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What are the residual balance requirements for the 65k monthly transfer method for the Non-O visa extension in Thailand?
Non-O VisaVisa ExtensionFinancial Requirements800k Deposit vs. 65k Monthly TransfersThai Immigration PoliciesResidency RequirementsLiving in Thailand as an Expat
Aug 7, 2023
3 years ago
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERToday we're going to resolve a contentious dispute that has been simmering on this group Brandon Thurkettle
My friend went to jomtien today to apply for his first one-year extension to his 90 day O visa based on 800k deposit, and it was approved. He then asked the staff about residual balance requirements and monthly transfers. He asked in English, then my wife asked in Thai.
Question: If I start sending monthly 65,000฿ international transfers today, what are the residual minimum balance requirements I must maintain in order to qualify for another extension next year based on 12 monthly international transfers.
Answer: 50,000 baht
Fifty thousand baht
NOT 800 thousand baht for three months
NOT 400 thousand baht for seven months
They will grant the extension next year as long as he has those 12 monthly transfers of 65k and his balance didn't go under 50k. They did say, however, that he has to send his first monthly transfer this month, in August.
So we now know, in jomtien at least, that you are not shackled to an agent forever and you can start sending 65k monthly transfers as soon as you get your one year extension.
In the future, let us all endeavor to temper our assertions with the caveat ... Ask your local immigration staff first. 😉
My friend went to jomtien today to apply for his first one-year extension to his 90 day O visa based on 800k deposit, and it was approved. He then asked the staff about residual balance requirements and monthly transfers. He asked in English, then my wife asked in Thai.
Question: If I start sending monthly 65,000฿ international transfers today, what are the residual minimum balance requirements I must maintain in order to qualify for another extension next year based on 12 monthly international transfers.
Answer: 50,000 baht
Fifty thousand baht
NOT 800 thousand baht for three months
NOT 400 thousand baht for seven months
They will grant the extension next year as long as he has those 12 monthly transfers of 65k and his balance didn't go under 50k. They did say, however, that he has to send his first monthly transfer this month, in August.
So we now know, in jomtien at least, that you are not shackled to an agent forever and you can start sending 65k monthly transfers as soon as you get your one year extension.
In the future, let us all endeavor to temper our assertions with the caveat ... Ask your local immigration staff first. 😉
TLDR : Answer Summary
A recent discussion highlights the financial requirements for extending a Non-O visa in Thailand using the 65,000฿ monthly transfer method. A user reported that after receiving his one-year extension based on an 800,000฿ deposit, he learned from immigration staff that maintaining a residual balance of only 50,000฿ is sufficient while sending 12 monthly transfers of 65,000฿ each. This information, however, has sparked debate among expats regarding its reliability and the varying interpretations of immigration rules between different offices, emphasizing that applicants should confirm details with local immigration authorities.
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Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERI'm gonna turn off commenting. We've beat this dead horse enough.
Henrik ****
You are obviously mixing the two very different methods for proof of funds, namely the deposit method and the monthly transfer method. What would be more interesting is to know what will be the requirement if you mix those two methods?
Steve **********
@Henrik ***
Law states 800k or 65K / mo, " OR" Combination therof totalling 800k/ annumHenrik ****
@Steve *********
, yes, but the requirement of 800k three months before application and no less than 400k for the rest of the year only applies to the deposit method, not the monthly transfer/income method. But what if you combine those two methods?Mal ********
@Henrik ***
Hi Henrik. I believe it is two months before application and three months after application, and then for the next seven months one can go below 800,000 but not below 400,000.Henrik ****
@Mal *******
, I guess you are correct.Steve **********
@Henrik ***
correctReply to
Steve **********
Reply
Bob **********
Thanks but remember what one IO says might not be the same as the next one should have gotten it in writing
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Bob *********
ain't no thai bureaucrat gonna put something in writing for a farang 🤣😂Bob **********
@Jackie **********
all immigration offices have hand outs with requirementsReply to
Bob **********
Reply
Mal ********
I’ve been in Thailand renewing my retirement visa for ten years now, and the 50,000 baht you refer to “that is needed” is a requirement I have never heard of. The following is my understanding of the financial requirements… no mention of 50,000 baht needed.
