Cheap visa extension service ?

[nor29]

Hi,

Does anyone know any cheap visa extension service in Chiangmai? Right now I only found http://www.extendthaivisa.com and http://www.assistthaivisa.com/ does anyone know similar ones and how much normally this kind of service can cost ?

Thanks

[fcgprg]

Evidence please ,the visa company i use is excellent and 100% not fake stamps .

So if you have evidence other than hearsay i would be pleased to see it .

[PostmanPat]

This rumour about "fake stamps" in relation to Rhys Bonneys Assistthaivisa outfit in Chiangmailand has been doing the rounds for a few weeks. I have dealt with Rhys now for three years for all my immigration related matters, and the service provided has been excellent and punctual, and there is not a snowballs chance in hell that Rhys would go down a road of faking visa stamps etc. Not a chance !!

[worgeordie]

The cheapest way is just to do it yourself,NOT at all difficult.

regards Worgeordie

[craigt3365]

A post containing an unsubstantiated rumor has been removed from view. Along with a few associated replies. Apologies to the members with the replies.

Please, only credible news sources for information like this. Defamation is a very serious crime here in Thailand.

[NancyL]

I'd be very worried about that extendthaivisa.com company. On their website, they're claiming you don't have to go with them to the Immigration office. It's my understanding that now the only way you can have a third party handle an extension for you is if you have a doctor's letter that you physically can't do it. Note, too, they're very careful to say they'll handle extension of tourist visas -- nothing about retirement or marriage visas. Hmm, wonder if they don't want to deal with people who are long-term residents in Chiang Mai?

[hml367]

I'd be very worried about that extendthaivisa.com company. On their website, they're claiming you don't have to go with them to the Immigration office. It's my understanding that now the only way you can have a third party handle an extension for you is if you have a doctor's letter that you physically can't do it. Note, too, they're very careful to say they'll handle extension of tourist visas -- nothing about retirement or marriage visas. Hmm, wonder if they don't want to deal with people who are long-term residents in Chiang Mai?

Not sticking up for anyone in particular - but I do see retirement on their online application.

[Thailand]

Q ES

[khwaibah]

I'd be very worried about that extendthaivisa.com company. On their website, they're claiming you don't have to go with them to the Immigration office. It's my understanding that now the only way you can have a third party handle an extension for you is if you have a doctor's letter that you physically can't do it. Note, too, they're very careful to say they'll handle extension of tourist visas -- nothing about retirement or marriage visas. Hmm, wonder if they don't want to deal with people who are long-term residents in Chiang Mai?

Not sticking up for anyone in particular - but I do see retirement on their online application.

and marriage. I don't see anything that says NO but the terminology on both sights rase a red flag to me. Advise,,,buyer beware. Go in with your eyes open.

[dave2]

re

This rumour about "fake stamps" in relation to Rhys Bonneys Assistthaivisa outfit in Chiangmailand has been doing the rounds for a few weeks. I have dealt with Rhys now for three years for all my immigration related matters, and the service provided has been excellent and punctual, and there is not a snowballs chance in hell that Rhys would go down a road of faking visa stamps etc. Not a chance !!

+1 to what he said

dave2

[CMKiwi]

re

This rumour about "fake stamps" in relation to Rhys Bonneys Assistthaivisa outfit in Chiangmailand has been doing the rounds for a few weeks. I have dealt with Rhys now for three years for all my immigration related matters, and the service provided has been excellent and punctual, and there is not a snowballs chance in hell that Rhys would go down a road of faking visa stamps etc. Not a chance !!

+1 to what he said

dave2

Agreed, top guy and very professional. He even told me of changes to the retirement system after my application had been completed. Its good to be kept in the loop so one is not caught unawares.

Id have no problems recommending this company.

[mesquite]

re

This rumour about "fake stamps" in relation to Rhys Bonneys Assistthaivisa outfit in Chiangmailand has been doing the rounds for a few weeks. I have dealt with Rhys now for three years for all my immigration related matters, and the service provided has been excellent and punctual, and there is not a snowballs chance in hell that Rhys would go down a road of faking visa stamps etc. Not a chance !!

+1 to what he said

dave2

Agreed, top guy and very professional. He even told me of changes to the retirement system after my application had been completed. Its good to be kept in the loop so one is not caught unawares.

Id have no problems recommending this company.

Same here.

[Spaniel]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

[anselpixel]

SNA at Nimman Powerhouse Gym.

Very professional. Go with you for the annual extension. Take care of 90 day visits without you.

Price is reasonable.

Happy to message if you want.

[true blue]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

always wondered that, but i suppose if its cheap enough,and you dont like officialdom go for it

[PostmanPat]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

If, as I do, I make a personal choice to pay someone else to do my administation and thus avoid the zoo which is Immigration, is that not me making my own choice at my own expense?

I could have done my own accounts when I was in business but I chose to employ an accountant !

[mesquite]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

always wondered that, but i suppose if its cheap enough,and you dont like officialdom go for it

Have both of you ever done it in Chiang Mai? If so, you know the answer.

[mesquite]

Q ES

What does this mean?

[mania]

Q ES

What does this mean?

Internet shorthand for two flour tortillas with cheese in between

[dru2]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

In my case because I can continue working and not waste time (and hence money) at immigration. Simple, really.

[Mcffee]

I'd be very worried about that extendthaivisa.com company. On their website, they're claiming you don't have to go with them to the Immigration office. It's my understanding that now the only way you can have a third party handle an extension for you is if you have a doctor's letter that you physically can't do it. Note, too, they're very careful to say they'll handle extension of tourist visas -- nothing about retirement or marriage visas. Hmm, wonder if they don't want to deal with people who are long-term residents in Chiang Mai?

