Do I need to open a Thai bank account for my Non-O retirement visa instead of using my US Embassy letter?

Oct 3, 2018
6 years ago
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok so I got my first Non O (retirement visa) yesterday.

Officer who was processing my request said I can no longer use my US Embassy letter to verify my income.

That I now have to open a bank account and keep 80,000 thb in it.

Is this true?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user has received their Non-O (retirement) visa but was informed by the processing officer that they can no longer use their US Embassy letter as proof of income and must open a Thai bank account with 800,000 baht. This has raised questions about the accuracy of this information, as responses in the comments discuss varying experiences with income verification requirements at different immigration offices in Thailand. The general consensus indicates that financial proof, such as bank statements, may be required alongside embassy letters, particularly for US citizens. However, some users report that they were able to verify their income without opening a bank account.
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YeDo ***********
Might be THAT document you cannot use any longer, maybe he just wanted and updated one?
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
yes it was dated June 21, 2018 and I used it for my 90 day extension with no problem.
Tod *********
unless it was older than 6 months (which is the validity of the embassy affidavits of income) they should have been alright.
Tod *********
The rule to meet the financial requirements for a yearly extension based on being over 50 are;

Bank 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 60 days prior to your first application for a yearly extension of stay and for 3 months prior to every subsequent application for a yearly extension of stay,

Use a notarized affidavit of income from abroad letter from your consulate stating you get at least 65K baht a month (or the equivalent) in income from abroad.

OR

Use a combination of banked money (seasoned the requisite amount of time) and the income affidavit from your consulate which totals 800K baht for the year.
Tod *********
@Kailash *******
, me too :O It just doesn't make any sense at all especially the 80K baht part :/. I would just file it away and see what if any changes happen in the immigration extension rules between now and your next yearly extension application.

Glad you got the extension (y)
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
You always make everything so clear. I was just thrown for a loop by what she told me.
Tod *********
OKay, section L does NOT issue visas so we can glean from that fact you got a yearly extension of stay based on being over 50 (retirement).

Also you're good for a year now so I'd say whether you can or can't use the notary of income from abroad letter next year is pretty far down the list of immediate concerns.

I was out at Chaengwattana with two friends who BOTH used the income notary letters from their consulates (one Brit and one American) and neither were questioned about the veracity of the amounts listed on the letters OR asked for proof.

AFAIK; only the Chiang Mai immigration office is sporadically asking people (from the US only) using the income affidavit notary for proof.
Pete ********
Does anyone know if bank statements from the US suffice....This would be showing the deposits itemized as well as the entities they are received from...i.e. Social Security, Private Pension, & other income sources...
Oliver **********
Tod, what documents would you use as proof of income if not bank statements (in regards to the new rule for US citizens)?
Tod *********
NOPE, you could use the bank statements as proof that the amount on the US consulate notary of income from abroad is correct BUT as stand alone documentation bank statements from a bank in your counry are worthless
Bill *********
Print outs of investments and their statements?
Tony ********
Could be rate of exchange problem on income and now need to find balance.
Han ********
If that would become really so, wow, then many Farangs would face problems!
Han ********
@Steve ******
yes agree, if it would concerned only the US guys, who used to get the form from the embassy „just“ by swearing that they have the income?
Steve *******
Han Lo CH Maybe a few US citizens, many embassys want proof of funds before issuing the affadavit of income.
Travis ***************
Anyone have to show any bank statements when go apply for a Non O based on marriage in Savannkhet? I’m looking to get my visa this time off.
Robert *******
This question has nothing to do with this topic, please start a new topic to avoid confusing in answers.
Kelly ********
Im surprised you were told that After you received your retirement visa.
Robert *******
I guess they use this requirement: (5) Must have an annual earning and funds deposited with a bank totaling no less than Baht

800,000 as of the filing date.
Bill *********
I used the same method, affidavit from the US embassy, last year at the BKK Office - no problem. In December I have to renew. I would also like a bottom line definitive answer if possible. Thanks.
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok just really need the bottom line, do I need to open a bank account as she said, or can my US income with proof be good enough.

I am over 50.

I do have monthly income over the required amount.

Thanks
Ivan ************
You will probably be OK if you can document your income to the satisfaction of immigration. What changed in Chiang Mai is that they will not take the US embassy affidavit without supporting documentation. Maybe this is a new policy now spreading to Bangkok. Make sure you find out from immigration exactly what they want several months in advance of your extension as if you do need money in the bank it will have to be there for 2-3 months before your extension date.
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
yesterday, officer at the L section.

She gave me the visa but told me in the future I could not use the Embassy letter that I would have to open a bank account.
Steve **********
@Kailash *******
Who told you this? Was it the information desk, the queue ticket desk or the officer at L counter? I just had my retirement extension issued last Wednesday based on the affidavit from the US Embassy.
Thomas *****
it's 800,000 not 80,000
Thomas *****
I hope that is not true for me . that is all i have and i go next week
Francis ********
It’s 800,000฿ for retirement or 400,000฿ for married in a Thai bank.
Daniel ************
it would be 800.000 thb ... not 80k - for the bank account -
Bob **********
It happened to my brother in Chiang Mai he just copied 4 months of his bank statement and a copy of his 401 K and that was good.Also I believe the amount is 800,000 baht in a Thai bank
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Well she said and wrote 80k which equals to the one month $2500 US minimum requirement.

Just found it strange she would say that.
Daniel ************
no idea - but if - it would be 800k
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Wait what, do I or don’t I?
John *****
Which immigration office did you go to?
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
true US requires no proof took it but they were not interested in seeing it.
John *****
@Kailash *******
I had no problem with my UK embassy letter 2 weeks back. The UK embassy needs to see 'evidence' of where the funds cone from and include this detail in their affidavit. My understanding is the U.S. embassy requires no proof other than its citizens say so and signature.

I read on this feed 10 days back that Chiang Mai were now also wanting to see proof of funds to backup U.S. embassy affidavits.
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
BKK
Glen *********
Not true...but you should have financial proof with you to support your Embassy statement of income, such as bank statements showing monthly income

You should give more details as to where this happened etc...
Kailash ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I can do that was just surprised she told me that.
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