“A foreign national whose age is over 50 years or above
Must be able to present the financial evidence between:
- THAILAND BANK ACCOUNT SHOWING THB 800,000 OR
- PENSION/MONTHLY INCOME OF AT LEAST THB 65,000
- PENSION/MONTHLY INCOME x 12 months + SAVING FUNDS TOTALING NOT LESS THAN 800,000 THB
- (If you are an American/British/Australian passport holder and your embassy is no longer do the income/pension verification and you would like to show the monthly income/pension (above 65,xxx THB per month). It is still possible but (US/UK/Australian) applicants have to keep transferring the income/pension into their own Thai bank accounts every single month. Thai immigration will want to prove the last 12 month credit advice provided by your Thai bank.)
Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (A.D.1979)
No criminal record of the Kingdom of Thailand, the country of national and …”
“A foreign national whose age is over 50 years or above
Must be able to present the financial evidence between:
- THAILAND BANK ACCOUNT SHOWING THB 800,000 OR
- PENSION/MONTHLY INCOME OF AT LEAST THB 65,000
- PENSION/MONTHLY INCOME x 12 months + SAVING FUNDS TOTALING NOT LESS THAN 800,000 THB
- (If you are an American/British/Australian passport holder and your embassy is no longer do the income/pension verification and you would like to show the monthly income/pension (above 65,xxx THB per month). It is still possible but (US/UK/Australian) applicants have to keep transferring the income/pension into their own Thai bank accounts every single month. Thai immigration will want to prove the last 12 month credit advice provided by your Thai bank.)
Not being prohibited from entering the Kingdom under the Immigration Act B.E.2522 (A.D.1979)
No criminal record of the Kingdom of Thailand, the country of national and …”
Steve **********
@Mal *******
true, and after 22 yrs hasn't variedJackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Mal *******
yeah, he said that in thai to my wife, but not in English to my friend. Probably just his own made up preferenceReply to
Jackie ***********
Reply
Frank **********
Isn't this the office that requires the money be seasoned even before you can apply for a Non O?
Brandon ************
@Frank *********
yesFrank **********
@Brandon ***********
glad I don't live down that way, lol.Reply to
Frank **********
Reply
Frank **********
As things seem to change quickly sometimes I wouldn't bet on anything being the same in another year. Especially since local Immigration Offices are not all the same. What goes this year might not cut it next year.
Jorge ****
Each regional office makes their own rules. I've obtained written requirements, at the IO, in both English and Thai, twice in a year, and the third time I showed up, two months before extension time, they said "we have new rules". This happened twice, 2019 and 2022. Buyer be aware. Also consider this, the banks cannot make a dime if all we do is send money to ourselves, then spend it. They want to have the money in their posession, as it looks good on their books.
No need to take it out on Brandon, he has done a consistent volunteer job at guiding the group.
No need to take it out on Brandon, he has done a consistent volunteer job at guiding the group.
Steve **********
Jorge ****
@Steve *********
of course, but "they" own the banks. It is a single entity, and they are working together to fleece the rich farangs!Steve **********
@Jorge ***
cynical outlook, Immig doesn't own ANY bankJorge ****
@Steve *********
no, no, no, immigration does not own the bank. Their bosses own the bank. At times one has to be cynical to see thru other cynical views. There is always more than meets the eye.Steve **********
@Jorge ***
opqTo stay cynical here is a death wish Thai ways are Thai ways . Cant understand just accept. Over 20 years, if don't accept, stroke after a month.
But still get frustrated, that's my fault.
Jorge ****
@Steve *********
we all get frustrated. The silver lining is that it is, or could be worse, in other countries.Steve **********
@Jorge ***
absolutelyReply to
Steve **********
Reply
Steve ********
@Jorge ***
But makes more sense to send money to yourself to spend rather than tying up a large sum until the day you die! But each to their own!Jorge ****
@Steve *******
of course, but "they" own the banks. It is a single entity, and they are working together to fleece the rich farangs!Steve ********
@Jorge ***
I have no idea what you're talking about. I've been using the 65k/month method for several years, never a problemJorge ****
@Steve *******
yes, in your case you are correct, and lucky. After my first extension based in marriage, and with the 400k the first time, I explicitly asked if 12 consecutive months of 40k would be good for the second time, and the IO said "no", only the 400k. As I said, it all depends on the brand of hot dogs they had that morning for breakfast. YMMV.Steve ********
@Jorge ***
Not lucky at all. I've got non-O (50+) extension. Very different to the married to a Thai visa. I wouldn't touch that one, even if I was married to a Thai (which I never would be anyway 😂)Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Jennifer ******
So where did the magic figure of 50,000 come from. Never heard that amount raised in any visa question at all. Where in the English translation of the law does it state that amount?
