My partner and I plan to apply for non O retirement visas so that we can relocate to Hua Hin but I have a few queries that hopefully you good people on here can help with.

Firstly, when applying for the visa here in the UK, based on having the GBP equivalent of 800k baht in our savings accounts, how long does it have to be there prior to the application? Is one bank statement sufficient or do we need to show 3 months statements?

We're also now considering using an agent to obtain the 12 month extension for us, including the depositing of necessary funds. I don't wish to spark a debate on the legalities of this but just want to know what actually happens if we choose to go down this route.

Would it be wise to use an agent based in Hua Hin where we intend to live?

In addition to the 90 day visa we'd obtain here in the UK what else would we need to provide for the agent to obtain our 12 month extensions?

Would we be ok to stay temporarily in an apartment whilst we looked for something more long term?

Also, assuming the agent would set up bank accounts to show funds, would we then be able to use these accounts ourselves as normal?

Finally, is there a better time of year to be doing all this? We were thinking either this autumn or late next spring

Advice on all of this much appreciated

15 minutes ago, Smudgy said:

We're also now considering using an agent to obtain the 12 month extension for us, including the depositing of necessary funds

Given your past threads on the topic of relocating to Thailand from UK suggest you decide firstly on use of Agent or DIY

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Given your past threads on the topic of relocating to Thailand from UK suggest you decide firstly on use of Agent or DIY

We had originally planned to go DIY and haven't ruled it out completely but having recently read quite a few threads where people have used agents we're now leaning that way.

From what I've read it seems to simplify matters greatly but I was just looking for some advice and to find out what we'd still need to do if we do get an agent on board.

Use an agent where you'll live

1 minute ago, Slowhand225 said:

Use an agent where you'll live

Not a given

5 minutes ago, Smudgy said:

From what I've read it seems to simplify matters greatly but I was just looking for some advice and to find out what we'd still need to do if we do get an agent on board.

In general unless there is eg mobility issues... I would suggest do it yourself.

Your situation little different in that there is two of you and not married rules out dependant (piggyback) on your retirement.

That means tying up 1.6 million baht.

That's significant.

Suggest you chat with an agent.

@ThaiVisaCentre is based in Bangkok however can advice

The main problem with agents is that you have to pay their fees every year and to get out from that, you have to leave and start over. They will be processing your extensions from somewhere other than Hua Hin using accounts that you have no record of.

6 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

The main problem with agents is that you have to pay their fees every year and to get out from that, you have to leave and start over.

And the standard reply from those that use an agent is... loss of income from 800b not kept in eg a super fund far outweigh loss having those funds in Thai bank.

Opportunity cost 101.

Even double the whammy for OP that without agent requires 1.6 million pulled out of income options in home country.

If you can meet the financials, then DIY. It really is quite easy, and HH Imm is straight forward, no silly requirements, and the Imm office I use.

I have used both, lump sum & monthly income (65k) transferred in from USA.

To get started, if each of you can't show 800k in a bank account, then you may want to seriously reconsider even retiring, relocating to TH. Hua Hin is not an inexpensive town to live in. Even the govt hosp pricing for foreigners is on the high side.

Once in country, and a bank account established for 1 year of monthly deposits, best way to extend IMHO, unless flush with cash. Then that 1.6M, can be used elsewhere, invested, income producing, or just a very nice oops fund.

Don't forget some kind of healthcare ins for emergencies, at least for the first year till you extend visa.

Edited June 2Jun 2 by KhunLA

10 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

The main problem with agents is that you have to pay their fees every year and to get out from that, you have to leave and start over. They will be processing your extensions from somewhere other than Hua Hin using accounts that you have no record of.

This is a common misconception.

You simply need to inform the agent of your plans, and prepare for the event when you want to handle it yourself. This includes having the correct history of funds to support your next extension, and a up to date TM30, and possible other documents depending on the division as they may vary.

