Answered7 days ago
What are the requirements for extending a Non-Immigrant O visa if using the 65,000 baht monthly transfer method in Thailand?
Okay Visa experts I need some clearance about my second 1 year extension.
I used the 65 000 per month transfer method, I actually transferred 67 000 every single month last 12 months to reach a total of 800 000 in one years transactions.
My extensions are based on a Non-Immigrant O being over 50 years old
Been to my bank, got my bank book updated and got account statements for last 12 months, all of the transactions clearly say it was coming from outside Thailand, stamped and signed.
When came to Immigration officer told us I also need to show a balance of 800 000 baht OR have a letter from my Swedish Embassy to show that money comes from my pension.
Maybe I understood the rules about these 1 year extensions wrong, I thought you present ONE of at least 65 000 baht/month transfers to your own bank account OR present a balance of 800 000.
I also thought that if using monthly transfer method the balance can be anything, Officers only interested in seeing enough money coming in from abroad last 12 months.
Please tell me what's correct here?
For the record I can transfer from my Swedish bank to present 800 000 baht on my Thai bank account but first I want to know what's right and wrong.
I know that Immigration sets there own rules if they want but I have never heard anyone having this issue before, I used Immigration Office here in Saraburi.
I used the 65 000 per month transfer method, I actually transferred 67 000 every single month last 12 months to reach a total of 800 000 in one years transactions.
My extensions are based on a Non-Immigrant O being over 50 years old
Been to my bank, got my bank book updated and got account statements for last 12 months, all of the transactions clearly say it was coming from outside Thailand, stamped and signed.
When came to Immigration officer told us I also need to show a balance of 800 000 baht OR have a letter from my Swedish Embassy to show that money comes from my pension.
Maybe I understood the rules about these 1 year extensions wrong, I thought you present ONE of at least 65 000 baht/month transfers to your own bank account OR present a balance of 800 000.
I also thought that if using monthly transfer method the balance can be anything, Officers only interested in seeing enough money coming in from abroad last 12 months.
Please tell me what's correct here?
For the record I can transfer from my Swedish bank to present 800 000 baht on my Thai bank account but first I want to know what's right and wrong.
I know that Immigration sets there own rules if they want but I have never heard anyone having this issue before, I used Immigration Office here in Saraburi.
Answer summary
The discussion focuses on the confusion and differing experiences regarding the requirements for extending a Non-Immigrant O visa in Thailand, particularly when using the 65,000 baht monthly transfer method. The original poster clarifies their situation: they have transferred a total of 800,000 baht over 12 months, but immigration has requested proof of balance or a letter from their embassy confirming the funds come from their pension. Responses reveal that immigration offices can have varying rules and often prefer the 800,000 baht balance instead of the monthly transfer method, leading to inconsistent experiences among expats.
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Paul **********
How to prove the 65k monthly?
Mikael **********
OPPaul Williams I honestly have no idea so I will from now on use the 800 000 baht on my bank account instead.
NongTong *****
As far as I know, the immigration office will only accept an official affidavit from the embassy, not a declaration. However, most documents issued by embassies nowadays are declarations.
Steven ***************
Most immigration offices hate the monthly income method and do everything they can to discourage people from using it. Much easier to just go ahead and do the 800K or 400K if married seasoned balance. We all know what the actual written policy says but we also know that immigration offices want what they want and it is best to not argue with them and just give them what they want.
Mikael **********
OPSteven L. Daugherty Exactly, not arguing because that would hit back on you, I tried calmly to tell IO how I understood everything when visited last time but yes sometimes you need to bite your tongue.
Ron *****
If you can, get bank letter for 800k (seasoned).
With money laundering a big deal, they want certificate of each monthly input.
With money laundering a big deal, they want certificate of each monthly input.
Stephen ********
I’ve been using the 65K monthly income method for the past couple years without any problems, but immigration in Ubon Ratchathani wanted to verify the source of my income. They were fairly elusive about what that “proof” might be, but I decided to provide copies of my bank statements from my home country and they were completely satisfied. In addition to all of the monthly deposits from my various sources of retirement income, those statements also showed the outgoing monthly transfers that perfectly matched the transfers into my Thai bank account.
