I am at a decision crossroads, as explained in another thread in the UK forum 🙂

 

For the last few years I have had an O visa/extension, provided by an agent in Pattaya for a 'fee' because I did not have 800k in my bank account.  I utilised this method because although I had this visa to allow me to come and go from Thailand, most of the time I was working in Myanmar. Since the earthquake, I have not been teaching in Myanmar and have been staying in Thailand.

 

Well, now that it's coming close to extend my O visa again, but this time my trusted agent says 'no can do'.  She tells me that the rules have been tightened up at Jomtien and she cannot help me.

 

That is what got me thinking about possibly returning permanently back to the UK...

 

However, maybe someone has the details of an agent who might be able to help me 🙂  If so, please don't post the details on the open forum, but send me a message.

 

Thanks - Simon

Have you tried Manerat Soi Post Office 13/2 yet?

1 hour ago, simon43 said:

However, maybe someone has the details of an agent who might be able to help me 🙂  If so, please don't post the details on the open forum, but send me a message.

Topic covered many times. 

Very easy to contact agents via in person or phone or apps such as Line Messenger etc. 

 

What's with wanting information via PM? 

 

Note prices have recently increased. 

Eg Maneerat thinking ~ 16k 

 

 

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

 

What's with wanting information via PM? 

 

I wasn't sure if the details were OK on the open forum, (not just using an agent, but using an agent to 'bypass' the 800k requirement!)

2 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I wasn't sure if the details were OK on the open forum, (not just using an agent, but using an agent to 'bypass' the 800k requirement!)

That's why folks use an agent. 

Some current threads re issues with agents using BBL. 

If your extension is ending soon ish suggest you contact agent ASAP. 

 

told you many times
Thai visa centre,  Grace!!!

Looks like things have changed at Maneerat as well recently for retirement extensions needing 800k transfer to BBL as I just posted on another thread.Basically I was told they now require proof of pension income and Embassy verification although the details are vague.

1 hour ago, chang50 said:

Basically I was told they now require proof of pension income and Embassy verification although the details are vague.

Told by who...

22 hours ago, simon43 said:

I wasn't sure if the details were OK on the open forum, (not just using an agent, but using an agent to 'bypass' the 800k requirement!)

You wouldn't be bypassing the B800k requirement, the agent would be ensuring that you met the requirement by having the money in the bank - that's the point of the agent.

 

 

10 hours ago, zzzzz said:

told you many times
Thai visa centre,  Grace!!!

 

They did 'extensions' from provinces you were not living in, or has that changed?

On 7/1/2025 at 4:22 PM, simon43 said:

I am at a decision crossroads, as explained in another thread in the UK forum 🙂

 

For the last few years I have had an O visa/extension, provided by an agent in Pattaya for a 'fee' because I did not have 800k in my bank account.  I utilised this method because although I had this visa to allow me to come and go from Thailand, most of the time I was working in Myanmar. Since the earthquake, I have not been teaching in Myanmar and have been staying in Thailand.

 

Well, now that it's coming close to extend my O visa again, but this time my trusted agent says 'no can do'.  She tells me that the rules have been tightened up at Jomtien and she cannot help me.

 

That is what got me thinking about possibly returning permanently back to the UK...

 

However, maybe someone has the details of an agent who might be able to help me 🙂  If so, please don't post the details on the open forum, but send me a message.

 

Thanks - Simon

 

why not fill in a TM87 for a new non immigrant O visa 1900 baht?

4 minutes ago, proton said:

 

why not fill in a TM87 for a new non immigrant O visa 1900 baht?

That's not going to work unless he leaves and returns and then applies for it with 800k in the bank.

52 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Told by who...

One of the staff in Maneerat.

Although I am sure that I can use an agent to obtain a new visa, the more that I look at the situation re visas and my finances in Thailand, and the more that I look at all the benefits that a UK state pensioner can legally obtain in the UK, I'm of the mind to return to the UK, (as I mentioned in another thread).  

