Thinking of using agent to acquire Non-O visa (retirement). Will I need to use this same agent for all future immigration interactions? 90 day reports, tm30, residence certificates etc? I have contacted a few already but it is difficult to get straight answers. This is uncharted territory for me.

While the visa/extension that they arranged for you is in effect and to ensure no snags, yes you should. 

 

You wouldn't have to, but, as they will make those items you mentioned very convenient, it wouldn't really make much sense not to.

 

Edit: Steven100 is right, next year you can do what you please, arrange your own extension, use the agent again or use a different one.

Edited July 16, 20205 yr by Bob A Kneale

No I don't believe you will have to use the same agent every year. Ok, they have their own IO who they work with but that doesn't mean to say you cannot just go and do it yourself or use someone else. 

An agent saves you the time and hassle of doing yourself which can be pretty daunting as you have read.

It's not a big deal, either you want to do it yourself or get an agent to do .....  simple really.

 

You are just some papers and part of a big bundle of 1000's who use agents.

You don't need to use them for anything else.

But, you may want to negotiate some of the things you mentioned into the agents fee.

Won't immigration ask next year "Why did you do your extension at that office last year?"

I used an agent for the first time because of covid.

 

I was not in the province I normally live and unable to travel, because of restrictions. Prefered to have it done.

 

No issues, good job done by the agent. Next time hopefully I will be able to do it myself again.

2 minutes ago, AndyPa said:

Won't immigration ask next year "Why did you do your extension at that office last year?"

Unlikely ... he doesn't care so lets not try to open a can of worms for nothing hey.

I have a feeling to be free and clear of them (the agent) , eventually I would need to let my non-O lapse and apply anew.  There are 2 kinds of people that use agents:  1. for convenience' sake 2. because we *have* to.   I am in the latter camp.  The agent doing the work is not even in the same province as me.  

9 minutes ago, AndyPa said:

Won't immigration ask next year "Why did you do your extension at that office last year?"

No.  IB will only be concerned about the current extension that they'll be doing for you.

Edited July 16, 20205 yr by Bob A Kneale

11 minutes ago, AndyPa said:

Won't immigration ask next year "Why did you do your extension at that office last year?"

My office now staples a message in the pp stating where the extension was done and told to leave it in there.

Do we have any feedback yet on how the requirement for funds to be held year 'round in the account have been handled? This might be a barrier to not using again.

7 minutes ago, Orton Rd said:

My office now staples a message in the pp stating where the extension was done and told to leave it in there.

IO doesn't care what agent you use so forget that question. He's only interested in what you are doing today and now.

If you don't have the funds for a retirement extension can the agent still help you ?

nobody care after you had the stamp, everybody done their job, just do regular 90 dasy report, and continue extend next year

2 minutes ago, trucking said:

If you don't have the funds for a retirement extension can the agent still help you ?

Yes

21 minutes ago, mokwit said:

Do we have any feedback yet on how the requirement for funds to be held year 'round in the account have been handled? This might be a barrier to not using again.

Agree. If the OP is using an agent that is also "getting around" money in the bank then he will need agent following year.

 

I have the money and can tick all the boxes no problem. I just am unable to leave Thailand and return, like the rest of us.  One agent I talked to had the "no money" option, for a rather high fee. Actually, it wasn't an option -- I had to take it, but was not interested.  Would like to be as above board as much as possible. I'm paranoid that way. 

Edited July 16, 20205 yr by RoyLee

Just now, RoyLee said:

I have the money and can tick all the boxes no problem. I just am unable to leave Thailand and return, like the rest of us. Would like to be above board as much as possible. I'm paranoid that way.  

Why do you need leave Thailand.

 

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Why do you need leave Thailand.

 

My tourist visa has expired. I am here on amnesty.  The phuket immigration office already turned me down flat.  Even a local agent could not make that happen (at that office).

19 minutes ago, RoyLee said:

My tourist visa has expired. I am here on amnesty.  The phuket immigration office already turned me down flat.  Even a local agent could not make that happen (at that office).

Did you use you 30 day extension available to you tourist visa? Or use it already

If you had the 800k in bank already for the 2 months you could have obtained the 30 day extension and non o at immigration.

Sounds like agent for this first one. 

At same time have the money in bank prior to agent obtaining you extension.

Follow bank rules 800k post for 3 months then not below 400k etc then do your next one yourself.

https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1173073-succcess-converted-my-tv-into-a-non-o-on-tuesday-almost/?do=findComment&comment=15621206

 

Edited July 16, 20205 yr by DrJack54