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What are the rules for the 800,000 baht requirement for a retirement visa in Thailand?

Thai Retirement Visa800,000 Baht RequirementNon-O VisaVisa ExtensionsBank TransferATM WithdrawalsImmigration Rules
Feb 18, 2021
4 years ago
เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
I have been getting mixed messages about the 800,000 baht needed to be in the bank for the retirement visa. Many say that it has to be a direct transfer from a USW or other bank of one's home country, versus me seeding it from ATM withdrawals, which don't cost me any fee because I use Schwab. Purportedly they don't want people doing it the latter way because they think that would indicate you were earning money illegally here. So, my question, has everybody who went the 800,000 route done it largely by bank transfer? TIA
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The requirement for the 800,000 baht for an initial retirement visa in Thailand can lead to confusion among expats. The funds must be deposited in a Thai bank account for a minimum of 2 months before and maintained for 3 months after applying for the visa. Some expats have shared that funds must preferably come from overseas to avoid issues with illegitimate income, while for extensions, the source may be less scrutinized. Using bank transfers from abroad is common, and although ATM withdrawals can be used to accumulate the required funds, this method may raise concerns with immigration officers. Overall, it's advisable to check local regulations, as they may vary by province.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
  • Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
  • For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
  • Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
  • Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
Wyn **********
If coming to Thailand on OA visa in home country when do you need to show 800,000 for the first extension in Thailand. Is it after the first 1 yr stay . Thanks.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Wyn *********
 pre Covid times with the OA visa you could hop out to a neighbor country and bounce back in the same day giving you a further 365 days in the country- effectively making it a two year visa. These days that option isn’t really viable so yes to stay in the country you’d need 800k in a bank in your name only 2 months prior to you applying for your first extension. It’ll need to stay in there for 3 months afterwards and the balance may not go below 400k for the year.
4 years ago
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Wyn **********
@Stuart ********
 Thanks for that.
4 years ago
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Wyn **********
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Terry ********
I just enquired about the 800k thb deposit for a retirement extension and she was not interested in where it came from, just how long it was in my account. It was one day short of 2 months so she said I could still apply if I pay 500thb for a one day overstay...lol.
4 years ago
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Alan *************
Wouldn’t you lose a hell of a lot in the exchange markup by withdrawing from an ATM?
4 years ago
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Terry ********
So if u do not accept the rip off exchange rate offered at the bank's ATM u will get the visa exchange rate.
4 years ago
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Alan *************
@Terry *******
 Thats kinda funny.

Like in a " Would you prefer a handjob, or to be kicked in the balls?" Sort of way.
4 years ago
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Alan *************
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Terry ********
And transferwise is much more convenient offering similar exchange rates now
4 years ago
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Alan *************
@Terry *******
 as I mentioned above, if you get a Charles Schwab account they will refund the 220 baht fee ATM withdrawal that Thai banks charge, unlimited. What I am most curious about is what the markup on standard exchange rates are when making an ATM using a foreign bank card .

Anyone in this thread have knowledge of that?
4 years ago
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Terry ********
@Alan ************
 See my previous post about exchange rates. What is the Schwab card visa or Mastercard?
4 years ago
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Alan *************
@Terry *******
 visa
4 years ago
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Alan *************
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Terry ********
I do not use ATM withdrawals anymore because of the rip off Thai Bank fee charged by all Thai Banks for many years which is well over 200.thb now
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Alan *****
 exchange rates if you use your Thai bank in province are good. No fees unless you use atm out of province at Bkk.
4 years ago
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Terry ********
@Steve *********
 That applies only if u r withdrawing funds from your Thai bank with a Thai debit ATM card. But if u r using a foreign credit card there is always a Thai fee of 200+ thb.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Terry *******
 sorry Terry.

Just assumed if your staying here you have a Thai bank account. Really makes things easier.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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Terry ********
@Alan *****
 No. As long as you do not accept the appalling ripoff exchange rate that the ATMs offer you, you will get the Mastercard or Visa rate, whichever your card is. And the rate is about as good as it gets. The Mastercard rate is slightly better than Visa's
4 years ago
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Alan *************
@Terry *******
 yeah , I’m referring to the original poster saying he has a Schwab bank account, which i have as well. It’s an American card that refunds all ATM fees which is great.

What I am talking about is the exchange rate mark up charged by Thai banks. I’m not even sure what they are But this being Thailand, I’m sure they are substantial.
4 years ago
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Alan *************
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Steve **********
Use the income method. Check with your local IO.on length of time . Dispite news to contrary, written law often varies from local requirements. If you can, use income.
4 years ago
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Joe *********
Will transferwise work for a US to Thai bank transfer?
4 years ago
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George *************
Yes, if Bangkok Bank is your Thai bank and you chose "long term stay in Thailand" as the reason for your transfer.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@George ************
 even doing that doesn't always guarantee that it flags as international transfer. Every one in a while it will still show as a domestic transfer.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
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Stuart *********
@Joe ********
 yes.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
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John ****************
Get a grip !
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Grip this.
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
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Janin ******
That’s just in case they should ask you can prove the money is legally and not laundry money! But don’t worry they check only one out of.........so many..
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Janin *****
 I keep my ATM withdrawal slips just because I was not sure if they would ask
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks everyone for your feedback Appreciated!
4 years ago
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Bo ***********
800,000 baht can be come from anywhere to your bank and keep in the time as required.

