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How do Thai visa agents assist individuals without the required 800,000 for a retirement visa?
Thai Retirement VisaVisa Agents800,000 Baht RequirementVisa Application ProcessBribery in ImmigrationCorruption in ThailandAlternative Visa Strategies65K Monthly TransferFinancial Requirements for VisaBank Requirements
Aug 3, 2023
3 years ago
David **********
ORIGINAL POSTERI’m very confused how Thai visa agents help people who don’t have the 800,000 for retirement visa. Do they put 800,000 in a bank under your name and then pull it all out after 5mo? Dont you have to leave at least 400,000 in the account at all times? Of course I would NEVER do that. Couldn’t a person just skip out with it all it’s in a bank under your name what am I missing?
TLDR : Answer Summary
There is confusion about how Thai visa agents assist those who lack the required 800,000 Baht for a retirement visa. Many claim that agents temporarily deposit the money before applications are processed, then quickly withdraw it, leading to potential scrutiny by immigration. Additionally, some advise keeping the full amount in a Thai bank account long-term or transferring 65,000 Baht monthly as an alternative method to meet visa requirements without the risk of corruption. The discussion highlights concerns over the integrity of the visa application process in Thailand and the possibility of changes to immigration rules that may impact individuals relying on agents.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Pelle Eriksson★★★★★
Absolutely Bangkok's best service I highly...recently on Facebook
Luca G.★★★★★
I used this agency for my DTV Visa...recently on Google
Trusted Retirement Visa Agent
OVER 100,000 EXPATS SERVED
#1 VISA AGENT IN THAILAND
Emmy ******
MyNick name is emmy, I am affiliated with Thai Visa and tours Udon Thani, If anyone having trouble to get retirement or marriage visa i will be very glad to help in legal proces till its done." Note: I can only help from Esan any province" if any questions don't hesitate to IB me. Some times i may reply late but i will do as soon.
Craig ********
if you have the 800k, put it in. You can still use an agent to help with the paperwork and make sure everything goes smoothly. This will ensure it was done without bribes and that you will not have issues in the coming years.
Sandeep *******
@Craig *******
I was torn between the retirement visa and Elite visa but the way things are going....the best bet looks like the retirement visa and using an agent to do the stuff.Reply to
Sandeep *******
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Sandeep *******
I hope Big Joke is not a silent member here.....listening in.
Paul ********
@Sandeep ******
Because he has no idea of the elaborate infrastructure in place inside immigration to support agents. Please. You can’t possibly be that naïve.Sandeep *******
@Paul *******
oh ! So you mean the powers that be ...just want a bigger share of the pie ...Paul ********
Sandeep Kumar Not at all. The fact that he knows about corruption but has not yet taken steps (yet) to end it does not lead to a conclusion that he is himself on the take.
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Paul ********
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Dimitris ************
You don't get to see any bank book or paperwork. They keep it until everything is done and they return you an bank account with no money in at the end
Steve ********
@Dimitris ***********
And if you're lucky, they return your passport too!********************************************************************************************************************
*****
.phpGiraffe *********
@Dimitris ***********
correct go to the top of the classDimitris ************
Reply to
Dimitris ************
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Bob **********
800,000 in your account got 2 minutes there paying under the table for your visa
Steve *******
In the Philippines you can just live on a tourist visa forever, by extending it 3 years for each entry, without bribing anyone or jumping through ridiculous hoops or having to deal with unnecessary bureaucracy.
Or get a one year visa in Cambodia for less than $400.
Just have those options in mind if you're ever sick of thai immigration, which you will be.
Or get a one year visa in Cambodia for less than $400.
Just have those options in mind if you're ever sick of thai immigration, which you will be.
