Answered6 years ago
Can I apply for a Non-O visa extension without having 400k baht in my Thai bank account for the full 60 days?
From the good people in this group, I understood that I (married to a Thai national) can come to Thailand on a Non immigrant O visa based on marriage, and that I can extend that immediately with a year once I’m in country before my first 90 days are up.
My question is about the 400k baht I need to have in a Thai bank account for 60 days. Many have mentioned that that money has to show up as a foreign transfer (from outside of Thailand). It’s not a problem to transfer and leave that money there, I also know how I can transfer that money using TransferWise so it shows up as an foreign transaction, but I’ve done some calculating, and I’m not sure it’s even technically possible to meet that requirement in time. Note that I currently do NOT have a Thai bank account.
Count with me:
- I arrive in Thailand. That’s day 0
- I will be “released” from ASQ on day 16. Can’t do anything before that day.
- I will immediately open a Thai bank account on that same day. My wife tells me that should take no more than a day for the account to be ready. So let’s assume I have account details and can send money (which I’ll have ready and waiting) via TransferWise on day 17.
- I’ve sent money via TransferWise before. It usually shows up on the Thai bank account the day after. So that’s day 18 when the money drops on the account.
- To apply for my 1 year extension, Thai immigration tells me I need to request that at least 15 days before my 90 days are up. So that will be on day 75
- on day 75, the money will only have seasoned for 57 days, which is less than the required 60. And that’s if everything goes according to plan and there are no holidays or weekends that delay transfers in between.
Any way out of this? Will immigration even accept my extension request before I have the money in the account for the full 60 days, as long as it will be in there for 60+ days at the end of my 90 days?
BTW: I have enough money on my wife’s Thai bank account to transfer it to my own account the moment it’s ready and since it’s both Bangkok Bank, that transfer should be more or less immediate, which makes me gain a day or 2, but it won’t show up as a foreign transfer and it will still be extremely tight, so I’m guessing that’s of no use.
Am I over-analysing all of this? Thanks greatly if you can shed some light.
My question is about the 400k baht I need to have in a Thai bank account for 60 days. Many have mentioned that that money has to show up as a foreign transfer (from outside of Thailand). It’s not a problem to transfer and leave that money there, I also know how I can transfer that money using TransferWise so it shows up as an foreign transaction, but I’ve done some calculating, and I’m not sure it’s even technically possible to meet that requirement in time. Note that I currently do NOT have a Thai bank account.
Count with me:
- I arrive in Thailand. That’s day 0
- I will be “released” from ASQ on day 16. Can’t do anything before that day.
- I will immediately open a Thai bank account on that same day. My wife tells me that should take no more than a day for the account to be ready. So let’s assume I have account details and can send money (which I’ll have ready and waiting) via TransferWise on day 17.
- I’ve sent money via TransferWise before. It usually shows up on the Thai bank account the day after. So that’s day 18 when the money drops on the account.
- To apply for my 1 year extension, Thai immigration tells me I need to request that at least 15 days before my 90 days are up. So that will be on day 75
- on day 75, the money will only have seasoned for 57 days, which is less than the required 60. And that’s if everything goes according to plan and there are no holidays or weekends that delay transfers in between.
Any way out of this? Will immigration even accept my extension request before I have the money in the account for the full 60 days, as long as it will be in there for 60+ days at the end of my 90 days?
BTW: I have enough money on my wife’s Thai bank account to transfer it to my own account the moment it’s ready and since it’s both Bangkok Bank, that transfer should be more or less immediate, which makes me gain a day or 2, but it won’t show up as a foreign transfer and it will still be extremely tight, so I’m guessing that’s of no use.
Am I over-analysing all of this? Thanks greatly if you can shed some light.
Answer summary
The user is concerned about meeting the financial requirement of having 400,000 baht in a Thai bank account for 60 days to obtain a one-year extension of a Non-O visa based on marriage to a Thai national. Due to the timing of their arrival, quarantine, and bank account setup, they wonder if they can still apply for the extension without having the full seasoning period completed at the time of application, but potentially completed before the end of their 90-day visa.
