ask
Search
Ask
Answereda year ago

Do retirement visa funds need to be from a specific source for the 65,000 THB monthly transfer in Thailand?

Pedro *******
asked Jun 21, 2025
6.5k
views
52
replies
9
likes
In terms of the 65.000 THB monthly transfer to replace the 800.00 deposit for the Retirement Visa, does it need to be send from an organization (for example the Social Security), or can it be from a private account (even in my own name), assuming all months the 65.000 THB are transfered ? Thanks.
Answer summary
The conversation addresses whether the 65,000 THB monthly transfers required for a Retirement Visa in Thailand can be sent from a personal bank account. Responses confirm that the source of funds does not need to be from a pension or strictly traceable funds, as long as the bank shows the transaction as an international transfer. Participants also discuss the importance of labeling the transfer appropriately (e.g., 'long term stay in Thailand'). Additionally, they note the need to maintain a certain balance in the account and the varying requirements between different immigration offices regarding documentation.
52 repliesnewest first
22

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Andreas **********
Andreas **********
so can i put 65k baht a month via wise after 12 months i can get visa yes ?
Dwayne ********
Dwayne ********
Does the US government do auto deposits into foreign accounts? Been awhile but thought not. Everything is constantly changing to or back to in Thailand so will ask if the first transfer is 800k before the monthly will be acceptable?
Steven *********
Steven *********
@Dwayne *******
SS can directly deposit to Thailand. BB has a form they complete which is signed by bank manager to help with this. Than go to the US Embassy in Manila and download and complete the US form they have. Send both forms to the US Embassy in Manila. They will then arrange direct deposit of SS payment to your Thai account. I plant to do this when I complete my permanent move to Thailand in July. US SS $ are not taxed by Thailand per agreement with US. I was told the process takes about three months to complete and then needs to continue several months to become “seasoned”.
Steven *********
Steven *********
@Dwayne *******
you are welcome. I did not discern that your were so young 555. I am 72 and shooting for a healthy 120. 555
Dwayne ********
Dwayne ********
@Steven ********
thanks, was curious but my SS planned age is 5 years away though already a full-timer in Thailand. That SS will help balance the huge post Covid inflation.
Nick ************
Nick ************
I have just changed from banked
*****
0 baht to monthly payments of
*****
+ baht. Firstly it is important to remember that you must meet the criteria on which your extension granted on banked money are met. Ie. You must keep
*****
0 baht in your account for three months after renewal. Then the balance must not fall below
*****
0 baht. I kept it at
*****
0 baht for the full year to be safe. AT THE SAM TIME 12 monthly payments of
*****
baht plus must be made into your thai bank and show as international transfer on your statements and bank book. Miss one and you are done. Fall short by 1 baht and you are done. I transfer
*****
baht monthly to BB using Wise and funds for long term stay my account is tagged and the last 18 transfers have shown as international with no issues. On applying for my extension based on monthly transfers I approached immigration with trepidation. However they were very helpful in spite of not being familiar with this method. I was asked to go away and produce evidence of where the transfers had come from. I provided my home bank statements and they had obviously made themselves mire familiar with the rules. The IO took over an hour tracing money out of uk and into Thailand. The transfers did not need to be from pension income, most were from rental income. Finally the Officer came over, smiled, (usually a bad sign) and said we give you your visa. I had printed out bank statements from BB and was not asked to get them verified by the bank. My bank book showed a transaction on the day which was a phone top up. The only thing I asked the bank for was a copy of my updated bank book which they willingly did foc. I got my stamp and verified that I could now remove the
*****
0 baht which was in another account. It was easier than I thought.

As I do not spend
*****
baht per month I am building up more cash in Thailand than I would like especially as I am in the uk for 6 months so as not to be tax resident in Thailand this year. Going forward I will move money back to my uk bank and use it again for monthly transfers. This appears to be quite cheap from BB using a bank to bank or swift transfer.

