Answered7 years ago

What Are the Current Rules for Retirement Visa Extension in Thailand?

Retirement Visa Visa Rules Immigration Policy

Daniela ***************

asked Dec 9, 2019

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Ok, here some news to Phang Nga Immigration where I had to go and as always ask the rules for retirement visa  extension! Mine is coming up in March.

Head of Immigration told me: 800.000 must be in the bank 3 month prior to extension and after no less than 400.000 - ups!

I told him,: that I was confused now because BKK says different (2 month prior and 3 month after, if I am right) 

Then he looked at me smiled and said: these rules (BKK) only for first time extension ......

Well for anyone here, ask your Immigration Office in advance how they would like to have it to avoid bad surprises!!!!

Answer summary

Recent discussions at Phang Nga Immigration revealed conflicting information regarding the rules for extending a retirement visa. The head of immigration stated that applicants must maintain 800,000 THB in their bank account for three months prior to the extension, followed by a minimum balance of 400,000 THB thereafter. This contradicts information from Bangkok which allows for a two-month prior period, suggesting these rules may apply only to first-time extensions. It's recommended for expats to verify the specific requirements with their local immigration office to avoid surprises.

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Tod *********

What you were told is TOTALLY FALSE.

Every immigration office has to follow the same rules. The rule for banked money seasoning is the 800K baht has to be in the account for 2 months before you apply for your extension, it must stay in the account for 3 months after you get your extension and then the balance can't go below 400K baht the rest of the year.

Anything else is total b/s, so whether you buy into it, OR stand your ground is on you.

7 years ago

Ken ***********

Ridiculous that there is no consistant policy.

7 years ago

Robert *******

There is, but if we allow them to do what they like to avoid a discussion. You get what you ask for.

7 years ago

Henrik ****

Seems like they are pushing the rules to the edge. According to this, your own health insurance is no longer valid but you have to buy one from an approved list of companies even lesser coverage.

7 years ago

Craig *********

@Henrik ***

just something I noticed. in my country a pre existing injury is something you have had treatment for in the last 5 years...with the thai companies that is 10 years...so maybe you forget some small thing 10 years ago and no coverage when you need it ??

7 years ago

Daniela ***************

@Henrik ***

no one said anything about the health insurance today - handed me a sheet with the requirements, which are the same like in the last 6y 🤷🏻‍♀️

I do have insurance though - just not from Thailand

7 years ago

Robert *******

This is the latest Police order, I understand your part, but the rules are the rules, not what every immigration likes to be the rule on the day you see him.

7 years ago

Guy ***********

Unfortunately the rules are not the rule. Rules are consistent. Decisions from immigration offices are inconsistent.

Even this knowledgeable web-site is not always expert as they speak from THEIR experience and knowledge which can never cover every immigration office in Thailand.

7 years ago

James ********

Its best one always follow what your local Thai Immigration Office says. They are the ones that implement the immigration rules.

7 years ago

Daniela ***************

Trouble is I had 90 days today , so I will comply - not that it matters (for me) cos I will have the 800k stationary here just for visa. I also understand rules are rules - but him loosing face me pointing out BKK rules might cause more problems in the province 😉

7 years ago