Visa Scam?

[BrianBkyn]

I have a friend who wants to be able to stay in Thailand for months at a time and is tired of jumping out of country. So he is told by a Thai tourist agent - one that he has used for years - this "she offered me a "new" apply from in country retirement visa that is good for 15 months. It costs 45,000 baht, and you have to apply for it 28 days before you are scheduled to leave the country. 4 photos and you fill out a form, and you get the visa in 4 days. For the first 3 months you have to leave the country every 30 days, but then you get a year solid if you want it. "

Huh? I've never heard of this and it sounds like it has scam written all over it. Anybody ever heard of such a thing?

I told him to just apply for a regular retirement visa but he has heard that they are now often asking for proof of income (is this true?) and he isn't sure what he needs or if he can access it over here. Would copies of his bank statement be sufficient along with the income statement from the US Embassy? Thanks.

[lopburi3]

Believe something has been lost in translation. Suspect this is a payment to show a bank account of 800k for 2 months operation and fraudulent if not the applicants money (and if it is would only cost 3,900 baht doing it himself (plus cost of financial proof) so it seems they are acting as lenders for 60 days for the extra fees.

This would be a conversion of tourist visa or visa exempt entry into a 90 day non immigrant entry on basis of retirement (age over 50 and 800k in bank (can also use 65k income letter)). Applicant can do this himself and cost will be 2,000 baht plus the Embassy letter at $50. If any proof asked (it is not normally) immigration should be happy to accept bank statements. If doing with letter it may be possible to also extend for one year on same day with same letter for additional 1,900 baht. If not you come back with less than 30 days remaining on permitted to stay to take care of that.

Highly advise he do everything himself for a fraction of the cost and to be totally legal. Immigration welcomes those on retirement and the process is very easy.