You are correct about the bank balance requirement. When using the monthly income method, your bank balance is irrelevant.
You are correct about the bank balance requirement. When using the monthly income method, your bank balance is irrelevant.
Johnny ********
I had the exact experience, They wanted the 65,000 to be pension income only and they want a letter from your pension provider. The 800,000 has to be seasoned so you just can't deposit it and get a visa. I had to leave the country or risk being fined or blacklisted for overstay. Another word of warning. If you get an agency to deposit the funds for you that is bank and immigration fraud and you can be blackisted for 10 years or go to jail. You are most at risk if you get one of these and a re-entry permit. When you re-enter the country if an officer wants, all he has to do is phone or text the bank to find out if the funds are there and you are cooked. relying on bad visa advice or shady operators is very dangerous
Johnny ********
Most embassies stopped verifying income with a letter
John ********
Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be 100% consistency when it comes to enforcing these requirements in Thailand. Some provinces probably will never let you use the 12-month income method. I also live in Saraburi and I believe that this is true in this province. I don't think you're going to ever be able to extend your Visa without having 800,000 baht in the bank or less (400,000) if you're filing a marriage extension. Honestly I think they only want to do it the absolute easiest way it is for them. Even when it came to getting a marriage certificate I was unable to do it in my own province because they said I needed some certified document but then it was easy to get married in Pathum Thani. I just wish that every province treated all of these procedures the same and weren't left to decide how they feel they want to prosecute them.
Doug ********
On my second I intend to have the 800k for the two months before, also from 2 months before I intend to start doing the 65 k pmonth option, and keep the
*******
/800 so by the third extension I will use the 65 k option and have the 800k seasoned just in case, lol. 😀😀...seems fool proof,immigration told me they don't care where the 65 k comes from,provided its out of thailand so mine will be much of pension and old savings, probably change their interpretation ten times between now and then😂
Floyd ******
I think it sounds like you were a little confused thinking you could just put $65,000 baht every month and not have the 800,000 baht in the bank for the first year. If this is the case then you may have a problem
Mikael **********
OP@Floyd *****
This is my second 1 year extension, IO told me a year ago only to transfer 67 000 baht per month coming from outside Thailand, nothing about proof of where this money come from.Floyd ******
Mikael Olofsson if it's the same I O then you should give you a better guidance
Mikael **********
OP@Floyd *****
Same one yes. Going back there hopefully tomorrow when I transferred the money to reach 800 000, just hope she keep her words that no need to have it seasoned on my account for 2 months.
Bob *******
I transfer 65,000 each month don’t have 800,000 in the bank no problem
Jeff *************
Bob Scott what immigration office do you use?
Adrian *********
Get an agent simple pay the fee and relax ffsk
Alexander *************
Awkward! I have hear from quite a few that they only showed bank statements which verified that 65’ each month was credited your account from abroad.
Valeriy ********
Don’t make it complicated, simply make sure you have 800k batt constantly on your bank account and never ever touch it. Not to big money today. If this is problem for you then moving to Thailand might not be good idea. It is not that cheap anymore
Doug ********
Valeriy Varley ..with the greatest respect, it's not for you to decide what is a large amount of money, the op seems to have done everything correctly and is looking for assistance to confirm his understanding of the rules. Why don't you either A...help him if you know the rules, or B SHUT UP because we don't need you telling people what's easy, what's safer, how poor we are, etc.etc..have a nice day in Utopia
Alan **********
Valeriy Varley maybe it's not too big money to you, but to a lot of people it is.
And to a lot of 1st world countries, Thailand is still plenty cheap, especially if one takes care of their money.
For example, I get almost twice the monthly income Thailand requires from Social Security, and could "live like a king" in Thailand, but don't have 800-1,000K Baht to put in a Thai bank.
So, for many potential expats, 65K Baht/month is plenty to live comfortably in Thailand in one's retirement, but few of them would have the 800K.
And to a lot of 1st world countries, Thailand is still plenty cheap, especially if one takes care of their money.
For example, I get almost twice the monthly income Thailand requires from Social Security, and could "live like a king" in Thailand, but don't have 800-1,000K Baht to put in a Thai bank.
So, for many potential expats, 65K Baht/month is plenty to live comfortably in Thailand in one's retirement, but few of them would have the 800K.