 

Living in the UK on a budget prior to reaching state retirement age is no fun, but once one reaches that retirement age, all manner of benefits are available, such that I will be financially better off living in the UK.  The downside is the weather (although to some extent I miss 'seasons'), and the lack of swimming in a warm sea!

 

As I get older, I do not want to rely on using an agent to provide the 800k, because Murphy's Law tells me that the requirements to get a retirement extension will only get more arduous, and I don't do 'arduous' as I get older and older 🙂

19 minutes ago, simon43 said:

 I'm of the mind to return to the UK, (as I mentioned in another thread). 

Fine. Most likely the best option for you. 

11 hours ago, zzzzz said:

told you many times
Thai visa centre,  Grace!!!

Yes thanks.  I have already contacted them to see what the requirements are etc.  But it doesn't change my concern about extending my visa in future years, especially as I live alone with no support network in Thailand.

4 hours ago, chang50 said:

Basically I was told they now require proof of pension income and Embassy verification although the details are vague.

 

Doesn't make sense, as not all embassies offer such paperwork. Besides, while the minimum age for the visa is 50, few people actually retire at that age.

27 minutes ago, StayinThailand2much said:

 

Doesn't make sense, as not all embassies offer such paperwork. Besides, while the minimum age for the visa is 50, few people actually retire at that age.

I agree I'm hoping something was lost in translation misunderstandings are routine in Thailand.

2 hours ago, simon43 said:

Living in the UK on a budget prior to reaching state retirement age is no fun, but once one reaches that retirement age, all manner of benefits are available, such that I will be financially better off living in the UK.

 

@simon43, I am curious, is this true when you include the housing costs in the equation?

 

That's what makes it almost always more expensive to live in the US as compared with Thailand. (That is true even if you own a house, in which case you have to compare the standard of living in the US living in that house, vs living in TH with the proceeds of the sale of that house.)

On 7/1/2025 at 5:22 AM, simon43 said:

I am at a decision crossroads, as explained in another thread in the UK forum 🙂

 

For the last few years I have had an O visa/extension, provided by an agent in Pattaya for a 'fee' because I did not have 800k in my bank account.  I utilised this method because although I had this visa to allow me to come and go from Thailand, most of the time I was working in Myanmar. Since the earthquake, I have not been teaching in Myanmar and have been staying in Thailand.

 

Well, now that it's coming close to extend my O visa again, but this time my trusted agent says 'no can do'.  She tells me that the rules have been tightened up at Jomtien and she cannot help me.

 

That is what got me thinking about possibly returning permanently back to the UK...

 

However, maybe someone has the details of an agent who might be able to help me 🙂  If so, please don't post the details on the open forum, but send me a message.

 

Thanks - Simon

 

I am currently on assignment in Europe. It is pretty good. Germany was a nice change, and the Netherlands is wonderful.  I will be in other European  nations in the next month, before returning and it is decent. My suggestion to you is to visit the UK. Stop fighting the inevitable. You may be pleasantly surprised.

7 hours ago, simon43 said:

Although I am sure that I can use an agent to obtain a new visa, the more that I look at the situation re visas and my finances in Thailand, and the more that I look at all the benefits that a UK state pensioner can legally obtain in the UK, I'm of the mind to return to the UK, (as I mentioned in another thread).  

 

Living in the UK on a budget prior to reaching state retirement age is no fun, but once one reaches that retirement age, all manner of benefits are available, such that I will be financially better off living in the UK.  The downside is the weather (although to some extent I miss 'seasons'), and the lack of swimming in a warm sea!

 

As I get older, I do not want to rely on using an agent to provide the 800k, because Murphy's Law tells me that the requirements to get a retirement extension will only get more arduous, and I don't do 'arduous' as I get older and older 🙂

If you go back give us an update how it goes, maybe a thread on progress

8 hours ago, Equatorial said:

 

@simon43, I am curious, is this true when you include the housing costs in the equation?

 

That's what makes it almost always more expensive to live in the US as compared with Thailand. (That is true even if you own a house, in which case you have to compare the standard of living in the US living in that house, vs living in TH with the proceeds of the sale of that house.)