Steve **********
@Jennifer *****
From a responder, not from an IO, but maybe JT different.Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Robert **********
I’ve use the ฿800,000 method for a long time. And yes, the interest rate is very low. The only thing I found that may pay higher is the government savings bank. Lucky prize account, which brings good report, however, I don’t know if it will qualify as immediately available, it’s a term deposit. My income is enough to qualify for the monthly method, But I pay most of my bills in US dollars, so I would have a little use for the money in my thai account
Brent *******
1) I appreciate the OP’s message
2) i appreciate all the genuine responses to it
3) you are all right and all wrong 🤷♂️🤣
4) the law is the law but immigration and officers are outside the law - they can and do what they want and you have no comeback.
5) what the OP has been told may be correct for JT right now - according to that one person asked - but it does not mean that it will still be the case in 1 year (a risk in my opinion for the OP!)
6) one hiccup and the OP could lose their NON-O retirement visa and have to leave/start process all over again (their comment is not a guarantee and he may be ok but he also may not be!).
7) A reply from an immigration officer or personnel in JT may be correct for there (currently, right now!!) but not necessarily the case for others in Bangkok or Phuket or any other area (see point 4 above: law-unto-themselves)
8.) the ONLY safe guaranteed way to keep and extend your non-O “retirement” visa is to put the 800k in a bank and just leave it there, don’t touch it, don’t juggle dates and balances and minimum deposits held and timing your top-ups!!! Just forget about it !!!
Is this ideal?
NO!
Does the interest rate suck?
Yes!
Is it the safest option to avoid stress and trauma?
Yes
This is just an observation and not ideal for everyone…. Do what you want and take your chances - 6 years doing this so far and the ONLY thing I haven’t had issues with is the money kept in an account and not touched (while many friends juggling their money/set-up unfortunately have had issues)
Everything else has been a problem with different paperwork and items asked for every damn year!
Regardless of not being required the year before - their stock answer when queried is always “need it now!”
More photos, additional paperwork, different copies, new translations of documents despite accepting the ones they have now the previous years… the list is endless….
*Little side note and humour:
I have taken to only giving immigration the official stuff they ask for and require. Then wait for their next unreasonable and different “request” which i pull out of my bag and give to them “oh!” they say, and ask for something else… which i (try to anticipate) then also take out of bag and give them “oh!” they say again!! 🤣
This can happen once, twice or three times … and then they stamp and finish! I am sure it is a game to some of them! 🤷♂️
LAW-UNTO-THEMSELVES and no confidence is inspired at all.
Good luck everyone but please remember- what works for you will not necessarily work for others at different offices!
The best advice anyone can give you is to minimise the risks for rejections and loss of (renewal) visa as much as possible.
If you can afford it, just keep the full amount in a separate bank account and forget about it…. You can still withdraw it and leave if you have to.
2) i appreciate all the genuine responses to it
3) you are all right and all wrong 🤷♂️🤣
4) the law is the law but immigration and officers are outside the law - they can and do what they want and you have no comeback.
5) what the OP has been told may be correct for JT right now - according to that one person asked - but it does not mean that it will still be the case in 1 year (a risk in my opinion for the OP!)
6) one hiccup and the OP could lose their NON-O retirement visa and have to leave/start process all over again (their comment is not a guarantee and he may be ok but he also may not be!).
7) A reply from an immigration officer or personnel in JT may be correct for there (currently, right now!!) but not necessarily the case for others in Bangkok or Phuket or any other area (see point 4 above: law-unto-themselves)
8.) the ONLY safe guaranteed way to keep and extend your non-O “retirement” visa is to put the 800k in a bank and just leave it there, don’t touch it, don’t juggle dates and balances and minimum deposits held and timing your top-ups!!! Just forget about it !!!
Is this ideal?
NO!
Does the interest rate suck?
Yes!
Is it the safest option to avoid stress and trauma?
Yes
This is just an observation and not ideal for everyone…. Do what you want and take your chances - 6 years doing this so far and the ONLY thing I haven’t had issues with is the money kept in an account and not touched (while many friends juggling their money/set-up unfortunately have had issues)
Everything else has been a problem with different paperwork and items asked for every damn year!
Regardless of not being required the year before - their stock answer when queried is always “need it now!”
More photos, additional paperwork, different copies, new translations of documents despite accepting the ones they have now the previous years… the list is endless….