Mark *******
@Steve ******
how is life in Phillipines?? Cheaper than Thailand??Steve *******
@Mark ******
it's pretty much the same. Some things are more expensive, rent being the most obvious and other things are chepaer. So it evens out.You have a lot more American focused restaurants and businesses than in Thailand and, most importantly, basically everyone speaks perfect English in the big cities 👌
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Steve *******
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David **********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Steve ******
thank you so much I’ve been to the Philippines I’m former military I can get a retirement visa there for $1500. However you can’t compare koh samui to cebuSteve *******
@David *********
you don't need to retirement visa if you're planning to leave the country at least once every 3 years. The tourist visa is much easier and doesn't require any paperwork.And yeah, if you're set on Samui other countries might not seem as attractive. But I'm sure both Cebu and Dumaguerte have a lot to offer if you're not trying to exacu duplicate Samui life 👌
Alex *******
@Steve ******
But the Philippines is just so much more dangerous than Thailand in terms of crimeSteve *******
@Alex ******
it might be. But it won't affect you unless you're the child of a rich obnoxious Chinese businessman who likes to flaunt his riches around.Reply to
Steve *******
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Tony ***********
@Steve ******
how the Philippines work out for you? 😛Steve *******
@Tony **********
visa-wise? Excellent, you sack of potatoes 😂Tony ***********
@Steve ******
hahahaha 😘Steve *******
Reply to
Steve *******
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Gordon *********
Try going into your bank and take out
*****
0Gordon *********
The money never goes in to your bank only shows on book and statement
Rei ***********
I think they will pay someone working in bank to make fake bank statement for you
Andi ***********
@Rei **********
They deposit the money then withdraw it once the application is made.Reply to
Andi ***********
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Dimitris ************
Does it have to be 65,000 every month? (Equals 780,000 a year) or it can also be a few lump sum amounts within the year that will total 800,000? For example 4 x 200,000?
London *****
You need EITHER 800k in a Thai Bank account two months before you apply, OR 65k coming is from overseas each and every month for the last 12 months. I think you can also have a combination but I dont know about that.
Bill *********
@Dimitris ***********
got to be 65k a month, they cant get their head around 4 x *****
0bt 👍Reply to
Bill *********
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Durrant ********
Not for much longer Big Joke will see to that
Paul *******
Billy BrownMy thoughts as well.
Dianne *****
@Durrant *******
I very much doubt that the agents putting 800K in people's accounts and getting questionable stamps from immigration offices out of town will cease or even be thoroughly investigated. I suspect it will be a case of increasing the 800K requirement to one million baht as has been proposed many times. That will make all involved happy ie visa agents, immigration officers receiving brown envelopes and many in government, including Big Joke's superiorsPaul *******
@Dianne ****
I suspect the same. It's Thailand after all. Eventually they may clean up the whole system and eliminate agents but that's probably some years away. I see the financial requirements for retirement visa holders being increased but agents will continue to help out those that need their assistance.Steve ********
@Dianne ****
I think a lot of people could be in for a big shock. Look how immigration went through ED and Volunteer Visas. And everyone was saying "no, they won't touch us" 😆Paul *******
@Steve *******
Retirement and marriage visas won't be touched, at least not for a while. Ed and volunteer visa holders don't have the connections to Thailand that those in the former two categories have and also don't have any financial requirements. Many, possibly most have been circumventing the system with the intent on staying in the country and working illegally. Retirement and marriage visa holders often just don't want to keep so much money in a Thai bank account and/or don't want the runaround with immigration.I doubt we'll be seeing agent assisted extensions for these categories disappear anytime soon.
Sometime in the years to come when Thailand's level of development approaches that of Singapore? Sure. At that time maybe.
Reply to
Steve ********
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Durrant ********
@Dianne ****
Big Joke doesn't think the same as you just saying so lets see who is correctReply to
Durrant ********
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Steven ***************
That's why they will only provide 100% of funds needed. If you are short let's say 200k and ask them to help with balance, they will refuse. What does that tell you ??
Paul ********
This is not the place to discuss the pros and cons of agents. You literally might as well discuss Buddhism vs. Taoism with your cat.
Steve ********
@Paul *******
You're right. My cat is a devout Buddhist and refuses to discuss religion......or anything for that matterSteve **********
@Steve *******
and refuses to eat buddhist geckosReply to
Steve **********
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Carlo ******************
Help people?😂🤣
Dirk **************
Asking for a friend, right? 😂
Paul ***************
Or you could go to Cambodia an pay $360 for a years visa
Paul *******
@Steve *******
Thais are still wearing masks, the only people in the world still afflicted with this mental illness.I never even wore a mask when it was mandated.
