Answered5 months ago
What are the recent changes in the retirement visa process at Korat Immigration?
Korat Immigration.
Just for information really.
With my Retirement Visa due next month I popped into get the forms, as every year around this time. Also to do my 90 day.
1) First thing I find is that the 90 day has moved offices. For those that use Korat, the 90 day has moved to the building where they used to check application paperwork. No problem, all very efficient. Just took me a moment to get over the confusion.
2) The forms are now collected from the main office atop the slope. Spoke to the Information Desk (that's new). Very pleasant officer who gave me all the forms to fill in at home.
3) Again no problem, but there is one change. For those with a lump sum, we used to have to get a bank statement for 3 months prior to the application ( it was 2 but went up to 3 about two years ago). Now? 12 months. So with my Bank (Bangkok) that means I have to request the statement 7 days in advance. Something of a nuisance as I think I have to go into the town branch for that. The officer said that the Bank would email it to me?
Anyway, just thought I'd pass it on.
Ps. didn't recognise anyone. Looks like the team has changed. Seems to happen every few years.
Just for information really.
With my Retirement Visa due next month I popped into get the forms, as every year around this time. Also to do my 90 day.
1) First thing I find is that the 90 day has moved offices. For those that use Korat, the 90 day has moved to the building where they used to check application paperwork. No problem, all very efficient. Just took me a moment to get over the confusion.
2) The forms are now collected from the main office atop the slope. Spoke to the Information Desk (that's new). Very pleasant officer who gave me all the forms to fill in at home.
3) Again no problem, but there is one change. For those with a lump sum, we used to have to get a bank statement for 3 months prior to the application ( it was 2 but went up to 3 about two years ago). Now? 12 months. So with my Bank (Bangkok) that means I have to request the statement 7 days in advance. Something of a nuisance as I think I have to go into the town branch for that. The officer said that the Bank would email it to me?
Anyway, just thought I'd pass it on.
Ps. didn't recognise anyone. Looks like the team has changed. Seems to happen every few years.
Answer summary
A recent visit to Korat Immigration revealed changes in the retirement visa and 90-day reporting process. Notably, the forms for the retirement visa now require 12 months of bank statements, a shift from the previous 3-month requirement. The 90-day reporting office has also moved locations, improving efficiency. Expat comments highlight varying practices across banks and immigration offices and the importance of staying updated with procedural changes.
41 repliesnewest first
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Malcolm **********
Just be aware that there have been reports of Bangkok bank freezing accounts after issuing the renewal documents, I'm with Kasikorn and they haven't been doing that so I can't confirm it but I have seen quite a lot of reports.
Roger ********
OPI only use the account for the visa
Bob **********
I requested a 12 month statement on the BB App there emailed it I printed it and they accepted it
Lindsay *******
Bob D'Andrea I have always found the Bangkok Bank Hua Thale Branch is:1212 Moo 1, Ratchasima-Chok Chai Road, Hua Thale Subdistrict, Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District, - essentially the nearest branch - close to the large Chinese cemetry, Home Pro and the same road past Do Home and WishCo that leads to the Immi Office to be very good. The supply a 1 year download of transacations and the letter on the spot. Some folks have mentioned a 13 month statement which may require the 1 week to receive. My extension is Thai Wife.
Roger ********
OPWhere did 13 come from? First I'm hearing of that.
Roger ********
OPI don't have the app. So it'll be a trip to the bank and a 7 day wait. Not a particular problem
Bob **********
Roger Lorton I did 12 months last year extended a month early and I was fine in fact I ordered the 12 months on the BB App they e mailed it the next day I printed it and along with the bank letter they had no problem
Roger ********
OPI'm always 2 weeks early. Just enough time for a plan B (one year it was Laos)
Bob **********
Roger Lorton if you try to extend a month early that’s when they’ll ask for 13 months
Roger ********
OPI do not have the BB app
Bob **********
Roger Lorton it’s 2026 ?? Do you have BB
Roger ********
OPIf BB is Bangkok bank, then yes. I have an ATM card and a bank book and they both work. Why would I need an APP?
