Bad language post removed.

Another disguised foul language post removed. @happydreamer

Stop.

I'm 82, have lived in Thailand for 16 years, have never needed a visa agent, I've always done WifeVisaExtensions at immigration and never had a real problem. However, I have to add that immigration is only 10 minutes by car from me. I get the necessary certificates from the Amphur and the Bank myself, it's just a small effort.

The cost: 20 baht Amphur, 200 baht Bank, 1900 baht and a small tip at Immigration, total about 2500 baht.

NS. I know an Australian who paid 70,000 baht in Pattaya three months ago for 15 months of Non-O-visa and the cost of staying in Pattaya for 2 weeks about 25,000 Baht, until he received his visa and now he has to send his passport to Pattaya every 90 days. There is no ONLINE report possible, as he said.

41 minutes ago, BerndD said:

I'm 82, have lived in Thailand for 16 years, have never needed a visa agent, I've always done WifeVisaExtensions at immigration and never had a real problem. However, I have to add that immigration is only 10 minutes by car from me. I get the necessary certificates from the Amphur and the Bank myself, it's just a small effort.

The cost: 20 baht Amphur, 200 baht Bank, 1900 baht and a small tip at Immigration, total about 2500 baht.

NS. I know an Australian who paid 70,000 baht in Pattaya three months ago for 15 months of Non-O-visa and the cost of staying in Pattaya for 2 weeks about 25,000 Baht, until he received his visa and now he has to send his passport to Pattaya every 90 days. There is no ONLINE report possible, as he said.

I believe that once you use an agent, then the 90 day reporting has to go via the immigration office that the visa was obtained from.

I had the same 'problem' in that I 'obtained' a retirement visa via an agent in Pattaya but was living in Korat.

90 days had to be done via Pattaya. I once tried to do it in person in Korat and it raised so many questions from immigration officials that steered clear from them from there on in.

30 minutes ago, Korat Kiwi said:

I believe that once you use an agent, then the 90 day reporting has to go via the immigration office that the visa was obtained from.

.

all one needs do is file a NEW TM 30 for wherever you are living>
regardless where ur extension was obtained
its not rocket science

On 3/23/2026 at 8:47 PM, DrJack54 said:

You refer to "WE" are your extensions based on marriage or retirement.

At CW the requirements are very clear cut and easily met.

Regards time at immigration you can make an appointment.

Easy peasy

My last two retirement extensions at CW based on 800k in the bank were finished by 1030 and 1100hrs respectively with no agent and no appointment.

4 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

My last two retirement extensions at CW based on 800k in the bank were finished by 1030 and 1100hrs respectively with no agent and no appointment.

Not sure of your point.

With appointment you are seen exactly on time.

With an appointment and correct docs then no need for agent.

To complete the process by 10.30am what time did you arrive at immigration to queue

Just now, DrJack54 said:

Not sure of your point.

With appointment you are seen exactly on time.

With an appointment and correct docs then no need for agent.

To complete the process by 10.30am what time did you arrive at immigration to que

My point is that while I am still mobile, currently 85 years old, I have no need for either an appointment or an agent at CW. I normally arrive there around 7.30am and queue. Incidentally during my more recent 90 day reports at CW the elderly were being given the benefit of being placed ahead of the queue which has really speeded things up for me. I wonder if Immigration will do the same for for annual extensions.

5 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

I have no need for either an appointment or an agent at CW. I normally arrive there around 7.30am and queue.

Whatever. An appointment eliminates need for queue.

No need to arrive at 7.30.

The banks don't even open till 8.30am.

When do you update your bank book.

Also you mention 90 reports at CW.

Why would anyone go to CW in person for reporting.

In addition many folk also need a reentry permit.

You can make an appointment for those say an hour after your extension appointment.

You are doing excellently in being able to go to CW.

My mobility will make that impossible soon.

One criticism of Thailand is that there aren't options for those with mobility problems other than agents.

23 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Whatever. An appointment eliminates need for queue.

No need to arrive at 7.30.

The banks don't even open till 8.30am.

When do you update your bank book.

Also you mention 90 reports at CW.

Why would anyone go to CW in person for reporting.

In addition many folk also need a reentry permit.

You can make an appointment for those say an hour after your extension appointment.

You are doing excellently in being able to go to CW.

My mobility will make that impossible soon.

One criticism of Thailand is that there aren't options for those with mobility problems other than agents.

My bank book is updated the day before as is my bank letter. Re 90 day reporting I sometimes go myself, sometimes my wife or somebody else. I appreciate that many people live a long way from an immigration office and that makes things much more difficult. I am fortunate in having houses in Bangkok and Rayong, neither of which are very far from government offices.

23 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

My bank book is updated the day before as is my bank letter. Re 90 day reporting I sometimes go myself, sometimes my wife or somebody else.

CW may allow update day prior if you are early for application.

In the main they insist upon same day update.

Indeed 12 month bank statement and bank letter can be obtained days prior.

