I’ve read a lot about the pro’s and con’s of using an agent to assist with obtaining a Thai visa, but am curious as to what has been the experience of doing so by those who have gone this route.

Here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go'er. Subject ad infinitum. Like, if you go with ladyboys are you gay.

Why do you need an agent ? there is enough information on here for

you to be able to do it yourself,really it's quite easy,especially now

when the IO are not so busy. it's only filling one form and some extra

paperwork.

regards worgeordie

19 minutes ago, nausea said:

Here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go'er. Subject ad infinitum. Like, if you go with ladyboys are you gay.

Yes, if by “go with ladyboys” you mean having sex with men, that qualifies you as gay.

Regardless of whatever else you might chuck it up.

 

It depends which visa and your circumstances. Some use as they can't meet the criteria, others as it's just easier. I used an agent once a few years ago and service was very good. Many people I know use agents for various reasons, all of them very happy with the service they receive.

Let's just put it this way, a thai immigration official will be much more comfortable to "do business" with another thai, namely an agent, less chances to be scrutinised or found out that the permit given wasn't exactly according to the department guidelines and corners have been cut here, with a thai "agent" it's like "all in the family" and it's a win-win outcome for all... 

8 hours ago, worgeordie said:

Why do you need an agent ? there is enough information on here for

you to be able to do it yourself,really it's quite easy,especially now

when the IO are not so busy. it's only filling one form and some extra

paperwork.

regards worgeordie

I was asking what experience people had when using an agent. Not asking if I should use one or not - I can figure that out myself. You don’t know my situation, so next time just answer the question please. 

8 hours ago, nausea said:

Here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go, here we go'er. Subject ad infinitum. Like, if you go with ladyboys are you gay.

<deleted>? Sorry, I don’t go with ladyboys, but thanks for your totally useless response.  

Just now, DBath said:

I was asking what experience people had when using an agent. Not asking if I should use one or not - I can figure that out myself. You don’t know my situation, so next time just answer the question please. 

If you had stated your situation you might receive better answers.

what do you want an agent to do for you..that you cannot do yourself ?

regards Worgeordie

Unless you rich and like sharing your wealth. Simple answer is no.

Immigration have an easy step by step printed requirements and procedures.

Available in English or Thai.

A friend of mine used one for a while. He always paid a lot. In the meantime he learned that it is even less effort to do the retirement extension himself and he knows then that everything was done legally. He used the agent because he didn't understand the requirements and spoke only little English. So I did it one time together with him and now he can do it himself. 

Not used one but tempted to next year. If I do I would go with Thai Visa Center as they have proved to be place to go in Bkk. I have always done everything myself, but going to the immigration office does get on my nerves at times and sometimes you get the obstacles thrown at you- like suddenly they want all the pages in the pp copied, give them all the next year and they don't want etc.  

Why is this in the real estate forum???

OP, a very common reason for need for agent is lack of funds in bank for retirement. Very simple fix for the agent.

Could even include the non o RT. 

Marriage is much harder.

Currently lot of threads re ED visa and volunteer visa. Agents can handle these no problems. 

Would have been useful if you had outlined your situation. 

2 hours ago, wpcoe said:

Why is this in the real estate forum???

It's not.

18 minutes ago, Kelsall said:

It's not.

????  It was.  Before it was moved here.  Which is when I read it.

2 reasons to use an agent. 1 You do not have 400/800k in bank. 2 You have money but no time, otherwise do it yourself.

On 8/13/2020 at 11:28 PM, worgeordie said:

Why do you need an agent ? there is enough information on here for

you to be able to do it yourself,really it's quite easy,especially now

when the IO are not so busy. it's only filling one form and some extra

paperwork.

regards worgeordie

Yes your are correct...once you get your list of documents required it is quite easy.Last time I was in/out of Jomtien in 15minutes. However my income from home is a fixed pension.Over the last 5 years my devalued currency has just tipped me under the line to meet the 65k/month requirement.

That left me with 2 choices...relocate or use an agent. I live here quite comfortably with my income as my house is paid up so no rent etc. I opted for the agent route. Never had a hiccup.I'm lead to believe they are sanctioned by IMM so I'm not concerned about legalities. Its been going on for decades.   

The use of agents is bigger than many presume. I know a bunch of old guys in Pattaya that think the agents office is the immigration office. A couple of them dont even realise they are using an agent. One old guy very impressed that the immigration office makes him a cup of tea while he waits.