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Oliver *************
Very Good Question More Discussion on This Needed i Think Especially Arriving on an STV and Then Changing to a Retired or Married Visa Once in Country
Sumit ********
I have extended my Non O Visa quite a few times with 400k in account for 2 months but I never transfered from overseas. As you mentioned you have enough money in your wife's account, so u can transfer from there just to save a day or two and at the same time you can transfer from overseas, just to be on the safe side if they really want to see money came from overseas.
Patrick ************
OP@Sumit *******
you read my mind 😀. That’s exactly what I’m planning to do...
Carl ********
It doesn't matter where the 400k comes from. My wife's mum put 400k in my bank for 2 months and I got a one year extension no questions asked and after I got the visa I transferred the money back to my mother in law and ive done 90 days reporting no issues whatsoever
Channel **********
The ironic thing is Borders could be open with at least one/two countries by the next 60 days and you could just nip out and back in without stress..big gamble but 🤔
Patrick ************
OP@Channel *********
while I understand that there are few guarantees in this whole process, i find that too big of a gamble to take...Channel **********
@Patrick ***********
...depends how deep your pockets are...alot of people cannot only afford the cost but are not allowed to take all the required time off work..🤔
Flo *****
good post, thanks for the infos, going to be in that situation soon..
Patrick ************
OPThank you all. It sounds like there are multiple ways around this problem, so I guess I was indeed over-analysing. I’ll stop worrying about it now... 😀
Broxy *******
@Patrick ***********
Yeh not worry about where the money come from as after it been in bank 60 days the bank will give u letter that states all ur details specicfally for immigration 🙂 im going through same process Patrick ************
OP@Broxy ******
good to know. Thanks!Patrick ************
OP@Broxy ******
I will have that. Thanks for letting me know. Broxy *******
@Patrick ***********
Only ither thing i can add is when u open thai bank account u might need ur marriage cert as well as i did to open in scb 
Oliver *******************
I have just done it and it doesn't matter where its from just get the money into a thai account for 60 days in your first attempt and 90 on the second
Daren *****
Nothing works smoothly or simply in thailand so use a reputable Visa service and let them alleviate your headaches... they always seem to have a work around! I know it's more expensive but in the long run,its worth it!
Always remember,,,, in Thailand it's all about who gives the biggest back hander
Always remember,,,, in Thailand it's all about who gives the biggest back hander
Tony *********
@Daren ****
- could not disagree more...the Immigration Bureaus give free advice and are usually very helpful! Why pay someone else for what is actually a simple process provided you follow the advice given 🤔
Kool *******
There is allot of information given here that doesn't really answer your question. Firstly, and specific to your question, it doesn't matter where the bt400k comes from. It can be transfered into your account from your wife's account. The only time it is required to come from overseas is if you use the bt40k a month option. Both you and your wife can bring up to US$20,000 cash into Thailand without reporting it, or if equal to, or over that, just reporting it on your customs entry form. That saves you any transfer fees. Forget everything else people have commented on. You can not open an account outside of Thailand. You do not need the bt400k in the bank to get your 90 day visa, and you can not get a one year extension outside of Thailand. Immigration will work with you if they see you are actually married, and doing everything you can to get all your other documents together for your one year extension. They do have the power to extend your 90 day visa another 30 days, for bt1900. They did that for us, but for a different reason, but just as relevant. Do not worry, and yes, you are overthinking this because of some misguided information. When you get out of quarantine immediately open your Bangkok Bank account, and it only takes about 45 minutes, depending on how long the queue is. You only need your passport. You will be fine. Then go to immigration with your wife to get the list of documents needed, and the items added to the list that aren't on there. If you did not get married in Thailand, also ask about that, as there are translation, and registrations you must do, but, immigration always likes to see you with your wife everytime you go there concerning your type O year extension.