Here is link to online reporting. It's a breeze. Best to do it as soon as window opens 15 days prior to due date.

Source: Immigration Bureau https://share.google/ocCFhVbjxTvSgNdux

9 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Clearly you haven't read this thread and many others regarding some people's choice to use an agent.

In no particular order if importance.

1. Desire not to lock up 800k in a Thai bank account when far better investment provides returns that cover cost of agent by far.

2 Mobility or health issues that makes attending immigration office almost impossible.

3 The immigration office itself. For example CW while appointments are possible, currently quite difficult to obtain. Including travel the extension can take best part of a day. Again for frail folk the mere size of the joint is daunting to say the least.

Those are just some reasons. Bottom line is personal choice.

For myself soon I will be forced to use and agent however I will continue with the monthly transfers (income method) as I use those funds to live off.

For those not concerned with financial requirements then fine.

As is stated often in Thailand...

"Up to You"

No I did not read the whole thread, that would take too long, time is money.

On 3/25/2026 at 1:02 PM, DrJack54 said:

Clearly you haven't read this thread and many others regarding some people's choice to use an agent.

In no particular order if importance.

1. Desire not to lock up 800k in a Thai bank account when far better investment provides returns that cover cost of agent by far.

2 Mobility or health issues that makes attending immigration office almost impossible.

3 The immigration office itself. For example CW while appointments are possible, currently quite difficult to obtain. Including travel the extension can take best part of a day. Again for frail folk the mere size of the joint is daunting to say the least.

Those are just some reasons. Bottom line is personal choice.

For myself soon I will be forced to use and agent however I will continue with the monthly transfers (income method) as I use those funds to live off.

For those not concerned with financial requirements then fine.

As is stated often in Thailand...

"Up to You"

It also seems a lot of people use agents as they do not have the 800k for part of the year and then a fixed amount of 400k in the bank for the rest of the year and so the agent fiddles it for them re the money part of the visa extension.

That would be worrying me as there could be a crackdown at any time and full checks carried out, in Thailand I want everything to be straight and not have to worry about fiddling the systems with a dodgy agent and dodgy immigration officers who turns a blind eye for reward.

Plus having 400k in a bank for most of the year and five months at 800k is not much of a loss compared to the other finances, a few quid lost in investments is not much of a cost when compared to the worry of being on the fiddle with the use of an agent.

Money should be partly used to offset any need for dodgy dealings resulting in stress free living.

3 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

My point is that while I am still mobile, currently 85 years old, I have no need for either an appointment or an agent at CW. I normally arrive there around 7.30am and queue. Incidentally during my more recent 90 day reports at CW the elderly were being given the benefit of being placed ahead of the queue which has really speeded things up for me. I wonder if Immigration will do the same for for annual extensions.

Where is CW?

Move to Phuket, it only took me 20 minutes in February this year to get my non-O old bloke extension in a nice aircon friendly immigration office. 😃

On 3/25/2026 at 1:43 PM, Packer said:

My brother is under 50. He messed up his 400,000 funds, he has minor autism and struggles with lists etc. It's currently being 'fixed' by an agent working for a reputable company that supplies the funds, 28,500 baht, 12 month family extension.

Just as I thought, many people use the agents as they can not organise the money to support themselves or do not have the money in the first place, so they pay to fiddle the system.

6 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Where is CW?

Move to Phuket, it only took me 20 minutes in February this year to get my non-O old bloke extension in a nice aircon friendly immigration office.

chaengwattana immigration (Bangkok)

Surely suggestion of move to Phuket is just a nonsense comment.

4 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Just as I thought, many people use the agents as they can not organise the money to support themselves or do not have the money in the first place, so they pay to fiddle the system.

Give it a rest. In the main some use agent as they do not want to have money in a Thai bank.

14 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Plus having 400k in a bank for most of the year and five months at 800k is not much of a loss compared to the other finances, a few quid lost in investments is not much of a cost when compared to the worry of being on the fiddle with the use of an agent

My funds are in cbus super.

Google average returns over last 10-15 years.

The opportunity cost (loss) of interest over Thai bank is significant.

In my case I use income method so can keep funds in shares.

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

chaengwattana immigration (Bangkok)

Surely suggestion of move to Phuket is just a nonsense comment.

Sorry, I thought you might have a glimpse of a sense of humour, looks like I was wrong, and your comment stating 'give it a rest', my answer is I will if you will.

Great, you use the income method, I bung the 800k into the bank as I can't be bothered with fiddling about with an income method, it is not worth the pennies it save, so instead I put the income into investments , same thing, different method.

And thanks for the thumbs down, such things make me laugh when I am on a halftime hour coffee break.

9 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

so instead I put the income into investments , same thing, different method.

No it's not. Also with funds tied in bank (most leave the 800k all year round.

What do you live off in Thailand if your income goes into investments.

12 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

And thanks for the thumbs down,

I didn't give the thumbs down.

Best do what suits you your general advice on this matter is poor.

