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Hello

I ve been living here during 15 years in 2 times (once 5 years in 2000) and then 10 years since 2015

Never used any agent.. process is simple.. you just have to give the docs they want and in a few minutes you get your visa extension..

Nowadays there is an issue with the bank account opening and some people even for long term visas have problems to open a bank account

Otherwise the simple process is to go for a O visa abroad and then extend it here for 1 year and then extensions year after year.. just have to prove the funds mainly and that s it

It also might take more time in some immigration offices than in others

Have a good day

Just went through the process and used an agent. Do not regret that decision at all, super easy. Seeing the frustrated faces of the guys doing it on their own at the bank and immigration office alone made it worth it. The matter of money in the bank or not is a no brainer for me, I can make more money keeping my 800k invested rather than sitting in a thai bank with almost no gains.

Now days I would recommend using a agent.   Banks here are under more regulations on opening new accounts for non thai's. And some banks that have had thier fingers hit by the government are just not doing it from what I am hearing.

If you are going to start your retirement in Bangkok or Jomtien (Pattaya area). I could give you agents offices that I have used.  If you are worried about agents then pick one that is in a office tower that offers other legal services too.

I think the 800k is the easiest way to go for your O visa but others I know like the income way but be sure to get good translations of your documents.  The cost of using a good agent service is not that much with what they can do for you. 

One other thing if you can not do the 800k thai or income and are going to try working around the system do not come to Thailand.  These are the people that the government are looking for to kick out of Thailand.  Stay in you own country or go somewhere else. 

If you can not afford the agent than I would say do not come here nowadays.   If you can afford it but do not want to be burned by a agent than look for a good one not cheap one. And if the agent says they will need your passport for say 30 days go to a different place 3 business days is good  or walking you through the process at one of the visa centers.

thank you gentlemen (or ladies) for the feedback! I might just try to do it by myself if the bank account is the main reason that most people are using the agents, because lucky for me, I had a Thai bank account from 10 years ago, it is still active, so I hope I can use that bank account for the visa purpose.

what I cannot understand,

is why the Thai government required a bank account for the retirement visa and yet also making it so difficult for the applicants to open a bank account!

thank you gentlemen (or ladies) for the feedback! I might just try to do it by myself if the bank account is the main reason that most people are using the agents, because lucky for me, I had a Thai bank account from 10 years ago, it is still active, so I hope I can use that bank account for the visa purpose.what I cannot understand,is why the Thai government required a bank account for the retirement visa and yet also making it so difficult for the applicants to open a bank account! - @brerono345

THe account opening problem is a mistery that no one understands. In fact opening a saving book and put in money is no danger for the bank.

If you have already an active account then half of job is done. If you apply in Bangkok Chaeng Wattaná immigration then is more easy and no danger to get refused .I do by myself already 12 years.

If you want be assisted to switch from tourist entry visa to Non-imm O first and then to 1y Retirement stay permit you can use the Thaivisa centre in Bang-na, ask***

they will also come pick up passport and bank book and will garanty funds even if you not have 800k.

So first time will be smooth and you can do it yourself in future.

I have been here six years and did the visa every time myself except for one time. The one time I used an agent it was costly and It caused problems later. Unless you have some complex problem I recommend doing it yourself it really is not difficult. There is a learning curve but if you are going to be here long term then I wouldn't want to pay an agent every year to have it done.

@Maxi,

if you easily accomplished the retirement visa on your own, why are you sneakily posting spam for Thai Visa Centre? they were arrested already for selling fake visas and scamming people, their company is not even legally registered in Thailand... the spam from you guys really needs to stop

I have been here six years and did the visa every time myself except for one time. The one time I used an agent it was costly and It caused problems later. Unless you have some complex problem I recommend doing it yourself it really is not difficult. There is a learning curve but if you are going to be here long term then I wouldn't want to pay an agent every year to have it done. - @scbrock

much appreciated sc!

the more I research the more I hear this story: anyone who used an agent for retirement visa got stuck using them for many years because they did the visa using a corrupt contact at Immigration, so therefore you will not be allowed to do the extension on your own or even with another agent afterwards. sounds like absolute hell.