@Matthew ********

I don't know why people use the 800k method, but that's what I say about people making hard work of it. I also would never pay an agent! What for? To fill in a form? I'm not that doddery and senile yet! Costs me 1900 baht per year. That is cheap for a retirement visa. And I love Bangkok. Very vibrant city, and easy to get around. Manila you have to pick your location and stay there. Took me once 90 mins to get from Aura to MOA by taxi. Ludicrous. Bangkok is my retirement base, and I can travel anywhere I want from here.

@Matthew ********

I have no trouble extending my retirement visa in Thailand every year. I only have to show that I have transferred 65k each month into my Thai bank account. I don't know why people make hard work of it. I have homes in Australia, Thailand and Germany, and alternate between the three. Philippines for me is a good place for a short holiday, I've worked there for extended periods but could never consider living there.

@Matthew ********

In Thailand you just keep paying for extensions - until the day you die if you so choose

@Steve ******

I've lived in Thailand over 15 years. Visas very simple if you tick the boxes!

@Peter ******

Unfortunately expats in Thailand simply believe paying an agent can get them anything they want if they pay the right amount. No-one needs an agent for a UK visa. It's an online form, step by step, so easy. If the applicant meets the criteria it's job done!

@Henry ********

Correct. And impossible to contact the visa processing centre in India!

@Peter ******

VFS only ensure details are correct and the correct documents have been submitted. VFS have no role in the decision making, they are a collection agency

In Bangkok best to do it by mail. 72 baht at your local post office. I do it that way every time now

@Jodie ********

You don't need to meet with them. You enrol in the course, pay the fee, and get the confirmation. That can be done by email

Contact the Muay Thai gym where you'll be doing the training