13 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Sorry, I thought you might have a glimpse of a sense of humour

Maybe for chat forums such as pub.

This forum is for advice. Not nonsense

52 minutes ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

That would be worrying me as there could be a crackdown at any time and full checks carried out,

And fast in-and-out deposit / withdrawals are sine qua non of a mule account and BOT is requiring banks to program their computers to look for unusual activity.

6 hours ago, Thingamabob said:

My point is that while I am still mobile, currently 85 years old, I have no need for either an appointment or an agent at CW. I normally arrive there around 7.30am and queue.

I compliment you on being mobile enough at your age 85, and for being able to get up early enough to arrive at CW for 7:30 am. Most days I sleep until 10 am, but I stay up late at night. The only time I get up as early as you did is to watch the Super Bowl. When I was on marriage extensions, I used an agent purely for convenience. I had my own money in the bank. My wife and I showed up at CW about 10:00 am, met the agent, signed the papers, took our pics, and then left. It took about 15 to 20 mins. No waiting in line. We only made 1 trip to CW. The agent went back after 30 days for the final stamp. It was well worth the extra cost to me. Now, I'm on the 10-year LTR visa, so no more yearly extensions or 90-day reports for me.

3 hours ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

in Thailand I want everything to be straight

The lil issue here is Thailand is everything but straight.

On 3/22/2026 at 9:50 AM, DrJack54 said:

Use agent for what service?

Annual extension?

Be more specific. Of course agents can provide those services. Literally 1000,s use them.

I also will when lack of mobility takes over.

I used an agent for the past 2 years as I didn’t have funds. i still had to show up and go through the song and dance.

Yesterday I renewed on my own, bank was a lot easier - the two times I was the bank, reception was frosty.

Last year there was a mess up, the agent assumed I would bring copies, I thought she would bring the copies I emailed her. We left it to the day before the visa expired because the crooked immigration officer was on holiday. It was stressful, trying to cobble documents together and relying upon him to print. Yesterday, the documents were printed off and checked 2 days prior. The actual procedure was 20 mins, and was mostly her shuffling papers and taking selfies rather than the interview I used to get.

If I know there is a lot of walking, pressure waiting for me or standing around I may use a wheelchair. I itv regard to mobility or stress, I don’t see what an agent does apart from complicating things. I wish there was a way to not attend, I don’t know how approach the subject if I get to a point where I physically cannot attend.

14 minutes ago, recom273 said:

I wish there was a way to not attend, I don’t know how approach the subject if I get to a point where I physically cannot attend.

Long rambling post that seems poor choice of agent.

Most agents will require your attendance on day of application for extension based on retirement..

Some can process without your attendance.

Myself will move to that in next year or two.

Where are you located?

6 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

In the main some use agent as they do not want to have money in a Thai bank.

Not only because of the 1% interest rates, another is that they don't have a beneficiary system, so your spouse or child needs to go through the legal will system simply to be granted the 800,000 you keep in it

5 hours ago, Packer said:

Not only because of the 1% interest rates, another is that they don't have a beneficiary system, so your spouse or child needs to go through the legal will system simply to be granted the 800,000 you keep in it

5 hours ago, Packer said:

One of the main reasons I changed to income option.

Every month when my monthly transfer hits my account it is moved into partners account.

My balance is minimal.

Very little lost upon departure from world.

12 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Long rambling post that seems poor choice of agent.

Most agents will require your attendance on day of application for extension based on retirement..

Some can process without your attendance.

Myself will move to that in next year or two.

Where are you located?

Then I shall continue to do my own .. the question is, do they help?

Only with money. If you say that most need you to attend on the day - then there is no need to use an agent, as they often make things worse.

The increase in scrutiny from the banks, (in the first year, the agent said some customers needed to deposit in one bank and withdraw at another - the bank didn't want to be seen laundering cash) the attitude we got from the bank staff isn't worth the trouble.

An agent smoothed over a mistake of mine not bringing in sufficient funds one month for my yearly O/A visa which is on monthly remittance basis. Also some funds accidentally came in via Revolut which I think may still not be accepted by immigration, although now they are a proper UK bank,so hopefully that's OK in the future, Agent cost me 8000 Baht as I did all the paperwork myself. Before they went they said the cost will be higher if Immigration were difficult,, but I only paid 8000 on the end. So an honest agent (admittedly a friend of a friend).

40 minutes ago, recom273 said:

the question is, do they help?

And the answer is simple.

If your immigration office isn't difficult to deal with, and you have no problems getting everything that they require, then agents will be of little help.

If your immigration office is difficult to deal with, refuse to do certain things, or you struggle to meet their demands, then yes, agents will be helpful.

"Most agents will require your attendance on day of application for extension based on retirement.."
Nope
only those in Pattaya ( I know nothing about Chiang Mai immigration)
i see many ads now on my fb feed offering extension with no visits needed to immigration and of course for TVC its not required.
none of the agents in Phuket require you to visit immigration if they are putting up the $$