*Little side note and humour:
I have taken to only giving immigration the official stuff they ask for and require. Then wait for their next unreasonable and different “request” which i pull out of my bag and give to them “oh!” they say, and ask for something else… which i (try to anticipate) then also take out of bag and give them “oh!” they say again!! 🤣
This can happen once, twice or three times … and then they stamp and finish! I am sure it is a game to some of them! 🤷♂️
LAW-UNTO-THEMSELVES and no confidence is inspired at all.
Good luck everyone but please remember- what works for you will not necessarily work for others at different offices!
The best advice anyone can give you is to minimise the risks for rejections and loss of (renewal) visa as much as possible.
If you can afford it, just keep the full amount in a separate bank account and forget about it…. You can still withdraw it and leave if you have to.
Gary *********
@Brent ******
forgot to mention that if you wait until a couple of days before your Non O marriage visa expires, you can make one last border run and you will get a 90 days entry stamp. That means that you can live in Thailand for 15 months before your next visa run. But sometimes it is really inconvenient to leave Thailand every 90 days. You can also get a 60 day extension to visit Thai family at your local immigration office for 1900 baht. Not sure how many times you can do that in the year. I did it that way only one time in the year.Gary *********
@Brent ******
I think you are right about the retirement visa. But the marriage visa is far more difficult. The immigration offices hate it because they don't make the final decision. All the paperwork has to be sent to Bangkok HQ for approval. Just remember that there is always the Savanahkeht Thai consulate in Laos as a back up plan if your extension is rejected. The only inconvenience is making the border run every 90 days. There is still no financial requirement for a multi entry Non O marriage visa at that Thai consulate. It is easy to get the visa and there are great places to explore in Laos if you have a car passport. The roads are bad so you need a strong car or better a pick up truck. I have been doing the Savanahkeht visa run for almost 15 years except for three years on an extension. Not sure if the retirement visa can be issued there since there may be a financial requirement.Todd *********
@Brent ******
all fair points. Although keeping 800k in Thailand at no (or extremely low) interest rates costs you 40k+ baht every year in lost interest. It's not an enormous amount at all, but it's the financially smart play.Steve **********
@Brent ******
simple response would suffice you're writing a novel.His Q was income.
65k dep each month , FFT.
No need to nest 800k.
Brent *******
@Steve *********
i am more concerned about the info he was given to only hold 50k residual. He may come unstuck next year 🤷♂️If you want a simple answer then here goes:…
A) “none of it makes sense, each immigration officer makes it up as he goes and if he had a bad day you are gonna suffer. There is NO answer that will be correct, either at JT or any other offices”
🤷♂️🤣🤣
Steve **********
Brent *******
@Steve *********
oh yes! Yep! 🤷♂️🤪Reply to
Brent *******
Reply
Gabriel ********
Brent Cowey ultimately yours is the most correct answer imo
Brandon ************
@Brent ******
this is the only fully correct answer. Because it's not an answer 😂Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
Billy *******
You should probably not advertise anything on FB. Now it's sure to change. I know things too. The last thing I'd do is pronounce it on FB. Besides, no good deed goes unpunished.
Roberto *********
Wow! Good luck with that one! I hope you got it in writing! 😂
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTERI doubt any of you are reading the law in the original thai, which is the only authoritative source. Sure, things can change, staff can change, but I think for the moment, the declarations of the thai staff at an immigration office carry more weight of authority than the opinions expressed on this group by farangs who don't read thai.
My judgment, based on reading the English translation of the law, has always been that it says "65k per month OR" not "65k per month AND"
My judgment, based on reading the English translation of the law, has always been that it says "65k per month OR" not "65k per month AND"
Gio *****
@Jackie **********
yes you right, I asked twice in immigration office in phuket where there is many volunteers there speaking different languages, this helps a lot, it's 65.000 or the deposit. These volunteers are doing a great job and the officers there are very welcomeAlistair **********
@Jackie **********
the Thai and the English version are the sameAlistair **********
The question is why can you pick and choose parts? If you apply based on 800k deposit, it clearly states the requirement to maintain funds after approval.
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
I'm not applying based on 800k, have you missed the whole point of this thread ?? We're talking about 65k per month hereAlistair **********
@Jackie **********
what is the current extention based on? As you said it was for a future extensionJackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
current extension is based on 800k. Next year 65k per month. The immigration officer said if my friend shows up next year with 12 monthly transfers, he will get his extension and it won't matter what his balance was throughout the past year. And that makes sense based on my reading of the law because it says "65k per month OR" not "65k per month AND"The residual bank balance minimums (800k for 3 months after approval, then 400k for 7 months) ONLY apply if the second year's extension is based on 800k.
