Can I use bank and pension transfers to extend my retirement visa in Thailand?

Apr 23, 2019
6 years ago
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I've heard conflicting reports ...so would just like clarification ...is it still possible to use the money in bank plus pension transfer to Thai bank for your visa extension based on retirement ...TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The discussion clarifies the requirements for extending a retirement visa in Thailand, specifically using monthly bank transfers from pensions or income abroad. It confirms that such funds must be transferred into a Thai bank account demonstrating foreign transfer codes monthly for 12 months prior to application. Additionally, having a total of 800,000 Baht in a Thai bank account for two months before applying is necessary. The response also highlights variations in immigration officer interpretations and bank policies regarding acceptable transfer documentation.
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Robert *******
As there is a memo from the Immigration Office to be lenient to people who got effected by the cancellation of 4 Foreign Embassies to hand out the Income Affidavits, it all depends on the Immigration Officer how lenient that is or not. The only way to tell is to go in time, take all your documents and ask. Make a plan B, just in case.
Phil **********
Thanks yep, I guess Savannakhet is my only back up option or hang on until I can show the 12 months, thanks for reply...
Ian ***********************
I think it is only Bangkok Bank that shows foreign transfer codes in the bank book. I am with Kasikorn (who don't) and have been advised to talk to the credit advisor in my branch about this. I am taking documentation to show them and will ask them to state on the letter to immigration that they are indeed foreign transfers. I will also ask them to photocopy the bank book for the last 12 months and stamp it as authentic. Sheesh!
Phil **********
This has been discussed in depth on another visa website, depends how the cash was transferred from the home country. However back to the combination method for retirement extension, as I cannot show 12 months income this year because my funds did not show as an International Transfer, (have now addressed this and showing as from abroad since January, 12 month extension in Aug), if I add the months from Jan to Aug together as income and have sufficient funds seasoned to make the 800k together, will this be accepted with a kind IO..?
Robert *******
I have Kasikorn Bank and all my international transfers are coded: INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND FACTORING CENTER TFN
*****
Alandre *********
Make sure the money is in a savings or fixed deposit. My husband just lost his visa due to the fact that money was in a Bangkok Bank bond account and not on a fixed deposit. It's been stressful trying to sort the problem. Hopefully it will all be sorted out soon.
Tod *********
Here's the clause that outlines the 'combo method' in the new police order
James ********
@Tony ********
good luck and please report back what really happens.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
James Miller that's the drama 1 yes & 1 no

But soon opening a new office in Ang Thong...so I will follow up with them ...thanks for your comments James
James ********
Tony Timmins but as stated above...it is up to your local Thai Immigrarion office if they in fact allow the "combo method". Best to check with them now and monitor any changes during the time before you need to get your Extension of Stay for the added year.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Tod Daniels thank you Tod for your prompt & professional reply
James ********
Ask your local Thai Immigration office.
James ********
Tony Timmins yes but until an order is issued/published its really the local Thai Immigration office which is making/interpreting the rules.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@James *******
that's where the confusion arises ....but hopefully the New OIC will sort it out
Tod *********
There is some confusion by immigration offices and officers about it but I can say with 100% certainty that it IS a method that is outlined in the police order which started on March 1st and has the changes to extensions based on being over 50 (retirement).

You would need to have your pension or income from abroad transferred into your thai bank each and every month for the previous 12 months prior to you applying for your extension. The transfer codes need to show as overseas transfers.

From what I understand, the immigration office will go thru the transfers find the one that is the least amount (given the fluctuations in currency exchanges) and use that one for 12 months to get a total of your transfer amount for the year.

You would need to have the rest of the money totally 800K baht banked in a bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for your yearly extension, you would need to leave that money in the account for 3 months after you got your extension AND you could only withdrawal 50% of the balance of that account for the remainder of the year.
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