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What are the current requirements for the retirement visa renewal at Bangkok Bank?
Jul 4, 2025
10 months ago
Peter *****************
ORIGINAL POSTERDear members.Recently I learn that you need to have 4 months in saving for renewer of retirement visa in Bangkok Bank.2 months before and 2 months after.Total=4 months.Is not the requirements of immigration but is the new policy of Bangkok Bank to prevent scam.
Can any confirm this.Thankyou
Can any confirm this.Thankyou
TLDR : Answer Summary
The conversation discusses the recent requirement imposed by Bangkok Bank for expats renewing their retirement visa in Thailand, stating that funds must be maintained in the bank account for a total of four months (two months before and two months after the application). While some users mention this is an immigration requirement, it appears to be more a policy of the bank to prevent scams. Users share their experiences and advice regarding maintaining the necessary funds for visa extensions and the implications of accessing those funds during the waiting period.
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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Lee *************
Was in immigration today they only require 2 months but Bangkok bank now want 4 months, it's there new policy, nothing to do with immigration.
So just term deposit your money
So just term deposit your money
Peter ********
It's now 4 months before
Marty *********
The usual Thai shit show
Ron ******
It'll be interesting when someone requires access to those funds in an emergency and the bank refuses to release them until the four months are up.
Jesper *******
For immigration 800k 2mths before and 3mths after tru out the year not less than 400k...these are the conditions u need to fulfill for your future extensions....for bkk bank i went to a branch (BigC Onnut) clarify with the manager they will issue letter and statement as long as it's your name and they have no rights to freeze your acct Unless illegal transactions is detected.......bkk bamk does not act behalf of immigration both are different establishments
Brooke ******
Regardless of the 3-4 month requirements....you have to have this account for at least 1 year...it happened to me in chaingmai
Jeremy ********
My advice just leave it in there and act like it doesn’t exist
David *******
@Jeremy *******
Mine has been in there for 24 years.,lol.Jeremy ********
@David ******
that’s a long time of no to limited interest on it But at the same time it’s needed to so you don’t forget
David *******
@Jeremy *******
For me a necessity and no need to worry again.I also think of it as an emergency fund if really necessary.
Jeremy ********
@David ******
good planReply to
Jeremy ********
Reply
Peter *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
Actualy I only learn from ytube(Integrity Thailand)that got me worry.My only expire *******
Jeremy ********
@Peter ****************
just leave it in there and you will have zero problems Take it out maybe you forget to put back in
Maybe life happens
And you miss your date to put it back in
Peter *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Jeremy *******
thank broReply to
Peter *****************
Reply
Keith ********
See here
************************************************
Pete *******
You get the immigration letter immediately if you have had the funds in your account for 4 months or longer.
You get the immigration letter immediately if you haven’t had the funds in your account for 4 months but you agree to freeze the required funds so they season for 4 months.
You get the immigration letter immediately if you haven’t had the funds in your account for 4 months but you agree to freeze the required funds so they season for 4 months.
John **********
@Pete ******
in other words it makes zero difference to a retirement extension as immigration requires you have the 800k funds in place for 2 months (3 in some places) before applying and keep it there for 3 after you receive the extension. The ones it will affect are those on a marriage extensionDavid *******
@John *********
Had no problems getting visa based on marriage, just the same documentation and photo'sSean **********
@John *********
it was stated earlier that the finds had to be in the account 4 months before the letter would be issued. If thats the case then the three months after the extension would not fill the requirement. Sounds like Bangkok bank wants the funds in the account 4 months prior to the extension renewal
Pete *******
@Sean *********
what don’t you understand by the wording “you get the letter immediately?”Merlyn ******
@Pete ******
bb, immediately in 1 weekPete *******
@Merlyn *****
nope, the certificate of deposit is issued immediately. The 1 year bank statement needs 5 working days with BB. Different animals.Sean **********
@Pete ******
i understand perfectly, just got the letter from Bangkok Bank 3 weeks ago. I was responding to John Stanners. Looked to me like he inferred the 2 month before and the 3 months after would qualify for Bangkok Banks new 4 months
before extension certification letter policy.
John **********
@Sean *********
that's exactly what I inferred. If the funds have only been in the bank for 2 months you still get the letter but the 800k baht is frozen for an additional 2 months. At least that's how I understand what is being said. No direct experience as this wasn't an issue when I did my extension last monthSean **********
@John *********
OK thank you. As always here in Thailand, I guess time will tell.Reply to
Sean **********
Reply
Peter *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Pete ******
thankyou sir.In that case open a new bank account in krunthai or kasikron is easier.Pete *******
@Peter ****************
if you just leave the funds in your account or transfer to the monthly method it’s a non issue.Sean **********
@Pete ******
does anyone really know what Bangkok Bank os requiring for expats renewing on the monthly method?Reply to
Sean **********
Reply
Paul ********
@Peter ****************
The question is, do these other banks (krungthai and kasikorn) plan to follow in Bangkok Bank's footsteps soon and institute similar policies??I am in the process of opening a new Thai bank account. Too much turbulence with Bangkok Bank.
Reply to
Paul ********
Reply
Mikkel *******
@Pete ******
the bank have absolutely zero authority to just decide that it has to be 4 months.. The law say 2 months for marriage extensions which also requires that letter.Jesper *******
@Mikkel ******
I went to a bkk branch (BigC Onnut) the manager said he did not received any instructions from the head office so if u can't get the letter from that branch just try another branchPete *******
@Mikkel ******
the banks are a business, they can set whatever regulations they like. You as a customer either agree or withdraw your funds and go elsewhere.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Mikkel *******
@Pete ******
I question the legality of the bank freezing your account like that .Pete *******
@Mikkel ******
it’s only done with your permission.Reply to
Pete *******
Reply
Michael ********
There was a big post other day, search for that had lots photos from banks showing what BB required
Peter *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Michael *******
thankyouReply to
Peter *****************
Reply
Andy ************
It is an immigration requirement. 800k two months before extension date to three months after
Peter *****************
ORIGINAL POSTER@Andy ***********
thankyouMikkel *******
@Peter ****************
for retirement extension purposes, it's 800K 2 months before applying, 3 months after applying, and not below 400K the rest of the year. For marriage extension purposes it's 400K 2 months before applying. That's it. Although there are reports of people in the recent weeks being told by Bangkok Bank specifically that the 400K will be frozen in the account for also 2 months after.
I don't think it's a national thing, and I also question the legality of the bank just freezing your account like that without any wrongdoing from your part.
Andy ************
@Mikkel ******
You'll probably find it's in the terms and conditions, and you'll probably have to sign an authority to freeze the money anyway. Banks love another piece of paper 😆Reply to
Andy ************
Reply
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