New experience at Suvarnabhumi Immigration

[Mark17AA]

I have a Non O visa for which I have always used an agent to obtain. I know they have used various "friendly" officers at various offices around the country. On this occasion I was asked my address in Thailand, first time ever asked! to which I replied my residence in Bangkok. I was then escorted to a senior officer that asked about why my visa was not obtained in Bangkok (I think this time it was from Phuket) to this I replied that I have always used an agent.

 

I pleaded ignorance, and she then kept repeating that I must go to Chang Wattana to do the Visa.. anyhow I acknowledged polity, and after a while she gave me the stamp through to the visa expiry date.

 

I just wonder if this is a new thing tightening the noose, and has anybody else had this experience recently.

Edited December 13, 2023 by Mark17AA

[Mark17AA]

By the way she also advised that I can continue with the visa until expiry then it must be renewed at Wattana if I still live BKK.

[ukrules]

20 minutes ago, Mark17AA said:

I just wonder if this is a new thing tightening the noose

 

I would not be surprised, it's the next logical thing to crack down on.

 

Anyone going this agent route is 'making their own card' for potential future issues.

Nearly everyone I know who lives here in Hua Hin uses an agent except for that one guy with PR, I don't know why as most of these people (but not all of them) do actually have the money, they just don't seem to want to put it in a Thai bank.

[Moonlover]

3 hours ago, Mark17AA said:

I know they have used various "friendly" officers at various offices around the country.

'Friendly officers' being a euphemism for 'corrupt officers' of course. Let's call a spade a spade shall we.

[Olmate]

Just pissed she,s out of the loop! 

[expat_4_life]

5 hours ago, ukrules said:

 

I would not be surprised, it's the next logical thing to crack down on.

 

Anyone going this agent route is 'making their own card' for potential future issues.

Nearly everyone I know who lives here in Hua Hin uses an agent except for that one guy with PR, I don't know why as most of these people (but not all of them) do actually have the money, they just don't seem to want to put it in a Thai bank.

 

Wonder why the OP got questioned in the manner he did - was it something about their renewal stamp (originating office), something in the computer or?  Makes me think the IO's are aware somehow.

 

It is a curious thing (to me) as I've always done my retirement renewals myself. Thailand is my home now 20+ years and my renewals are vitally important to me. I simply want to know from year to year if my compliance is in order. Doing it personally guarantees all is above board.

I can understand that some people don't want to deal with it and use an agent.

The danger zone is when someone uses an agent to skirt the rules, technically does not qualify financially.  I can also see where some people who could otherwise meet the financial requirements begin play a little loose with the rules because the agent sorts it all out anyway.  You're right that they are potentially compromising their ability to stay here long term. 

I have a close friend that is "hooked on agents" - he plays loose with the rules and doesn't have to.  He will be outraged and livid if he ever gets refused a renewal or entry.  He will likely eventually kick himself for not meeting the financial requirements when he could easily have done so.

 

[worrab]

21 hours ago, ukrules said:

Nearly everyone I know who lives here in Hua Hin uses an agent except for that one guy with PR, I don't know why as most of these people (but not all of them) do actually have the money, they just don't seem to want to put it in a Thai bank.

I use Hua Hin for my annual extension and do not use an agent. Have the money in a separate account which just sits there and makes a little interest. Cannot see the need to pay out for an agent when the renewal and re entry takes around 35 minutes!

[Thingamabob]

First came to Thailand in 1961. Visited on business in the 1970s, worked here in the 1980s, retired here in the 1990s and stayed here ever since. Never once used an agent over all these years, and no intention of ever doing so. 

[howerde]

It is not the use of an agent that is the problem, if you live in a place in this case Bangkok they expect to see you dealing with Bangkok immigration or the immigration office where you live(either your self or agent), their issue is those who use agents to obtain extension of stay etc but they see a stamp from some Issan office, and so suspect that you do not meet the financial requirements. 

[Sheryl]

16 hours ago, expat_4_life said:

 

Wonder why the OP got questioned in the manner he did - was it something about their renewal stamp (originating office), something in the computer or? 
 

 

I think computer would show where the renewal was done, might also show address from 90 reports.

 

On top of not matching where OP said he was going to stay, I think it is common knowledge among IOs which provinces are "Facilitating" agent extensions.