Steven ***************
Wow, never a dull moment when it comes to Thai bureaucracy. Remaining flexible is definitely the key to success.
Brandon ************
You can email yourself 12 months statement from the app as well. Most immigration offices won't accept but it sounds like yours might.
Roger ********
OP@Brandon ***********
I really do not do apps. I'm old. I'm grumpy.
David *****
Roger Lorton why make it difficult on yourself? Download the statement, go to the bank, update your passbook, get your certification letter. If you don't do apps, I suggest you use a service
Joe ******
Thanks for the update!
James **********
Why don't you save yourself a trip and download the forms from the immigration website? Then you just need the bank documents and a couple of photos.
Lindsay *******
I have found downloading is always a little different to what is required when I font up to lodge as there has always been a "recent change" - so I go in a week before and get the current requirements and forms - however things have occasionally changed in that week.
Roger ********
OPJames Brashear And then I wouldn't know what the current local requirements are.
Ant ***********
For Bangkok bank accounts
You would need 12 months statements for some immigration offices after the fiasco of the last 6 months
You would need 12 months statements for some immigration offices after the fiasco of the last 6 months
Roger ********
OPAnt W Tailor That may be it.
Kool *******
Roger Lorton for the retirement extension you need 12 months of statements because the bt800,000 has to stay in your account for at least 3 months after you get your extension stamp, then for the rest of the year it can never drop below bt400,000. That is why they need 12 months of statements. It has been like this for over ten years.
Roger ********
OPKool Breez I understand the logic, it is just that it has not been a requirement for at least 4 years. Not at Korat.
Roger ********
OPI understand the logic, it is just that it has not been a requirement for at least 4 years
Mel ******
I thought your initial extension of stay is for a short look back period but then all others after that you need 12 months to prove you never dropped below the 400k min (plus the seasoning after your last extension of stay and the seasoning before your current extension of stay.
Cris ******
I am very curious if they abide by the rules of the 2 months prior but just want a 12 month statement or just doing their own thing
Graham ******
Cris Murl The 800k needs to be maintained for the first 3 .months of your extension then never fall below 400k before going back to 800k 2 months before applying for the subsequent extension. This is why 12 months is required.
Roger ********
OPGraham Seal It was not required before.
Cris ******
David Dye i think the problem is that every office is different, which makes stuff like this quite confusing.
Graham ******
Roger Lorton it's been law for years but maybe your office was not imposing it
David *****
Roger Lorton maybe not in your office but everywhere else in Thailand
Graham ******
Roger Lorton Not for years one but needed for years 2 onwards
Roger ********
OPThe form still says 2 months, but Korat changed that to 3 months a couple of years ago. Looks like a new team with new ideas. I did say "not 3 months like before" and the lass said no. Best not to argue methinks.
Tom ******
Roger Lorton There's probably a new boss arrived on the scene. They like to change things up. Assert their authority . Quite often its for the better?
Roger ********
OPTom Pola The Korat site appears to be growing
Tom ******
Roger Lorton Is it a new office? The new one north of Khon Kaen is new and has quite a big accommodation block out the back also.
I know some Immigration officials there and I dont think many actually stay there as its really in the middle of nowhere. No restaurants of much at all around there.
I know some Immigration officials there and I dont think many actually stay there as its really in the middle of nowhere. No restaurants of much at all around there.
Roger ********
OPTom Pola I get the impression that every few years the whole team rotates. Sort-of makes sense if you wish to avoid complications like officials getting too close to the locals. Looking out the back of the Korat site, there's a large block which looks like it's for accomodation.
Tom ******
Roger Lorton Where I live a whole new team turned up also.
Some shenanigans were going on.
Some shenanigans were going on.
Roger ********
OPTom Pola I reckon. In fact it looks like a whole new team to me.
Cris ******
Roger Lorton hm. Will be interesting to see because I’m on marriage visa. And as soon as I can I can transfer that money out or spend it etc. I only keep it for the time needed. Gotta love the constant changes.
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