Any problem when stop using visa agent?

[mart700]

I have been using an agent to get retirement extension on an OA visa for the last few years. I am now returning to Thailand after a few months in the UK with a new non O visa and plan to apply for the retirement extension myself but wonder if there will be any problem that I used an agent previously ( i think it will be obvious) and what should i say if they refer to it?  i havent been keeping 800,000 baht in my bank but i dont know if that will matter as its a new visa and hopefully can start the process from scratch? 

[sanuk711]

Do you mean problems with I.O. or with agent--- I wouldn't think you would have a problem with either.

You need 3 months of savings (800K)--if not have maybe let the agent run with this one more time.

[ubonjoe]

7 minutes ago, sanuk711 said:

ou need 3 months of savings (800K)--if not have maybe let the agent run with this one more time.

The 800k baht only has to be in the bank for 2 months (new rules issued some time ago).

[ubonjoe]

I see not reason to you you to have a problem doing the application yourself since you will starting all over again with a new non-o visa.

 

[DrJack54]

OP, you are starting over.

The non O is a new start.

800k on day of application for your non O and then after money has been in bank for 2 months obtain your extension.

Zero issues with immigration or agent. 

[problemfarang]

hi,

i was using an agency too. And same as you i left the country and came back to thailand in May. i was using my Non-o marriage visa via agency. But when i was coming back i got my Non-b for work.

 

when i went to ChangWattana IO, every paper was ok. she was almost about to give me the visa then suddenly she stopped and ask me if i have my wife ID and marriage certificate with me. Now, the problem is i was divorced and i was still on my non-o like 2 years before leaving the country, lol. So i asked her why need because i came here with non-b not non-o she said yes, but we need to connect visas because you left the country on non-o visa and came back with non-b. i have no idea what is the connection.. well, she asked me if i have photo of them on my phone i can print and give her. Lucky.. i had. i copy and gave her. She did everything in 5 min. seriously. then i asked her if i need my wife (didnt say ex) infos again in the next extension, she sais no. only 1 time. next i dont need it.

 

so why i told you this, i know yours was not marriage but just be ready for some small surprise. Hope you wont have any problem, good luck

[Tazmo]

Any help on what fees the Agency used to charge?

[scubascuba3]

No problem at all.  Immigration staff fully understand the agent method and know people switch over. Just ensure you comply with the rules for the new one

[scubascuba3]

12 minutes ago, Tazmo said:

Any help on what fees the Agency used to charge?

26,000 baht for first 15 months, 12,500 for subsequent years

[Peterw42]

30 minutes ago, Tazmo said:

Any help on what fees the Agency used to charge?

Can be anything from 10k through to 40k, around 20 is probably the average. Also depends if you want additional things like open a bank account, ongoing 90 day reports etc

 

[Orinoco]

DIY extensions are 1900 baht. 

90 Day reports online, free.  

 

 

[scubascuba3]

27 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

Can be anything from 10k through to 40k, around 20 is probably the average. Also depends if you want additional things like open a bank account, ongoing 90 day reports etc

 

90 day reports usually offered for free, any agent charging is just milking it

[DrJack54]

3 minutes ago, Orinoco said:

DIY extensions are 1900 baht. 

90 Day reports online, free.  

 

 

1900 baht + opportunity cost + inconvenience+ etc.

 

I assume your reply was for the poster that asked this ..

"Any help on what fees the Agency used to charge?"

 

[Orinoco]

Just now, DrJack54 said:

1900 baht + opportunity cost + inconvenience+ etc.

 

I assume your reply was for the poster that asked this ..

"Any help on what fees the Agency used to charge?"

 

Take a day off man.

Just because you use an agent don't mean it's the norm. most of us don't use one.

we have all the correct documents and correct finances to stay here.

is that ok for you.

 

 

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, Orinoco said:

Take a day off man.

Just because you use an agent don't mean it's the norm. most of us don't use one.

we have all the correct documents and correct finances to stay here.

is that ok for you.

 

 

I don't use an agent never have.

I used money in bank method for extensions retirement.

 

When people ask for advice on use of agents. I try and assist. 

 

When people ask how to obtain (for example) non O and extentions without agent, I outline the process.

 

 

Edited September 8, 2022 by DrJack54

[Orinoco]

11 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I don't use an agent never have.

I used money in bank method for extensions retirement.

Well if i mixed you up with a different poster, i do apologize. but only for that.

I have made a mistake before,  it was 18 June 1981.

I was incorrect that day. 

 

 

[LatPhrao]

5 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

I see not reason to you you to have a problem doing the application yourself since you will starting all over again with a new non-o visa.