We assist many of our clients in doing exactly what you're saying you cannot do.

8 minutes ago, ThaiVisaCentre said:

This is a common misconception.

You simply need to inform the agent of your plans, and prepare for the event when you want to handle it yourself. This includes having the correct history of funds to support your next extension, and a up to date TM30, and possible other documents depending on the division as they may vary.

We assist many of our clients in doing exactly what you're saying you cannot do.

Not of they are providing the bank records for the extension. If you are depositing a real 800k, then you don't need an agent.

Flame post removed.

34 minutes ago, zzzzz said:

555555 with that statement i can guarantee u will get zero business here

Sorry, could you clarify what you mean?

We regularly assist clients who are transitioning from agent-supported applications to self-submission. Could you please explain what you believe is inaccurate or problematic about our statement?

7 hours ago, KhunLA said:

If you can meet the financials, then DIY. It really is quite easy, and HH Imm is straight forward, no silly requirements, and the Imm office I use.

I have used both, lump sum & monthly income (65k) transferred in from USA.

To get started, if each of you can't show 800k in a bank account, then you may want to seriously reconsider even retiring, relocating to TH. Hua Hin is not an inexpensive town to live in. Even the govt hosp pricing for foreigners is on the high side.

Once in country, and a bank account established for 1 year of monthly deposits, best way to extend IMHO, unless flush with cash. Then that 1.6M, can be used elsewhere, invested, income producing, or just a very nice oops fund.

Don't forget some kind of healthcare ins for emergencies, at least for the first year till you extend visa.

Financials aren't a problem but I think we've started considering using an agent after reading about others having problems opening bank accounts and long waits/issues with immigration. If the agent provided funding as well it would limit our need to draw down from our pension investments which would be a bonus.

We're really just looking to get our visas sorted as painlessly as possible.

3 hours ago, Smudgy said:

Financials aren't a problem but I think we've started considering using an agent after reading about others having problems opening bank accounts and long waits/issues with immigration. If the agent provided funding as well it would limit our need to draw down from our pension investments which would be a bonus.

We're really just looking to get our visas sorted as painlessly as possible.

I can't emphasis how easy it is to extend your visa, once you have it. If you can get the original out of the country by DIY, extending it in country is no more difficult.

You simply verify your monthly income, & address, once a year. Doesn't get any easier than that. You'll need half of that income to live on anyway. 65k is a good monthly budget for 2 people. More if you dine out a bit and sip alcohol now & then. Need more if plan on owning a car. That can be a big chunk of monthly expenses.

As you age, health insurance isn't inexpensive either. Things will start to add up monthly.

If new to TH, you'll want to get O&A (out & about) every so often, which is probably half our budget expense. Quite a lot to see, off the beaten tourist track.

Hua Hin Imm is expat friendly, unlike some other Imm offices, and we are usually in & out within the hour when extending.

And it doesn't cost 1000's of THB for someone to do something that is so easy to do ourselves.

Edited June 2Jun 2 by KhunLA

3 hours ago, KhunLA said:

And it doesn't cost 1000's of THB for someone to do something that is so easy to do ourselves.

From the OP.....

"If the agent provided funding as well it would limit our need to draw down from our pension investments which would be a bonus."

Taking 1.6 million from eg a super fund, equates to significant loss each year.

For one person I often suggest DIY without agent and ASAP move to income method (as I have done)

Even with income method, for a couple that would mean 130k per month.

Quite likely more than they require.

The OP could look at Combination Method with 400k each in an FD account and required monthly transfers

13 hours ago, ThaiVisaCentre said:

Sorry, could you clarify what you mean?

We regularly assist clients who are transitioning from agent-supported applications to self-submission. Could you please explain what you believe is inaccurate or problematic about our statement?

I think that what people are getting at is that not all companies are as helpful as yours.

