As already mentioned, with an agent you need neither 800,000k nor certified income. The agent is dealing directly with the Immigration. A way Immigration really likes, as they can earn some extra money 🤑😁👍
That's right! You have to decide what you prefer. Put 800,000 to get the retirement visa or choose an agent and pay him around 15k for the yearly extension.
You also can take an agent and don't need either the 800,000k nor the 65k monthly income version.
The short cut agent visa is very popular in Pattaya, where hundreds of Falangs prefer this easy way. Legal? Well the visa is issued by the Immigration (who get paid 😁), so no problems. Let's say... it's the Thai way 😁👍