BUT if you apply by using monthly income 65,000 baht per month, this required​ to transfer from abroad​ only. Immigration​ will not accept​ from Thailand. If still confuse, please PM me. Im visa agent, but no charge for consult.
4 years ago
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Geoff ********
They didn’t even ask where mine came from
4 years ago
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Peter *********
You need 800,000 in bank 2 months before applying for retirement visa and must have 800,000 baht in bank 3 months after so simple to get visa this way
4 years ago
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David ****************
I've been told by a legit agent (one that just helps with paperwork, no fake funds and a MUCH lower cost) that they don't check about 95% of the time. When they do check you have to prove the money is legit but it could be from anywhere. In your case, you will have ATM slips and/or your bank statements showing the ATM withdrawals. This is the type of thing I like using a legit agent for, though. Some officers might say you need things a specific way but a legit agent can keep them playing by the rules and not sending you chasing around paperwork.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
How about we wait for
@Edw***
 to weigh back in and tell us what it is he's actually trying to do ?

I don't see any response from him since the original post :/
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 I’m going forward with making cash deposits to do my initial application for retirement visa
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
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Antonio ***********
Never asked me from where my money came from
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Antonio **********
 as stated for an extension they don’t care. For the initial application of a non o visa - in country- some offices will.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
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Paul ***********
Need to show legit money from own country,and they do check
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Paul **********
 for extensions of stay using banked money they don’t care where/how you got the money, just as long as the balance is 800k 2 months prior to applying and kept at 800 3 months after with the balance not going below 400k.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
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David *********
I did it by bank transfer from my bank at my country to the Bangkok Bank in USD. The Thai bank changed it to BHT. If you not aware the money has to be in your Thai bank for 2 months before and 3 months after you apply for your visa. Minimum balance after is 400,000 BHT which the next year you have to show bank book statements for the last 12 months
4 years ago
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Phillip ********
Just dobit through an agent about 25 k all done
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Phillip *******
 that is an option BUT remember it's a slippery slope. Once you start using an agent you're saddled using one almost forever after that. AND if you meet the financial requirements why use an agent?
4 years ago
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Phillip ********
@Tod ********
 yep thats ok if ur happy to leave 800k in a thai bank, me personally i wouldnt, cheers
4 years ago
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Phillip ********
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Stuart *********
As Tod said to give a correct answer we need to know if the OP is trying to get a non o visa in country or he’s trying to get a yearly extension.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
If they’re trying to get the visa in country then the funds need to be shown to come from overseas. If they’re trying to get an extension using 800k banked money it’s irrelevant where it comes from. Just has to be in 2 months prior to applying and 3 months after. To get the next extension the balance must not fall below 400k and be back up to 800k 2 months prior to that application.
4 years ago
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Bim *******
@Stuart ********
 how could you do that if you have been here 7 years. I moved my money a long time ago
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Bim ******
 perhaps your bank has records from when you moved the money over, or if not you’d have to transfer it out and back.
4 years ago
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Bim *******
@Stuart ********
 from over 7 years ago? It came in my wife's name I didn't have s bank account back then
4 years ago
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Tod *********
If that's the case
@Bim ******
 if you are wanting to apply for an in country 90 day Non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) at some immigration offices you couldn't use the funds you have here. :/

Your best bet would be to go to the immigration office and ASK them.

However I've gotta ask, WHAT extension or stamp are you on here now? Certainly you've been here for years and had to be on some stamp.
4 years ago
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Bim *******
@Tod ********
 Thailand Elite
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Bim ******
 right, I remember talking to you, AND you can't go from an ELITE entry stamp to Non-O visa inside the country without FIRST getting a covid extension (to break the chain from the elite stamp) SO you're dead in the water anyway until you talk to your Immigration office and get on a covid extgension
4 years ago
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Bim *******
@Tod ********
 they won't allow on a covid extension I have to leave and come back on a tourist visa.
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Bim ******
 probably not an option then. It’ll cost you to transfer out and back but perhaps your office doesn’t require it. You’d have to ask.
4 years ago
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Phil *******
@Stuart ********
 I never have to show where money was from. Even the first time. It was from thai salary
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
@Phil ******
 if you’re applying for an extension then you don’t. If you’re applying for the initial Non O visa in country then you do (at some offices).
4 years ago
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Stuart *********
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Tony *******
@Stuart ********
 spot on
4 years ago
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Tony *******
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Russell ******
800,000 baht in a Thai bank. The money has to be in a Thai bank 3 months before you apply for the visa. However, this maybe different depending on the province you're retiring to.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Tod ********
 you stand up to IO, your on your own...bye
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Tod ********
 Can see your on the path to success in telling Thais ( in Thailand ) what is right or wrong. ...good luck with that.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Tod ********
 good luck, that attitude of arrogance is what prompts thais attitudes toward foreigners.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Tod ********
 As have I Tod, We all have our own ways. As you chose " to MAKE these people " do what you interpret. good luck.

