess they are advised against in a number of ways. Thanks

@Brandon ***********

oh, so they don't actually put money in your bank - why do that if they are simply bribing officers..thanks

@Brandon ***********

so you give them control over the account? Theres is no other way to transfer "out" unless the account owner sends it back. The account is not going to show the balance unless the funds are actually there. And I assume this doesn't work for the extension which requires showing the balance every month - or are these agents transferring money in and out of clients account every month? It seems strange and not really possible - on top of illegal. Thanks

@Brandon ***********

- to a local thai bank account or an international transfer? My experience is a transfer can take a few days to show up in an account and that is only after the funds arrive - and you can send money to anyone's routing and account but absolutely not withdraw from it - so I still don't really get how they can do that - and also that it's a legal risk

@Colin ********

I have see comments saying this a number of times - that an agent can supply the 800k requirement. The requirement is show bank statements in your name (your address, etc). Are you saying that the agent will actually transfer 800k to your personal bank account? And the only thing you give is 15k or so? How does that work? Does the agent simply trust you to send the money back to them? Or are they forging documents for you? The 800k is required by Thai government - I presume to ensure you are financially stable and won't end up a deadbeat or living the street. Bypassing the requirement through faking it seems like it would illegal and a risk for the agent and for the client.

There are agents that ask you to provide the bank proof - and they streamline the process for you turning weeks into days - but is a agent that fakes the requirements for you a legitimate agent? Thanks

@Jade ******

I am bringing my 13 year old cat with me - I am moving with a retirement visa. I spent months trying to find a solution where he might be happier in an environment in the US without me, but it came down to no option other than a shelter which I think we agree is no option at all. A lot of emotion and tears come with the process and it's a shame when others are not empathetic to what someone may go through before deciding to do such a dramatic move for a pet. Let's keep our fingers crossed everything goes well. BTW, I commented before about long wait for the import permit from suvarnabhumi, but to note it arrived in email this morning! Follow the process and be patient and it all comes together I guess. Good luck with the little one!

@Peter *********

thanks! I just saw another link posted with instructions for arriving without the permit acquired in advance. It appears it can be done both ways. If I don't get the permit in email it is good to know this is an option.

I have a flight with Delta / Korean booked through for pet in cabin. The biggest problem so far has been the import permit application that you have to submit docs through email to the AQS office at the airport. I sent it 2 weeks ago and got a reply the docs are in review. I have emailed twice for status but receive no replies. Have you done that step? Anyone else with experience of that step?