I'm sure you're right, but BKK is the place to be...awesome nightlife, cool skybars, amazing shopping, fun people (girls!), great transportation, comfortable high-rise condos, interesting temples, etc. No other place matches BKK.
I'd say it's complicated. Could I figure it out and do it myself? Sure, but retirement means you stop taking on new time intensive and stressful projects! Instead outsource to those that know the latest rules and can get it done properly. I use my agent for anything immigration related.