This was confirmed by immigration staff in jomtien AND phuket as mentioned below. If you can't cope with this, you're welcome to go to immigration and argue with them.
Alistair **********
@Jackie **********
I still don't know how you interpret the 400k for 7 months only apply if your applying for for an extension the following year. As it doesn't say that anywhere.Good luck to you
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
if you show up with twelve 65k monthly transfers, you've satisfied condition 3. End of story. Where does it say "but if you used the 800k method the previous year, you must comply with these lingering minimum balance requirements also: 800k for 3 months followed by 400k for 7 months, even though you've been sending 65k per month"
It doesn't say that anywhere. I mean, if you're going to run with this convoluted interpretation, you might as well throw in the 800k for the final 2 months of the year as well, right ?
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
I still don't get how you think it says 3 AND some bits of 4 too. It says 3 OR 4. This is pretty clear to me, and the immigration staff in both jomtien and phuket confirmed it. Why do you insist on clinging to your convoluted interpretation ? Go to your local immigration office argue with themAlistair **********
@Jackie **********
no, you're choosing to ignore parts of 4. When you apply under 4. It has requirements to hold funds. If you don't plan on getting an extension next year that requirement doesn't disappear. It's the requirements of obtaining a visa extension under 4.Alistair **********
@Jackie **********
I've dealt with immigration many times, as well as many different levels of bureaucrats who have given contradicting advice.Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
what does this word say in thai ?Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Alistair *********
I'm not picking and choosing parts. The thai immigration officer was not picking and choosing parts. what does that word say ??Alistair **********
@Jackie **********
I really don't think you get my point. You can apply using 3. OR 4.My point is if you applied using 4. The requirements are for you to maintain a certain level of funds in your account. That's the written requirement. It doesn't say you can apply using 800K, then use 65k income instead. The OR isn't placed midway through 4.
Reply to
Alistair **********
Reply
Gary *********
@Jackie **********
sorry happened again when I tried to type a comma! ....*****
baht from another province. I told them I would give them 1000 baht this time and they got mad again. When I came back from France, I got a 30 day visa exempt entry and on the last day, I drove our Ford Ranger to Savanahkeht, in Laos and applied for another one year non O marriage visa with multiple entry for 5000 baht. We had a passport for the truck and we had to wait for a 4 day holiday to get the visa back from the Thai consulate. So we drove south to Pakse a year ago and had a fantastic holiday. Laos was amazing and especially around the Tad Fan twin waterfall with the amazing zipline! We returned to Savahanakhet to pick up our visa and drove back home. So for the past year I have been going out and back in to Thailand. First time in December sailing my boat to Langkawi and back, second time same to Langkawi and back in March. Third time to Satun by MG EV for a 50 meter walk into Malaysia and back. The last one was the long tail to Burma from Ranong a few weeks ago. Every trip was enjoyable and very low cost driving the EV. Got to visit Songkla one time which was amazing and the hot springs in Ranong the next time!I will try again to do the marriage visa extension in October in Phuket this time. They tell me that they will only need to see a bank statement for one year showing the
*****
baht transfer through Wise every month. They may also ask to see my annual American Social Security statement as well. No money required in my bank account but I will put 100,000 just incase they ask. I hope that Phuket will not ask for the ridiculous bribes being asked for in Issan.Graeme ********
Had enough bitching in the uk that’s why I moved to spain then here,just debate issues and facts instead of being arrogant and obnoxious I bet most of the real bitches mainly men haven’t got a pot to p in probably a tiny dk and couldn’t fight sleep,anyway I’m on here for constructive guidance and relative information so thanks for all the great feedback most days
Gary *********
@Jackie **********
Sorry made a mistake with my thumb. As I was saying about 18,000 Baht. This was for me and my Thai wife and we had a wonderful Covid holiday in Cambodia. When I got back, I put 400K baht in Kasikorn for two months and applied for another marriage visa extension. Went through a second home visit where they drank all my vodka from the duty free from Cambodia and got my 30 day "under consideration stamp. But I had to leave Thailand 3 days before the 30 day waiting period because my kidney surgery in France had to be rescheduled 3 days early. Again I was offered a stamp for 25,Gary *********
@Jackie **********
My immigration officer in Chiang Khan told me that I needed 40,000 baht per month for one year showing transfers by bank statements from Bangkok Bank. After one year, I went in for my marriage visa extension and he told me that there was a new boss and he wanted to see *****