Patrick ************
OP@Kool ******
thanks for that detailed explanation 
Bob **********
It doesn't have to show up as an international transfer that's only if your going monthly transfers
Ken ********
I was advised to open the account in a branch in your own country first. My friend from USA opened his in New York branch of Bangkok Bank. Hope that helps.
Michael ********
I dont see no problems, the immigration should be flexible and factor in quarantine time.
Roy ***********
@Michael *******
If I were planning like he is, I would worry about flexibility also.😄But I do believe they will grant an extension to let the money stay a bit longer in the bank account if necessary.
Michael ********
@Roy **********
yes a friend came in beginning of August and has same thing he used his normal Singapore bank account for the visa. They are only issuing 3 months visas at moment not 1 year multi entry.But embassy told him not to worry and open account as soon as you get out of quarantine. I came late july but already have bank account with required amounts.
There are plenty people at the moment in the same situation and by the time his comes up quite a few people will already have done it.
Tod *********
okay you're ONLY going to be in quarantine for 15 days, SO once you get out get your shit together open a thai bank account in your name only and transfer in the 400K baht.
Then you'll have plenty of time to let the funds season the requisite 2 months before you apply for the yearly extension. (seeing as you'll get stamped in for 90 days when you show up on a Non-O visa)
During the time you're waiting for the money to hit the 2 month seasoning which is 2 months date to date (like Sept1 to Nov1) NOT 60 days ;) go to the immigration office with your thai wife and get the hand out that lists the documentation, the photos, the copies etc required to get your year extension.
Then you'll have plenty of time to let the funds season the requisite 2 months before you apply for the yearly extension. (seeing as you'll get stamped in for 90 days when you show up on a Non-O visa)
During the time you're waiting for the money to hit the 2 month seasoning which is 2 months date to date (like Sept1 to Nov1) NOT 60 days ;) go to the immigration office with your thai wife and get the hand out that lists the documentation, the photos, the copies etc required to get your year extension.
Anton **************
And how do you transfer the money using TransferWise to make it a foreign transfer btw?
Patrick ************
OP@Anton *************
My wife’s account is indeed Bangkok Bank. I haven’t tried it with other banks, but it worked for me with Bangkok Bank.Anton **************
@Patrick ***********
thanks! Will try this with Kasikorn next time tooPatrick ************
OP@Anton *************
when you transfer money with TransferWise, if you select “preparing for a long stay in Thailand “ (not sure about exact wording, but it’s something like that) it does show up as a foreign transfer on the account. If you choose any other reason, it doesn’t. Tested this multiple times transferring money to my wife’s account. There’s even a Facebook group somewhere that’s dedicated to just this subject (called “TransferWise Solutions Thailand” or something like that) 😀Anton **************
@Patrick ***********
thanks a lot! That may be useful 👍
Tim *******
@Anton *************
I believe it only shows with Bangkok bank. Doesn't work with KrungsriTim *******
@Anton *************
I never had to prove where the 400k came from. I believe that only applies to using monthly pension or other income instead of the 400kAnton **************
@Tim ******
ah okay, my point is just that TransferWise normally sends THB from their local company so the statement won’t show a foreign transaction But in my case the source of funds was never asked as well
Andy ********
Patrick my approach would be as follows.
As soon as you get out of quarentine open a bank account and transfer the 400k.
Go to your local immigration office and explain your situation they will either say yes or no to the yearly extension. My thoughts are they will say yes.
If they do say no then towards the end of your 90 day stamp you can apply for a 60 day extension to visit your wife.
At the end of that period (90+60 days) you can apply for the yearly extension based on marriage.
Cost of each extension is 1,900 Baht.
As soon as you get out of quarentine open a bank account and transfer the 400k.
Go to your local immigration office and explain your situation they will either say yes or no to the yearly extension. My thoughts are they will say yes.
If they do say no then towards the end of your 90 day stamp you can apply for a 60 day extension to visit your wife.
At the end of that period (90+60 days) you can apply for the yearly extension based on marriage.
Cost of each extension is 1,900 Baht.
Darren *********
@Andy *******
they will not say yes unless the money has been there for two months prior to application.