 

What if instead, during the 15 months of non o and visa, you have been banking in by foreign transfer 65K + monthly, meeting that requirement for a year plus and you want to renew and apply without the agent.  How and when to proceed?

[Skeptic7]

In a word, "No". 

[scubascuba3]

3 minutes ago, LatPhrao said:

What if instead, during the 15 months of non o and visa, you have been banking in by foreign transfer 65K + monthly, meeting that requirement for a year plus and you want to renew and apply without the agent.  How and when to proceed?

That should work as 12-13 months of over 65ks, I switched by ensuring i had the 800k for the duration, no need for a new non imm O.

 

If it doesn't work, worse case is agent for another year

[nickmondo]

2 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

26,000 baht for first 15 months, 12,500 for subsequent years

and they are the reasons i would never, ever, use an agent.

if you follow the rules, you dont need one.

I wont print what my opinion of agents are........Visa agents, Real Estate Agents...all cut from the same cloth

 

[scubascuba3]

Just now, nickmondo said:

and they are the reasons i would never, ever, use an agent.

if you follow the rules, you dont need one.

I wont print what my opinion of agents are........Visa agents, Real Estate Agents...all cut from the same cloth

 

not much money really for saving people the 800k requirement

[ubonjoe]

6 minutes ago, LatPhrao said:

What if instead, during the 15 months of non o and visa, you have been banking in by foreign transfer 65K + monthly, meeting that requirement for a year plus and you want to renew and apply without the agent.  How and when to proceed?

Immigration will check to see if you complied with requirement to keep the 800k baht in the bank for 3 months after you last application and then 400k baht for the remainder of the year. If not they would not do the extension using he 65k baht income option.

 

[LatPhrao]

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

Immigration will check to see if you complied with requirement to keep the 800k baht in the bank for 3 months after you last application and then 400k baht for the remainder of the year. If not they would not do the extension using he 65k baht income option.

 

This is not meant to be a snide remark, but doesn't this make the 65K baht / month method a ruse - and a useless one as a stand alone means of getting a visa?  Leaving an applicant with just two options - 800K baht then 400 K baht or an agent visa?

[arithai12]

30 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

not much money really for saving people the 800k requirement

dead horse comes to mind.

Let's not forget 'peace of mind from knowing that your extension is legit'.

And for those who care 'satisfaction from knowing you are not contributing to the corruption'.

 

A friend of mine who didn't have the 800k got the extension from an agent, but had quite a few sleepless nights every time he was preparing to travel. Also remember the plight of those caught in the Phuket bust. All it takes is one Big Joke who decides to shake up one Immigration office.

[khunPer]

8 hours ago, sanuk711 said:

You need 3 months of savings (800K)--if not have maybe let the agent run with this one more time.

Only 2 month for a start, it changed some years ago...????

[Liverpool Lou]

9 hours ago, mart700 said:

I have been using an agent to get retirement extension on an OA visa for the last few years. I am now returning to Thailand after a few months in the UK with a new non O visa and plan to apply for the retirement extension myself but wonder if there will be any problem that I used an agent previously

You'll have no problem with Immigration as it is a new application that they are looking at, they'll not be investigating an old, expired and now, invalid, one.  They will not care where you're previous visa/extension came from, it's not as though IOs are unaware of the existence of visa agents! 

Edited September 8, 2022 by Liverpool Lou

[ubonjoe]

14 hours ago, LatPhrao said:

This is not meant to be a snide remark, but doesn't this make the 65K baht / month method a ruse - and a useless one as a stand alone means of getting a visa?  Leaving an applicant with just two options - 800K baht then 400 K baht or an agent visa?

The proof for the previous year is only needed when changing from the 800k baht option to 65k baht of income.

If you wanted to avoid the proof you leave and re-enter the country without a re-entry permit and get a non-o visa to start all over again using the income option.

 

[scubascuba3]

14 hours ago, arithai12 said:

 

 

A friend of mine who didn't have the 800k got the extension from an agent, but had quite a few sleepless nights every time he was preparing to travel.

That's his mental issues alone, no need for that.

 

I prefer the 800k method but the agent method fills a gap for many, all Immigration are involved, that's what many farang don't understand 

Edited September 9, 2022 by scubascuba3

[SiamAndy]

17 hours ago, scubascuba3 said:

26,000 baht for first 15 months, 12,500 for subsequent years

I just emailed one in C.M, and they wanted 35,000. I'll be doing it myself at that price.

 

 

[Peterw42]

1 minute ago, SiamAndy said:

I just emailed one in C.M, and they wanted 35,000. I'll be doing it myself at that price.

 

 

That price probably includes extras like opening a bank account, TM30, etc. But I agree, very expensive.