Mikael **********
OPValeriy Varley It has nothing to do if the country is cheap or not, please try read my post again.
I'm perfectly aware of costs here.
I'm perfectly aware of costs here.
Valeriy ********
Mikael Olofsson I understand Mikael, as a retired person you have a lot of free time and boring so you made this post just for fun 🙂 That is ok, enjoy this conversation. My comment was for those who is not willing to waste their time on the problem you have met, if one will just keep 800k batt constantly on the account there will be no any problem with getting retirement visa and extending it … my comment is also for those who really think that Thailand is cheap heaven and it’s plenty people thinking this way, trust me 🙂
All the best to you!
All the best to you!
Jita****
I do the extension of stay at Bangkok’s Chang Watthana office and the 65K per month method is accepted. No 800k deposit required.
Bank Document required are 12 month statement printed and stamped by the bank, passbook update the day od application and a letter from the bank certifying my current active account status.
Bank Document required are 12 month statement printed and stamped by the bank, passbook update the day od application and a letter from the bank certifying my current active account status.
Greg ***********
Jitae929 you can call yourself lucky that Chaeng Wattana has better things to do than the empty Immigration office in Saraburi. They are to busy in Bangkok to demand from you that you show them the SOURCE of the 65,000 THB. They hate extra work. Saraburi has plenty of lazy time, that's whythese offices love pulling out extra requirements from their noses
Jita****
Greg Alexander understood and it kinda sucks that they can’t post and follow a single set of rules
Benito *******
hei, skal for nye mitt retirement visa i desember… den norske ambassaden vil ikke bekrefte pensjonen lenger så jeg må gå via NAV (hørt om de?) og det eneste immigrasjon er interessert i er inntekten din ( pensjonen) og at du har en bankkonto ikke hvor mye det er på den så lenge som du dokumenter pensjon fra en offentlig etat.. ja også bosted osv osv
Jikee ******
I have marriage visa and use pension income method via Bangkok Bank. I used to have same issue about source of funds at every extension of stay. Two extensions ago Bangkok Bank told me about "Credit Advice Receipt" for the monthly deposit that shows the source of funds, in my case deposited by US Treasury. Bangok Bank automatically emails me each receipt same day as monthly deposit is made. I download them and print them out and submit with my extension of stay application so no more questions about source of funds. I don't know if other Thai banks provide these for pensions or other source of funds.
Jeff *************
My question is if all the embassies are not provided letters maybe Thai Immigration could change their rules to make it easier on the ones trying to do the right thing
Jeff *************
My question is if all the embassies are not provided letters maybe Thai Immigration could change their rules to make it easier on the ones trying to do the right thing
Mikael **********
OPJeff Hoffmeister Will probably never happen unfortunately.
Brent *********
The only rule in Thailand , is there is no rules . Good one day no good the next . Good in one town , no good in the next . My advice is if your not on the bones of you arse , use an agent . No headaches . Now 50 experts will disagree , cause they had no problems .
Brent *********
The only rule in Thailand , is there is no rules . Good one day no good the next . Good in one town , no good in the next . My advice is if your not on the bones of you arse , use an agent . No headaches . Now 50 experts will disagree , cause they had no problems .
Greg ***********
Brent Rothsay I use my 800,000 THB bank deposit every year, since 17 years, never any problems, never any new rules, never any attempts to pull new rules out of their noses. I don't need an agent for this, because it is easy peasy. I don't care when people say that money could earn good interest back home, because to me it doesn't matter, 'coz this deposit is my parking ticket for a country where everything costs less than half from prices in my home country
Valeriy ********
Greg Alexander brilliant comment, but apparently this post made for those who have plenty of free time and want to spend it solving unnecessary avoidable problems 😀
Brent *********
Greg Alexander yea mate all good , but for the people in tears on here every day where it turns to shit on them, the whole worlds against them , everyone in Thailands corrupt and they all hate farangs . Just makes me laugh . That’s why I say , until you understand the system , easier to use a helper ie an agent . Cheers
Greg ***********
Brent Rothsay people need to understand that tea money can get ya a long way. It is a cultural thing, a tradition. The Greek call it "Fakelaki" and the Arabs call it "Bakschisch". Inside an office, it always helps to have an envelope in backhand
Robert ********
The income method must be verified by your embassy
Mikael **********
OPRobert Lummis Mm and Sweden stopped issuing such just weeks ago, most Embassies stopped several years ago.
