11 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

I don't see his post as a windup.

So you have been on aseannow for 20 odd years. The other guy even longer and don't know the answers to those questions.

I must have answered those questions (with other posters also) countless times.

Thanks for all the replies and helpful info!

I've got enough to go on now, so you may close the thread if you choose to.

On 5/18/2026 at 5:14 AM, Olmate said:

BS regarding attending in person. none of the above apply to my well known agent, and several others. Are you using Pattaya agent?

I use a Pattaya agent for convenience (have the 800K in the bank) & need to go to immigration but only for a quick photo at the Retirement desk.

Curious as to which agent is doing it for 7K as I’m currently paying 8k

Edited May 19May 19 by SamSpade

6 minutes ago, SamSpade said:

Curious as to which agent is doing it for 7K as I’m currently paying 8k

For the sake of 1k stick with what you have

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

For the sake of 1k stick with what you have

I’ve found the agent & am not familiar with them so will be sticking with Maneerat 👍🏻

35 minutes ago, SamSpade said:

I use a Pattaya agent for convenience (have the 800K in the bank) & need to go to immigration but only for a quick photo at the Retirement desk.

Curious as to which agent is doing it for 7K as I’m currently paying 8k

For the extra 1k tbht I,m guessing you get lunch!

11 minutes ago, Blueman1 said:

Plus 500 Baht for EACH of your 90 Day Reports,So it's 18k.......In TOTAL....

first one is free with the extension
when u get ur passport back file a NEW tm 30 where u currently reside and do ur 90 day online for free

3 hours ago, JimGant said:

Fair question. But after all these years of pussy footing around this subject on this forum, I remain curious as to the mechanics of how this all works; and thought maybe TVC, since they're openly advertising getting an extension without requisite financials, might just lay it all out here on this forum. But, obviously, they're not stupid -- since they might get an unwelcomed knock on their company door once they possibly explain the part about the bulging brown envelope delivered to the Imm officer. Or not ..... as corruption is a way of life in Thailand, and in most cases, hurts no one -- and actually its skid greasing can improve productivity. Wink, wink, nod, nod is the live-and-let-live equivalent. Fine with me.

So, no, I have no problem with folks using agents for extensions. I'm just curious about:

1. Do you need a bank account, and if so, does the agent temporarily loan" you 800k (and Imm conveniently forgets the 3 month requirement)?

2. It's been reported here that agent extensions have to be registered in another Province. Is that true: sometimes, most times, never? And if true, how does that affect 90 day reporting?

3. Apparently some agents, like TVC, can handle all the particulars by mail, thus you only have to leave your easy chair to go to the post office -- no trip to Imm for anything, including that bloody photo requirement. If this is the case, my two days of wasted time going to Bangkok, to renew my LTR visa, might be much better served by finding a "special" agent here in Chiang Mai.

4. I've read that, once you go down the agent route, it's difficult to subsequently go it alone with extension renewals. Is that true? [Not really a problem, unless (unlikely) the ethics police clamp down on agents.]

Yes, this subject seems to be somewhat taboo on this forum -- for understandable reasons, at least by those who have the ability to understand the overall situation. That some of us, who haven't used five figure agents, are curious about particulars -- shouldn't be construed as condemning those who have.

1. you need a bank account.
   2. usually the extension is done somewhere upcountry ( although they also use Trang).
   just today did my 90 day report online for phuket, approved... after my extension was done by TVC, i filed a new tm30 ( online) for phuket
   3. send passport to their address by ems, get it back by courier last time took 6 days total

   4. if u want do it urself in future, you need leave the country without a re entry permit and start all over non o visa, money in bank, extension
   
   Peace of mind when u die as ur not leaving 800,000 in the bank that ur relatives have to figure out how to get back , especially a challenge when ur ur relatives are 10,000 miles + away

Edited May 19May 19 by zzzzz

28 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

2. usually the extension is done somewhere upcountry ( although they also use Trang).

Your posts are very based on your personal situation.

Indeed some extensions are sent to another province for stamps.

That's esp the case with places such as Phuket.