baht per month. Of course by then it was too late and in the worse part of the pandemic. He told me that for 25,000 baht cash with no receipt, he could get me the extension from another province. I offered him 5000 baht and he was insulted by my low offer. So I went home and did the math. For the trip to drive to Bangkok, PCR test, Cambodian E-Visa, flight to Pnom Phen, Cambodia, rapid test in Cambodia, hotel for 4 nights, Non O marriage Visa from Thai consulate, PCR test in Cambodia, flight back to Bangkok, SHA++ hotel in Bangkok for one night, one more PCR test, and drive back home, the cost was about 18,Wylie *******
@Jackie **********
if I'm remembering a previous post correctly isn't the issue that the requirement for his current extension is that the 800k be kept for 3 months and 400k for the remainder? If one uses an agent to bypass that then when they apply for another based on the 65k would they not look to see that they actually met the requirements of the previous extension? Would failing to meet those requirements of the previous extension be reason enough not to grant the new one? Unless the scenario was explained or asked specifically I'm not sure I'd trust the answer of one officer that may not have been thinking of it like that though. It is interesting though.Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
the truth is, they don't look to see what you did last year. I've been to counter 8 for several years in a row. They look at your bank docs. If you have the 12 monthly payments, you're good to go. They don't bother trying to find out how you did it last year. I doubt they even keep records on thatJohn **********
@Jackie **********
while I don't use jomtien, and I don't use the 65k method, every year when I go for my next extension they check my previous years bank statements very carefully. This year for example I tried to get away with printing the statement myself (due to the bank messing up) but having the bank authenticate it. They wouldn't accept it as there was 15 days unaccounted for between the day I obtained my previous stamp and the end of that month (actually only 4 days from date of stamp). I had to plead with my bank to circumvent their systems which would have taken too long which they did by emailing the statement to me, they were unable to email it to themselves (just another odd Thailand quirk)Peter ****************
@Jackie **********
Point is that the current extension (with eg 800k on the bank) is given on forehand. So 'the 800k rules' so to say, are valid for the current extension. There are even Imm. offices they check the '3 months 800k' at y'r next 90 days notification. And Jomtien has some own/own interpretations on some things. But......maybe it works out next year 🤷♂️Reply to
Peter ****************
Reply
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
and I'm inclined to trust the thai immigration officer more than the farangs expressing opinions hereRoberto *********
@Jackie **********
Even those farangs with the experience who have done this? If you're happy with the answer you got in Thai from one immigration officer that's good for you.Wylie *******
@Jackie **********
ok, it wasn't clear that the exact scenario was explained to the IO. It'll be interesting to see if they get it. I think you can agree that every office, as well as officer at times, has different rules. Failing to meet the previous extensions requirements certainly seems like more than enough for anyone on any particular day to decide not to grant a new one. The only thing I'd trust is that that officer at that office was ok with it on that day.Reply to
Wylie *******
Reply
Jackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Wylie ******
the scenario was explained to the thai immigration officer, in English and in ThaiReply to
Jackie ***********
Reply
Brandon ************
@Jackie **********
no one ever said the rule requires both. What we said is that for the year between the switch you are still required to meet the rules of your previous extension while preparing to meet the rules for next year's extension. The rules for 800,000 say you cannot reduce your bank account below that for 3 months after you receive the extension and it cannot drop below 400,000. Just like you need to have a job to get a work extension, you must keep that job to keep the extension valid afterwards.
Nick ************
@Brandon ***********
that makes sense but I plan to do both just to be sure and have the *****
0 method as a fall back if the *****
per month fails. If it doesn't I have *****
0 baht to go on holiday with. (Joke)! It realy is a question of continually checking things out at your local office.Reply to
Nick ************
Reply
Steve **********
@Jackie **********
exactly, but I believe the purpose of response was braggingGraeme ********
@Jackie **********
brilliant piece of information thanks for sharing and educating us who are willing to listen 🙏Steve ********
@Graeme *******
Even if it is wrong! 🤣Reply to
Steve ********
Reply
Steve **********
65k for 12 mo is true if FFT but never heard of residual 50 k balance.
Have been doing for over 20 years. Maybe just a JT thing
Have been doing for over 20 years. Maybe just a JT thing
Steve *******
Since literally every decision is up to he immigration officer you are dealing with at any moment, what this one officer said might be completely false according to one of their colleagues.
