Years ago I had a car accident in Lampang. Had only one of this international driver licenses you can buy online. Used this license also for the insurance company (Mittare).
Either had any problems with the police nor the insurance company. Accident was my mistake. "Missed" a stop sign. Damage was 225000 Baht.
Seems that I was ???? lucky.
Friend of mine, living in Pattaya, did the yearly extension last week with a "full service agent". No documents, except the passeport were needed. Costs 14k.
Instead of tea drink fresh brewed coffee. Good quality coffee's available. (I don't drink alcohol and don't smoke, but drink at least 5 cups of black coffee every day.)
What the problem? Give them the 1k, case closed. Don't argument, just pay. Quick and easy. Also with other "institutions" in Thailand, tea money is the way to solve problems. ????????????????????
My wife died and the court ordered that I have one year to sell the condo. (was registered in her name)
My lawyer applied and finally I could keep the condo, despite the intervention of her family.
I'm 80. Eat supplements, eat healthy food, stopped smoking and drinking alcohol.
Go sauna every second day.
Still working in share trading.
But I hate to get older. Fortunately my wife is 42 years younger and don't care about my age at all.
Resume : To get old sucks!
Don't know, if I'm only a lucky guy, but living in Manila since 2001, never had any bad experience. Before the pandemic I also used to enjoy the night life, but there it's up to you, if you will get screwed by a lady of the night.
Whatever people are saying here, visa agents are an "institution" in Thailand and working hand in hand with the Immigration and Bangkok bank since many, many years. If you are over 50 and don't have the required financial resources, then use an agency.
Without this agents, Pattaya would be very empty!!