Couple of alternatives to paying an agent to do the whole process (which isn’t very difficult). 1. Get an O visa before leaving NZ then when you get here you won’t need an agent to open an account for you. Transfer funds then go to your local immigration office, they will give you a list of required docs for applying for your extension of stay. Get them together and go apply. 2. Alternatively arrive visa exempt, use an agent to open bank account, then you can start the process of applying for the O visa yourself. Does involve a bit more running around but will save you on cost of visa in NZ (since it went from $120 to $800 last March!). You’re going to be paying considerably more to use an agent for the entire process but it’s your choice.

My understanding is that you must apply for the DTV outside Thailand so an agent in Thailand isn’t going to be able to assist. But you lose nothing contacting them and asking if there is a solution. Good luck.

If you are planning an exit from Thailand by 9 May don’t need to do anything. Otherwise have stamp corrected.

@Jim *******

Hahaha…I don’t know what’s funnier, you’re story or that you told the world about it on FB🤣🤣.

I always understood that the name on the ticket should match your name in your passport.

@Anthony *****

Apart from opening a bank account if you don’t get the Non Imm visa before arriving why would you need an agent? It’s not exactly difficult to do the rest yourself.

@Jo ********

You’re probably looking at the Non Immigrant O Visa based on retirement. You can apply in NZ or within Thailand. You then apply for an extension of stay each year by continuing to meet the requirements. If you want a Non Imm OA visa you need to apply in NZ before coming to Thailand. The OA is valid for one year but requires mandatory health insurance, you can effectively get two years out of it provided you have insurance for the second year. The advantage is you don’t have to maintain funds in a Thai bank account, leave them at home getting better interest. There’s plenty of info available on the pros and cons of both. There’s also the new Destination Thailand Visa (DTV), check it out it might suit.

@Inigo ********

Or hanging out the washing, sweeping the floor or walking the dog. After all it’s all classed as ‘work’. 😂 Maybe those who keep reminding us can back it up with some factual data on how many have been apprehended for doing such ‘work’🤔

@Leigh ***********

What about washing the dishes? Seriously though that’s how ridiculous some of this sounds 😂

@Bob ******

radio station