Do I need a Thai bank account to apply for a retirement visa (O) if I have an affidavit of income from my embassy?

October 6, 2022
2 years ago
Alan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
hi guys',

my embassy can give give me a afidavid regarding my income that i recieve from my pensions which covers the 65,000 a month income when applying for my retirement visa (o), my Q is, do i have to have a thai bank account at the time of applying already or can i transfer over at a later date once settled in Thailand.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is seeking clarification on whether a Thai bank account is necessary at the time of applying for a retirement visa (O), despite having an affidavit of income from their embassy that confirms they meet the income requirements. Comments suggest that an affidavit can suffice for income verification, while there is some debate about the necessity of having a Thai bank account at the time of application.
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Tom *********
@Alan *******
I think you will need to have a Thai bank account with updated balance from the day before you apply for your visa.
George ******************
@Tom ********
I am Canadian and get a letter from the Canadian Embassy, in the 12 plus years I have been doing this, I have not been asked to see a Thai Bank Book. I always take one with me, but do not submit it with my application and have never been asked for it.
Tom *********
Mike ******
When the US Embassy/Consulate's income Affidavit was accepted one did not to have a bank account. A Thai Bank account would be needed if the foreign income/pension was being transferred into Thailand. This was one of the advantages of having an income Affidavit being accepted by Thai Immigration. No need to to open or maintain a Thai Bank Account.
Tom *********
@Tod ********
usually your advice is spot on but in this instance you are quite simply wrong!
Tod *********
@Tom ********
easy now with the "quite simply wrong" casting dispersions ๐Ÿ˜›

IF you come from a country whose embassy still issues the income affidavit notary letter you can TOTALLY use it for proof of funds to get ANY extension here that requires funds.

That you come from a country who stopped issuing it is totally a different issue entirely.
Ellie *******
@Tom ********
, your embassy wouldn't issue an affidavit doesn't mean OP's embassy doesn't issue one. And if OP gets an affidavit from HIS embassy, and that mentions a sufficient amount of income for his visa/extension application in Thailand, OP does NOT need a Thai bank account for his application.
Tod *********
@Tom ********
they will NOT, ๐Ÿ˜• they are from a country whose embassy here issues the affidavit of income from abroad notary letter <- that means they do not have to bank any money here in thailand to get their extension.

They only have to get that letter from their embassy here saying they get a minimum of 65K baht a month from their country and that will meet the proof of funds requirement for their yearly extension
Alan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
Thank you very much Tod.
Tod *********
If you are a Canuck (as your profile might lead someone to believe) you can indeed get the affidavit of income from abroad notary letter from your embassy here and use that to show you meet the proof of funds.

You will not be required to have a thai bank account or move any money here

What country is your passport from? Canada?
Alan ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
yes Tod Canada and MY Embassy Does issue these affidavits, once again Tod and others for the info.
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