It is time for me to consider renewing my retirement visa.
Today when I went to ask the Agent about the requirements she told me Bangkok Bank no longer issues the paperwork necessary for the visa. She said if I want to use Bangkok Bank the cost would be 23,000. If I open an account at a different bank and use that, cost is only 18,000. I would like to use the 65,000/month method. I have made monthly deposits of 65,000 for the past 2 years. At no time have I had a balance greater than 800K but I have made several 400K deposits over the past year.
A) What are agents charging these days to renew a visa in the Pattaya area, without 800K in the bank
B) Any truth to what the agent was saying about Bangkok Bank no longer issuing the paperwork?
C) Any reasons not to open an account with SCB?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is seeking advice on renewing their retirement visa in Thailand, as they were informed of changes regarding Bangkok Bank's requirements for issuing necessary paperwork. They compare costs between Bangkok Bank and another bank while expressing a preference for the 65,000 baht a month income method. Commenters suggest that many expatriates have successfully renewed visas using the 65k method without an agent and offer various insights about their experiences with Bangkok Bank, with mixed reviews on its current efficiency and service.
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.
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I am concerned about your statement regarding the Bangkok Bank. All I required to renew my retirement visa last month was my Bangkok Bank savings book showing the balance of at least 800,000 baht plus photocopy of title page and of the balance going back at least 3 months - + a letter from the bank which authenticates you as a customer and which cost me 100 baht - but the date on the letter should correspond to the last update shown and ought to be within 2 days of application/submission. Of course there are all the other bits and pieces - residency form, back copies of recent visas, last exit stamp plus the forms accepting liability and punishment etc. There was no problem at all. I hope this helps
I have been denied by immigration and the US embassy to verify the ฿65,000 monthly income method for a retirement visa. As a US passport holder, it is no longer an option for me.
When you have any such problem at a Bangkok Bank branch, email to Bangkok Bank corporate office giving them all the details. They will either call the branch and clarify the issue OR send you the info you need to get the paperwork.
As mentioned the real question is, to decide where you actually need to begin is whether or not you used an agent for the funding requirement of your previous extension and possibly any extensions before that?
Dont trust agents or solicitors l got scammed by both robbing bastards, do it yourself, once you do the 1st one and season your funds correctly next time should be easier and less cost
I've read nothing but negative comments about Bangkok Bank in many different posts. Sounds like it USED to be the go to bank but is NOW the bank to avoid.
Michael A DeWalt Disagree. They froze my account but I understand why. Otherwise I have found them excellent. Renewed my visa using the 65k method with no issues with their help.
Alan Francis I agree, they have frozen my account up to 800,000thb. Anything over that I can use. They also gave me a letter for immigration.. this was 2 weeks ago.. I also understand why they are doing what they are doing
Alan Francis I understand. But that phrase 'froze my account' doesn't sit well with me even if you understand why. 'NEVER froze my account' sounds a lot better to me. But good to hear you got your Visa through the 65k/monthly method.
Bangkok Bank will give you a year of your statements but they now refuse to give you a letter that Jomtien immigration wants because they are too lazy to check your deposits on your statement or bank book
Greg Dake Dakin well first you have to subtract the fee you pay to the agent. Second you are taking a chance doing something illegal where any investment you have in Thailand could be stripped and you could be banned from returning. So the 700 and something bhat I would keep in my country at a conservative 10% would bet about $2000 and of course it would be taxed at my rate of 28% so reduced by $460 so to net $1540 just not worth the chance to me. Best advice is always do the right thing.
I have an account at Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai and they were completely cooperative. The only improvement would be to eliminate the 4-day gap between request and the actual delivery of a year's worth of statements.
We requested a years credit advice statement from Bangkok Bank last week, for extension of stay for a year. Using the 65,000 baht a month. They did it, no problem, 500 baht on the day
I have never had a problem with Bangkok Bank. Just order your annual statements a few days before you need them and there is never a problem. I think it’s just that agents don’t like Bangkok Bank because they have closed the loopholes for illegal activity.
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