Answered9 months ago

Is a bank letter required to prove the source of funds for a retirement visa application at Changwattana?

Retirement Visa Bank Requirements Visa Application Process Immigration Overseas Fund Transfer Thai Banking

Trevor ***********

asked Jan 28, 2026

1.5k

views

replies

likes

Does Changwattana require a letter from the bank to show the immigration officer that the money for the retirement visa came from overseas, on the intial application

Answer summary

Inquiring about the necessity of a bank letter to show that the funds for a retirement visa came from overseas, the dialogue reveals differing experiences among expats. Some report that while a letter confirming funds isn't universally necessary, it can facilitate the visa process. For those converting from a tourist visa or applying for specific types of visas, like the 90-day non-O, it seems illustrative proof of international transfer may be required. Comments suggest having bank statements clearly reflecting the amount and source is crucial, but the requirements can vary, and expat experiences show varied interactions with immigration.

13 repliesnewest first

Click comment and we will ask for your email, then OTP, then name.

Reg ***********

I had a bank account in Thailand for 15 years with krungsi in joint names with my wife ,when I came to retire 3 years ago they would not let me open an account in just my name to deposit 800,000,for visa requirements,I closed the account withdrew my money,1.5 million went to bangkok bank and opened 2 accounts 1 in joint names I in just my name for the visa ,I didn't show it had come from abroad but had no problem with the visa 😀

9 months ago

Tom *******

I was at bank 2 days ago to get statements and it was a pretty thorough check 3 staff members had to authorise and they also contacted head office. They printed out statements and letter of confirmations for immigration and was only 200 bath

Then had no problem at immigration office

I got one of the good guys and he was very polite and efficient and I got my multi entry extension no problem

Extension

9 months ago

Brandon ************

If you are talking about applying to convert from tourist to 90-day non-O visa, then yes you must show the money came from overseas. Your bank statement should show that the deposit was an overseas transfer. The bank letter only mentions that you own the account and the balance, not the source of funds.

9 months ago

Trevor ***********

@Brandon ***********

and wise still do this ?

9 months ago

Abas ******

Trevor Ratcliffe I did it the same way. I send from payoneer to my bank account and one of my friend send from PayPal to his wife account as he can't open bank account on tourist visa and then he transfer the money to his own bank account. No need to show them anything. Once you provide statement, transactions code says everything. International transactions and local has different codes. And they don't ask about from where it comes from. I bought house on my wife name and then I didn't have money for visa. My wife took loan on house for 3 months for which I paid just 6000 baht extra and I took visa on it. And returned the amount to company immediately

9 months ago

Trevor ***********

Alan Moore I think it would be safer to send the money in installments, rather than just one transfer , I thought 4 transfers

9 months ago

Alan *******

Trevor Ratcliffe I am thinking you just print out a statement from your bank after the transfer then take it to the bank and ask them to give you a letter of overseas confirmation ,,well i'm hoping thats the case cause wise and a bank transfer are a difference of over 1000 Aus dollars for me ,i also saw here that kasikorn the one i will use will have to be done in two installments unless someone here knows different.

9 months ago

John **********

@Trevor **********

no. Immigration wants to see the money in a Thai bank, you need statements and a letter to immigration from your bank and a bank book updated on the day you go to immigration. Wise Receipts are of zero interest to them

9 months ago

Abas ******

Trevor Ratcliffe you have to show bank statement with closing balance of 800k. No need to show wise receipt. Bank statements shows it, that from where each balance come from. But no need to worry about it too much because they usually check money.

9 months ago

Trevor ***********

Abas Kayı so if I show the receipt from wise and the bank letter that should be enough?

9 months ago

Abas ******

@Brandon ***********

OK I understand. But if he used wise, then he is OK to go. Just take statement and account certificate and apply

9 months ago

Brandon ************

@Abas *****

No, you are wrong. You got a marriage visa, which does not have that requirement. This question is about a retirement visa, which DOES have this requirement.

9 months ago

John **********

@Trevor **********

Wise do the transfer but how it shows in your bank will depend on the bank and the route the money takes. If it doesn't show as required you can get a confirmation letter of international fund transfer or just use SWIFT for the transfer

9 months ago