@George ******

I wish I had known that before I came to Thailand George. My mistake.

I have always used Wise, but your post made me thing at a bit of a tangent.

If you used your home bank account to transfer via Swift for a large sum, would that alert them to the fact you have moved to Thailand (I ask because banks sometimes close accounts if they realise you are living abroad).

Using Wise is more 'discreet' imo, even if it costs a few Baht more.

@Brandon ***********

could he return using his current extension and when it is due for renewal apply for a new non o retirement visa having deposited the 800,000 baht Brandon?

Use a card that doesn't charge a fee like Starling, Monsa and Chase, then go inside the Krungsi bank with your passport to withdraw instead of using the ATM.

You will get the overseas bank rate not the Thai bank rate and not have to pay the ATM fee.

@John *******

I have seen people like you crying and complaining about the immigration officer because their visa was cancelled and they were deported. It's always someone else's fault!

@John *******

I bet you cried like a baby when you got smacked for doing something wrong too 🤣🤣🤣

It is illegal to avoid using the 800,000 method, if the Immigration Officer is investigated (yes this does happen), all of their visas issued are cancelled and you will be forced to leave Thailand. Is it really worth the risk to save a net amount of 5 to 10,000 baht (after agent fees). Up to you.

@Andy *********

it was the other way round for me. My wife told me afterwards that the interpreter asked her if I could speak Thai and then said 'are you sure!'. My wife is beautiful and ...I am older and not beautiful 🤣

@Andy *********

great explanation/advice. I stupidly didn't use an agent, but on reflection I definitely should have, it would have definitely been worth it. Not saying it's complicated, but involves a lot of running around Bangkok that would have been reduced. They also arrange the interpreter that is mandatory at Bang Rak. I have never used an agent for visas, to give some context.

@Aake *********

apologies, 790,400 baht per month is what they stated. It should be even easier then.