Nothing makes sense when it comes to Thai immigration, just hope that the extension gets approved next year
Nothing makes sense when it comes to Thai immigration, just hope that the extension gets approved next year
Thomas *******
@Steve ******
agreed, as a driver in the U.S, what one officer might ticket you for another officer might not even care about.Reply to
Thomas *******
Reply
Todd *********
The concept of being shackled to any agent is for those who have not actually done it. Guys on here love to portray the agents as 'illegal' and overpriced, when the opposite is true. They are both legal and offer good value. But they are not for everybody for sure. You can change from agent to immigration if you so choose. This makes sense if using the 65k method, but financially, it makes no sense whatsoever to deposit the 800k at less than 1% annual interest in Thailand.
Nick ************
@Todd ********
I agree with you but you have to choose your agent carefully. I used an agent for two years and they did a great job. I had no problems in my home province or when entering or leaving the Kingdom. I have now been able to meet the criteria and have obtained my extension myself locally.Robert **********
*****************************************
Todd *********
@Robert *********
6% for USD. Good info - thanks!!Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Chris *****
I see a lot of people making this argument, but I'm not sure they're doing the maths. 4% on an average of 600k over the year is 24k thb. So if you get 5% home and pay no tax on it, you're losing 24k a year in interest. In normal years you'd be losing less. And plenty people do get caught with stamps from elsewhere, locked in, lost money, etc.
Chris *****
I did reply on the math/maths. Obvs I think my figures are closer - exchange rate will profit and interest will usually be less, retirees will be spending in Thailand, many do get ripped off, and it is nice to be clear of corruption - but it wasn't that interesting. I did have a look at Singapore savings accounts but couldn't get past the promotional talk to make sense of it.
Todd *********
@Chris ***************
Doing the maths is indeed important. First of all, it's 800k. (yes- you can take some out, but what are going to do with it in Thailand???) Which at 5% (easy to get in today's world - i make 7.2% in Mexico for instance) gives you 40k baht per year. If that is in a non-registered account, the interest is fully taxable at your marginal rate in the country the funds are received in. So the rate of taxation will vary widely. Let's call it 10% so your net gain for NOT bringing the money to thailand (which would also incur transfer costs AND exchange rate loss) is 36k baht. The annual agent fee is about 18k which still leaves you 18k baht in your pocket. And you wasted zero seconds or frustration at the bank and immigration office. Whereas, if you simply wasted a day going thru the whole process with immigration, you are out 1900 baht. I prefer the 18,000 in my pocket (not including transaction fees etc) than wasting a day for the right to donate 1900 baht. That's what doing the maths will offerTerry ********
@Todd ********
sorry to be picky but I’m just wondering if English is different in your country? In American English there is no plural form of math.Dianne *****
@Terry *******
in Australia we say maths, not math. Generally we use British English but American spelling and pronunciation are increasingly creeping inLynnette *******
@Terry *******
the word is "mathematics". . So the abbreviation is "maths".Terry ********
@Lynnette ******
that is not true in the USA. It’s just math.Lynnette *******
@Terry *******
I'm pointing out why it should be "maths". If Americans want to change how English is used it's up to them.John ********
@Lynnette ******
And the do - all the time!Todd *********
Terry Shurts haha, I’m just going along with the question 😂. And Brits would say there is no such thing as American English. Just a bastardized version of their language from a former colony.
James **************
Slightly off topic but relevant to last post about the interest. Does anyone know of high interest accounts that don't require residence in ones country of origin or at least where one has his / her main bank account?
I hv a high interest account in the uk, but the rules state I have to reside there in the uk. I was economical with the truth and hope they don't find out I'm here in Thailand long term now, as technically they could close my account....
I hv a high interest account in the uk, but the rules state I have to reside there in the uk. I was economical with the truth and hope they don't find out I'm here in Thailand long term now, as technically they could close my account....
