@Robert *******

Lighten up. K sitting in a Thai bank is dead money. It will not work for you for it cannot. You say "bribe" the IO say "Really?" They would prefer you to use a reputable agent. As for living with "so little money"... there are local families here that never see that amount of money in a year and manage to get by. There are foreigners can do the same. They will have to forego going to the bars every night, or bar girls every other night, or staying at -star hotels, take the bus rather than a flight, shop at markets rather than at high end stores. But to suggest that they "end up on the streets dying in some dark corner".... really?! Those who cannot make it are usually sent home on flights arranged by there country's reps here helped to the airport by the local IO plods or a charity organization. It is a rare occurrence and no one dies.

@Craig ******

get another agent. What they have told you is wrong.

@Damo **********

Okay.... so you are right in principle. Unfortunately, our local IO prefers it if you would use an agent. They hate the paperwork. They hate the banks when they get the letter wrong or when they have to photocopy bank books and have to read the codes for deposits, and frankly, have to deal with the entire matter. In short.... "See agent" is what many here get told. Now if you want to believe that there are bribes or under the table deals... welcome to SEA. It has been a system that has existed or decades. It may not be the way things are supposed to be done... but it is the way things get done.

@Kate ******

Absolutely correct. Great response and spot on!

@Michelle ********

DMK yes. Swampy joy sure but I would need to dought....but. ???

Which airport?

Bangkok Bank is usually the easiest. Also K Bank is good too. BKK Bank has office in New York so if from the US easy to transfer.

Go to Thai Visa Center. They will sort things out for you. For a price? Yes, but they will do and you will be set.

Bangkok bank.

@Henrik ****

good idea... I will enjoy my time and my life here but WITHOUT the joy and excitement and fun dealing with the IM. I will live my life and let someone else deal with the formalities. The cost of doing things this was should not be the issue... for enjoying your life without the worry, hassle, and time spent at the IM office is the issue.