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What are the current requirements and changes for renewing a retirement visa in Thailand?
Retirement VisaVisa RenewalImmigration RegulationsBank Book Update RequirementsThai Immigration FormsExpat Experience
Apr 29, 2025
a year ago
Belinda ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJust a heads up. I renewed retirement extension today and was sent to update my bank book again having just updated it all with a years statement from the bank and bank confirmation letter just the afternoon before. Never had this happen before. Apparently if it is a savings account the new rule is it has to be updated ON THE DAY you go to immigration. Of course lost my parking space which I had secured by getting there before immigration opened, my time going to the relevant bank in Phuket town to update yet again and then not being able to find a parking spot at immigration when I got back took another 40 minutes. If in fixed account that’s alright to do the day before but NOT a savings account.
The only other change is there are now 4 forms you have to complete and only one of the forms is the same as last year, so if you took forms last year to prepare and fill in before you come you may find they are now not correct.
Just the fun of all the changes each year to keep you on your toes.
The only other change is there are now 4 forms you have to complete and only one of the forms is the same as last year, so if you took forms last year to prepare and fill in before you come you may find they are now not correct.
Just the fun of all the changes each year to keep you on your toes.
TLDR : Answer Summary
Recently updated rules for retirement visa renewal in Thailand have caused some unexpected inconvenience for expats. A key change is that savings accounts must have their bank books updated on the same day as the immigration application, while fixed accounts remain acceptable if updated a day prior. This policy led to frustration with parking and waiting times at immigration offices. Additionally, there are new forms that must be completed, including the introduction of a new document (ST 9). Experiences shared indicate that some immigration offices have consistently required updates to savings books on the application day, while others have been more flexible.
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.
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Nigel ********
1-2 days for larger amounts it's the Thai bank that's slow
Len *****
I am just learning Thai and not enough to keep up yet. Immigration is a nightmare for me. My partner speaks a bit of English but can’t make me understand what’s happening. Same with everything else here nobody really speaks much English out in the provinces. I just muddle through and find things out the hard way by lived experience. I only know a couple of English speakers and they don’t know much Thai either. One Canadian and one English.
Troels ******
I always update at my bank the day before and had no problem at Hua Hin; however, I will check when I d my next 90 days that they are going to strictly apply the rule
Ant ******
What are the forms about?
Belinda ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Ant *****
basically updated from the old ones.Reply to
Belinda ********
Reply
Ant ******
I always had to update my book the same day as I apply for my extension, do all the paper work the day before and update the book on the day by paying in or withdrawing a small amount.
Peter ********
Why q2 months not 6 ?
Richard ********
When I request my statement from the bank it generally takes 7 days to get to my branch, so the account details will be approximately 7 days old, that's why they want it updated on the day.
Greg ***********
My branch in Cha Am requested it but it came from Bangkok. I had to go there every day to see if it came in
Richard ********
I requested mine through my BkB branch in Udonthani, 7days and they never call to tell you it has arrived so I just plan to pick it up in 7 days with a passbook update and letter confirming balance. Then off to immigration
Len *****
@Richard *******
can’t you get it from any Bangkok bank. I don’t fancy going into Silom every timeGreg ***********
@Richard *******
Bangkok Bank? I did my extension in Feb. Same thing, statement had to come from main bank in BKK. Took 5 days. Immigration in Phetchaburi accepted no problem. They told me as long as statement and letter were not more than 7days old they would accept. Updated bank book day of.Reply to
Greg ***********
Reply
Richard ********
Always had to update the savings bank book and statement on the day you apply for your extension, well here in Udon at least, and that is also aligned to immigration rules for visa extension. Don't know about fixed amounts.
Robert ********
Totally normal to me that the bank book must have an entry of the same day. I always had to move at least 1 baht from one account to the other to get an entry of the same day.
Jack ****************
That was true for getting the marriage visa too.
Bob ********
Post everything to Thai Visa Centre, very quick (very quick). Reasonable prices, even if you don't have 800,000b ....
John *******
*%#*%@^#_#^#$ those crooked twisted bas%%tds
Kim *********
@John ******
nonsenseReply to
Kim *********
Reply
Ian **********
That is not a new rule as it has always been the case. I fell foul of this the first time I extended 6 years ago
James ******
I did it myself for 15 years and they kept changing the rules and now I just use a Visa agent
Michael *******
@James *****
precisely what they want - DLT office is the same…..Diana *******
@James *****
what is the cost please?James ******
tiktok. on facebook. send a message with your circumstances and they will give you a price they are brilliant
Reply to
James ******
Reply
Detlef **********
@James *****
Thai Visa Center BKK...😁Belinda ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@James *****
yes me too, every year there is usually something new. It’s good to have this forum to help those who do go and do it themselves to keep up with any new changes before they go to their respective IO. Other than the savings book update in Phuket this year and 3 new forms to complete, the service was very good and dealt with quickly.Chris *******
@Belinda *******
this has always been the rule. Not newReply to
Chris *******
Reply
Nicholas ******
Use an agent
Michael *******
That’s precisely what they want - gravy train time, and makes it harder for rest of us….