Watching a youtube video the other day, "how much does it cost to live in Thailand" and the guy actually had 40k a year in the budget for his visa. 

On 8/14/2020 at 8:12 AM, Bruce Aussie Chiang Mai said:

Immigration have an easy step by step printed requirements and procedures.

That comment should be in the jokes section,  Most IO offices/Officers have their own procedures which bear no relation to the printed requirements and which only they and possibly the agents know of in advance on a daily basis.

6 minutes ago, fangless said:

That comment should be in the jokes section,  Most IO offices/Officers have their own procedures which bear no relation to the printed requirements and which only they and possibly the agents know of in advance on a daily basis.

You believe 'most' rather than some? Personally I use only one, and for a specific reason and feel they follow the official requirement. The only exception (for retirement extension) was this office went near alone requiring people to return to prove they had kept the 800k untouched. (And the retention of money is a written requirement,) Offices do vary, sometimes creating their own requirements but I thought them consistent within the office. Agents, if anything, bypass requirements.

1 minute ago, jacko45k said:

Agents, if anything, bypass requirements.

Only if you don't meet the requirement and pay much extra for that

 

For the OP.  I have always used a lawyer/agent for all my Immigration department interactions and have always been well satisfied with their services.  I meet and adhere to all the legal requirements and use my agent out of convenience only.

2 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

You believe 'most' rather than some? Personally I use only one, and for a specific reason and feel they follow the official requirement. The only exception (for retirement extension) was this office went near alone requiring people to return to prove they had kept the 800k untouched. (And the retention of money is a written requirement,) Offices do vary, sometimes creating their own requirements but I thought them consistent within the office. Agents, if anything, bypass requirements.

As somebody has posted above, there are 2 types of agents... ones that assist you in getting through the process but require you to meet all of the requirements & ones that will help you if you need to bypass the requirements.

 

I use an agent from the 1st camp to assist me with my non-o extension but am still required to meet all of the financial & procedural requirements (have filed a TM30 etc...) & have to turn up in person at CW (today as it happens) - cost is 8,900 which includes the 1,900 extension fee... They handle all of the paperwork (I just need to sign) & provide transport to & from CW.

 

Yes I could do it myself but am happy to pay a reasonable price for a good service if it makes my life easier (I doubt many people will say that even getting to CW is in anyway easy)

 

 

4 minutes ago, fangless said:

Only if you don't meet the requirement and pay much extra for that

 

For the OP.  I have always used a lawyer/agent for all my Immigration department interactions and have always been well satisfied with their services.  I meet and adhere to all the legal requirements and use my agent out of convenience only.

Accepted. If one simply employs them to do the legwork. Although I believe some steps will be bypassed if not requirements. Attendance might be one. Queueing another!

6 minutes ago, jacko45k said:

Attendance might be one. Queueing another!

No I still attend for the photo at the IO  office (CM) but I do not have to do any queueing. 

Possibly the longest que/wait is at the agent's office!  ????

I recently hired an agent to renew my drivers licenses. She was absolutely splendid and saved me enough time to make her well worth the cost. She also does visas of all types. If you want her contact info, send me a pm.

I have just used used thai visa center. In spite of the negativity in the press recently they were excellent1

I can see a lot of guys using agents due to the boarders being closed who are on a Non O visa and dont have the financial requirements. I'm in the process of using an agent myself here in Issan that was recommended by a few guys on this forum for my marriage extension.

 

I have asked my agent about their connection in immigration and she told me many agents use the same immigration region and pay off the commander in charge who signs off on their extension. Mine cost 25k+ 1k for them to do the 90 day report for me for the year for me as my IO is far from where I live.

used an agent this year for the first time, to get my annual extension.  I was trying out the combination method for funds in the bank, so I didn't want any argument or  misunderstanding. I also didn't want to go to immigration and have to queue and deal with the officers. It was effortless and I will use one again in future. It cost me 15,000 and that is money well spent.   

3 hours ago, J Town said:

I recently hired an agent to renew my drivers licenses. She was absolutely splendid and saved me enough time to make her well worth the cost. She also does visas of all types. If you want her contact info, send me a pm.

BTW, my agent works in Pattaya. Sorry I didn't mention that in my original post, I thought you could all read my mind. ????