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Answered9 months ago

Do monthly deposits for a Thai non-O retirement visa extension need to come from a pension?

Dylan ********
asked Jan 23, 2026
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Hi everyone! I just got a one year extension on my non-O retirement visa. I have the required funds in my new Thai bank account. I’m thinking I will make deposits monthly of ฿65,000 for the next year at which point I will be able to free up the funds in the account. But my Visa agent just told me that those deposits have to come from a pension not just money or income I have overseas. Is this true? I never saw that anywhere in my research.

Also, I’ve heard conflicting reports on whether using Wise to transfer the funds in will pass muster with immigration.  I went to my bank yesterday and asked them for a confirmation letter of international transfer for the initial deposit and they said we don’t do that with Wise. 
Answer summary
A community member discussing their recent extension on a non-O retirement visa is uncertain about salary deposits required for their visa, specifically whether they need to come from a pension as stated by their visa agent. Community responses reflect conflicting experiences regarding immigration rules, especially about using Wise for fund transfers. Many users suggest that funds need only show as international transfers without needing to be pension payouts, while others caution there's variability by local immigration offices. Overall, there is a strong recommendation to clarify directly with the local immigration office or to consult multiple agents for accurate information.
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Nibor **********
Nibor **********
I keep a copy of the WISE transfer receipt which shows the date, the amount, the recipient and the reason for the deposit. If the immigration asks for it I will present it.
Sampson ***********
Sampson ***********
It was a few years ago for me but after 1 year of Wise transfers not showing as international transfers, the following year Wise transfers to Bangkok Bank showed up as international transfers. Most months I had way over the 65,000 but one month it was 200 baht less. I had to talk to a supervisor at immigration and it finally got passed but barely. The year before when they didn't show us international they wouldn't do it.
Jim **********
Jim **********
First re Wise. I had enormous issues with my extension of stay last month due to using Wise (basically they had changed banking partner without any communication to customers) and the nee partner, Kasikorn, showed the transfers on my SCB bank statements as domestic not international. And, like you i found it impossible to get a confirmation letter of International transfer. I eventually found a way to cobble together an audit trail using UK bank statements, Wise transfer receipts and SCB statements with notes. But Immigration said they would accept that audit trail on that occasion only, because i was able to prove that Wise and Kasikorn had caused the issues not me. But, they made it very clear that I needed to have my bank statements sorted for my next extension. So I no longer use Wise now for my monthly transfer and simply do an international transfer with my UK bank. Costs a bit more and takes a bit longer, but it is safe and reliable.

Re your other question on pension v other sources. I am not aware of any formal notification along the lines you mention. However I havr noticed an increasing interest from Immigration in my pensions, sp I would not be at all surprised if they are now asking for pension sources. The best thing to do is simply go to your local IO and ask them. If they say they only want pensions as sources then point out that the current rules only ask for you to meet the over 50 limit and the financial requirements and you do not have pensions. Put the ball in their court.
Dylan ********
Dylan ********
OP
Jim Flanagan thanks
Bill *********
Bill *********
That's why it's far easier just to set up the B
*****
0 once and not have to deal with trying to do something 12 times perfectly.
Alan *****
Alan *****
With wise if you put the reason for the transaction is to purchase property then it will go through as a international transaction
Yo***
Yo***
Every immigration officer has different rules and own rules. So better you ask other visa agents. Probably, the immigration officer who your visa agent is connected required this. Just ask other visa agents in your place. If they all say the same, surely, your local immigration has a new rule or required it.
Keith ************
Keith ************
As for coming from a pension, it depends on the office. I was asked if my income was from a pension, but was not asked to show pension documents. Clear it with your office.

As others have said, income-method transactions do need to be coded as from a foreign source. That's true in all offices that I know of. And yes, sometimes Wise is not successful at doing that. The best way forward is to read a few threads here and figure out if that's going to affect you.

In some offices, I've heard if you explain it to them, show them the transfer from your bank, show it hitting Wise, show it leaving Wise and then hitting your That bank account, that will be enough. You can ask and if they say no, go get the following.

You can always go to the local receiving bank (the first Thai bank that gets your money from Wise to transfer it to your bank) and get documentation that it was an international transfer. It's a pain, but not a disaster.