John *******
Paul James They wore masks long before covid. Think about the crap in the air. China has people wearing masks long before u could not see anything outside the windowswhen landing. Even the next building!
Steve ********
@Paul ******
So why are you so fragile about it? Why do you worry yourself shitless about what Thai people do? They also drink beer in a glass filled with ice. Does that worry you? They sit on the floor to have dinner. Does that worry you? 😆😆😆😆😆Reply to
Steve ********
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Nicholas *********
@Paul **************
which visa is this. Can I do in LaosSteve ********
@Paul **************
Except it's a shit holePaul *******
@Steve *******
No it isn't. Cambodia is better than Thailand in a number of respects. Visas being one. The lack of mask wearing being another. Locals are friendlier than Thais (though not any easier to befriend).Steve ********
@Paul ******
Do you still wear a mask in Thailand? Wow!! 😂😂. Cambodia is crap compared to Thailand.Reply to
Steve ********
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Steve **********
@Steve *******
well, ya, but put that aside.......Arnold **********
Amazing properties and the best cars in the world are in Cambodia
John *******
@Arnold *********
Hun Sen’s place?Reply to
John *******
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Arnold **********
Phnom Penh has lot better houses and a lot more wealth than Thailand,
Paul *******
@Arnold *********
Yeah I've noticed that too. Kinda strange when you think about it. A lot of very large and opulent properties on the outskirts of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap that put most places in Thailand to shame. Even the 40 million Baht homes inside the higher end moo baans in Bangkok look small and unimpressive compared to the mansions of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap (and Vientiane, Laos).Paul ********
@Arnold *********
Huge wealth stacked high in a few houses is far less useful than wealth spread more equally across the population, but neither Thailand nor Cambodia could be accused of accomplishing that happy situation.Reply to
Paul ********
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Richard *********
@Paul **************
1 month visa is $35<1 year extension is $300Reply to
Richard *********
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Bhavin **********
One bad fish can spoil the whole pond
Suprim ***************
Paul ********
@Bhavin *********
And one overly alarmist fish can scare away the rest of the fishReply to
Paul ********
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Huafeng ******
welcome to smile thailand
Stuart ********
Or here is a thought just keep the 800k in a Thai bank and never touch it.
Then you never need worry about your retirement visa again.
I’m only 49 but already I decided I will just keep 800k in a Thai bank for my retirement visa and then when I die I will leave it in my will to my Thai gf. The dog, a Thai orphanage or anyone else that I desire.
Think about it, it’s a nominal amount that you could write off as a payment that will allow you to live the rest of your life happily in the land where most of the people on this page including me LOVE.
Then you never need worry about your retirement visa again.
I’m only 49 but already I decided I will just keep 800k in a Thai bank for my retirement visa and then when I die I will leave it in my will to my Thai gf. The dog, a Thai orphanage or anyone else that I desire.
Think about it, it’s a nominal amount that you could write off as a payment that will allow you to live the rest of your life happily in the land where most of the people on this page including me LOVE.
Paul *******
@Roberto ********
Believe what you want, but I've heard enough stories from people being given the run around by immigration that it warrants concern.I don't think foreigners should be retiring in Thailand if they don't have access to 800K every year. A pension should be able to cover that. 800K isn't even a lot of money. You'd be lucky to make it last a year.
Jim ********
@Paul ******
You're mistaken. The 800,000 baht if maintained in a Thai bank account can be used indefinitely for further extensions. There's no requirement to transfer 800,000 baht every year. Never had been. The 65,000 baht per month method is ongoing.Paul *******
@Jim *******
Depends on the immigration office. Also, wait and see what happens when Big Joke shakes things up.Jim ********
@Paul ******
I don't know. I'm just talking about the rules in general. Bangkok and Phuket are ok, maybe Jomtien does it differently - that's always been a whacky immigration office, same as Samui, but the main ones stick by the rules. And I'm talking about now, not when Big Joke starts up. I'd love to see him go through the agents like a dose of salts. Love to see everyone dashing to put money in their bank accounts before immigration come knock knock knockin on heaven's door! 😂Reply to
Jim ********
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Paul *******
@Roberto ********
No, it's you who makes that assumption. I'm quite sure the intention is that you can show proof of 800K coming in every year not just once.Some immigration offices aren't happy with funds being recycled from year to year (effectively that is what is happening, if you don't transfer a new 800K every year).
