@Mark *******

I am on a privilege visa for 20 years but have to get a new stamp once a year and a new visa in the passport every 5 years. I went to Nakhon Phanom immigration with every document that was wanted , photocopied and signed. They told me it was easier for me to go to the friendship bridge and go to Laos then come back. I told them I had all the right documents but they made it clear they were not dealing with it. So I had no choice but to go to the bridge. I got the bus across, paid for the visa, got extensively questioned as why just for one day. Finally got allowed through to wait for a bus for 2 hours to come back to Thailand. The immigration guy the Thailand side looked at the visa and was great absolutely no problem, stamped for one year. In all wasted 5 hours plus travelling to Nakhon Phanom. Probably would have taken an hour plus travelling if NP immigration had done it. Who was it easy for ,them, as they didn’t have to do anything just pass it to someone else . The problem then was as I had left Thailand so I had to get a TM30 notification of residence within 24 hours so yet another trip to Nakhon Phanom immigration the next day and another 3 hours with travelling wasted. All my paperwork on both visits were correct and complete, everything copied and signed. No agents involved , visa paid up front by me. I didn’t try to cut corners or use agents. In honesty NP immigration did not seem to know what the privilege visa was as I had extended time spent there when I went to do the first TM30 and TM47. I saw them making many phone calls and having many discussions each time pointing and sharing the visa. So bad luck, incompetent or just lazy , I have no idea but I know every time I went NP immigration it was an extended visit even one time getting fined 2000 baht as they issued a TM30 when I needed a TM 47 the previous time . Yes I should have checked it but didn’t as I assumed they knew what they were doing. After that I did things online wherever possible.

Immigration don`t know anything about me or my finances so not really sure how that comment has any relevance. If the Cambodia comment is a cheap shot at me I never been there and have no desire to go there. What I do know is that I paid good money, my own money, for a long term visa up front. I dont think it is asking too much for the immigration office to do their job when they have all the correct documents to renew my visa every year instead of sending me to Laos "as it easier". Yes easier for them as they don`t have to do anything but I have to then get a TM30 Notification of Residence completed within 24 hours so wasting yet more of my time

@Mark *******

and yet another moron comment from you

@David ******

what a stupid comment

David Scott ME. Some on here speak absolute crap and clearly have little idea. I have a 20 year privilege visa obtained with no agent involvement. I went to Nakhon Phanom immigration to get the one year stamp renewed. I was told it was easier if I went to the friendship bridge and crossed into Laos and came back. I said I have all the paperwork, copies etc that you need. I was told to go to Laos as it was easier. Yes easier for the immigration office as they don’t have to do anything. So as it was clear it was my only option I did . Bus across the bridge , pay for a visa , get quizzed why I was there for just one day , finally got visa then wait for a bus for 2 hours before back to Thailand. And the immigration guy Thai side was great but 5 hours wasted when if the office had done it was probably an hour. But because I left the country I then had to go back to immigration with 24 hours to get TM30 notification of residence for foreigners so another 3 hours with travelling wasted the next day.

So don’t preach about problems are cause by using agents or trying to take short cuts or cut corners . All my paperwork was correct but Nakhon Phanom did not want to deal with it. Maybe I was unlucky. All I can hope is that karma gets you idiots that think everyone is trying to cheat the system

I flew EVA in July BKK to Heathrow and return. Personally i was very impressed. I had empty caes leaving BKK so no problems. I used the check in desk at Heathrow and they were very hot on the weight even on the carry on. Go over the weight allowance and you will be charged

@Alistair *********

Thank you. If I could find an agent that was interested in helping me open a bank account I would choose that route. Found 2 in Pattaya but they need a Pattaya address

@Frank *********

In Bangkok I have been asked if I have a work permit , said no I am retired looking to put money in an account for retirement visa. Got a straight NO. Many banks same respponse

@Mark *******

I had the rental agreement with me and dressed well and proof of funds in UK bank. Didnt get past have you got a work permit or just a straight NO. That is in Bangkok.

@Brook *******

I read your post with interest. I was interested in going the non o route but have been absolutely unable to open a bank account anywhere. So whilst opening a bank account may take 30 minutes it’s completely irrelevant if all you get is constant no’s. Without opening a bank account it is impossible to show the required money in a Thai bank account.