Can I use monthly international deposits for my first year extension of stay in Thailand?

Question

Thanks as always for your guidance. I did some follow up based on advice from this forum.

I am a US citizen currently with an extension of stay based on an OA over 60 visa. I am heading back to the USA for a month and was hoping to cancel the extension, return on a Tourist visa, and then apply for an in-country O retirement. I asked the Chiang Mai officer if there was the possibility of using 12 months of international deposits of 65k or more in lieu of the 800k banked money for the in-country O visa. The answer was a ‘no’ as I pretty much expected.

Not a big problem. I explained that my intention was to at least limit the duration of time that banked funds sit in a Thai account and commented that I could at least use the monthly international deposits 90 days later when applying for a 1 year extension of stay. The officer said that could not be done on the first year of an extension of stay. I would need to use the 800k banked method for a full year before I could use the monthly deposit method of qualifying for an extension.

That was surprising information to me and I don’t see a first year rule in the extension of stay requirements. So I need help verifying this information or considering confusion and misunderstanding on my part. By the way, my query was escalated to the most senior officer at the information desk.

A related question. When I am in the states I have the choice of applying for a TR and subsequently applying for an in-country O. Or I could apply for the nonimm O in the USA. Outside of ease and lower cost of getting a Tourist visa vs an O visa, are there other advantages to the in-country O?

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user seeks clarification on whether they can utilize monthly international deposits instead of the 800,000 THB banked requirement for their first year extension of stay under the Non-O visa regulations. They received conflicting information from immigration officers in Chiang Mai. Comments from community members suggest that there are no specific rules prohibiting the use of monthly income for the first extension, and it may be beneficial to appeal or seek further assistance. Additionally, the user explores the option of applying for a Tourist visa versus applying for a Non-O visa while back in the USA.

Jason ********** · Answer

ok…good info from everyone to make a plan that fits the rules…and trends. Kind thanks

Tod ********* · Answer

I had TWO people denied getting an in country Non-O visa (one based on being over 50 and one based on marriage to a thai) who tried to use 12 months of international transfers showing the minimum required amount for the visa they wanted.

The immigration office here in Bangkok was adamant that IF you can't get the embassy letter (which US, UK, Australia and other countries can't get here) you use BANKED MONEY for the Non-O and the first yearly extension 60 days later. THEN if you want you can start transferring money in and the following year switch to monthly income

Robert ******* · Answer

For the Extension of Stay based on being over 50 years of age:

800.000 Thb on a Thai bank account in your name for at least 2 months prior application date until 3 months after application date and the rest of the year not less than 400.000 thb.

As you can see, if people use the bank money method, there has to be money on the bank 2 months before application until last day of the 1 year Extension of Stay if you want to apply for a new Extension of Stay a year later.

Ellie ******* · Answer

There is no statement in the current police order that you cannot use the monthly income (transfer) method for your first 1-year extension. You can make a written appeal if you want, or follow the direction of your immigration office.

But this part, maybe I better ask [mention redacted] for some more information and help.

If you can meet the requirements for Non-O application there, I don't see any reason you don't get it and get SETV instead. If you entered on Non-O, you can skip one visit to Local IO.

Many people are coming on SETV to get in-country Non-O because:

- need time to settle down (permanent address, bank account, etc)

- need to secure the time of two months+ to keep the funds in the bank account before applying for a 1-year extension

Since you seem to have those already, I can't think of an advantage to getting SETV.

Coming back to Thailand on Non-O or visa-exempt entry sounds good enough for you to me.

Can I use monthly international deposits for my first year extension of stay in Thailand?

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