Like I said, individual immigration offices may turn a blind eye to the practice but in the future Big Joke may amend the law to ensure money is coming in each and every year.
The key word is "may". Watch this space in the months to come to see what happens.
Roberto *********
@Paul ******
Totally wrongReply to
Roberto *********
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Paul *******
@Roberto ********
Well, it may or may not depending on the immigration office. I'm not trying to scare anyone but I can imagine there will be greater scrutiny of this in the future. If the funds are constantly "recycled" from year to year, this could present an issue in the future. With the 65K method every month then of course you're fine.
Roberto *********
@Paul ******
The 800k is not an annual transfer amount. It's a once off and the same 800k account can be used year after year. It's not recycled as you claim. It's constant and complies with the extension criteria. It seems you don't know how it worksReply to
Roberto *********
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Paul *******
@Roberto ********
You don't. Wait until Big Joke amends the rules to make sure funds are transferred EVERY year. Cheapskate recycling the same 800K for 20 years like you will be caught out when that happens. You've been warned.Roberto *********
@Paul ******
I use the 65k/month transfer. Never put 800k in a Thai bank. 😂😂😂Reply to
Roberto *********
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Paul *******
@Stuart *******
exactly right. It is not hard to do .Stuart ********
@Paul ******
I don’t think anyone including myself is suggesting that they only have exactly 800k in the bank without any activity for 1 year or more.Just use the account as normal with deposits and withdrawals and payments going in and out but just never letting the account fall below 810,000.
It’s easy.
Paul *******
@Stuart *******
I'm not sure that's enough. I think immigration is increasing going to make sure you're transferring 800K a year, not keeping the same funds from years ago in your account with just minimal account movements.I think that was always the idea - 800K per year.
That being said, maybe they haven't been strict on this yet but I'm sure Big Joke will make things more difficult going forward.
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Paul *******
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Paul *******
@Roberto ********
It's true. Look at this thread. Chris even mentioned that it looks suspicious to have no activity on your account and just reusing the same 800K every year.Roberto *********
@Paul ******
Some people just keep a separate account with 800k in it. It does the job under the current rules.Roberto *********
@Paul ******
You really haven't got a clue have you?Reply to
Roberto *********
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Rajeev ********
@Stuart *******
Done the same.Benidorm *******
@Stuart *******
that's what am going to do if I move there lol 😆😂😅Chris ********
@Stuart *******
I'd advise a few small transactions into the account during the year as the bank and immigration got confused why the amount in my account hadn't changed. Explained that I had left the 800k alone but they still struggled and I had to make multiple bank to immigration trips to get it sortedStuart ********
@Chris *******
ok thxReply to
Stuart ********
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Steve **********
@Stuart *******
Make arrangements for transfer of funds from abroad totalling 65k/mothen no need to nest funds.
Greg ********
@Steve *******
what kind of investment is that?Steve ********
@Greg *******
SuperannuationReply to
Steve ********
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Brandon ************
@Stuart *******
make sure you leave an extra couple thousand in there to account for annual maintenance fees. The last thing you want is to be denied your extension because 200 baht came out at the wrong time.Christopher ******
@Brandon ***********
my 800k (+a few k) earned a whopping 2,400b interest last year so a savings account should be safe from that. But TIT and you never know lol, and I keep an extra 20k just to be safe and don’t use the account. Gives me the idea to set up an alert if there is ever any transaction (or over 1k baht for example).Stuart ********
@Brandon ***********
good advice, heard u, thx.Reply to
Stuart ********
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Roberto *********
@Stuart *******
You can do that but it's a load of money to be left stagnating in a Thai bank account. The best method is the 65k/month transfer. You need to transfer money to live on anyway so it's killing two birds with one stone.Paul *******
@Roberto ********
won't immigration get suspicious if it looks like you're not transferring 800K once a year? I understand that some offices want to see proof of money being transferred at least once a year.Roberto *********