Phil ******
Show him the Thai immigration website showing the rules
Peter *********
I have married/family.
I must show 400 000 bath+43 000bath,3 months back, every year.
When i write that first time, people call me a layer.
I must show 400 000 bath+43 000bath,3 months back, every year.
When i write that first time, people call me a layer.
Chris *******
Reading this post and posts from other farang it’s seems like it’s a lucky 🍀 dip as to what the office you are applying at will or will not accept!!! From everyone’s experience what is the best office in Thailand to apply for this non-o visa extension? I’m thinking Pattaya just because of the volume of expats living close by and obviously the Thai immigration staff would have experience dealing with farang from many different countries? Thoughts 💭 everyone?
Max *******
anyone can transfer
*****
B... so a certified paper is needed where it comes from.
Mark ********
Max Meier You get 12 months' of statements from the bank (200 baht from BKK bank), from which the bank will extrapolate the transfers and provide you with a certified (stamped) letter confirming that you have received foreign transfers (FTT) totalling at least 65,000 baht per month for the last year (100 baht from BKK bank). You also need to show the original bank book (and copies). That's it.
Max *******
they want a proof that this came from a pension !!!
Mikael **********
OPMax Meier Yes I'm aware of all this but still frustrating.
Max *******
Mikael Olofsson its thailand.. they can change things as the want..especially if u dont pay teamoney via agency..u will learn way more in future... i entered as tourist,, got agency..within a week had bank account and etc... zero stress... and renewal i dont even go to immigration...
Mikael **********
OPMax Meier Yes but it would have been nice if that was on the written note given to us.
Mikael **********
OPMark Barron That was exactly what Immigration officer told me 1 year ago so I transferred the money, unfortunately not enough, well it's just go get what they want.
Alistair *******
Unfortunately the reality is many immigration offices are ignoring the 65K baht per month or 400K baht seasoned in your bank account option.
When I applied for my Non “O” visa in Ho Chi Minh City earlier this year I supplied 12 months of UK bank statements confirming I had a monthly income in excess of 65K baht. Despite that the e-Visa email I received said I must ALSO show I had 400K baht in my bank account, which I was able to do.
When I got back to Ubon Ratchathani and then applied for my extended stay based on marriage, the Ubon office said exactly the same thing. They did not care that I could prove my monthly income exceeded 65K baht per month. They wanted to see 400K baht seasoned in my Thai bank account for two months.
When I challenged this the immigration official and her supervisor both said it was up to the Ubon office to interpret and apply the police code and this is how they had chosen to do it.
My extended stay based on marriage is due for renewal in July 2027 and I will try again to convince Ubon Immigration to accept the 65K per month evidence, but I am not optimistic.
Each Thai Immigration office and officer interprets and applies Thai immigration law how they see fit. That is the reality.
When I applied for my Non “O” visa in Ho Chi Minh City earlier this year I supplied 12 months of UK bank statements confirming I had a monthly income in excess of 65K baht. Despite that the e-Visa email I received said I must ALSO show I had 400K baht in my bank account, which I was able to do.
When I got back to Ubon Ratchathani and then applied for my extended stay based on marriage, the Ubon office said exactly the same thing. They did not care that I could prove my monthly income exceeded 65K baht per month. They wanted to see 400K baht seasoned in my Thai bank account for two months.
When I challenged this the immigration official and her supervisor both said it was up to the Ubon office to interpret and apply the police code and this is how they had chosen to do it.
My extended stay based on marriage is due for renewal in July 2027 and I will try again to convince Ubon Immigration to accept the 65K per month evidence, but I am not optimistic.
Each Thai Immigration office and officer interprets and applies Thai immigration law how they see fit. That is the reality.