Robert **********
@James *************
I have term deposits in Cambodia currently giving me 8.25% paid monthly.Todd *********
@Robert *********
that's interesting. I was gonna ask about Cambodia. Was it relatively easy to open account as a foreigner in Cambodia? Keep the funds in USD?Todd *********
@James *************
that's interesting. I'm Canadian and holding a high interest savings account there as a non-resident is no problem at all. You will be taxed In Canada for it though. Also, i keep savings account in Mexico (high interest rates) and as a non-resident the govt there will order 10% withholding tax on the interest received. Many european countries had lax regulatory environment but the rules have certainly been tightened. I would suggest taking a look at Singapore. A lot of offshore banking.Reply to
Todd *********
Reply
Gabriel ********
Over the past near 20 years in Thailand I’ve been told all sorts of things at immigration that turned out not to be true….be wary of listening to them in lieu of the rule book
Steve **********
@Gabriel *******
If in your 20 years you haven't discovered, a farang quoting immig law to an IO is a bit......Where you living now?
Gabriel ********
@Steve *********
I don’t understand what you’re asking but I’ve lived here in bkk for just under 20 yearsReply to
Gabriel ********
Reply
Todd *********
@Gabriel *******
i would say the opposite is true. Be wary of those who don't know a thing about law or Thai trying to interpret. Their back room law skills are mediocre at best. Go by what you are told at your local immigration. Each has slightly different application of the 'rules'. The 'rule book' is loosely applied at best.Gabriel ********
Todd McGowan that can also be true if you haven’t vetted your source….all in all, when I have the rare question I need answered regarding visas I go to farang friends that I know have endeavored this particular issue in favor of io or Thai people
Todd *********
@Gabriel *******
that's a fair assessment, lots of good experience here and around the country. And how the rule book is applied will vary from location. I think IO's generally will give you the best answers, but you can come back the next day and get different info. Which is why i think agents offer a valuable service.Gabriel ********
@Todd ********
definitely agree that generally you’ll be ok but sometimes you won’t when it comes to accurate information from io…I’ve never used an agent as I’ve never found visa criteria to be a particularly murky subject….that said, if I was stumped I might solicit an extremely high end well reviewed agency I guessReply to
Gabriel ********
Reply
Steve **********
@Gabriel *******
rule book changes with province.Maybe not formally, but certainly in reality.
Each province has oun quirks
John **********
@Steve *********
it also changes within a province as staff changeSteve **********
@John *********
very true, moreso in CMSteve **********
@John *********
ah, yep !Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Gabriel ********
@Steve *********
some things do, others don’t…my only point is that an IO telling you something has very little value…hope it works out for this guyJackie ***********
ORIGINAL POSTER@Gabriel *******
it has more value than the opinions expressed on this groupSteve **********
@Jackie **********
your response indicates, you shouldn't express them thenGabriel ********
@Jackie **********
I thought someone might say that and I’ll push back a bit…io officers, like all Thais, have never used these services so there’s one aspect…when you couple that with the cultural tendency to say anything that results in saving face, my experience has been that io, are actually more inclined to be wrong than fellow expats who are/have been using these services and can speak to the process and nuanceAlistair **********
@Gabriel *******
yep, I've had IO from the same office tell me MANY contradicting things about required documents etc.Gabriel ********
@Alistair *********
exactlySteve **********
@Gabriel *******
as do I , the one thing constant in Thailand is nothing is !Reply to
Steve **********
Reply
Dirk **************
Next time you go, new staff and new rules 🤣
Brandon ************
I wouldn't call it settled until next year when the extension is granted or denied.
Gary *********
@Brandon ***********
Do you have any experience with immigration concerning transfers done through the Wise (former Transfer Wise) app? Normally the US Dollars are transferred through international means and this is shown on the bank statements that are shown to immigration. However, the last three months, Wise has been using their Kasikorn Bank account as a middle man between my Schwab account in the states and my Bangkok Bank account in Thailand. These last three transfers are shown as a domestic transfer from Kasikorn Bank to Bangkok Bank. However the word Wise is used and I always click the box on the Wise banking app (for long term stay in Thailand). But I worry that Immigration will not understand how Wise app works and they will consider these transfers to be domestic transfers. Have you or anyone reading this post used Wise for your monthly funds transfers? If so have any of you shown your bank statements to immigration with these domestic looking transfers?Nick ************
@Gary ********
I asked about this at my local office to the senior officer. Her reply was that she would accept the Wise transfer note as proof of international transfer. But she added that next year she might not be the boss and whoever was might not accept it. Back to square one.Brandon ************
@Gary ********
you'll have to get special documents from your bank stating that they were in fact international transfers. I'm not sure if you also need documents from Wise to take to your bank or not. I've seen people mention having to go through this though. You could try making a separate post and possibly one of the people that have also had to do so can chime in. Though if you do that I would also specifically mention your bank as well since it could be different based on the bank.Reply to
Brandon ************
Reply
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