@Paul ******
You don't know how it works. You don't have to transfer 800k once a year. Who told you that horseshit?Reply to
Roberto *********
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Braulio *********
@Roberto ********
It's not that much.....Roberto *********
@Braulio ********
For me it's nothing, a drop in the ocean, but this group is about giving advice to the community......Reply to
Roberto *********
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Mike ********
@Roberto ********
Remind me how this works,. If I pool my 3 pensions together I can gross 65k p/mnth,.Peter ****************
@Mike *******
The source of the money just needs to be from abroad. I've read where people just recycle. It's not too hard to live on less than 65k Baht. So a person remits money from Thailand back to their out of Thailand account and then send it back to meet the 65k requirement. Just need to do the math on cost of moving money but I'll bet it's way less than loss of opportunity of the 800k BahtMike ********
@Peter ***************
I think that’s how “retired and living the dream” in thailand YT does it,.Steve ********
@Mike *******
You don't pool anything. You just transfer minimum of *****
baht per month from overseas into a Thai bank account. It must show as an international transfer in your bank accountMike ********
@Steve *******
Yes I mean pool my 3 pensions in uk to transfer to TH,. I’ll be coming back either in a 30 day exempt or with a 60 day tr visa, if I open bank account and put 65k in it when can I apply for non o retirement visa ?Steve ********
@Mike *******
First year has to be the 800k lump sum deposit. Subsequent extensions can utilise the 65k/month method, but you must have one year's worth of international transfers at monthly intervals to qualifyMike ********
@Steve *******
sounds doable, so long as immigration don’t move the goal posts before the end of the year, ?Steve ********
@Mike *******
Always plenty of rumours but you can't work to rumours, you just adapt as you go alongReply to
Steve ********
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Stuart ********
@Roberto ********
yes I appreciate that it is for some people but for others it’s not, for others it’s a drop in the ocean and can easily be written off as just another expense.Steve ********
@Stuart *******
Yes it's easily achievable and it depends on alternatives. I couldn't justify losing almost AUD3,000 in tax free interest every year, which so easily pays for my medical cover in Thailand. I need around 75,000 baht per month to live on anyway, so it's a no-brainer for me. I transfer my living expenses once a month and this doubles as my retirement visa requirement. It's so easy, but each to their ownGreg ********
@Steve *******
you can get a safe return of 7.4% in oz?Steve ********
@Greg *******
7.8% last financial yearReply to
Steve ********
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Steve ********
They pay bribes on your behalf to an immigration officer. If it was as easy as putting 800k into an account and then withdrawing it a few days later, why wouldn't everyone be doing this? 😆. It's corruption, simple as that
Greg ********
Steve Smythe Or they could be bonded as a guarantor
Steve ********
@Greg *******
They could be 😂😂😂😂😂Greg ********
@Steve *******
yea i know its thailand so roll the diceSteve ********
@Greg *******
It's a bribe. It's why people's passports are sent to provincial immigration offices outside BangkokReply to
Steve ********
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James *********
Try to run with it and end up as nutrient for rice in a paddy...
Johan ********
No, agents just add 800k until the bank statement is printed for your application. Never longer.
Brandon ************
They don't leave the money in your account at all. Definitely not for 5 months. In and out. How it works is between your agent and the immigration officer they're bribing.
It's also why you won't be able to do it yourself next year either, because you didn't keep the money in your account for 5 months. And 400,000 the rest of the year. You're stuck with an agent forever, or until you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit and reset your stamp and start over.
It's also why you won't be able to do it yourself next year either, because you didn't keep the money in your account for 5 months. And 400,000 the rest of the year. You're stuck with an agent forever, or until you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit and reset your stamp and start over.
Alex *******
If "you leave Thailand without a re-entry permit and reset your stamp and start over", you are 100% certain not to have any further problems or could it be that you still get harassed because immigration wants you to use the agent you used previously or something like this?