John **********
@Alistair ******
an extension based on marriage is a different beast. The requirement is an income of 40k baht per month or 400k but many will only accept the 40k per month method if it is from income earned inside Thailand or an embassy issued income certificateGreg ***********
Alistair Grant For an application to the 1-year extension based on being married to a Thai wife, all Immigration offices in Thailand will EITHER accept an income affidavit proof from your embassy, but accept the consecutive transfers of 40,000 THB coming into your bank account of a minimum of 40,000 THB
ONLY
if this income is earned inside Thailand!
I have never seen ANY Thai Immigration allowing you to use 40,000 THB coming in from abroad.
Only for 1-year extensions based on retirement, consecutive 12-months of foreign transfers of a minimum of 65,000 THB are accepted.
ONLY
if this income is earned inside Thailand!
I have never seen ANY Thai Immigration allowing you to use 40,000 THB coming in from abroad.
Only for 1-year extensions based on retirement, consecutive 12-months of foreign transfers of a minimum of 65,000 THB are accepted.
Sue **********
If you switch to the monthly >65k method for the second EoS you still have to keep the 800k from the former EoS until you have the second EoS completed and the monthly transfer acknowledged. I am doing the same with the letter from my Embassy this time but was told to still show bank lettee and 12 month statement of the 800k.
Greg ***********
Sue Heimchen his embassy (Sweden) does not issue this letter anymore since 2023
Sue **********
Greg Alexander yes I know but I wanted to explain that if you want to change the financial methods (monthly transfer or letter from embassy) immigration still needs the former 800k
Paul ********
You also need a copy of your passbooks last two pages. A letter from the bank saying your it’s customer.
I had to get a letter from my pension fund to state I was receiving the money every month
I had to get a letter from my pension fund to state I was receiving the money every month
Greg ***********
all the Immigration wants to see is the SOURCE of this money. This is a standard practise since many years. You could get your original swedish pension documents translated into Thai (and English) by a Swedish embassy accredited translation service and get this TRANSLATION, which identifies the source, certified by your embassy in Bangkok
Natalie *****************
Greg Alexander what if yours is not a pension but a private passive income not via a government. Besides showing Thai bank statements what else can I do?
Greg ***********
@Natalie ****************
If your embassy in Bangkok does not issue an income affidavit for your passive income, you have to bite the sour apple and do the financial proof with a minimum of 800,000 THB in your Thai bank account. . . . . . do NOT confuse it with the issue of a 90-days visa from the Thai embassy in your home country, as THEY will definitely accept your original income documents. However, Thai Immigration follows different rules than the Thai embassy in your home country. They cannot accept original documents, they must have been translated and legalized or certified by your embassyMikael **********
OPGreg Alexander I've missed that completely in groups like this. I will see how to do coming years, thanks.
John **********
It's not unusual for immigration offices to require you to get an income certificate from your embassy to use the income method if your embassy in Thailand still provides it. But as I understand it the Swedish embassy in Bangkok stopped supplying those certificates as of the 1st October this year. It's only 20 days ago so the immigration office may not be aware of the change. I'd request a letter from your embassy stating they no longer provide such certificates and go back to the immigration office with it.
Mikael **********
OP@John *********
Okay thanks, yes they stopped issuing them, I tried to explain that to officer with no luck.This means 65 000 baht per month method is useless to try using if your home country's Embassy doesn't issues these income letter leaving 800 000 baht on your bank account as the only option coming years, correct?
Ronny *********
Mikael Olofsson Recently many countries stopped issuing the income cetificates, I heared some immigration offices accept monthly bankcertificates from your Thai bank. But there could be a problem that your bank is not issuing these or your immigration office do not accept them So there quit enough persons that need to use the 500k BTH moment now. Like always you are in the hand of your immigration officer.
Roger **********
Mikael Olofsson As well as the "Seasoned" 800,000, and the items you hadfrom the Bank already, I was required to supply a special letter explaining since when I opened the bank account etc.
Greg ***********
Mikael Olofsson your problem is, if you transfer the 800,000 THB into your Thai bank account now, it will not have seasoned for the 2 months which are required for an application to the annual extension of stay. Go get the translation of your original pension documents into Thai and get the TRANSLATION (not the income!) cerified by your embassy
John **********
@Greg **********
I suspect crossed wires, that's why I suspect the letter will helpMikael **********
OPGreg Alexander They told us it's okay to reach 800 000 during this week so I will fix that, hopefully they keep their words.
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