Or do straight international bank transfers, which tend to be more expensive but are coded correctly.
Ally ************
Ally ************
If you are intending to switch to the income method later.. you will need to evidence the necessary level of deposits to your Thai bank account.. for an extension based on retirement this means credits totalling a minimum of 65,000 baht every calendar month for a period of 12 months.. you cannot miss a month and double up another month.. or make any shortfalls up along the way.. on the assumption that the aggregate deposits over the year will still total 780,000.. furthermore you need to start the deposits 2 months before you apply for your last extension using the capital method.. so they are active and clearly visible at least 1-month before the date of your extension.. this is necessary because you will normally want to apply for your next extension 1-month prior to the expiry of your current stamp.. and if your deposits commenced in the month following the last extension you will only achieve 11 credits prior to your next renewal.. and if your immigration office allows an earlier application.. such as 45-days prior as is the case in CM.. then you may only have 10 credits to your bank account depending on what time of the month your transfers are made.. so if you want to keep all your options open you should begin making monthly transfers 2-month's prior to your most recent extension.. but as an absolute minimum 1-month prior.. hope that helps 👍
Alda *******
Alda *******
Following
Ally ************
Ally ************
All Wise transfers into Thai Bank accounts now come through Kasikorn bank.. so upon reaching the destination account held with another bank they are recorded by the receiving bank as an in-country transfer.. instead of being recorded as coming from overseas.. so if you don't bank with Kasikorn there are hoops to jump through to obtain proof of the true origin.. so it makes sense to have a Kasikorn account (or at least a secondary account with them) if you favour Wise for your money transfers.. but it's not necessary to prove incoming transfers are funded by an active overseas pension at all.. so if transfers are coming out of savings rather than from a pension it's irrelevant from immigration's perspective.. either you consulted a very naive agent.. or more likely one that fully understands the rules and simply wanted to generate fear to get some business.. either way they are not worthy and should be avoided 👍
Stephen ********
Stephen ********
Ally S Inglish not completely accurate. When using WISE, select 'for long term stay' as the reason for the transfer, it will then show as an international transfer, but usually lands the next working day at 2pm
David ********
David ********
If this is indeed "printed in the Royal Gazette" it can be counted as a step backward for the retirement visa. Why should they care whether your income deposits are from a pension, rentals, dividends or a forken circus?! What could be the motivation for this change?
Tony **********
Tony **********
David Romero there is no change. Only requirement is that it be foreign funds. Another likely scenario is that ฿50k monthly comes from a pension and ฿50k (or ฿15k) comes from savings...
David ********
David ********
Thanks!
Yo***
Yo***
this kind of things can happen at any time regarding immigration specially. No one can guarantee. That is a good reason of why I always hire an agent. An immigration officer's power is very big in Thailand. If they need something from you, you must bring it to them if you want an extension. You agent should know that immigration officer. So that is why agent. All agents have connection with Immigration officers. And, i think putting 800,000 THB in a thai bank can become a trend that all immigration officers require. Many other countries already required such conditions. Putting considerable money in the bank and not touchable as long as you stay there.
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
So you are saying you hire an agent, believe what they tell you and you don't know the rules🤔.

Up to you what you do, but personally I never use an agent, understand the rules and have no problems at immigration.
Yo***
Yo***
Stuart Chiverton yes it is totally up to individual choice. I also know the rules about immigration. I know what to do and how to do. That is actually not so difficult. However, if someone has enough money to pay for agent, and also hate instability and unexpected things to happen, using agent is a good option. It is good for you that you have no problems at immigration! But no one knows what will happen tomorrow. So, I always hire agent for doing this for me. You go your way I go my way! Good luck to you👍
Yo***
Yo***
if so, what about people who can not receive pension yet? and, some people after retired withdrew all at once. They can not go to monthly method?
Tony **********
Tony **********
Young not so! So don't worry about it.
Jeff *************
Jeff *************
Needs to show up in your statement as a foreign transaction not a local one
Raymond *********
Raymond *********
Udon Thani Immigration told me that to accept the 12 monthly 65 000bht deposit they must come from international transfer and I also need a letter from my source of pension confirming the amount received(before taxes), not from savings.
Yo***
Yo***
@Raymond ********
Oh yeah, if this is true, your immigration officer wants you to use agent. Some immigration officers do this way so that foreigners need to hire agents. 😂😂
Raymond *********
Raymond *********
Young she never suggested going through an agent. She let me take à picture of the kind of letter I have to produce. Very easily done
Raymond *********
Raymond *********
Young you can't have everything buddy, being young and have a pension. Seriously, it seems that the criterias can vary quite alot from one agent to the next in the same office. Good luck
Yo***
Yo***
@Raymond ********
so you done with that letter ? Good for you. But i do not get any pension yet at all. I am still too young to get an pension. And also, I will withdraw all at once. So in your immigration office, I have no such letter to provide to immigration office. so I will fail then. 😂
Pat *****
Pat *****
In Hua Hin immi they told me same. Or 65k+ per month and 400k in bank
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
That doesn't make any sense, why 400k?

I use Hua Hin IO and they accept statements from bank with 65k.
Tony **********
Tony **********
Stuart Chiverton interesting... They wanted credit advice receipt for each foreign deposit for me in December...
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
Yes, they need credit advice things from the bank, but they give you them at the same time as well as the letter, but my point is they don't need 400k or proof it's from a pension.
Pat *****
Pat *****
Stuart Chiverton i know, and on the paper i got last year it is nt even marked like that..
Martyn ***********
Martyn ***********
Pat Jqm and 400k?
John **********
John **********
With regards to Wise transfers if they don't show as international transfers in your bank you have to determine which was the 1st bank in Thailand the transfer went through and it is this bank you need to request the proof of international transfer from. There's a comprehensive FAQ on the Wise website covering Thai baht transfers
Tony **********
Tony **********
Only requirement is that the funds be foreign. If you've waited to start deposits until now, you're too late for your next extension. You need 12 consecutive months BEFORE you're application for extension . If you'd have asked here instead of your "agent", we could have advised you and saved you a year.