Some areas such as jomtien, the agents in the main use Jomtien imm office and you attend for photo etc.

In Bangkok there are agents that will do upcountry stamps as you mention and some have stamps issued CW.

There are very many options.

It's down to where you live and your choice of agent

Trolling post removed

5 hours ago, JimGant said:

Fair question. But after all these years of pussy footing around this subject on this forum, I remain curious as to the mechanics of how this all works; and thought maybe TVC, since they're openly advertising getting an extension without requisite financials, might just lay it all out here on this forum. But, obviously, they're not stupid -- since they might get an unwelcomed knock on their company door once they possibly explain the part about the bulging brown envelope delivered to the Imm officer. Or not ..... as corruption is a way of life in Thailand, and in most cases, hurts no one -- and actually its skid greasing can improve productivity. Wink, wink, nod, nod is the live-and-let-live equivalent. Fine with me.

So, no, I have no problem with folks using agents for extensions. I'm just curious about:

1. Do you need a bank account, and if so, does the agent temporarily loan" you 800k (and Imm conveniently forgets the 3 month requirement)?

2. It's been reported here that agent extensions have to be registered in another Province. Is that true: sometimes, most times, never? And if true, how does that affect 90 day reporting?

3. Apparently some agents, like TVC, can handle all the particulars by mail, thus you only have to leave your easy chair to go to the post office -- no trip to Imm for anything, including that bloody photo requirement. If this is the case, my two days of wasted time going to Bangkok, to renew my LTR visa, might be much better served by finding a "special" agent here in Chiang Mai.

4. I've read that, once you go down the agent route, it's difficult to subsequently go it alone with extension renewals. Is that true? [Not really a problem, unless (unlikely) the ethics police clamp down on agents.]

Yes, this subject seems to be somewhat taboo on this forum -- for understandable reasons, at least by those who have the ability to understand the overall situation. That some of us, who haven't used five figure agents, are curious about particulars -- shouldn't be construed as condemning those who have.

1) Almost always, yes, you need a bank account.
2) Completely depends on the agent, and the province. For example even agent extensions at Jomtien require the applicant to show up for a photo. Other provinces vary.

3) An agent can't do anything for LTR. But that only requires a renewal at the 5 year mark. Unless you are incorrectly using the term LTR (which I suspect).

4) It's difficult if you are not using your own money, as all extensions require you to provide a 12 month bank statement to show you met last year's financial requirements. If you did not, you cannot do it on your own. Also if you used an agent to get a 90-day non-O visa, plus a 1-year extension, all on the same day (impossible for a normal person to do) you will not be able to get the next extension on your own as the immigration officer will see that both stamps have the same date and tell you to go back to your agent.

45 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Also if you used an agent to get a 90-day non-O visa, plus a 1-year extension, all on the same day (impossible for a normal person to do) you will not be able to get the next extension on your own as the immigration officer will see that both stamps have the same date and tell you to go back to your agent.

Comprehensive reply.

Just to add the notion of filing new TM30 (change of address) in order to do your own 90 reporting is not a given. If going to use agent that obtains stamps out of province then best plan is to use the agent for Reports.

19 hours ago, JimGant said:

Fair question. But after all these years of pussy footing around this subject on this forum, I remain curious as to the mechanics of how this all works; and thought maybe TVC, since they're openly advertising getting an extension without requisite financials, might just lay it all out here on this forum. But, obviously, they're not stupid -- since they might get an unwelcomed knock on their company door once they possibly explain the part about the bulging brown envelope delivered to the Imm officer. Or not ..... as corruption is a way of life in Thailand, and in most cases, hurts no one -- and actually its skid greasing can improve productivity. Wink, wink, nod, nod is the live-and-let-live equivalent. Fine with me.

So, no, I have no problem with folks using agents for extensions. I'm just curious about:

1. Do you need a bank account, and if so, does the agent temporarily loan" you 800k (and Imm conveniently forgets the 3 month requirement)?

2. It's been reported here that agent extensions have to be registered in another Province. Is that true: sometimes, most times, never? And if true, how does that affect 90 day reporting?

