@Ant **********

there are three of us travelling late September, between us we contacted over 9 different agents. Out of all these agents only two replied giving very detailed advice on what we could do . I won’t list all the agents but the replies we got from them were basic , no we cannot do anything for you , others said we should get non o visa and open bank account as they cannot do this anymore . These enquiries were made late July up until first week in august , I am not throwing shade on any agent as I believe things are really difficult for them at the moment. The two who replied with full details on what we should do with costings for their services were TVS visa service in Pattaya (Jay) the other was Thai visa centre based in bangkok ( Grace ) both these people replied to emails promptly . We were very impressed by detail and level of advice given by both . It seemed like these agents had dedicated people dealing with enquiries, some agents just replied with a one line to contact them on Line , despite us clearly saying we are in uk . Anyway I don’t want to ping pong replies and I was in no way downing any particular agent but it would be remiss not to mention the ones who were very good and gave full details to help us . I know visa services are going through horrendous changes at the moment.To be honest we didn’t actually want a retirement visa but we are aware the immigration are clamping down on people visiting and extending the stay going out and doing the same again as we did so we could stay 6 months . One of our party got stopped by immigration on their second visit to Thailand so after that scare we thought we should do something . We arrive at different times this September so each will chose which of the two agents depending on where they are going to stay and I’ll try feedback the results, who knows it might have changed again by the time we arrive .

@Phil *****

they told me the same if no non o visa or bank account they cannot help , as did mannerat

@Alan *********

only if you have a bank account opened

@Robert ********

yes but this time it will pass over the desk with an incentive to clear it , I imagine!

@Nongnuch *******

ahh that’s clearer I’ll go dig out bank accounts and letter from pension provider . Thanks

Thanks guys for responses we haven’t opened our online applications yet but the website for requirements might be old , asks copy of pension over £1000 or bank statement with 5k showing, confirmation of residence, health insurance includes covid cover , perhaps it is an old notice , it’s definitely for non o 90 day . So we will open the Thai visa to complete and perhaps we can do it a little at a time to see what it asks .

I was actually interested in the answer to this , any cookery schools in jomtiem that is linked to the dev visa application? Like many my friend and others like to visit for 180 days so looking for best way as they get hassle , at the moment they are considering 90 day non o in uk then extend to year retirement visa , sorry to cut in your post .

@Robert ********

so then you have more “ history” than my friend; the two trips last year were his first to Thailand, retired and being encouraged by friends to travel . So glad you haven’t been stopped yet

@Shaughn **********

he came in September to December extension of 30 days to 60 days then went home to uk for 5 weeks and returned late January that’s when he had the hassle , the I O lady gave him a real hard time .

@Steven ********

chill !! Lol very sensitive