Depending on your immigration office, they may accept bank statements that list the deposits as foreign funds or they may require a credit deposit receipt for each deposit.
Dylan ********
Dylan ********
OP
Tony Birnseth I’ll be fine as far as the timeline, but thanks for the heads up.
Stuart ***********
Stuart ***********
I see people suggesting asking agents for advice on visa matters and this is exactly why it's not a good idea! The money does not have to come from a pension.
Ian ************
Ian ************
Agent is incorrect, immigration only require that it comes from overseas.
Dylan ********
Dylan ********
OP
Ian Pennington I did a Google search just now and the AI response was something like it doesn’t absolutely have to be pension, but you do have to document where the money came from. It can’t be a loan or savings. But then I did it again and got a different answer 🤣🫣
Yo***
Yo***
Ian Pennington it is not about incorrect or correct. The fact is, an immigration officer can require this.
Graham ******
Graham ******
Young but Immigration did not ask for it ;)
Yo***
Yo***
Ian Pennington this is not impossible at all. An immigration office can make own rules. If unfortune, anyone can face that officer and hard course is waiting. or just hiring an gent is the way.
Graham ******
Graham ******
Ian Pennington Not incorrect, telling lies to try to scare customers into using their services
Dylan ********
Dylan ********
OP
Graham Seal that occurred to me. But other people here have commented that this is in fact a new rule. 
Graham ******
Graham ******
Young Why are you sticking up for an agent that tells this blatent lie "But my Visa agent just told me that those deposits have to come from a pension not just money or income I have overseas."? This visa agent is obviously implying that they have a workaround for someone not yet in "retirement" and not receiving a pension to drum up business. The visa is for over-50 not retirement, it is just referred to as a retirement visa because you cannot work in Thailand. Trust agents if you wish but anyone new should always question everything they tell you and research it yourself.
Yo***
Yo***
Graham Seal If someone decided to use agent, he should believe his agent first. if someone does it all alone, no reason to contact agent and believe agents. I do see very low possibility that the agent make the author scared of this? but why? it does not make different for the agent if the author goes with deposit
*****
0 THB way or monthly way. Whatever way, one year extension fee is the same. Well, what is profit for him to lie to him? it is not difficult to find out if he lies or not. The author just can ask other agents or immigration office. The it will be clear. maybe it is a new rule? or only that local immigration office has that rule?
Yo***
Yo***
Dylan Taylor There should not be only an answer. Every local immigration has different rules. is your visa agent reputable in your place? like google review or comments? Normally, visa agents really care of that kind of reputation by customers. Most of foreigners looking for agents refer to google reviews. Therefore, there is no good reason for your visa agent to scare you with this lies. Well, possibly, your local immigration office has new rules. Ask the immigration or ask other visa agents in your place. If all say the same, that means, your local immigration has that new rule. However, I never heard of that the money is only from pension.
Graham ******
Graham ******
Dylan Taylor other people believing agents maybe
Taki****
Taki****
Your agent is talking horseshit. Immigration are only concerned with the funds coming from overseas not the source of the funds. Ditch the agent and do the application yourself, very easy.

My funds are transferred to BBL via Wise every month and show as an International Transfer. Ask the Bank for a Credit Advice to confirm this.
Alan *******
Alan *******
Takiep74 Just wondering about wise myself Takiep i want to do my
*****
0 with wise so the credit advice is a confirmation letter from your bank to show immigration is that correct ?
Taki****
Taki****
Alan Moore Credit Advice looks like this. Have circled in red where it says source of funds. That's all you need.
Taki****
Taki****
Alan Moore the Credit Advice is a letter/form from your bank which confirms the funds going into your bank account and the source of your funds. If it is an International transfer will be marked as such, if it is domestic will also be shown as such and which bank the funds have come from.
Bryan *********
Bryan *********
Takiep74 I’ve been considering changing to a retirement visa next year by doing this via Wise (lower transfer rates than my bank in the US). I thought I read that sometimes immigration doesn’t accept Wise transfers (as proof of an international transfer) due to the process Wise uses. You’ve found no issue with this?
Petrov ********
Petrov ********
which bank is a wise partner ?
Taki****
Taki****
Graham Seal BBL is also a partner but believe Kasikorn is the main partner
Graham ******
Graham ******
Petrov Petrov Kasikorn
Taki****
Taki****
Bryan Gregory immigration will not accept the Wise documentation as proof of transfer, it must show as International in your bank account. Wise transfers take place using partner banks, if your bank is not a partner the transfer will be marked as a domestic transfer when it gets to your account. In this case you will need to request a Foreign Exchange Transaction (FET) from the original receiving bank. Sounds difficult but in reality not.

If you want to use Wise make sure you are using a bank which is a Wise partner, makes life a lot easier.

I use BBL with Wise transfers marked for Long Term Stay and have a marker tag on the Wise account to request transfer be routed to BBL. Always hits the account marked international.

Good luck and don't bother with agents.
Kjetil **********
Kjetil **********
Takiep74 Is Kasikorn okey ?

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