Can I use a Thai sterling bank account for my retirement visa application in Thailand?

Dec 19, 2021
3 years ago
Stef **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Have just arrived in Phuket on 60 day visa. I want to apply for retirement visa. I understand that the funds will need to be in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to application. My question is can that be in my Thai bank sterling account or does it have to be in Thai Baht account? TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user wants to know if they can apply for a retirement visa with funds in a Thai sterling account rather than a Thai baht account. Comments clarify that while the funds can be in a sterling account, they must be in a Thai bank and the equivalent value must remain above 800,000 Thai baht. Additionally, it's noted that the funds need to be seasoned in the account for at least two months before applying for the retirement visa.
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Ellie *******
We will be talking about what type of account is suitable for visa/extension matters, but we are NOT talking about what type of account is good beneficial-wise.

Thank you, everyone.
@Stef *********
, If you still have any related visa/extension questions here, please contact any of the admins/moderators to reopen the thread.
Jerome ********
Each imm office have their little laws ,ask where you live
Harry ********
Important: if you use a FCA (which I do), when you get your document with the balance, also get a statement of transactions, otherwise immigration will not accept it.
William ********
Sterling account in Thailand fine, make sure u make it known to immigration it's a sterling account. Even though the bank gives u a letter reverting it into bahts the questioned my bank book thinking it was in bahts. Expect them to ask u to update your book after 10 days of application... They seem to be checking incase it's not your money, apart from that it's pretty straight forward . I don't know about the seasoning as I had not let mine go below the requirement since I had the account.
Benjamin ******
@William *******
Are you in Phuket?
William ********
@Benjamin *****
no, I'm in Pattaya. jomtien immigration
Reiner *********
But surprise ….my friend was visited really loved on the Adress he is registered on ..some days after the request …seams that a lot of cheaters did something wrong ..it’s new …
Benjamin ******
@Reiner ********
Was that in Phuket?
Martin *******
@Benjamin *****
happened to me too. The immigration officer was visiting me at my registered address in Phuket.
Reiner *********
@Benjamin *****
yes , Asked for visa , Monday , was visited on Thursday
Benjamin ******
@Reiner ********
And this is for a retirement visa? Or a marriage visa?
Reiner *********
@Benjamin *****
it was out of a TouristVisa , asking for a NON o and later Retired
Herman ********
Phuket requires 15 days
Benjamin ******
@Herman *******
Phuket requires 15 days remaining on the existing "admitted to" stamp to get the in-country Non-O visa, correct?
Herman ********
@Benjamin *****
15 for a change of visa from excemption, tourist to non o
Reiner *********
@Benjamin *****
on the last visa ..it doesn’t not matter what kind….yes it can be from a simple 30 days stamp as well…if all other papers re correct
Benjamin ******
Before I answer your question, let's back up a bit.

>I understand that the funds will need to be in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to application.

Not true. You need 800K THB in THB or equivalent convertible currency for a 90 day in-country Non-O visa based on being over 50 - there is NO seasoning requirements to acquire this visa. Most immigration offices will allow you to purchase an in-country Non-O visa when you have about 45 days or less remaining on your existing stamp (because you'll be losing time, since the Non-O visa will begin on the day you receive it). You will need some time remaining on your existing tourist visa though - at least 15 days remaining for Bangkok, and 21 days for Chiang Mai. I don't know how much time remaining is required for Phuket though.

Once you get the Non-O visa, the money must be seasoned for at least 2 months before you can apply for the one year extension of stay based on retirement.

>My question is can that be in my Thai bank sterling account or does it have to be in Thai Baht account

The money has to be in a Thai bank, that can be withdrawn quickly. However, you can use British Sterlings. You will have to make sure the value does not go below 800K THB. Ask the bank AND the immigration office for the exchange rate.
Stef **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
Thanks for the info! so if I move the money over now. I will then need to apply for an additional 30 days extension before I can apply for a Non O?? Do you think that will be ok?
Martin *******
@Stef *********
note that opening a foreign currency account needs some time. I had to wait three weeks for the bank book of my foreign currency account at bangkok bank.
Reiner *********
@Stef *********
well on phuket you only need 15 Days on your last visa to ask for an NON O….if on phuket please make sure that the bank letter and the statement as well as the copies of every page are from the day you ask for the non o….but you don’t need an insurance or criminal record or….like in home countries ….just helped a friend with the same idea…
Tod *********
@Stef *********
move the money over, and then go apply for your Non-O 90 day visa for 2000baht when you have 3 weeks or so left on your current 60 day entry stamp.

There's no reason to get the 30 day extension, the money doesn't need to be in the account any amount of time when you apply for the 90 day visa, you said you're on a 60 day stamp and you just arrived. Move the money, wait until this stamp runs down some and then go apply for the 90 day Non-O
Stef **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
thanks. Will do that.
Benjamin ******
@Stef *********
> I will then need to apply for an additional 30 days extension before I can apply for a Non O?

You do not need to apply for a 30 day extension of stay based on tourism before applying for an in-country Non-O visa based on being over 50
Stef **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Benjamin *****
thank you, much appreciated.
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