Yes, as long as you meet the requirements set by immigration. But there are set requirements which contradict each other. Yes, expats retiring in Thailand are fortunate that they system is set up to make it easy, and that agency services are a common usage. If one is applying based on monthly income, you must submit 12 consecutive months of bank statements from your Thai bank account showing an amount of at least equivlalent or more than 65k Baht having been transferred by international wire transter (not locally deposited) into your Thai bank account. So, the catch 22 is how do you meet this requirement unless you are living in Thaialnd and have a bank account with your pension or other income being transferred on a monthly basis. Wait in Cambodia before you have accumulated 12 consecutive months? Similar situation applies if you are applying based on 800,000 Baht in the bank- transferred from your home country. You must have that deposited 3 months before applying. So, how can one do either way without first having a Thai bank account, and in the case of the first option, would waiting in another country to accumulate 12 consecutive months of bank statements (assuming one already has obstained a Thai bank account.

Thailand, except the United States, may have the highest proportion of visitors/wann-be foreigner residents, wanting to remain or to immigrate to the country. This is lucrative in that players needed to process a retirement visa can earn more than their basic salary. The industry of 'agency services' steps in to be the go-between, or middle man. So, the agency, bank employees (and management), along with immigration district offices, all get in on this lucrative deal. This is why you may wonder why you need to seek the services of an agent (or agency). There are many catch- 22s in meeting the requirements for a retirement visa. It seems it's set up this way for a reason. The basic costs of a retirement visa (O Visa) is only 1900 Baht, plus another 3,000 if you want a multiple entry permit to go along with it. That money goes into the government cashier's ledger, Nothing left out of that for other hands, so to speak. Go through an agent and other hands are taken care of.... Just the way things get done.... If you meet the requirments for an O Visa, then go ahead and walk into district office and apply on your own.

The agents pay 'tea' money to the banks and immigration. Money gets things done.

Make sure that 65k Baht is being deposited as an international wire transfer, I don't think deposting locally is acceptable. To prevent money laundering, I believe that the wire transfer has to indicate some sort of institution, retirerment fund, etc. At least what institution or organization it's coming from.

@Michael *******

I was referring to if the servi e offers advice on dealing with Philippine passport control and interview yo lesson ghe chance of being offloaded.

@Michael *******

Does this agency assist with preparing documentation and advice for foregrners wanting to take their Filipina girffriends on holiday to Thailand?

Gather evidence that you are, and have been in a relationsip for awhile. Photos together, any receipts of money wired, documents showing your income and ability to support her, hotel reservatons in Thailand, round trip tickets. Both of you will be interviewed separately, then the officers will compare responses. Be sure she gives no indication she is traveling with you as your 'helper' because they might interpret that as she being employed by you and working abroad without POEA authorization. Also, some zealous female passport control officer may use her assumption that you are trafficking your gf. If your helper is under 22, she'll need permission from her parents (and affidavit) to go abroad. 22 is also the minimum age one can go abroad to work as an OFW.

She can enter Thailand visa-exempt for 30 days, then can extend another 30 days + another 30 days before having to exit Thailand. The main risk/challenge is getting her cleared through Philippine Passport Control. If she is traveling on a new passport, no previous stamps in her passport, under 40, and dressed like she's looking for work abroad- no way- she'll be offloaded and loss of ticket/hotel reservaton, etc. She'll need show money to support her claim to be going as a tourist. You will be interviewed separately to establish what relationship she has with you. All this is to ensure she is not traveling to seek employment without proper authorization from the POEA. Google: offloading in Philppines by Passport Control for details....

Nice means for Thai ladies to seek husbands, seek jobs as foot reflexology specialists.

@Steve ******

there are exhange kiosks everywhere. I like to use the one on 1st floor inside Central Pattaya Mall, 2nd Road entrance. Walk inside and turn left at the jewelry section. Next to Western Union office