How many months should I show the required 800,000 Baht in my Thai bank account before applying for a retirement visa extension?

Aug 28, 2020
4 years ago
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi All

I arrived in Thailand this year January 31st on a retirement O-A multi-entry visa good for a year. I provided my proof of monies with my US bank account and investments.

I opened up a Thai savings account in March. I wasnt transfering money to the account yet as my Social Security didnt start till July 2020.

So I think I needed to be showing 65,000 Baht transfers each month for one year when I go to extend my one year retirement, which I wont be able to show.

I do have the 800,000 Baht I can transfer into my account. OK finally the Question. How many months do I need to show the 800,000 Baht in my account before my renewal date in January 2021? Thank you.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user inquired about the requirements for demonstrating financial stability for the renewal of their O-A retirement visa in Thailand. They have an 800,000 Baht deposit but need clarity on how long it should remain in their account prior to their renewal date in January 2021. Responses indicate that the 800,000 Baht must be in the account for at least 2 months before application and must remain there for 3 months after the extension is granted. Additionally, the user can replace this method with transfers of 65,000 Baht per month, provided they maintain this for 12 months before the next extension. Clarifications on banking methods, insurance requirements, and tips for maintaining compliance with immigration rules were also shared.
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Tony ********
3 months
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Ok again very clear and I can meet/already do those requirements. Would be nice to get out for a week but yes the storm in Thailand keeps growing. Thank you and everyone else for the great info.

Still waiting for Richard Wades bank info😁
Tod *********
@Mi**
The way the visa you have works (without a covid-shit storm ruining the world) IS

the visa is good for a year from the date it's issued, it's good for unlimited entries/exits to thailand during that time and EVERY entry gets you stamped in for a whole new year   That means IF you were somehow able to exit/re-enter thailand just before the visa STICKER in your passport expires you'd be stamped in for a whole new year and wouldn't need to fool with getting an in country extension until the following year.

BUT because of this covid-shit-storm and the borders not being open to easy out and in travel you are faced with applying for a yearly extension of stay based on retirement at the immigration office inside the country. You holding an O-A visa means that you have to show proof of having the mandatory insurance coverage from one of the 14 approved thai insurance companies that give O-A visa holders insurance, AND you'd need to show 800K baht in a thai bank account for 2 months before you apply for your extension, it would need to stay IN the account for 3 months after you got the year extension and then the balance couldnt' go below 400K baht the rest of the year
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Always one more. . .If I did and by a miracle was able to leave and re-enter, I assume one leaves before the Visa expiration. But do they need to return also before the expiration or can it expire when out of the country and then return without issue? Cheers.
Geoff ********
If you are interested in getting a better rate for your bank transfer £ or € to THB than you will get sending from Europe, drop me a message.
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
H
Bob **********
Don't forget your insurance also
David *********
yes. These moneys need to be in a Thai bank account. This is what works for me (so far). The first 6 years I maintained the 800 cash in deposit. I wanted to change to method to monthly income. I opened a special “direct deposit” account with Bangkok Bank and arranged for my US social security payments to be deposited into that account. The Direct deposit account has some restrictions like, no internet access and you have to go to the bank branch is which it was opened to withdraw or transfer to another account I call monthly expense account. Each month I go to the bank and ask them to print a “deposit detail” report (on original letterhead paper) that states the origin of the transfer ie international via social security. Interesting to note that SS transfers the money through the bkkbk New York Office. Before I renew my extension of stay next time I will go to the bank and get a letter listing the deposits for the past 12 months. Albeit overkill, I will have 3 methods of proof. Given the “direct deposit” account is only used for transfers in and out, I will copy the bank book pages, I will have the individual deposit detail reports and the letter from the bank. I am not aware of other sources that can use this account to send moneys to you. You can ask the bank. I choose to keep it simple. So if it was me in your place, I would open a savings account and transfer in the 800k. You can try TransferWise and there is a good possibility it will show as an international transfer ( if you use bkkbk, there may be others) I would also open the “direct deposit” account and instruct SS to begin direct deposits. Take the details of these 2 accounts with you for your next extension. Note. You need to be clear with them that you want to establish the monthly deposits (+bank balance, a 3rd option) as your method income proof. Otherwise they will just take the 800k as your method and your stuck with thoughts rules for another year.
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Very helpful gents. I'm using Transferwise now to bring over my 65,000. Anyone know if this is acceptable? I guess the no brainer would be direct deposit from my SS into my Bangkok Bank account. Just curious if Transferwise is OK. Cheers and thank you.
Andy ********
@Mike *********
I also use TransferWise and use the belt and braces method of income and capital. With TransferWise it sometimes arrives in your account as a domestic transfer. It is part of their business model to hold cash in various countries and cut down on their own expenses of international transfers. As a result of this I also print out and submit the TransferWise transaction documentation. When I submitted the paperwork I explained what it was and they were happy. I thought I may need to get it translated into Thai but no need.
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Andy *******
Thanks for the info Andy. Is Belt and Braces your term or something in the Transferwise App? I see what your saying about looking like a domestic transfer.