3. Apparently some agents, like TVC, can handle all the particulars by mail, thus you only have to leave your easy chair to go to the post office -- no trip to Imm for anything, including that bloody photo requirement. If this is the case, my two days of wasted time going to Bangkok, to renew my LTR visa, might be much better served by finding a "special" agent here in Chiang Mai.

4. I've read that, once you go down the agent route, it's difficult to subsequently go it alone with extension renewals. Is that true? [Not really a problem, unless (unlikely) the ethics police clamp down on agents.]

Yes, this subject seems to be somewhat taboo on this forum -- for understandable reasons, at least by those who have the ability to understand the overall situation. That some of us, who haven't used five figure agents, are curious about particulars -- shouldn't be construed as condemning those who have.

1) Yes

2) Depends on the Province

3) Depends on the agreement between agent and Immi office

4) Again, depends on the Immi office

Very few things here are written in stone, and even if they are, has the stone been turned face down?

Open a bank A/C? This one says no, the one down the road says yes.

This Ampure office says no, the next one says yes.

If you want to know the base colour under the top coat, you have to talk to the right person. The problem there being, how do you find the right person?

Treating Thai as an enigma is you best bet.

24 minutes ago, Surasak said:

If you want to know the base colour under the top coat, you have to talk to the right person. The problem there being, how do you find the right person?

Treating Thai as an enigma is you best bet

That is silly. The Organic Acts and laws/regulations in Thailand as far as what you say in 3. above "the agreement between agent and Immi office" are explicit.

The rub is that, to instigate any action against behavior to the contrary of those laws and regulations, requires a formal complaint on behalf of an 'injured party.'

Not just someone who wants to complain that There is something rotten in Denmark.

33 minutes ago, Surasak said:

1) Yes

2) Depends on the Province

3) Depends on the agreement between agent and Immi office

4) Again, depends on the Immi office

Very few things here are written in stone, and even if they are, has the stone been turned face down?

Open a bank A/C? This one says no, the one down the road says yes.

This Ampure office says no, the next one says yes.

If you want to know the base colour under the top coat, you have to talk to the right person. The problem there being, how do you find the right person?

Treating Thai as an enigma is you best bet.

No, 1 is not always yes - funds are not always transferred.

49 minutes ago, JerryM said:

The rub is that, to instigate any action against behavior to the contrary of those laws and regulations, requires a formal complaint on behalf of an 'injured party.'

Well, the only injured party here would be the govt, who decided that a seasoned 800k in a bank met some kind of national need. They don't need a "formal complaint" -- they just need to enforce the law, should they be so inclined ... which apparently they're not ... to the benefit of Imm officers and expats short on funds. No big deal.

26 minutes ago, JimGant said:

Well, the only injured party here would be the govt,

As I posted April 1 different topic.

The regs are already there.

RTP Immigration: Arrest thyself ain't gonna happen. It has to come from somewhere else.

But Immigration has posted new anti-bribery policy as of JAN 2025 which may tighten things up a bit or more.

19 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

So you have been on aseannow for 20 odd years. The other guy even longer and don't know the answers to those questions.

I must have answered those questions (with other posters also) countless times.

19 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

So you have been on aseannow for 20 odd years. The other guy even longer and don't know the answers to those questions.

I must have answered those questions (with other posters also) countless times.

Clearly the points raised haven't been answered if members are posting questions.

On a personal basis, I have no knowledge of how agents work other than the bits I see people post.

15 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Clearly the points raised haven't been answered if members are posting questions.

They have in this thread alone.

Scroll up to posts from BrandonJT and others.

I have answered those same questions in many threads.

On 5/19/2026 at 1:06 PM, JimGant said:

Fair question. But after all these years of pussy footing around this subject on this forum, I remain curious as to the mechanics of how this all works;

It is explained clearly in Section 143 Thai Penal Code but any action -- if any -- would require a complaint as submitted by an 'injured party.'

On 5/17/2026 at 3:35 PM, JimGant said:

My point? Is the OP's situation requiring avoiding financials, a situation that is skirting the law via an agent?