Hi, the housing costs are the least of my concern.  If one has reached state pension age, and if one has savings of less than 16,000 pounds, the local authority is obliged to contribute about 572 pounds every month towards your costs of renting a property.  They have no choice in this matter - it's called Housing Benefit and is means-tested, so the amount might be less if one is living with a working partner etc.  But for a single person such as myself, the online government calculator indicates 572 pounds that will be paid every month within 2 weeks of claiming online.  Oh, no Council Tax either 'cos that's waived for a single pensioner.

 

Therefore, if one finds an apartment to rent for say 600 pounds per month, one will personally have to pay only about 28 pounds a month in rent!  I know this sounds somewhat unbelievable, but the policy of the social welfare system in the UK is to reward those who have not saved money during their working life!!

45 minutes ago, simon43 said:

I know this sounds somewhat unbelievable, but the policy of the social welfare system in the UK is to reward those who have not saved money during their working life!!

Seems you are describing yourself. 

Australia has similar arrangements. 

In any event you have already decided to return to UK. 

Returning to the UK due to lack of funds is a fate worse than death. 

54 minutes ago, simon43 said:

Hi, the housing costs are the least of my concern.  If one has reached state pension age, and if one has savings of less than 16,000 pounds, the local authority is obliged to contribute about 572 pounds every month towards your costs of renting a property.  They have no choice in this matter - it's called Housing Benefit and is means-tested, so the amount might be less if one is living with a working partner etc.  But for a single person such as myself, the online government calculator indicates 572 pounds that will be paid every month within 2 weeks of claiming online.  Oh, no Council Tax either 'cos that's waived for a single pensioner.

 

Therefore, if one finds an apartment to rent for say 600 pounds per month, one will personally have to pay only about 28 pounds a month in rent!  I know this sounds somewhat unbelievable, but the policy of the social welfare system in the UK is to reward those who have not saved money during their working life!!

 

 

No wonder the country is all but bankrupt, still, if it's given to illegal immigrants why not us. Are you sure about no council tax for a single pensioner, I thought is was just 25% less if single, pensioners still having to pay. Not a bad deal over all then if you can stand the climate.

12 hours ago, proton said:

 

 

 

They did 'extensions' from provinces you were not living in, or has that changed?

yes

as do many agents 

10 minutes ago, proton said:

Returning to the UK due to lack of funds is a fate worse than death. 

 

 

No wonder the country is all but bankrupt, still, if it's given to illegal immigrants why not us. Are you sure about no council tax for a single pensioner, I thought is was just 25% less if single, pensioners still having to pay. Not a bad deal over all then if you can stand the climate.

The 25% is the single person discount.  In addition people on low income can apply for Council Tax Reduction, how much this is worth depends on exactly how low your income is.

What about moving to say Cambodia, easy visas and cheap rent. The thought of returning to the UK would fill me with dread. What sort of home would you get for 600 a month ?

13 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Told by who...

Embassies don't verify income

9 minutes ago, MRMOUSE said:

Embassies don't verify income

Some don't, others do.

3 hours ago, proton said:

Returning to the UK due to lack of funds is a fate worse than death. 

 

 

No wonder the country is all but bankrupt, still, if it's given to illegal immigrants why not us. Are you sure about no council tax for a single pensioner, I thought is was just 25% less if single, pensioners still having to pay. Not a bad deal over all then if you can stand the climate.

Yes, a single person gets a 25% discount on their Council Tax.  But in my own financial circumstances, with a slightly reduced state pension (I only paid 29 years), and with no savings more than 10,000 pounds, I qualify not only for my Council Tax to be paid in full by the local authority, but also 132.33 pounds/week of my rent.  That means if I rent a property at 573 quid a month, that rent will be paid in full. (The exact amount will vary a little depending where you live - this is for West Somerset, a rather rural region which I prefer).

 

Personally, I also think the benefits system is crazy, but I'm not going to deny myself what I'm legally entitled to!  Here are the details from the Age Concern calculator.  (If I were not receiving a state pension, then the benefits available would not be so generous...)