I had the same idea about supporting small local family businesses, until I approached a small motorcycle shop, and asked for a quote on repairs that I needed doing, and it was obvious straight away it was "farang price" I then went to the honda dealership, and was quoted a much lower price, that's a honda technician doing the job, with genuine honda parts, so go figure!! Some are Just greedy, that particular motorcycle shop, won't get any favours from me in the future, when they are just taking the piss, but to answer your question, from my experience, if something has a price sticker on it, that's usually the fixed price, but on the other hand if there is no prices on anything, it's usually negotiable, I usually ask the vendor "how for this" then go in with a lower offer, which he/she will generally refuse, and then meet them in middle price wise, they don't usually get offended by an offer, they will just say "no sorry cannot Mr" 😅

You have got a few options really, There is a lot of talking at the moment about the new DTV 5 year visa, so check that out, you could apply for that visa in your home country before coming to Thailand, or the non-OA visa based on retirement, gives you 2 years with a border bounce, and can be extended for 12 months at a time, or the non-O based on retirement, you can apply for all these visas on the Thai e-visa site before coming to Thailand, alternatively you could just apply for a METV, which would give you 8-9 months, with a couple of border bounces, and then do the in the country non O based on retirement at a later date, or even just arrive on a 60 day visa exempt, which can be extended by 30 days, and do the in the country non-O based on retirement, then add the 12 month extension of stay, your plans certainly seem doable, you lots of options 😉

@Christopher *******

I think going from Pattaya, they bounce at the Cambodian borders.

@Jim *******

they are a genuine visa agent, I've visited their office in the past, just to make enquiries, 85k baht seems expensive tho, even for a 5 year visa.

@Jim *******

agents have been advertising their services for assistance with the application process for the DTV visa, I sent one a message asking for more details, they replied by saying they would complete all the paperwork, and you need to go to Vientiane Lao, and complete the process yourself, they want ฿85k baht 😲😅

I recall seeing something in a post about a lady wanting her dog to travel with her in the cabin, because she believed her dog would fret terribly traveling in the plane luggage hold in a box, and was asking for some sort of guidance from the group, she probably just searched google for a photo of dogs in a cargo plane, just for illustration purposes, why are making such a big deal about it?? What makes you think she was purposely misleading people?? I honestly don't recall every detail. 🤔

@Egger ********

is that the one on thepprasit road pattaya?? If so are the prices reasonable??

@AmberLee **************

it is still a very new visa, and a lot of the details are very unclear, people are suggesting you contact the embassy/consulate, that you will apply at, with more specific questions about what is acceptable, and what isn't, they seem to be making up there own rules, on specific time lengths for treatment or courses to qualify.

Sounds like you would be better off getting a long term visa, you will get refused at the border at some point, have a look at an METV visa, you can get 8 or 9 months out of it with a couple of border bounces, or the new DTV visa, that is a similar visa but it's 5 years.

@Barrie *********

I've had one or mishaps with belt buckles hanging down, or things coming out my pockets, or even soilage, I've come to the conclusion just get them completely out the way, they will be hanging on a hook, while I do my business, there isn't always a right and wrong way, just do what works for you 😂🤣😂😉