I'll do a Google search and see what I come up with. Cheers and thank you.
Andy ********
@Mike *********
Belt and braces is a British term. It means always have a back up. If you always wear a belt and braces your trousers will never fall down.
Kool *******
The SS office sends my money direct to my Bangkok account, without going through New York branch, and not into a special account, and without the 10usd+bt500 (as that is the minimum) transfer fees going through NY. Go to the Bangkok Bank main offices on Silom, and they can set you up correctly, and save you a few dollars. You will need to access the SS office in Manila online, and print out a new direct deposit form, as that is the branch we now must use. Fill it out, except for your account numbers, and take it to the main Bangkok Bank branch, along with your regular Thai baht account book, not your special account, and they will do the rest. It is quite easy. Up until two years ago, through the NY branch was how it was done, but not anymore, and it saves you money. Being on a fixed income, every little bit helps.
Kool *******
@David ********
, there are a few inconsistencies in your method. I have my US Social Security direct deposited in the Bangkok branch of my Bangkok Bank account. You don't have to use the New York branch anymore, and it saves a few baht. Also, I can do full online banking from this account. I do not have to physically go to the bank to get my money. I have full internet access. Also, Bangkok Bank, at the end of your visa extension year will print out all your deposits coming from overseas, on their letterhead, and immigration accepts this, along with the bank letter stating it is your account, and how long you've had it. You also need your updated bank book, updated on the day you apply, and copies of all the relevant pages. That is it. You don't need anything more, or less. Up until two years ago, when the international banking transfer rules changed, I used to send US dollars through the New York branch of Bangkok Bank directly into my foreign currency deposit account, retaining my money as US dollars in my Bangkok account, then exchanging it into baht in my regular account as the exchange rate fluctuated each month, and, being able to do all this online. You do have to physically sign a form with the bank allowing online transactions, but other than that there are no restrictions on a direct deposit account.
David *********
@Kool ******
nothing inconstant. Just a different way that it happens for you. What you you have is not the special “Direct Deposit Account”. Good to know this type of account is not necessary. I give the SS office the swift code to send the money direct the bkk. As I said. They chose to send it via NY. Cost for transfer is 10usd+500bt. (The first time they sent to through Citibank and it cost 100bt to get a letter stating international)
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK re-reading Tod's post a half a dozen times I think answers my second question. Need both.
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK yes understand. I'll do my 2nd extension with the 12 month 65,000 deposits and send my 800,000 back for investment. Cheers and thanks.
Roy ***********
@Mike *********
You do not meet the requirement of 65,000 Baht every month for your next extension, so you do not need that. You can meet the requirement of 800,000.

You only need one, in your case the 800,000 is the only one left.
Kool *******
@Mike *********
, you don't need both.
Tod *********
@Mike *********
For using banked money to meet the proof of funds for a yearly extension based on retirement you need to have the 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for your year extension (NOT 2 months before your current stamp expires) the money needs to stay at 800K baht balance for 3 months after you get the extension granted and then the balance cannot drop below 400K baht for the rest of the year

IF you are going to switch to the 65K baht monthly income via international transfer method to meet the proof of funds for your yearly extension NEXT year, you would have to meet the terms of the banked money method for this whole year AND transfer in the 65K baht a month every month to meet the terms of the extension you're applying for next year.

That means you would need to keep the 800K baht in the bank for 3 months after you got your extension and you would have to keep the balance at at least 400K baht the rest of the year <-(to meet the requirements of this year extension) IN ADDTION to transferring in to the country from abroad a minimum of 65K baht for the previous 12 months <- to meet the requirements of your next extension..
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Got it Tod. Clear now thanks. Do I need to leave for the 1 year extension or is it granted if all my paperwork is in order without leaving? Cheers
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Actually I thought I didnt need to leave to get the 1 year but. . .This is all confusing as Phuket. Great question.
Tod *********
@Mike *********
it's banked money OR you show a years worth of incoming overseas transfers for y65K baht a month each month every month for the previous year.
Ron ******************
@Tod ********
if borders should open before end of January can he not leave and re-enter and get an additional 12 months on his existing visa?
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Dang. Deliver the facts straight and simple. Thank you Tod.