Exactly. There must be something odd and non-official with those vise services. What do Chiang mai immigration officers say about this option? I wonder. In Thailand you better don't joke with the visa rules!

[Spaniel]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

If, as I do, I make a personal choice to pay someone else to do my administation and thus avoid the zoo which is Immigration, is that not me making my own choice at my own expense?

I could have done my own accounts when I was in business but I chose to employ an accountant !

I'm not being critical of anyone, just courious why people would use this type of service.

[northernjohn]

I'd be very worried about that extendthaivisa.com company. On their website, they're claiming you don't have to go with them to the Immigration office. It's my understanding that now the only way you can have a third party handle an extension for you is if you have a doctor's letter that you physically can't do it. Note, too, they're very careful to say they'll handle extension of tourist visas -- nothing about retirement or marriage visas. Hmm, wonder if they don't want to deal with people who are long-term residents in Chiang Mai?

Not sticking up for anyone in particular - but I do see retirement on their online application.

and marriage. I don't see anything that says NO but the terminology on both sights rase a red flag to me. Advise,,,buyer beware. Go in with your eyes open.

I have never used one nor have I looked at their web pages. But I have always been under the impression that when you use them for the extension you have to go in spend maybe 5 minutes at a set time and on your way they will sit and wait for it. I know the one on Chiang Mai land has been in service for several years that I am aware of and have never heard of one incident with a fake stamp. Pay attention to the thread no one has yet said they got a fake stamp. A rumor like that could be started by a rival company.

As for their web pages those who have been in Thailand for a while know that a web page is very seldom kept up so no surprise there.

[Beetlejuice]

So far I have managed to evade using any agencies for my annual retirement visa extensions in Chiang Mai.

But my advice is; that those considering using agencies for their annual visa extensions in the future is to try and choose an agency that comes highly recommended, tried and tested with a proven good reputation, otherwise it`s at the visa extension applicants own risk and discretion. I would also recommend visiting the Immigration Department with the agent so that the deed is seen to be done, at least on first instance of using any particular agency, plus not paying any upfront monies until the passport is stamped

[northernjohn]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

always wondered that, but i suppose if its cheap enough,and you dont like officialdom go for it

Actually there are several reasons. Some are not really retired they are working and don't have the time. Others can be for physical reasons. They see over 50 people a day and there is only 10 spots available so that means you have to get there very early in the morning. Last and certainly not least is there are people with so much money it is an insignificant amount to them.

I have always done my own but as age creeps up on me the 5:00 in the morning for an unspecified amount of time has less and less appeal. I make no bones about it the last two years I have been extremely lucky. Two years ago I went in at 9:30 in the morning and was told to come back at 3:30 in the afternoon. The only reason I bothered going in was I was going by it to Hang Dong. This year I managed an on line appointment. I have no idea how I did it. It was about 95 days and there was three of them available on that day.

In the past it has not been a big deal. Now there is a lot of Ex Pats making Chiang Mai there home and the morning wait is a lot longer. It is going to get worse before it gets better.

[Suradit69]

Why do people pay someone to do something like visa extensions, that is so easy to do yourself?

always wondered that, but i suppose if its cheap enough,and you dont like officialdom go for it

But as someone else has stated, at least in theory, you would still have to appear in person at immigrations even if the agent were holding your hand, and if you needed embassy affidavits or bank manager's letters, etc, you'd still have to personally obtain those.

[mania]

But as someone else has stated, at least in theory, you would still have to appear in person at immigrations even if the agent were holding your hand, and if you needed embassy affidavits or bank manager's letters, etc, you'd still have to personally obtain those.

I think like most things these days you get less & less for your money.

Years ago I did in fact use a popular visa agent to do my 90 days because at the time it was only 1000 baht a year

& you did not need to give them your passport. They did the deed & emailed you a copy that you printed & put in your passport.

They kept the original as they were going to do your next one.

But prices went up 50% & it did not seem such a deal + immigration got easier for 90 day with mail in & even counter

usually being quick.But mainly I opted out as I am never giving my passport over to any person/company to do a deed for me.

(just my choice to not do so )

But as you say for extension IMO it never seemed a good deal given we (wife & I since I am on a married visa ext) would

still need to go to Imm as well as what you said about gathering paper work anyway.

afaik....the only ones that did not need to go to Imm (before at least) for extensions were retirement extensions

I think these days all must show a face at Imm & last time I did mine I saw at least two retirement types with agents.

I do not want to sound mean but sitting there watching it kind of makes the customer with an agent look rather incapable.

Especially for retirement visa extensions which are but a fraction of difficulty compared to extensions based on marriage

[hml367]

I think a common misconception by many posters is that people that use agents are somehow incapable or unable to complete paperwork themselves.

Another misconception is that all people that use agents feel superior because they are using an agent. It appears from posts in threads like this that many people that do not use agents are the ones that feel they are somehow superior to people that do use agents.

[sharktooth]

If there was a big jobbie blocked in your bog would you stick your hand down there or phone a plumber?

[mania]

I think a common misconception by many posters is that people that use agents are somehow incapable or unable to complete paperwork themselves.

Another misconception is that all people that use agents feel superior because they are using an agent. It appears from posts in threads like this that many people that do not use agents are the ones that feel they are somehow superior to people that do use agents.

I think it is a misconception if your replying to my post before yours

Mine was strictly my opinion of how it looked to me.

Seeing a man in his mid 50's who appeared otherwise capable sitting next to a Thai agent who was doing all the talking in Thai

with the Imm officer joking etc...while he sat there with his hands folded on his lap looking much like a 2 year old incapable of telling

a McDonalds employee he did not want fries

But again just my opinion & did not make me feel superior at all

I fully agree that everyone is entitled to go about any task any way they choose.

My opinion of what I saw was just that ....an opinion/impression I felt when seeing two cases that day

on desks nearby