Do the funds for Thai visas need to be in a Thai bank savings account or can they be in a fund account?

Apr 1, 2024
9 months ago
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone,

Does anyone know if the funds to be deposited for various visas (800,000 baht, etc.) must be placed in a Thai bank savings account? Or can they be invested in a Thai bank fund account (or savings plus funds)? I understand that the total holdings cannot fall below the minimum threshold (400,000 baht, etc.). TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation revolves around the requirements for the funds needed for different visa types in Thailand, specifically whether the funds (800,000 baht) must be held in a Thai bank savings account or if they can be in a fund account. Key points include that the account must allow instant access to the funds, and while fixed interest accounts might be used, they must still permit withdrawal without penalties. Additionally, funds sent into Thailand from abroad for the 65k route must consistently be 65k each month for twelve months prior to applying for a visa extension.
Bernie *************
A good post great to get such clarity. So what about the 65k route can I send it from my own UK account and just use it as I wish, can I send it from several different accounts, does it have to be 65k each time or would ie 75k one month 55k the next be acceptable, thanks in advance
Graham ******
@Bernie ************
Not acceptable, at least 65k each and every month for the 12 months before you apply for the new extension. The money can be withdrawn immediately after depositing if required (and recycled 😉)
John **********
Don't think you can use funds but you can use a term account provided it gives you the ability to access the funds on demand, which usually involves a penalty
Michael *******
SCB offer 2.5% on Easi Pass account which is acceptable to immigration
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Great to know, Michael!
Michael *******
Used to be able to reclaim the tax as well but that has changed now with the new tax regime this year, still better than nowt
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Bob. But if you are good in the market and it takes a business day to settle your trade or fund, is there anyway to do that?
Bob **********
Your money has to be accessible at all times there are some accounts that pay maybe .50 % not much to be made in banking institutions here unless your good at the market over here
Bruce *****************
In chiangmai I and my friends keep the 800,000 in a fixed interest thai bank account.....bearing in mind that it is accessible if needed, you just lose the interest earned for that year if you have to use it.......
Juerg ************
@Bruce ****************
A fixed interest account also worked for us at Krabi immigration for the the last 4 years but as always, different immigration offices might have different views on this issue
Martin ******
What rate do you get?
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Bruce. That means you can't withdraw it from an ATM, but can get it the same business day. Good to know :)
Bruce *****************
@Josh ********
you are welcome, does not yield a fortune but it still adds up
Graham ******
The account must have instant access
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks very much. Does this rule appear anywhere? Sorry to trouble you.
Ken ***********
@Josh ********
I suggest you contact your province's immigration office and inquire about the account you want to use and see what they decide.
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
The issue is important, because in the case of certain visas, depositing 3,000,000 baht without interest represents a hidden opportunity cost of +/- 150,000 baht/year.
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thank you Ken, but I have no idea how to do that. I could got to Laski and see an IO perhaps, but his/her suggestion may be irrelevant to the person who reviews my file.
Josh *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes, that's probably true.
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