What are the recent changes regarding Financial Verification for Retirement Visas in Thailand?

It appears that even the visa agents up in Chiang Mai are aware of this "policy change". :/

I'd say it's most likely in effect (although I'm still on the fence as to whether it's 100% enforced across the board).

So for you people in Chiang Mai using the income affidavit from the US consulate I'd say go prepared to show documentation that backs up the amount you put on the letter.

There is also the other avenue of keeping 800,000 baht in a Thai bank. I plan on bringing both my Thai bank statements and my income statements when I go for the first time in November.

The reports I read seemed to show that it is NOT being enforced 100% of the time and in fact is rather hit or miss on if they will ask for proof to back up the notarized income letter.

I would heed the advice I give to everyone using the notarized affidavit of income from abroad letter from their consulate to meet the financial requirements DON'T put anything down on the letter you can't back up with documentation.

TM 50 is no longer sufficient? The US accept documents submitted by Thai government and embassies and consulates no "proof" required. This is not specific to US Thailand but international agreements.

Very interesting

The immigration office has ALWAYS been able to ask for proof that a notarized affidavit of income from abroad from your consulate is backed up by something. Last time I checked MANY consulates (not just the US one) will let you walk in fill out that form and get it notarized without showing any proof.

I have used the US notary form for the last 10 years and NEVER been asked a single time to show that the amount on the form was backed up by anything (although I always have proof with me I never give it to them).

I always tell people using the income notary document NOT to put down on the letter anything you can't back up with pension statements or bank deposits.

There are reports of a few others being asked this at the Chiang Mai immigration office (and not just americans either) and in a couple cases the immigration office accepted someone showing their bank statements on their mobile phone as proof.

There are earlier post that the Immigration In Chang Mai wants confirmation that the money verified by the Embassy, is as it is in the letter. This with proof of a Thai bank account where the money comes into Thailand.