What are the requirements and process for renewing a Retirement Extension of Stay in Thailand without using an agency?

Question

I currently have a Retirement Extension of Stay in Thailand, which was arranged through an agency. My current permission to stay is valid until 28 January 2027.

For my next renewal, I would like to do the process directly through Immigration myself, without using an agency, and meet the financial requirement by keeping 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account.

In particular, I would like to know:

• When should I deposit the 800,000 THB into my Thai bank account?
• Does the money need to be transferred from a bank account abroad, or can it come from another Thai bank account?
• If it needs to come from abroad, what type of transfer or proof of transfer is required?
• How long must the 800,000 THB remain in the account before applying for the extension?
• What documents or certificates do I need to obtain from the bank?
• What other documents are required for the Retirement Extension?
• Is there anything I should arrange several months in advance to make sure everything is in order?

I would particularly appreciate advice from anyone who has recently completed a one-year Retirement Extension on Koh Phangan without using an agency, especially using the 800,000 THB bank deposit method.

Thank you in advance for any advice or information 🙏🏾

Ask Thailand · Answer

The user inquires about the process of renewing their Retirement Extension of Stay in Thailand without the use of an agency, specifically regarding the need to maintain 800,000 THB in a Thai bank account. They seek answers to various questions about the timing of the deposit, source of funds, required financial documentation, as well as other necessary documents for the extension. Multiple comments respond with advice, highlighting the importance of complying with financial regulations, potential past compliance issues, and the possibility of needing to use an agency again to ensure a successful renewal.

Bruce ******** · Answer

People that are telling you that you can not get off the agent band wagon are talking nonsense....just go ahead and do it all yourself ..they dont care what happened last time a year ago, they are only concerned with your current application ...ditch the agents

Jesper ******* · Answer

Use the agent 1 last time using your own 800k and keep it there so u qualify for the following year extension OR redo the process again starting from the initial 90days nonO and following extension with your own 800k

Frazer ************ · Answer

I'd be careful here as you've just admitted that you committed fraud and illegally gained the visa your previous time. Our advice is to stay quiet about that and not share it on social media.

Arve **************** · Answer

You might have to go to laos or another country to start the whole process over again.

Start whit a new non-0 visa.

You probably can't meet the criteria of never have been under 400.000 baht since extention.

So travel outside Thailand WITHOUT a re-entry stamp, and start from scratch.

Kool ******* · Answer

I might add, to keep in mind, Thailand puts new regulations in place to stop the abuse, and loopholes, when they find the abuse used to bypass the financial regulations, amoung other reasons, for visas, and long term extensions. One of the changes that took place was the clearing up of faster deportable offences. One of those offences was using fraudulent, or fake official documents. This could very easily be one of the conditions added to combat those using false bank statements. No one has noticed this in the new regulations. Just saying.

Stew ********** · Answer

Put the 800k in the bank and use an agent next time, it will be cheaper. Make sure you leave it there all year, then the year after you can do it yourself.

Other option is to start again.

Doc ******** · Answer

Without the 800'000 Thai baht upfront by you to season in a Thai bank account I'm guessing you are up shit creek without a paddle.

That's always the downfall for those that want to retire in Thailand without the proper funds to satisfy the retirement requirements.

Sounds like you're stuck using an agent by the sounds of it!!!

Greg *********** · Answer

you cannot jump off the agent's "hamster wheel" if you haven't had your own funds of 800,000/400,000 THB deposited for the required full year. Doug Powell explained it perfectly

John ********** · Answer

The 800k that was used for your last extension should have remained in your account for 3 months after you received the extension and never dropping below 400k for the remainder of the extension. You then need to bring the account back up to 800k 2 months before applying for the next extension.

The big question is did you meet these funding requirements

The big question is did you meet these funding requirements

Wannikea ********* · Answer

We need to know if the agent you used for your previous/current extension also supplied the funds for you?

What are the requirements and process for renewing a Retirement Extension of Stay in Thailand without using an agency?

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