I hope this helps anyone doing the same but check with your office as they vary.
Mark ********
Mark ********
@Nick ***********
The bank statement should specify that it's an international transfer. You'll need your bankbook, a copy of your bank book, the last 12 months' statements and a letter detailing the foreign transactions...this is what the BKK bank letter looks like
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Mark *******
i was NOT asked for the letter or to have my statements stamped by the bank.
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Mark *******
you are right there!
Mark ********
Mark ********
@Nick ***********
Just shows how much variation there can be between different immigration offices 🥴
Dwayne ********
Dwayne ********
@Nick ***********
that answered my questions
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Dwayne *******
if I had needed that letter I would have said that I needed that. I didn't but at another office you might. I printed the statements myself from the banking app as I also did from my home account.
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Dwayne *******
I expected to be told to get my ststements verified and a letter from the bank but no. Fortunately my office in Nakhon Phanom has just moved into a huge purpose built building which is fully air conditioned. The Officers are much happier and there are far more of them. There has been no que for the last three visits I have made. I still feel for those who have to que standing outside in the sun as I have been there myself.
Dwayne ********
Dwayne ********
@Nick ***********
I actually didn’t read past the first sentence, then skimmed. It just looked detailed enough and where the money comes from doesn’t matter. Thai immigration just likes paperwork. At my immigration, I needed the letter but wasn’t a problem, an annoyance yes, an additional hour sitting outside in 34 degree (celsius) heat with just overhead fans and millions of tiny flies and not to forget the mosquitoes.
Frode *********
Frode *********
How long do you have to transfer this amount to be able to use to apply for retirement visa? Is it 3 months?
Dany ********
Dany ********
@Frode ********
12 months
Frode *********
Frode *********
@Dany *******
How is that possible to have 12 month history if you staying on non o, 180 days to get bank account. So have to transfer money for a year before be able to apply for retirement visa.
Dany ********
Dany ********
@Frode ********
what do 180 days have to do with it? nothing… if you start off with a non-o then you cannot use the 65k option for the first year. the first year will need to be with the 800k and after a year you would switch. non-o is only 3 months and in these 3 months you open the bank account.

to directly start off with the 65k option you would need the non-oa which has other problems. but that is a 12month visa and applied outside of thailand.
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Frode ********
The 800k needs to be in your account on the day of the application except for Jomtien and maybe a couple of other Immigration Offices which require it to be seasoned
Frode *********
Frode *********
But if you want to use 65.000thb monthly income instead
Johnny *********
Johnny *********
Absolutely
Nongnuch ********
Nongnuch ********
every monthly transaction from your foreign account to your Thai bank account must be coded as coming from abroad. Some Immigrations additionally ask for the real source of the income (pension, rental income, investment, savings). If you use WISE for the transfers, make sure you tick the box "living expenses for long term stay in Thailand", as only on this reason, the transfer will be coded as coming from abroad. All other reasons will result in an in-country transfer from a Thai WISE account to your Thai bank account
Frank **********
Frank **********
It possibly can be office specific. My Immigration Office in Maha Sarakham wanted a copy of where I am getting my pension. I gave them a copy of my Social Security statement with my Social Security number blacked out.
Bob **********
Bob **********
When I apply for my yearly extension I show my SS statement as proof of a pension
Steve ***********
Steve ***********
@Bob *********
they make you show proof now?
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Steve **********
get the handout from your IO
Bob **********
Bob **********
@Steve **********
you can’t get a financial certificate from the embassy any more I just print my yearly statement can’t really say it’s a requirement but better be safe than sorry the US embassy used to come to Pattaya and we would get notarized letter
Steve ***********
Steve ***********
@Bob *********
haven't had one in years.Before I went to American embassy and more or less signed an affidavit that I had a pension. $50 to notarize it. No proof was shown.
Michael ***************
Michael ***************
It can be from your personal account. You need to make sure that the "reason for transfer" is listed as "long term stay in Thailand."
Damo ***********
Damo ***********
@Michael **************
correct. But some banks will not show as ‘international transfer’ even if using the ‘long term funds’ option in Wise.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
I’ve read that it does not have to be traceable back to a “retirement-type source.” In can be any source. Unless you want to qualify for tax-exempt status - then showing the source would be required . Someone correct me if I’m wrong.
Todd *********
Todd *********
@Charlie ********
what tax exemption status would you be seeking
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
@Todd ********
IAW the tax treaty, US government-sourced pensions are exempt from being taxed by Thailand. Other pensions may or may not be taxed in amounts remitted to Thailand, only subject to the double taxation factor. If the tax in the US is only 10% and the tax in Thailand is 15, then the remitter will owe Thailand the difference (5%). If the tax in the US is equal to, or more than the tax in Thailand, the remitter will owe Thailand nothing. It is not just simple matter of whether it is taxed in the US or not.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
Read Article 20, paragraph 2 of the treaty to confirm the tax exempt status of government pensions.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
@Todd ********
The one that is outlined in the tax treaty between Thailand and your country of origin (if there is one). If you spend more than 180 days in Thailand, you are a tax resident.
Rok ********
Rok ********
@Charlie ********
true for Italy not sure about Thailand where taxation is on Remittance Basis not worldwide income.
Todd *********
Todd *********
@Charlie ********
no, they are definitely not exempt. But in accordance with the treaty, they are taxed in the nation in which they are paid out. In this case USA.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
@Todd ********
US government-sourced pensions are exempt, regardless of visa type.
Todd *********
Todd *********
@Charlie ********
being tax resident doesn’t mean you are paying tax at all (but it could). The tax treaties prevent dual taxation. And the only ‘exemption’ is for LTR visa holders.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
Many ignore it, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t income tax rules/laws on the books for monies remitted to Thailand (not monies that remain in your home country).
Graham ******
Graham ******
Colin **********
Colin **********
@Graham *****
i was once asked to confirm the origin of my fund, I showed them a statement. I think this falls into the "they can asked for additional documentation" should they feel inclined. It only happened once about 2 or 3 years ago.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
Nick ************
Nick ************
@Graham *****
you are correct.
Colin **********
Colin **********
@Graham *****
i think your right
Graham ******
Graham ******
@Colin *********
but the source of the funds transferred does not need to be "retirement-type", i.e. a pension, it can be any type of earned income or investment yield
Colin **********
Colin **********
I seem to remember there were "stories" in the news about money laundering and the like.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
@Graham *****
How so? I double-checked with chat GPT.
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
Good lord, you people (laughers) are stupid. I have read excerpts from the treaty itself as well as many other articles on the subject. That was about a year ago. I used chat gpt to confirm what I already knew. Had it said something else, I would have triple-checked another source. Don’t you have anything better to do than be snotty middle-schoolers?
Charlie *********
Charlie *********
Laughing emojis are pure-ass ignorant rudeness. I hope you’re proud.
Roger ********
Roger ********
It can be any transfer, but ensure that the Thai bank shows it as an international transfer
Jeremy ********
Jeremy ********
Yes and yes