So its always the 2 hand in hand.
*******
in the bank and 65,000 monthly into your Thai account?
Chris *******
@Mike *********
tod is the man period
Janin ******
@Mike *********
, it is not and, ...but or....Or the monthly income , or the 800.. don’t forget your health insurance, otherwise they give you no stamp.
Richard ******
First transfer to my account for processing
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Please post your account info so I can send you my remaining wealth.😁😁
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks for the comments. So this time I drop the 800,000 in my account or a little over for cushion. Then after my renewal will depositing the 65,000 monthly for 12 months. Will it replace the 800,000? In other words can I remove the 800,000 or I need both. Or I can drop to 400,000? Thanks again all.
John *********
@Mike *********
yes 65,000 monthly replaces the 800,000.
Bobby ********
@Mike *********
. Once you have 12 monthly foreign transfers of minimum
*****
baht showing in your account, you can drop the 800,000. Just keep in mind the
*****
is NOT an averaging figure. So for example if you transfer 130,000 in January, you will still need 65,000 transfered in February. Ensure ALL transfers are clearly shown as an international transfer, or immigration will not accept them. You can withdraw 400,000 from your account for seven months, from three months after you get your extension, until two months before you apply for the next year's extension. The advantage of the monthly transfer, is that in theory, as soon as the
*****
is shown in your account, you can go spend it, whereas the other method, there will be 400,000 which will be permanently inaccessible, and 800,000 for five months of the year similarly so
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
Big thanks for replying. So to be clear cause I'm slow these dayz. After one year (12 months)of 65,000 Baht transfers and keeping the transfer on going, I can take the 800 or if I have 400 out? As long as I keep the monthly transfers? Thanks again. Just dont wanna screw this up.
Bobby ********
@Mike *********
. If you keep up the 65,000 baht each and every month (and they use calendar month in their calculations, so if one month your "February transfer" goes through on January 31, it won't count, so you have to monitor the situation), once you've got a year's worth of transfers and keep it going, you can withdraw the whole 800,000. There is also the combination process, where you have half-half of each method (I think it's
*******
for the year plus 40,000 per month), but I've read that many people have experienced problems with this method, so I wouldn't recommend it.
Luciano ***********
@Bobby *******
when first applying for the VISA , do you need the 800,000 in your account or just have 65,000 a month into a Thai bank account for a couple of Months prior to applying for a retirement visa ?
Bobby ********
@Luciano **********
. You need 800,000 for two months before the date you apply, or 65,000 per month for 12 months before the date you apply
Luciano ***********
@Bobby *******
may i private message you ?
Bobby ********
Janin ******
@Bobby *******
, on some places they don’t accept a combination as you said!
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janin *****
I'll prolly play it safe and do both but not the combo. Thanks.🤙
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bobby *******
Clear as mud and a big thank you mate. Cheers
Jan *********
Also half of it has to stay in the account year round....

Best is to leave the full amount year round if u can afford it.
Jan *********
Make sure it's a bit more, so if they charge expenses you don't dive under even with 1 Baht!
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes I've heard they deny due a few Baht short. Thanks JDM.
Jan *********
2 months for the first request, 3 months thereafter
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
OK understand. I have read people getting skunked for being shy a couple hundred Baht. I'll. foe show cover it with extra. Thanks for all your input. I got sorted with all the comments. Cheers.
Mike **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Sorry JDM. Not quite sure what your saying. You mean when I get my bank statements? 100 bucks in my case US cash? Cheers
Jan *********
@Mike *********
it wasn't my reaction but a bankaccount is not for free so if you have exactly
*****
0 and they charge costs, you're in trouble. Make sure to have a bit more, at least 100 Baht, make it a 1000 to be sure.

If you have an income of plus
*****
a month I would leave the
*****
0 in the bank and live of your monthly income much less hastle than proving your monthly income.

As Thais wisely say :"up to you" 😉
Janin ******
@Jan ********
, correct! And don’t make a mistake because they take of 100 baht when they give proof of your account for immi, so give them 100 cash.
Chris *******
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Neil **************
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