Brandon ************
@Alex ******
nothing is ever 100%. But if you reset your stamp it essentially erases the past because you'll have to get a brand new 90 day non-O visa and start the entire process over from scratch. Of course if you have a stamp in your passport that's from one of the offices that's well known as a places that agents take passports to for getting the illicit extensions, it could cause some questions. But I've never heard of that happening.Reply to
Brandon ************
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Ian ********
Steve ********
@JP ******
Can't move from 800k to 65k/month if there's no 800k to move from! 😂Brandon ************
@JP ******
no. Even if you make monthly deposits, when you show up next year with 12 months of bank statements they're going to see you broke the rules for last year's extension because you didn't keep 800,000 in the bank for 3 months after your received your extension and never let the account drop below 400,000 the rest of the year. Since you failed to meet the requirements for your previous extension you will be denied a new one.Jackie ***********
@Brandon ***********
I'm also suspicious that their enforcement of the 3 months after part is pretty lax. I think only if you were renewing via the 800k method would they checkBrandon ************
@Jackie **********
many stories of people accidentally dropping their balance below 400,000 for a day and having to start over next yearJackie ***********
@Brandon ***********
stories of dropping below 400k, now it sounds like you are saying 400k minimum is required even if you have all 12 monthly transfers when you go renew the next year. It clearly says "65k per month OR" not 65k per month AND. These guys you know who got denied, were they trying to renew with the 800k method ? Or did they have the 12 monthly transfers ?Reply to
Jackie ***********
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Jackie ***********
@Brandon ***********
do you have first hand knowledge of this ? I'd really like to meet someone who tried. It seems you're basing this assertion on your interpretation of the rules, and I doubt you read it in the original thai. This appears to be the relevant document, says *****
per month OR the 800k/ 2 month before / 3 month after. My experience tells me that the guys doing extensions in jomtien have no idea or record of how you did it the previous year. I remain skeptical of what you claim. I'm going with my friend next week to get his first annual based on 800k. I'll ask them.
Steve ********
@Jackie **********
Brandon is correct. The attachment actually refers to proof of 65k by way of embassy affidavit. I've been through this myself. Most embassies give this but the US, UK and Australian do not. For these citizens it is necessary in the first instance to have 800k lump sum for the first year. Subsequent years can use the 65k/month foreign transfer methodBrandon ************
Jackie Aliprandi point 4 specifically says you can't withdraw the money until 3 months after the extension is issued? What don't you understand?
They check that NEXT YEAR when you go in for your extension. They don't ask you to return 3 months after you receive your extension to check your bank account. When they see you didn't follow the rules for last year, you can't get an extension this year. It happens to lots of people.
They check that NEXT YEAR when you go in for your extension. They don't ask you to return 3 months after you receive your extension to check your bank account. When they see you didn't follow the rules for last year, you can't get an extension this year. It happens to lots of people.
Jackie ***********
@Brandon ***********
my assertion is they only care about the 3 months after and the 400k if you are renewing with the 800k method. The document excerpt I posted is ambiguous and can be interpreted both ways. I won't be convinced until I talk to the staff at jomtien next week.Brandon ************
@Jackie **********
also a lot of rumors of crackdown coming for people using an agent to skip the requirement lately.Brandon ************
@Jackie **********
that's not correct b they started requiring 12 months bank statements for every retirement extension some time ago so they can check you met the requirements the previous year. If you didn't follow the rules then you are denied an extension. To switch from bank money method to monthly transfer, you must meet the requirements of both for the interim year.Jackie ***********
I'll report back after talking to jomtien Monday
Steve ********
@Jackie **********
Get them to clearly put it in writing! Having done the switch from 800k to 65k I know how they scrutinise the bank books, and that's Bangkok! Let's be realistic, Jomtien is probably one of the most anal immigration offices in Thailand!Reply to
Steve ********
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Jay *******
@Brandon ***********
I keep hearing different opinions about being stuck with an agent. I want to be 100% legal and deposit my own money in the bank. I don't want anything causing possible visa issues later. However using an agent to push the paperwork would be less stressful for someone that is just learning the system. Is it not possible to use an agent, do things 100% legally and not be stuck with an agent or have visa issues?Brian ********
@Jay ******
When I was a Thai newbie a friend put me in touch with Siam Legal, who, for a fee accompanied me to CW immigration to get the initial 90 non imm O, (I was on a TR60 back then) and about 3 months later they call you up and take you back to immigration.The lady who dealt with me did all the negotiating with the IO on both occasions. I sat in the waiting area and watched.
I realised that it was not difficult to do and have done myself since then.
