What Are My Options After Being Rejected for a Non-Immigrant Retirement Visa Extension in Thailand?

Question

First-time poster here, but I have learned so much from reading. Thanks for the education so far and any advice on this post:  I am US citizen rejected for non-imm retirement visa extension, which expires January 2, 2020. I showed 12 months proof of monthly pension deposits into US bank exceeding 65k THB/month, and 12 months of BBL statements showing an overall >1.4M international transfers. However, some months had a few hundred thousand THB transferred, and others, none. IO (Chiang Rai Imm.) wanted to see minimum 65k transfers every month. I am ticketed back to US on March 2, 2020, so there isn’t enough time to reapply by bringing balance above 800k THB, getting a non-O, then non-imm. 

Aside from getting an elite visa now, or postponing the above process until my return, are there any other options to maintain visa continuity?

Aside from getting an elite visa now, or postponing the above process until my return, are there any other options to maintain visa continuity?

Ask Thailand · Answer

A US citizen was rejected for a non-immigrant retirement visa extension due to not meeting the monthly income requirement of 65,000 THB, despite showing sufficient yearly bank statements. With a departure ticket back to the US on March 2, 2020, they seek advice on maintaining visa continuity. Suggestions include making a border run on January 2 for a 30-day visa exemption, utilizing a 60-day extension through marriage to a Thai national, and the importance of depositing funds in a Thai bank account. Other commenters confirm the strict income requirements and discuss alternatives like applying for a Non-Immigrant O visa.

Lee ********** · Answer

I am very grateful for the informative comments. Thank you all. I think I will do a Mae Sai border bounce on January 2, then plan a holiday via air to a nearby country in early February. That should get me through the two months and leave one land crossing left for the year in case something goes awry during the new application process on the next trip back. The 60 day extension using marriage is new news, and valuable information. I assumed (incorrectly) proving income presence and averaging 65k/month would have worked.

Marty ********* · Answer

Also, if you choose to continue using the monthly transfer method the money needs to be deposited in a Thai bank account. If you can afford the banked money method that is easiest. Make sure you get a non-immigrant O visa. Not an OA.

Ivan ************ · Answer

Elite isn't an option, you won't get one before Jan 2. Your best bet I think is border runs with extensions like Robert suggests, that will take you through to March no problem. If you are in Chiang Rai this is easy at Mae Sai which is near, just bring $10 for Myanmar immigration.

Dan ****** · Answer

Supposedly, monthly variation in deposited amounts IS allowed for a visa based on marriage to a Thai, as long as the totals per year average 40K bht per month.

Robert ******* · Answer

Make a border run on 2 Jan to get 30 days Visa Exempt Entry. Extend this with another 30 days at Immigration and make border run again to be well over 2 March and you can fly back USA and apply there for a NEW Non Immigrant O visa and if you come back into Thailand get the 90 days of stay and apply after 60 days for the Extension of Stay if you can meet the 12 months of foreign deposits OR if you put 800.000 Thb two months prior application date into your Thai bank.