Visa Agents

[niggle]

Does anyone use a visa agent ? - is it worth it and does it avoid team money payment. ?

[Randy Cornhole]

I am no expert but I have heard nothing but very bad things about these people. I am sure others will be more forthcoming...

[buksida]

is it worth it and does it avoid team money payment. ?

What you pay the agent will probably end up being more than the tea money!

[Super Joe]

What you pay the agent will probably end up being more than the tea money

I'd say that was right from what I've seen.

People have to weigh up if they want to have hassle taken away from them (if a competent agent) for 'x' amount of money.
Not even having to turn up at Immigration and Prachuap Government offices etc makes it worthwhile to me.

Not sure how much, if any, the agents fees goes accross the table but I'd rather pay an agent 2k than a corrupt official 1k.

SJ

[Guess]

Does anyone use a visa agent ? - is it worth it and does it avoid team money payment. ?

Do you mean here in Thailand or in a neighboring or home country?

In Penang if it is a simple application the agent will save you leg work and waiting for little money. In London the same applies but the cost is more but so is the saving. It's not worth losing a days wages if an agent will get you the visa for 50 pounds.

Here in Thailand it can be anything from a postal service to a well organized and corrupt service. My advice on that one is to steer well clear. The evidence is on your passport for the length of its life. It may come and bite you at any time especially bearing in mind that a new government is on the cards soon.

[buksida]

I think the OP was referring more to a 'fixer' who can do the running around, document collation, and negotiations in the immigration offices - they certainly can make things a lot smoother - but at a price.

As SJ said, I'd rather pay an extra grand or two for a hassle and headache free experience. Agents asking upwards of 10k though are taking the piss.

The old way was to get someone to stick the passport in a jiffy bag and mail it off to Sadao ... definitely a no no today!

[robby hh]

I think there are good and bad, I know someone who was ripped off by a so called agent ( had a friend in immigration,) for 3 years however that person did not really qualify for a visa any other way.

On the other hand I have a friend who works for an agent in BKK I believe they only handle business visa applications mostly for companies, schools etc, must be quite a big buisness because they have several branches.

[margaretcarnes]

Hi Niggle. You probably got the drift of replies already, but if it's any deal which doesn't involve you physically going on a visa run, or to an Immigration office yourself, then IMO don't do it.
Had an experience several years ago with an 'agent' in Bangkok. It all seemed kosher until I went to Immigration for a renewal after 12 months. Was very lucky to get out unscathed.

[lee808]

[margaretcarnes]

No message there Lee.

[dtaai-maai]

No message there Lee.

Nonsense, margaret, must be something wrong with your computer.

Lee, I couldn't agree more.

[margaretcarnes]

Not the computer DtaiMai - more likely the driver!
But Lee's post box is still a blank space over here!

[dtaai-maai]

Sorry, margaret, couldn't resist...!