How can I ensure my Social Security payments meet Thailand's financial requirements for a visa?

May 9, 2023
2 years ago
Roy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I want to change over from keeping 800k in the bank to using my Social Security payments that would qualify for the minimum monthly income. The transfer code is just BAHTNET though and they seem to want to know the source. Has anyone found a solution to getting their payments approved? Thanks.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is looking for solutions to qualify financial requirements for a visa in Thailand using Social Security payments instead of maintaining 800,000 baht in the bank. They seek advice on proving the origin of the funds received via the Bahtnet system. Responses suggest obtaining specific bank documentation that details the source of the transfers and consulting with the bank for proper statements to present to immigration.
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Dave *********
Yesterday I went to my bank (Bangkok Bank) to update my passbook and get the letter for my 90 day Non-O visa.

I asked if she could provide a letter showing the money came from overseas and they pointed to the FTT deposit code in my bankbook. Since it was my first time I also asked her to provide me w a paper showing those deposits. She provided me w paperwork showing the dates and sources of the funds transfer specifically for each deposit (3). (800,000+ baht).

When I brought them to immigration they took them as evidence as well and the other letter the bank provided and compared them to my bankbook.

So I’m wondering if the separate letter/pages showing the deposits would qualify in your instance? I don’t have copies of what I submitted to immigration BUT it appeared (Thai language) that the 3 letters showed the specific transactions coming into Bangkok Bank from a foreign source.

And I also had copies of each page on my bankbook for which I highlighted w a yellow marker on the pages to coincide w the 3 letters/pages she provided me at the bank.

Note: I requested this specifically because I wasn’t sure if the immigration officers could interpret the meaning of “FTT” in my Bankbook and associate it w the Foreign transfer and I wanted to make sure I didn’t have to show up to immigration again to prove the fact.
Roy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks,
@Dave ********
I will do that.
Roy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Through the Philippines with direct deposit. Yes, I will definitely let folks know if I get anything back from Social Security. I wrote PI just now.
Dave *********
@Roy *******
let us know on here what they say or do. I’m sure there are others in the same situation. And I’m waiting on my first direct deposit of my SS check to hit this month as well so I’ll be watching careful to see if it comes in labeled as FTT.

Did u do direct deposits of SS thru the BahtNet or thru Social Security in the Phillipines???
Roy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks. I hadn't heard of the FTT until I started this discussion. Last time, I just got a full year bank statement but immigration didn't like that the codes from Wise weren't consistent. This FTT sounds much more likely. As far as my benefit letter, I don't know what they really want but I will write Social Security and see if they can shed some light on this matter. No doubt they have been asked before.
Dave *********
@Roy *******
Benefit letter can be downloaded directly from your social security account. Log into your account and click on “Your Benefit Verification Letter”. But I doubt it will help since USA embassy doesn’t certify income letters?
Roy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hmmm. I just looked and all my Wise deposits show FTT but not the recent one from Social Security. I feel like I am being put in a maze with a blindfold on.
Dave *********
@Roy *******
what does it say for the social security deposit? But the bank clearly has something in their records showing it came from overseas. They need to provide u w a letter x 12 deposits showing that.
Roy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dave *********
go to the bank and ask for the letters showing that each deposit came from Foreign banks. Hopefully the letters will suffice.
Dave *********
@Roy *******
take a look at your bankbook. Does it say FTT next to the deposits or are u saying it says PENSION or BahtNet??
Tod *********
I think the answer MIGHT be to go to the receiving bank and ask for the Credit Advice on that transfer, it should show that it originates from abroad. .
Tod *********
I know this is NOT a thai VISA question, but a how to meet financial requirements with auto transfer from your country to thailand with the baht net system.

I let this on to see if ANYONE has found a work around. .

IF you don't get your pension, social security, etc transferred here where it codes in your bank book as Baht Net, please DO NOT REPLY..
Alan *******
@Tod ********
I get 3 pensions 1 showed "PENSION" the other 2 BAHTNET DEPOSIT.

I was refused the monthly transfer method.

I dont think there is a way around it as the Imm Officer told me the deposits must show INTERNATIONAL Transfer. This was at CW.
Roy ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Glenn ****
read my comments but thanks
Wayne *******
@Tod ********
you’ve got a heart of gold fella. Goodonya .
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