 

Of course for those using an agent to extend at their (correct) Imm office, nothing on computer would look out of place.  But that is possible in only a few locations.

 

The main reason I have never used an agent is that I cannot find any that would handle the extension at my local IO....and I want to avoid exactly the sort of issue mentioned here (not to mention, how to do 90 day reports?). I meet the financials , no issue there, but I would dearly love to not have to deal with my very rude and difficult IO directly and would gladly pay extra not to have to. But there are no agents for retirement extensions in my province  and all the ones I have contacted would do the extension at some remote location nowhere near where I live.

[it is what it is]

I have a Non O visa for which I have always used an agent to obtain. I know they have used various "friendly" officers at various offices around the country.

 

sounds like a euphemism for illegally being in the country?

 

the sooner immigration get their act together and remove illegal foreigners the better. such people simply make life worse for all of us here legally.

[nana kid]

I think people use agents because of the 800,000 in the bank.  That doesn't make them "Illegal Foreigners" it's just bending the rule in a country which is famous for rule bending.  If you do get caught it might be 2000 Baht to change your address

[jimn]

More fool you for using an agent who deals with an office outside your area. That would be a definate no no from me. The agent I use deals direct with the Jomtien office where I live. Only dodgy ones deal out of area.

[jimn]

22 hours ago, ukrules said:

Nearly everyone I know who lives here in Hua Hin uses an agent except for that one guy with PR, I don't know why as most of these people (but not all of them) do actually have the money, they just don't seem to want to put it in a Thai bank.

And sensible they are too. I keep as little as possible in my Thai bank accounts. Maybe transfer in 20 to 30k a month. I use my no fee excellent exchange rate UK credit cards for most things and pay it off in full from the UK when due.

[jimn]

58 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

The main reason I have never used an agent is that I cannot find any that would handle the extension at my local IO..

That must be an up country thing. There are many in Pattaya that only deal with the local Jomtien office. 12.5 k all in and you do not have to go anywhere near the immigration office.

[Dan O]

27 minutes ago, nana kid said:

I think people use agents because of the 800,000 in the bank.  That doesn't make them "Illegal Foreigners" it's just bending the rule in a country which is famous for rule bending.  If you do get caught it might be 2000 Baht to change your address

Its illegal not to maintain the money in the bank per regulation by using an agent to falsify that you do have cash in the bank. If you decide to go away from using an agent like this then you may find yourself starting over unless you happen to already have either put the 800k in the bank ahead of time or done 12 monthly transfers internationally for the whole year prior. 

[Wuvu2]

Simple math. Agents charge about 12,500/year, which is 1.6% of 800,000.  Thai banks pay almost no interest, and most of us can make a bunch more than 1.6% on our investments in our home country. Using an agent in the province where you live has been the best practice for as long as I can remember to avoid the problem the OP encountered. Nothing new here. 

[LikeItHot]

18 hours ago, expat_4_life said:

 

Wonder why the OP got questioned in the manner he did - was it something about their renewal stamp (originating office), something in the computer or?  Makes me think the IO's are aware somehow.

 

It is a curious thing (to me) as I've always done my retirement renewals myself. Thailand is my home now 20+ years and my renewals are vitally important to me. I simply want to know from year to year if my compliance is in order. Doing it personally guarantees all is above board.

I can understand that some people don't want to deal with it and use an agent.

The danger zone is when someone uses an agent to skirt the rules, technically does not qualify financially.  I can also see where some people who could otherwise meet the financial requirements begin play a little loose with the rules because the agent sorts it all out anyway.  You're right that they are potentially compromising their ability to stay here long term. 

I have a close friend that is "hooked on agents" - he plays loose with the rules and doesn't have to.  He will be outraged and livid if he ever gets refused a renewal or entry.  He will likely eventually kick himself for not meeting the financial requirements when he could easily have done so.

 

I know a guy who brags his renewals only cost 20000 baht and his agent only works for an hour on it.  I didn't have that heart to tell him that I do it myself every year for 1900 and that his agent is easily  getting a months salary working for one hour by doing his renewal alone. 

[NextG]

On 12/13/2023 at 3:13 PM, Mark17AA said:

By the way she also advised that I can continue with the visa until expiry then it must be renewed at Wattana if I still live BKK.

