@Ben ******

I've never used an agent but I have total ease and peace of mind, especially with the fact that I am 100% legal and if I'm ever asked to show my bankbook I can smile snugly knowing everything I do is above board. I don't want to be caught out and have to leave Thailand with a potential five year ban. However, as you say it's to each their own

If you're returning directly to UK from Thailand you don't need six months as you're not entering another country. Don't waste your money getting a new passport which you don't need.

@Cris *****

Hasn't affected me! No-one is going to openly admit in a Facebook group that they pay bribes to government officials are they? They're going to pretend they do everything right and it's the big bad bank that is the problem!

@Cris *****

I extended my non-O retirement visa on Monday just gone. I've used Bangkok Bank for the last 15 years. It is the most farang-friendly bank in Thailand. There's no way in the world I would shift. The posts you've been reading are from those expats who use visa agents to bypass the rules, now Bangkok Bank has wised up to them, and they're melting down!

Here's mine

@Cris *****

Actually what he said is totally true. Agents have abused Bangkok Bank over the years with this short term (ie. One day) "loan", so now the bank has had enough and to ensure they meet regulator's guidelines, they won't issue a certification letter unless the funds have been in the account for minimum four months - if the funds haven't been in for the required time, the letter will be issued and the funds frozen until the qualifying time has been reached.

I did extension using 65k transfers on Monday this week. Use Wise/Bangkok Bank for transfers. Here's my report

@Cris *****

You're over-reacting to a few dodgy account holders who have had their accounts suspended because they're on incorrect visas. No-one on long term visas is affected

@Mike *****

Always the same day at CW. The biggest difference this time was it was the same hour! It usually takes an hour 15 to an hour 30. But the accolades must go to my lady, who got all the paperwork sorted with proper tabs, photocopies, everything in order. Although I did have to buy her lunch. Set me back 199 baht! Still, a bit cheaper than an agent 😆

@Mike *****

The TDAC takes two minutes, are you really that silly to believe it's sending people to Vietnam? Excuse me whilst I ROFL

@Alan ******

Correct. You have to satisfy the conditions for each extension