Micheal **********
@Michael ******
I'm into ease, and have a decent enough nest egg to make that ease doable. So I do.Michael *******
not about the money - it feeds corruption
Jordi ********
@Michael ******
Same here. We do everything ourselves. Yes I have had some steam coming out of the ears but worth not supporting this nonsense.Reply to
Jordi ********
Reply
Micheal **********
@Nicholas *****
Agreed! A LOT less headaches, and worth the cost!Reply to
Micheal **********
Reply
Christopher ***********
Thanks for your report. AFAIK my immigration office has always insisted on passbook update ‘on the day’. Incidentally, at my last retirement extension renewal I forgot to get a 12 month bank statement as this was the first time my office required one. 500 baht tip avoided my having to go away and come back again (another 120km round trip). My IO filled out my TM.7 and TM.8 for me plus didn’t ask me to sign every photocopy so I was quite happy with the service. Will look out for the new forms you mention!
Robert ********
@Christopher **********
, how do you approach the idea of a “tip”? Would love to know what you might say in case I need this during my next 12 month extension this December. I’m still a rookie and always looking to learn from you more experienced veterans. 😎Robert ********
Thanks Christopher. Appreciate all the help I get from other people’s experiences. Have a great day.
Christopher ***********
@Robert *******
Body language; When your IO turns empty envelopes upside down several times and shakes them it gives you a clue. Ask; ‘how can we solve this’? I had an arrangement with my previous IO where I contacted her by Line, she gave me an ‘appointment’ and all I did was attend for my deskcam photo. No queuing, form filling, photocopies or questions.Reply to
Ziggy ********
Reply
Bent *************
Next time take Grab
A.c. ***********
@Bent ************
I was going to say the same thing. It sounds like Belinda's only real problem was about parking.Ken **********
@Bent ************
what is Grab?Pauline ********
@Ken *********
a taxi in this caseReply to
Pauline ********
Reply
Jesper *******
The statement and letter can be a day before but the bank book latest transaction have to be on the same day as application it's been for years that I know....I always need to make a deposit of 100baht to get it updated to the same date as the applications date while waiting for my queue number to be called
Peter *******
@Jesper ******
Nah, Jomtien allowed previous day passbook and letter only 5 weeks agoJack ********
@Peter ******
exactly the rules differ by office. People throwing around ‘rules’ without mentioning the office is uselessReply to
Jack ********
Reply
Diana *******
@Jesper ******
do you just show your statement on your phone? Otherwise how can you do it in the queue please?Jesper *******
@Diana ******
seems like u have not idea how long you have to wait after u get your queue number....I practically can walk into the bank make deposit updated my bank book go get some food at the cafe finish my drink go get a smoke and slowly walk back to the office and wait for them to call my numberRobert ********
Jesper *******
@Robert *******
it's at bkk chaeng wattana waiting time depends whether u are doing a 30day Or 1yr extensionsRobert ********
@Jesper ******
Interesting. We just have 1-3 officers doing everything as it comes.Jesper *******
@Robert *******
so you have only 3 officers handing 90days, re entry permit, initial nonO, extensions? Btw where is that? At chaeng wattana the zone A sections that does 90days report already have more than 5 officersRobert ********
@Jesper ******
BuriramDiana *******
@Jesper ******
you’re right I have no idea because I’m just gathering information for the future. Thank you. Now I know.Reply to
Diana *******
Reply
Dave *********
@Jesper ******
Yes I thought it's always been on the day too.Reply to
Dave *********
Reply
Paul *******
I go to Immigration Office in Chiang Mai. Thay have always required your savings book to be updated on the day. Nothing new about that.
Lay *******
@Paul ******
They won't take a 12 month printout from your bank? The bankbook itself has to be updated and they want to see it? I'm doing my first 12 months extension soon.Vincent **********
@Paul ******
yes same in buriram immigration.did it once for the day before last year.no good back to the bank 1hours drive from immigration.wont make the same mistake againBelinda ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Paul ******
this was Phuket. I have always used savings book with no issue until this yearReply to
Belinda ********
Reply
Charlotte *************
Which forms are new?
Chris *******
@Charlotte ************
stm2, 9 and 11Judy *******
@Chris ******
I went 2 weeks ago and only needed a TM7 for the extension and a TM8 for an entry permit. What are the others for?Reply to
Judy *******
Reply
Rhonda *******
Yes, they have taken away the stm2 and replaced it with a 3 page document I've never seen before. ST 9, I believe. It's not even on the immigration forms page
Christopher ***********
@Rhonda ******
STM.2, 9 and 11 here; **********************************************************
Annette *********
@Christopher **********
these are not thai visa forms for retirement. Looks like you posted the wrong link🤔Christopher ***********
@Annette ********
You’ve not read the thread. I posted the link because someone else was unable to find all three forms so numbered on Thai immigration website.Annette *********
@Christopher **********
yes i did, how does this link you put up help?Christopher ***********
@Annette ********
STM.2, 9 & 11 have been mentioned as being new forms. Someone else says they cannot find STM.9 on the Thai Immigration website. The link I posted has these three forms for download (plus others) listed under ‘Thai Admin’.Annette *********
@Christopher **********
when i click on your link you kindly gave this is what i get? Not the forms we are discussing, i am sorry but am i missing something else? Please see screenshotReply to
Annette *********
Reply
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