Tourist To Non-imm B?

[PoeDogg]

I seen an ad in an online classified a couple of days ago that read:

If you have the questions for us then we have answers for you.

Are you on Tourist visa but would like to stay for 1 year or more?

Do you want to transfer your visa from one category to other?

Are you looking for marriage visa or retirement visa but not qualified?

We are a Thai registered company based in Bangkok. We do take care of many foreign individuals and companies for their visa requirements. Please feel free to contact us for more details and let us know if you are facing any visa problems or like to get visa extension. We are always here to help and our success is guaranteed,

No Visa, No fee.

So I sent them an email and asked what options that had for someone on a tourist visa that wanted to stay here long term.

They replied:

Yes, We can transfer your Tourist visa to Non-Immigrant B visa with the help of our supporting documents.

Initially you would receive 90 days visa stamp from the immigration upon the change of visa and then we would apply again for one year visa extension which would take 5-7working days, so the total working days are not more than 10 days. You would receive total of 15 months stay in Thailand. If you wish to travel outside the kingdom than you must have Re-entry permit as well, either single or multiple depends on your requirement. We can extend your visa yearly as long as you like to stay in Thailand.

May I know your location?

Do you have any intention to work or run own business?

Or, any intention to get married with a Thai citizen?

I advised them that I am in south-central Thailand, and answered NO to both of their questions.

They replied back with:

Hello there!

The cost for the visa will be:

Change of visa from tourist to Non B 90 days (15000 baht)

1 Year extension for Non B (20,000) baht

We need just your passport and a passport size picture. You don't need to travel outside the kingdom.

We will get it done in Bangkok. You may pay 50% in advance and 50% after you receive your passport with the extension.

Sounds kind of dodgy to me.

What are your thoughts/experiences?

[Gigabyte]

No Visa, No fee

Hmmm???

Why are you asked to pay 50% upfront then?

This sounds like a scam...

[Colabamumbai]

There are many agencies that advertise the same service in the Bangkok Post and they are legitimate.

Why not pay a fee upfront, you dont' get something for nothing. It shows that you are comited and will pay the balance, why should they do the work and then have you argue about paying. Most lawyers want a fee up front in any country to do work, in fact so do printers and most businesses.

[Lite Beer]

35,000 Baht for something that costs 3,900 Baht and may be illegal anyway.

[lopburi3]

Those that advertise in the newspaper classifieds generally offer a service for those that qualify for extension of stay. This exchange seems to be saying they will circumvent the requirements issue/file there own paperwork (or after you pay half tell you it can not be done do to your not meeting requirements - thanks for the fee).

Please make very sure any paperwork submitted to a government office under your name is real and true. The use of false paperwork is a serious offense in Thailand (and often not understood as such paperwork is openly available in some areas).

[opalhort]

Please make very sure any paperwork submitted to a government office under your name is real and true. The use of false paperwork is a serious offense in Thailand (and often not understood as such paperwork is openly available in some areas).

Yes, if you (OP) go for it make sure you get a copy of EVERY bit and piece of paper they intend to submit to immigration BEFORE they submit it! Make sure all papers state the truth. You will be the one to face the consequences if found that false papers have been filed.

I suggest to stay away from this kind of service! If you qualify then DIY, it is not that difficult and certainly a lot cheaper.

opalhort