DTV & ..question..

[Skip]

20 hours ago, AussieBob said:

I agree - I do everything myself - it is easy and clear. If not sure about anything I just go into the local Provincial Office and ask them how to do it (or the wife does actually).

There is a valid need for an 'agent' however. I know of several single retired Expats here on the Pension that just do not have the needed 800K bank deposit, or just dont want to keep that much here in Thailand (In Australia that is close to $40K and for many that is a lot of money).  So what they do is use an agent who organises for a bank letter/deposit to be provided and does all the other stuff - including 90 day reporting. Yes that might be clamped down upon in the future, but until then spending a small amount of money on an agent is very worthwhile. 

It is not just about "need for an agent... there are those of us who just do not "want" to be bothered with dealing with the details and would prefer to be playing golf for the time spent... or napping.

[AussieBob]

7 hours ago, Skip said:

It is not just about "need for an agent... there are those of us who just do not "want" to be bothered with dealing with the details and would prefer to be playing golf for the time spent... or napping.

Fair enough - good point. I must admit that after organising the official marriage stuff here, I was exhausted and I would recommend to use an agent to anyone. The 90 day and annual renewal aint anywhere near that 'problem' - but as you said - it would be much easier not to have to do it at all. Plus of course the local Office gets a kick-back from the Agents - so they always look after them.  

[Liquorice]

On 12/20/2024 at 10:24 AM, AussieBob said:

There is a valid need for an 'agent' however. I know of several single retired Expats here on the Pension that just do not have the needed 800K bank deposit, or just dont want to keep that much here in Thailand (In Australia that is close to $40K and for many that is a lot of money).  So what they do is use an agent who organises for a bank letter/deposit to be provided and does all the other stuff - including 90 day reporting. Yes that might be clamped down upon in the future, but until then spending a small amount of money on an agent is very worthwhile. 

The financial requirement to stay in Thailand is well documented. If you can't meet those requirements, then you shouldn't be staying here. It's only due to Thailand being so corrupt that agents manage to circumvent the law. There is a financial requirement to reside in Australia, Bob, can agents in Australia circumvent those rules?

The cheapest agent I know of charges 17,000 BHT for a 'dodgy' 1 year extension of stay.
Not exactly pocket change.

[Liquorice]

11 hours ago, Skip said:

It is not just about "need for an agent... there are those of us who just do not "want" to be bothered with dealing with the details and would prefer to be playing golf for the time spent... or napping.

Yeah, yeah, I've heard all the excuses before.

The nearest local agent is over an hour's drive from here, yet those who complain about jumping through hoops and over hurdles, will drive an hour there and then back, then a week to ten days later make the same journey. In-between, they are without a Passport.

My extension is based on Thai spouse. All the required documents other than from the bank are already in my possession, Passport, Tabien Baan, I merely have to make a few copies which is really time-consuming and difficult (I'm being sarcastic). A quick trip to the bank then to Immigration, and I'm home, whilst they're still travelling back home from the first visit to the agent.

[Khunmark]

52 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Yeah, yeah, I've heard all the excuses before.

The nearest local agent is over an hour's drive from here, yet those who complain about jumping through hoops and over hurdles, will drive an hour there and then back, then a week to ten days later make the same journey. In-between, they are without a Passport.

My extension is based on Thai spouse. All the required documents other than from the bank are already in my possession, Passport, Tabien Baan, I merely have to make a few copies which is really time-consuming and difficult (I'm being sarcastic). A quick trip to the bank then to Immigration, and I'm home, whilst they're still travelling back home from the first visit to the agent.

It’s not just a matter of having all the relevant documents. Although the Spouse visas require a small forest of paperwork. It’s also dependant on your local immigration office. I live in Chiang Mai and as anyone also lives here will attest, the trip to the immigration offices here is an unpleasant experience for a multitude of reasons. None the least, the waiting time to be seen.
 

If you’re doing it on your own you should fully well expect an all day affair in trying conditions. My agent, god bless her, has me in and out the door within 20 minutes with everything taken care of. She also picks me up and drops me off at my condo afterwards. All for what amounts to around $300AUS. I liken it to travelling business class. A lot more pricey, but worth the money when you factor in the stress of the alternative.