This was a very long time ago, so I do not know if they still do this or how much it would cost. But, at the end of the day I had a 100% legal retirement visa
Jay *******
@Brian *******
thx for the replyReply to
Jay *******
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Russell *******
@Jay ******
I think you also need to make sure your stamp is issued in the province you live. I know someone that was questioned about there stamp as it was in a province he had never lived in.Maarten ********
@Russell ******
You moved to a new address.As long as you report your new address right away, it is not a problem.
Russell *******
@Maarten *******
So why would immigration ask questions about it? His agent was previously doing the 90 day reports.Jay *******
@Russell ******
yes, I'll probably start out in Jomtien for a year and do everything there. I should have a better feel for how the system works by then. After that I'll probably move around some. Just worried about getting everything right the first time around so less chance of issues laterRussell *******
@Jay ******
It's easy to get your head round, once you start. Need a little patience and a printer.Reply to
Russell *******
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Jim ***********
@Jay ******
IF you meet criteria do it urself. If struggling use agent but tell them only want help with paperwork. Some provinces immigration are more helpful than others. I'm in Prachuap Khiri Khan and immigration helpful hereBrandon ************
@Jay ******
when you're looking for an agent tell them you will use your own money in the bank. Find an agent that's going to charge you like 5000 baht just to help you with everything. If they also need to help you open a bank account it might be more like 10,000Gábor **********
@Brandon ***********
all agents wants the same money, no matter I have the money in the bank or not.Jay *******
@Brandon ***********
I'll probably do the bank account on my own on one of my trips in advance of moving. But does using my own money and leaving it in the bank keep me from being stuck with an agent or having agent related visa problems in the future?Brandon ************
@Jay ******
as long as they aren't taking your passport and using bribes to get your stamp you should be fine. You want an agent that will walk you through everything and take you to immigration to do it yourself.Jay *******
@Brandon ***********
appreciate the infoAndi ***********
@Jay ******
I second what Brandon said about using an agent that will accompany you to immigration yourself and assist you to do the paperwork. There are excellent agents but as with life there are also the opposite.Reply to
Andi ***********
Reply
Steve ********
@Jay ******
Risky strategyJay *******
@Steve *******
can you expand on that? Sorry for the newbie questions.Steve ********
@Jay ******
You hand your passport over to an unlicensed and unregulated person and won't see it for a few days. You have no idea what they are doing with it. A friend of mine in Bangkok did this for about 5000 baht for the "pushing the paperwork" and when he got it back his extension has been issued by Khon Kaen immigration office, which means all the 90 day reporting has to be done at Khon Kaen, and unless you want to travel every 90 days, guess who's going to charge you extra for that service? Do it yourself at immigration, your passport is never out of sight except for the few minutes the new stamp is put in.Alex *******
@Steve *******
How long does the extension of a Non-O Retirement take in terms of not being able to leave the country etc.? Really only 5 minutes, i.e. one day? Or is it longer? Thanks.Steve ********
@Alex ******
Not sure what you mean. The 90 day initial visa goes under consideration for 15 days in Bangkok. That's itAlex *******
@Steve *******
Thanks. And the follow-on one year extension you get without any consideration period, i.e. immediately?Reply to
Alex *******
Reply
Jim ***********
@Brandon ***********
yes stuck 2 years minimum use agent. 3rd year extension need transfer 65k baht a month every month year 2. But looks like that gona change soon ..Wayne **********
@Jim **********
change to what?Jim ***********
@Wayne *********
been on YouTube last couple days. May increase the amount needed banked plus 65k. Apparently Big Joke is involved saying want more quality retirees and up banked funds is way to go......People using dodgy agents won't change its us follow rules will affectPaul ********
@Jim **********
The operative words are MAYBE and PERHAPS SOMEDAY.The Youtubers were extremely careful to point out that this is all pure speculation right now.
Given the context of a crackdown on motorcycle gangs, it’s not yet time to panic.
Jim ***********
@Paul *******
yes regarding bike gangs not being the kind of retirees they want here, maybe best to background checks instead of upping banked funds. But this is Thailand.....Wayne **********
@Jim **********
ok. I'm still a long way off the retirement visa age bracket. Hopefully a decent government is ruling the country by the time I get to that age.I'm on the 'O' visa at the moment. Only 400,000 or 40k baht income for me to worry about.
Reply to
Wayne **********
Reply
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