@Nick ***********
- thank you Nick for your detailed reply. My situation is quite complicated in that I can't make the 65k monthly requirement. I rent property back in the UK and I get about 45k and remit monthly about 42-44 leaving some money back home for taxes. I am fortunate enough to have some savings so I can make my money back up to 800k if necessary 2 months before applying for the new extension next December.
I spoke to the Immigration Officer at Samut Sakhon about my plans for the next extension to do it based on part savings (400k) and the other 400k by monthly income. He told me that they don't accept the combined method and that I will have to write a letter to Bangkok Immigration to get clarification and I guess approval which is my intention. He said if I submitted my application next year on this basis he thought it would be denied and they would have to send it onto Bangkok to get agreement.
Over the course of the year I will easily be able to show 400k which has never gone below and the balance 400k made up from remittances (400 / 12 is actually only 33,333 per month and I am doing about 42 on average) but as I said they told me that they don't accept the combination method which is worrying.
As for spending the 400k I was thinking about the future if I get married and can then show monthly income of at least 40k (that's my understanding it drops from 65k down to 40k if married?). Obviously I wouldn't touch any of the 400k until I know it's all sweet with my Immigration Office which is Samut Sakhon. Don't get me wrong the officer was very pleasant and helpful but I was surprised when he told me they don't accept the combination method. Essentially eventually I want to be able to spend some of the 400k having a good life not just leaving it there. I have other savings back in the UK so just seeing 400k sat there to comply with 'rules' is frustrating especially when I can send over more money anyway. I know that this is not going to be possible until after getting married but I am just trying to figure out what might happen without screwing up to be honest that's why I asked the Immigration Officer and told him my plans.
If Bangkok confirm that they won't accept the combination method and won't instruct Samut Sakhon Office to apply the combination method my only other option is to send over another 400k 2 months before my application date. I would then stop sending over monthly remittances and just live off the excess 400k each year so that is an option that would work but I still have to look at the balance of 400k sweetly and smile knowing that I can never touch it 😏...and as for getting married I assume that I would STILL not be able touch the 400k but can then perhaps do the income method? I am still a little confused about how they treat the married couple scenario I only know that they will come and visit every year but not sure about the rest of the rules. My situation is also complicated by the fact I will most likely be married before the next renewal date but I have no idea what spanners that may throw into the mix other than the income requirement is lower.
Sorry for long explanation but just wanted to explain what my situation is. I am moving towards thinking about just sending over 400k each year and stopping remittances but that doesn't solve the problem of being able to spend some of the 400k. I think if married you can but not sure to be honest. It all certainly spins my head 555.
Thanks again for your reply and interest 👍🏼🙏🏼