Bobby ********
@Darren ********
. You don't need money for the 60 day visiting family extension. Andy's suggestion is sound and will work.Darren *********
@Bobby *******
followed by go to your local immigration office with no mention of waiting for the two months...quarantine is 14 days. So that would be too soon. 😕Bobby ********
@Darren ********
. "As soon as you get out of quarantine open a bank account and transfer the 400k"? Perhaps you missed that part of the 'sound' suggestion? 🤣🤣🤣Darren *********
@Bobby *******
I never suggested that you did.. he made no mention of the two month ‘seasoning period’ of two months in his ‘sound suggestion’ 
Stephen *******
The opening of the account happens immediately. You leave with a bank book, ATM card and Swift details for foreign transfers. I opened mine in the K Bank in the subway under the Interchange 21 building between soi 21 (Asok Montri Rd) and soi 23.
Thomas ********
Patrick, you can apply for a 60 day extension "visit thai family" with your current Non-O Visa at your local immigration 30 days before it expires for 1,900bt based on marriage to a thai national, that requires no money to be in your bank so should give you more than enough time to sort out the seasoned funds in your bank account and apply for your extended marriage visa.
Patrick ************
OP@Thomas *******
thanks. That sounds like a good way of doing it. Tony *********
@Thomas *******
- agree this would be the most sensible solution with the least stress 👍🏼
Nathan ***************
@Thomas *******
was just going to suggest this .. I’m doing the same process once I get there 
Ben ****
Have you thought about the possibility of using the embassy income declaration (visum ondersteuningsbrief) instead of cash in the bank?
Steve *********
It's worth noting that the day you arrive isn't considered "day 0", it's "day 1". That's fooled a few people!
Michael ********
@Steve ********
actually when you are in quarantine Thai authorities call it day 0. I had to have covid tests day 0 day 7 and day 11.Steve *********
@Michael *******
ahhh, that's to add to the confusion! From a VISA point of view it's day 1. They don't like making it simple.Michael ********
@Steve ********
nope never, 
Will ************
You may be able to show the equivalent of
*****
0bt in your own bank account if it's been there for more than 2 months if applying for marriage visa in your own country. Worth having a look at.
Garrett ***********
Also, for Bangkok. I know when you go back to get your yearly extension (not the under consideration stamp), you need a bank statement dated that day from one of the bank branches downstairs. Honestly not sure if the initial application has to meet the 60 day mark, or of the actual day of visa issuance is sufficient. Maybe someone else here can answer.
Back ******
@Garrett **********
that would be no problem if you get a non-o multiple and go out of Thailand after the first 90 days (let's assume that until than the quarantine is out of picture...Andy ********
@Back *****
where would he go to at the moment to do a border run. Even if he did would need to quarentine on his return into Thailand. Back ******
Andrew *******
@Back *****
The embassies are not issuing multi entry non o visas now, only single entry.Back ******
@Andy *******
read his post than read mine...again and maybe again...Garrett ***********
@Ba**
He's talking about getting a single entry Non-O and applying for a yearly extension though.Back ******
@Garrett **********
if you married and a letter from your wife should be possible than he would have 15 month to get his things together...Garrett ***********
@Ba**
And depending on where he is. Not all embassies issues 1 year Non-Os anymore.. Back ******
@Garrett **********
but he could get a multiple one with no problem and no problems with timing...depending on the priorities he has Garrett ***********
Hey Patrick, interesting question. Normally this isn't an issue as long as someone transfers money within the first week of being here. With Covid and having to quarantine, that does present a new issue.
Off the top of my head, the only thing I could think to do would be to have your wife, or an agent open a bank account for you while you're in quarantine. That would require them having your passport and power of attorney, and I don't know if you can pass things outside while you're in quarantine.
Off the top of my head, the only thing I could think to do would be to have your wife, or an agent open a bank account for you while you're in quarantine. That would require them having your passport and power of attorney, and I don't know if you can pass things outside while you're in quarantine.
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