Activity

22 joined
Pedro *******
Pedro *******
Pedro *******
Pedro *******
Pedro *******
Pedro *******
22
people
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
Thai Visa Advice and Everything Else
...members60% approval
Member 1
Member 2
Member 3
Member 4
Member 5
Member 6
Member 7
Member 8

Related

25
Is 30 days enough to reapply for a retirement visa in Thailand?
3.2k22502mo
Can I switch from a monthly deposit retirement visa to an 800k bank deposit in Thailand?
2.2k23122mo
How can I open a bank account in Thailand on a Non-O retirement visa with minimal documentation?
3.3k29342mo
Can I renew my retirement visa bank statement at any branch of my bank in Thailand?
7k301525mo
How Does Jomtien Immigration Handle 65K Monthly Transfers for Retirement Visa Applications?
5.8k191415mo
Can I use foreign bank statements to verify my monthly income for a retirement visa extension in Thailand?
8.1k391626mo
What are the requirements for maintaining a Retirement Visa in Thailand, specifically regarding the 800,000 baht funds?
5.6k46637mo
Does the monthly deposit for a Non-O retirement visa in Thailand need to be on the 1st of the month?
3.1k25337mo
Is a bank letter required to prove the source of funds for a retirement visa application at Changwattana?
1.4k1359mo
Can US citizens on a Retirement visa in Thailand transfer to permanent residency after three years?
1.6k62710mo
Do the 800,000 THB bank requirement for Thai visas need to be from an international transfer?
8.4k6111110mo
Can I switch banks for my Non-O retirement visa extension after using Kasikorn for 65K deposits?
6.1k623310mo
What are the requirements for receiving the 65,000 baht monthly income for a retirement visa in Thailand?
14.6k1108910mo
Can I spend my monthly 65k transferred for retirement visa in Thailand?
1.3k4221y
Do I need to transfer my income to a Thai bank account for a retirement visa in Thailand if my embassy no longer confirms income?
1.9k16131y
Can I stay out of Thailand for six months on a retirement visa?
4.1k36331y
Can I avoid the 800,000 baht deposit for a retirement visa in Thailand while living 6 months in Thailand and 6 months in the US?
12.8k1031452y
What are my options for obtaining a long-term visa in Thailand as a tourist planning to retire?
13.4k1031682y
How long does the ฿800,000 need to be in my account before applying for a retirement extension in Thailand?
1.6k10163y
Do I need to get my re-entry visa at the airport or can I get it from the local immigration office in Thailand?
2.3k21113y
Can I combine monthly transfers and a bank deposit for a Non-O marriage extension in Thailand?
812434y
Do I need to keep the full 65,000 monthly deposit in my Thai account for a Non-O visa, and is proof of source required?
3k23264y
What are the requirements for renewing a Non-OA retirement visa from the US and returning to Thailand?
2.5k22155y
What are the bank requirements for renewing an Extension of Stay based on Retirement in Thailand?
931477y
Can the 65,000 THB monthly income for a retirement visa come from rental income from a Thai condo?
953567y

Resources

Need help with your retirement visa?