If you are based in the same area using the same agent every year it may well be worth it. For me I don't want to tie up 800k in a Thai bank account and have restrictions on how much and when I can use it. Furthermore you are losing out on interest on your cash. I have calculated that interest at home on my 800k equivalent would earn me 40k THB. I know for a fact several agents will organise everything and the costs are around 25k to 30k to do it. So as long as overseas interest rates stay high you are out in front. But if interest rates slip to where Thai banks are paying then I would probably think about parking my 800k in the Thai bank.

I've done 2 extensions in the last 2 years, no return plane tickets were asked for.

I did one there in September, same, 30 minutes in and out all done. I got there at 8.30 am. I think the reason why it isn't as busy as it use to be is the visa exempt 60 day stamp. You don't have the old 30 day extension people queuing up to extend their short visits. The 60 day Visa exempt is pretty darn good for everybody including the immigration officers.

@Julie *******

that's exactly what I do and then you never need to communicate or see anything from them again.

The great majority, like yourself who have travelled the world are thankfully not like this. We support you, take care.

I went to a well known company in Thailand 14 years ago. Firstly there was no real eye check with proper machinery and a microscopic look at my eyes. They sat me in a chair and kept giving me glasses to try on until I got a pair where I could see clearly. I got 2 pairs of glasses for 9,000 baht. In Australia totally different. Went to Specsavers and had a free eye examination where they had all the gear to check your eyes properly, no guessing. I could have got 2 good pairs of glasses for 4,400 baht but opted for a better style with anti glare, that came to 6,600 baht (equivalent to AUD). The Australian service by proper medical professionals and 2 pairs of glasses included was far better and cheaper than Thailand.

Dtac sim is good. Monthly packages with plenty data for around 300 baht per month. Photo below, 50 gb 288 baht.

I go 1 week before expiry at Jomtien. They have been known to knock people back there if you try to do it too far in advance.

@Gregory *******

I don't, I keep my money in Australia where I am receiving 5.5% interest from ING bank. The point I was making is that the Thai savings accounts pay around .75% interest and then they deduct 15% tax off those earnings. It is way more beneficial to keep your savings in your home country bank and transfer over only what you need day to day or when currency rates are in your favour.

@Brian ********

me too.