On 5/17/2026 at 3:49 PM, DrJack54 said:

Clearly you didn't read the OP...

He states..... "Well, chaps, I'm a little short of the 800k required for a retirement visa, so again I'm thinking about the agent route."

Again... What is your point. Rhetorical question.

Stay on topic

I'm in similar situation with OP.

TVC offered me 3 options on LINEapp.

I prefer 2nd option "For new retirement visa applicants

2. Or use our service for everything: we currently offer two options to apply for 15 months retirement visa (3 months non immigrant O visa + 1 year retirement extension):

2.1. 15-Month Retirement Visa + Thai Bank Account Package

(Express service from Bangkok Immigration)

Processing time: 1 day

Service fee: *****

Instate of ( 1 . applying for non-Immigrant O/OA visa based on retirement at the Thai embassy in my home country. This visa makes it easier to open a Thai bank account upon arrival, )"

My real question is: A moment ago in this forum I've read about the 60 day VOA cut to 30 days. TVC or any reputable agent would still be able to convert it 15 months retirement visa (3 months non immigrant O visa + 1 year retirement extension)?

If I may ask an off-topic question.

Is it fair to ask a ballpark figure of success rate of getting the 15-Month Retirement Visa + Thai Bank Account Package? ( with safe-entry check and with no criminal record elsewhere)

Just In case TVC fees are refundable?

5 minutes ago, NitJune said:

My real question is: A moment ago in this forum I've read about the 60 day VOA cut to 30 days. TVC or any reputable agent would still be able to convert it 15 months retirement visa (3 months non immigrant O visa + 1 year retirement extension)?

Yes. No problem.

For your second question again no problem.

Also no police check is required.

That is for a Non O-A application which agents in Thailand do not do.

Why ask about safe entry service.

Also note it's not visa on arrival.

It's visa exempt entry and yes will soon ish be back to 30 days

2 hours ago, NitJune said:

Is it fair to ask a ballpark figure of success rate of getting the 15-Month Retirement Visa + Thai Bank Account Package? ( with safe-entry check and with no criminal record elsewhere)

With TVC it's pretty much a given that they wouldn't accept your application if they cannot guarantee successful processing.

3 minutes ago, Caldera said:

With TVC it's pretty much a given that they wouldn't accept your application if they cannot guarantee successful processing.

Sorta like your advice however feel approval will be a given

19 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Sorta like your advice however feel approval will be a given

I'm not even sure what you are asking.

Yes an agent can facilitate a Non O + 12 month extension. + reentry permit if required + bank account which is first step.

What is your question.

Where would you be located in Thailand?

20 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I'm not even sure what you are asking.

Yes an agent can facilitate a Non O + 12 month extension. + reentry permit if required + bank account which is first step.

What is your question.

Where would you be located in Thailand?

I can't say my questions remined unanswered for, you and another user directly addressed my two questions.

Thank you for all the replies.

A family member has some reservations About the success rate of TVC And the refund policy. I'd be very glad if she choose to join the conversation or starts a thread and gets some replies.

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Where would you be located in Thailand?

With high probability in BKK metropolitan area.

Trolling post removed.

On 5/18/2026 at 1:42 PM, BrandonJT said:

And you really think the bosses (who are even more of an authorized officer) of these offices aren't fully aware of what is going on and taking their cut?

The bosses are taking their cut of what?

8 hours ago, NitJune said:

With high probability in BKK metropolitan area.

In that case use TVC would be good option.

8 hours ago, NitJune said:

I can't say my questions remined unanswered for, you and another user directly addressed my two questions.

Thank you for all the replies.

A family member has some reservations About the success rate of TVC And the refund policy. I'd be very glad if she choose to join the conversation or starts a thread and gets some replies.

when u start with TVC they ask for all ur docs and what you exactly want
they review them
if they CANT help you, they will say so
this is BEFORE any monies are paid

FYI:
for TVC it does not matter where you are in Thailand

Edited May 31May 31 by zzzzz