Retirement visa extension update

[Gaybutton]

Photo Copy of passport (If using a newer passport, only copies of the pages showing Immigration transfer stamps and subsequent extension stamps if applicable)

o Identification page
o Non-Immigrant Visa
o All Extensions of Stay stamps
o Latest entry into Thailand stamp

I have a problem with "All extensions of stay stamps". I don't know where they are getting that from. In all my years in Thailand, I only had to make copies the original extension stamp and the current extension stamp. Nothing else.

[Gaybutton]

A high percentage of expats are paying agents

Where are you getting that from? I have no idea how many expats are paying agents to do their retirement visas.

[Dodger]

Where are you getting that from? I have no idea how many expats are paying agents to do their retirement visas.

I'm getting that directly from the expat community.

Of my long-time friends in Pattaya almost all use an agent. This is consistent with the expat communities I rub elbows with in Bang Saray, and our second home in Buriram as well.

In my building there are 35 other retired expats from various countries - and this is probably one of the most popular conversations that surfaces during out interactions...and there is only one expat, besides myself, that doesn't use an agent for their annual extensions.

I think it would also be surprising to many if they knew just how many retired expats there are - who have been living here for years - who do not have the required minimum incomes (or bank holdings). I've met a surprising number of farang over the years who admittedly live here on less than 35,000 THB/year income.

[Gaybutton]

I'm getting that directly from the expat community.

In that case I hope you can get me the answers I'm looking for:

1. What does the client have to do?

2. What does the visa agent do?

Assuming money is not the problem, what would make it desirable to use a visa agent rather than doing it yourself?

Can you have one of your contacts walk us through, step by step, how it works when using a visa agent to get the retirement visa?

[Jun]

I've met a surprising number of farang over the years who admittedly live here on less than 35,000 THB/year income.

I assume you mean per month. That would still be unbearable. Enough for subsistence living, but no further "trade".

There was one agency openly advertising on FB, quoting fees around 7000 for those who comply with the requirements for a visa & about 14,000 for those who don't. This is the same ballpark pricing you get if walking into an agent in Pattaya, but I'm still surprised they put it in writing.

I'd be interested in hearing what percentage of your acquaintances use the premium service.

[Gaybutton]

There was one agency openly advertising on FB, quoting fees around 7000 for those who comply with the requirements for a visa & about 14,000 for those who don't. This is the same ballpark pricing you get if walking into an agent in Pattaya, but I'm still surprised they put it in writing.

If you mean the part about openly posting they can get the retirement visa for those who don't meet the requirements, that is definitely surprising.

That convinces me. It could also explain how the applicant avoids having to appear personally - if that's what happens.




But I still don't understand what the incentive would be to use a visa agent for those who do meet the requirements. Even subtracting out the 1900 baht immigration fee and the 100 baht bank fee (although my bank charges 200), what makes it worth spending 5000 baht for what amounts to convenience?

So far unless I'm missing something, that's on my "I Don't Get It" list.

[DragonMaster]

I went to Immigration this morning to do my 1 year extension. Before heading over to Jomtien, I stopped by the bank and picked up my ledger for the last year, the one page which shows all of the International transfers into my account for the last 12 months, and the letter certified by the bank that the account was mine and the current balance as of the date on the letter. Got to Immigration and was in and out in less than 15 minutes, no questions or problems. I use the 65,000 Baht method instead of the 800,000 Baht requirement which means I don’t worry about maintaining a balance throughout the year. I recently acquired a new Passport from the US Embassy in Bangkok, so I took a photocopy of my original Visa from the old passport, copies of my new Passport, copies of my bank book, condo lease, verification letter from Social Security, and of course the letter from Pacific Cross certifying I have health insurance. There was no mention of having to have copies of all previous extensions. Had to sign a document saying I understood the penalties for overstay etc., which was introduced last year I think. All done in less than 5 minutes at the desk, and about 15 minutes total. I can see no reason to pay an agent, when the process isn’t that complicated. For those using the 800k method, showing a full years ledger should only take one or perhaps two pages maximum if you have your savings in a fixed account. Again, not a major issue.

[Dodger]

...... Got to Immigration and was in and out in less than 15 minutes, no questions or problems. I use the 65,000 Baht method instead of the 800,000 Baht requirement which means I don’t worry about maintaining a balance throughout the year.

I also use the 65,000 baht method...never had a problem doing extensions...same positive experience as you describe.

The majority of expats I know who use agents are using the 800,000 baht bank method.

[Gaybutton]

The majority of expats I know who use agents are using the 800,000 baht bank method.

I don't understand that. That's why I keep repeating my question. What is the incentive to use an agent, especially for those who do have the 800,000 baht?

What I also don't understand is whether you use the 800,000 baht method or the 65,000 baht method, why use an agent at all if you qualify? Either way, the process is simple and it's only once a year.

Between my own experience and DragonMaster's, now those reading this can see how simple it is provided you qualify.

[Dodger]

1. What does the client have to do?

2. What does the visa agent do?

Assuming money is not the problem, what would make it desirable to use a visa agent rather than doing it yourself?

Can you have one of your contacts walk us through, step by step, how it works when using a visa agent to get the retirement visa?

I've never used an agent for visa services before and I doubt that anyone would be eager to describe these types of details on a public forum...especially if there are compliance issues.