@Todd ********

using an agent is not illegal, using an agent to bypass the banking requirement is illegal and people are deported for this. I have seen several people complaining about immigration when this happens to them, following an immigration officer being investigated, and all their visas cancelled that were issued without the correct banking information.

Who said anything about people not being able to afford to retire in Thailand?

Surely the deadbeat retirees are the ones that are too lazy to spend an hour a year getting their paperwork in order.

@Todd ********

an hour a year surely isn't a problem, even for a chimp.

Breaking the law and risking being deported to save how much?

You can reduce 800k down to 400k for 7 months.

You pay an agent how much 20 to 30,000 and make how much interest above this amount 10k, wow that would change their lives?

@George ************

there will be plenty of people telling you to use an agent, but it's really unnecessary.

It's not as difficult as applying for a visa to the UK or USA/Canada etc. It's refreshingly simple. You apply for the non O retirement visa before coming to Thailand (simple). Fly to Thailand. Open a bank account. Deposit 800,000 baht. 2 months later apply to extend your stay for 12 months.

I have extended 3 times now and it's a few photocopies of your documents, passport size photo, 1,900 baht, bank print outs and an A4 form with questions like your name, passport number etc. 1 hour later you can stay for another year. Some people find that difficult...I don't.

@George ************

okay, up to you. I can only tell you it is easy. I realise simple things are difficult for others. Good luck.

You do not need an agent.

It is very simple to get a visa for Thailand.

As you stated you are too far in advance now, but 6 months before use the good people here to advise you on the process.

It's very easy, enjoy your retirement.

@John *******

I did my first one online 3 years ago, but it seems to have changes in most provinces. If you are between 15 and 7 days before your due date, give it a try. The worst that can happen is it's rejected and you still have time to go to the immigration office to file it in person.

If you make a record of the exact answers you provide, it's really quick the second time. Good luck.

Do it online, it takes about 2 minutes.

@Marty ********

yes I made the same decision for the same reasons Marty, but some people seem to prefer the OA and to not put 800k in an account in Thailand.

@Marty ********

I must admit I don't know much about the oa, as I applied for the o, but I thought it was a 12 month visa and if you time the insurance correctly and leave Thailand just before the end of 12 months, you get approximately 24 months, without needing to extend?

If that is the case, for someone planning to travel around, it might be preferable to depositing the 800,000 for the non o.

Just an option I guess 🤷

@Susan *******

you're welcome, enjoy your retirement

🙂