Just move to wherever the friendly office is, temporarily. 

[Regyai]

37 minutes ago, NextG said:

Just move to wherever the friendly office is, temporarily. 

Ny thoughts too

 

Why doesn't your remote agent have the wit to log a TM30 to cover his application there

[terryofcrete]

56 minutes ago, Wuvu2 said:

Simple math. Agents charge about 12,500/year, which is 1.6% of 800,000.  Thai banks pay almost no interest, and most of us can make a bunch more than 1.6% on our investments in our home country. Using an agent in the province where you live has been the best practice for as long as I can remember to avoid the problem the OP encountered. Nothing new here. 

What happens if you die ? 

[Sigma6]

1 hour ago, jimn said:

And sensible they are too. I keep as little as possible in my Thai bank accounts. Maybe transfer in 20 to 30k a month. I use my no fee excellent exchange rate UK credit cards for most things and pay it off in full from the UK when due.

 

Which card would that be?

[jesimps]

1 hour ago, jimn said:

More fool you for using an agent who deals with an office outside your area. That would be a definate no no from me. The agent I use deals direct with the Jomtien office where I live. Only dodgy ones deal out of area.

Yes, I know the Jomtien agents deal with that office, because sometimes when I'm at the counter, I have to wait when a runner comes in clutching a pile of passports to be stamped. The IOs know exactly who the agents are and wouldn't even consider putting a stop to it because it's their bread and butter. For that reason, I'm sure that those using agents need have no fear of being called out for it. Also, as I've said before, if I could afford it I too would use an agent.

[daveAustin]

1 hour ago, jimn said:

And sensible they are too. I keep as little as possible in my Thai bank accounts. Maybe transfer in 20 to 30k a month. I use my no fee excellent exchange rate UK credit cards for most things and pay it off in full from the UK when due.

Each to their own, but have personally always done it by the book... what I may lose on interest by not having it in a foreign bank is of little interest (pardon pun) to me since I prefer the peace of mind. My extension takes me about an hour, including copying etc. If they clamp down on anything, it will be the visa shenanigans/discrepancies first as highlighted in the OP.

[Wuvu2]

11 minutes ago, terryofcrete said:

What happens if you die ? 

Exhale. Job done 

[CartagenaWarlock]

1 hour ago, LikeItHot said:

know a guy who brags his renewals only cost 20000 baht and his agent only works for an hour on it.  I didn't have that heart to tell him that I do it myself every year for 1900 and that his agent is easily  getting a months salary working for one hour by doing his renewal alone. 

It's a moronic comparison. The person who is paying 20K baht for his retirement is getting much more than that by investing it outside Thailand. He gets it done in 10 minutes with his passport only. He does not have to do any other nonsensical paperwork. And he is spreading his wealth to unfortunates who don't have access to earning dollars.

Have you seen those old men hugging the ATM to update their bank books? It is fortunate to be able to earn a dollar by sheer luck of birth and then travel 10,000 miles to seek out a living in a foreign land. For those, maybe DIY is a great accomplishment, but for others, spreading the wealth to unfortunates who don't have the luck to earn dollars. 

[foreverlomsak]

1 hour ago, terryofcrete said:

What happens if you die ? 

Somebody has a problem, I won't be there to help out.

Money in a Thai bank relatively easy for Thai wife to get access, money in UK bank problems.

[Grusa]

2 hours ago, Wuvu2 said:

Simple math. Agents charge about 12,500/year, which is 1.6% of 800,000.  Thai banks pay almost no interest, and most of us can make a bunch more than 1.6% on our investments in our home country. Using an agent in the province where you live has been the best practice for as long as I can remember to avoid the problem the OP encountered. Nothing new here. 

Pity about the potential jail term and/or deportation, not to mention fines and blacklisting.

[NextG]

11 minutes ago, Grusa said:

Pity about the potential jail term and/or deportation, not to mention fines and blacklisting.

….that you all just made up in your nasty imagination. 

[sandyf]

23 hours ago, Olmate said:

Just pissed she,s out of the loop! 

Why is it when when immigration officers do their job, they are at fault.  

Obviously nothing hypocritical in complaining about corruption and then using it to your advantage.