Many, once they get there, the impression is they keepyou lOL

The one thing I have not heard mentioned is a THAI bank account will they not need to arange that for the 1.6, and they will have to have 2 separate accounts will they not

17 minutes ago, kingstonkid said:

The one thing I have not heard mentioned is a THAI bank account will they not need to arange that for the 1.6, and they will have to have 2 separate accounts will they not

The applications with or without agent are completely separate and each person would require their own bank account.

Using an agent or not they could consider each obtaining Non O eVisa prior to arrival in Thailand and open their own accounts

If married one could piggyback as dependant however they are not

From what you say it appears you don't need an agent.

10 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

From what you say it appears you don't need an agent.

It's not about need.

The OP states.....

"We're also now considering using an agent to obtain the 12 month extension for us.... "

He is somewhat concerned with opportunity cost of tying up 1.6million baht in Thai bank.

27 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

It's not about need.

The OP states.....

"We're also now considering using an agent to obtain the 12 month extension for us.... "

He is somewhat concerned with opportunity cost of tying up 1.6million baht in Thai bank.

I equate using an agent, (if to skirt the financials), to using a lawyer to buy land with fake business. Many finding out, that wasn't there best choice now.

If it ever hits the fan, and you are vested in financially, maybe bought a condo, nice car, then what happens when Imm comes knocking on your door with an arrest warranty for knowingly providing false information, which you signed a paper, knowing there would be consequences if you did..

Them folks in trouble now with the land office now, losing their investments and facing fines & jail, never thought it would be an issue either.

Every now & then, well sh!t happens to the people who were told and thought, would never happen to them. From G AI ...

Edited June 3Jun 3 by KhunLA

30 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

It's not about need.

The OP states.....

"We're also now considering using an agent to obtain the 12 month extension for us.... "

He is somewhat concerned with opportunity cost of tying up 1.6million baht in Thai bank.

If that is his main concern he should search in depth as to where and with whom to lodge the 1.6 million baht.

17 minutes ago, Thingamabob said:

If that is his main concern he should search in depth as to where and with whom to lodge the 1.6 million baht.

They only need to show it, to get the original visa, before arriving. Then set up Thai bank, for 12 months of deposits. Then Bob's your Uncle.

1 minute ago, KhunLA said:

They only need to show it, to get the original visa, before arriving. Then set up Thai bank, for 12 months of deposits.

For the first 12 month extension they both would have to use money in the bank method.

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

For the first 12 month extension they both would have to use money in the bank method.

Could they not come in using visa exempt stamp, and not the visa they were issued. Set up the bank account, since having the non 0 visa, and get a start on the deposits.

Pop out on a border hop, then enter using the non 0 visa, then the one year clock starts.

Hua Hin Imm is pretty relaxed, and would probably issue a CoR, for bank needs, knowing they have the non O stamp in PP.

24 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

For the first 12 month extension they both would have to use money in the bank method.

In a Thai bank.

43 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Could they not come in using visa exempt stamp, and not the visa they were issued. Set up the bank account, since having the non 0 visa, and get a start on the deposits.

No

44 minutes ago, KhunLA said:

Pop out on a border hop, then enter using the non 0 visa, then the one year clock starts.

Dont know what you are thinking of.

Perhaps a multi Non O visa. Validity one year.

No longer available.

Currently Non O retirement eVisa would give 90 day stamp.

Funds would need to be transferred from abroad and seasoned in Thai bank account for 2 months.

They could then obtain 12 month extension.

30 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

54 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

For the first 12 month extension they both would have to use money in the bank method.

In a Thai bank.

Of course a Thai bank. They will need two accounts. One in each name with 800k+ in each account

28 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Of course a Thai bank. They will need two accounts. One in each name with 800k+ in each account

Plenty of people have confused O-A and O visas. One account in each name.

6 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

Plenty of people have confused O-A and O visas. One account in each name.

I used the word "Extension"

For extension the money would have to be in Thai bank for Non O and Non O-A