The less dealings I have with any Thai government authorities the better. Whilst some may be skint, many are just smart. The 800k, left safely in one's home country, earns more than the cost of the agent, and you don't need to waste your time at the immigration office. I remember years ago going to the immigration office here. I needed a Certificate of Residence. I was waiting in the hot sun, along with some older guys. One of them looked like he was about to collapse and an ambulance would be needed. I felt sorry for these guys. I thought I was well prepared, but of course, I was one photocopy short, and back to the end of the queue. Went to an agent for the certificate, and been using agents ever since.