I understand the law, the rules, the intent. That understanding has no bearing on their getting their way.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Tod ********
 as an American and combat vet, I resent a lot ! but attitude NEVER prevails, right or wrong. you're always wrong.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
Tod Daniels No Blocking is last option. How we deal with Thai's is reflected on how they treat you.....I'm content.

Americans will always be Americans
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Tod ********
 I am as well, after 16 years dealing with provincial politics, army ( under both coups ) and a few businesses,

I know when to defer my interpretations.

Agree to disagree.
4 years ago
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Steve **********
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Russell ******
Tod Daniels you just proved the point!
4 years ago
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Andy ********
@Russell *****
 ,
@Chris *****
 is correct. 2 months before and 3 after 800k needs to be in your account. Balance can’t drop below 400k for the rest of the year.
4 years ago
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Gooddy *******
@Russell *****
 thought it was 2 months before and 3 months after
4 years ago
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Steve **********
@Chris *****
 read Russell's last sentence.
4 years ago
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Noel ***********
@Chris *****
 . Your correct. 2 months before and 3 months after.
4 years ago
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Noel ***********
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Tod *********
First you need to understand the difference between the 90 day Non-O VISA you get based on being over 50 (retirement) inside the country and a year extension you get FROM that visa based on being over 50 (retirement) :)
4 years ago
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Phill ******
David Broadfoot , yes , iv converted before from non b to extension based on retirement , no bank funds needed.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Phill *****
 that you most definitely didn't do :( unless it was long before the embassies stopped issuing the affidavit of income letters
4 years ago
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Tod *********
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Tod *********
David Broadfoot Ahh, well spotted. All the O/P has to do is cancel their current extension based on employment and immediately apply for a NEW yearly extension based on "retirement". There is no need to get a non-O VISA, only change the reason for your extension
4 years ago
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Tod *********
However if you are applying for a brand new 90 day Non-O visa based on being over 50 (retirement) inside the country at an immigration office SOME offices require that you show the funds originated from abroad to apply.
4 years ago
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Bim *******
@Tod ********
 thanks for the information. I am not sure I could provide evidence it came from abroad as I have been here nearly 7 years.
4 years ago
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Phil *******
@Bim ******
 I switched from non-B work to retirement 3 year ago. Was not asked money origin. It was from Thailand. Salary.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
you didn't switch any VISA at all,
@Phil ******
 all you did was change the REASON FOR YOUR EXTENSION from one based on employment to one based on retirement. AND there is no requirement to show origin of funds when getting a year extension
4 years ago
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Phil *******
@Tod ********
 that's right! The requirement was new though
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Bim ******
 then you need to go to your immigration office where you'd be applying for the Non-O visa and get the hand out listing the requirements or ask them about it
4 years ago
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Tod *********
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Tod *********
IF you are applying for a yearly extension of stay there is no proof required to show origin of funds <- meaning you can transfer it in how ever you want or move it from an existing account here

The only requirement for getting a yearly extension of stay using banked money IS:

you need to bank the 800K baht in a thai bank account in your name only for 2 months before you apply for your extension, the money needs to stay in the account for 3 months after you get your extension granted and then you can't let the balance go below 400K baht the rest of the year
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Tod ********
 That is what I was basically told in my initial interview with an agent
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
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Paul ********
Yes it’s so they know your not living here from money earned from work. I have done it for a couple of years now and they do check
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Paul *******
 there is no requirement that you show origin of funds when using banked money method to get a yearly extension of stay. You could transfer the money from another account in the country OR deposit cash, there is nothing in the rules that require proof of where it comes from for the extension
4 years ago
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Paul ********
@Tod ********
 well how come Transfer wise had problems as they were bringing money into Bangkok and then transferring it to banks in Thailand when all this came in. My bank book is always checked. Maybe you pay back door yea money
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Paul *******
 the problem they were having was for people using transferwise as the means to bring in the minimum money each month, not to bring in a lump to get a year extension using banked money
4 years ago
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Tod *********
I think you might be confused
@Paul *******
,

are you talking about the 800K baht banked money method <- which is what we're talking about, OR are you talking about the 65K baht a month monthly income method <- where you have to prove the funds came from abroad each month every month for the previous year?
4 years ago
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Paul ********
@Tod ********
 I bring in money when I need it to top up. I know a friend who brought his US pension in for 11 months and when his X wife took he cut that month dropped below the 65k and he had to go to a visa company. So I’m saying both. My bank provided me with a letter to say my money is from outside funds
4 years ago
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เอ็ดเวิร์ด *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul *******
 It really sounds like all you’re talking about is the pension method of staying in Thailand
4 years ago
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JD ********
Edw ard
@Nat***
 There is no such thing as the pension method
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Paul *******
 your friend who didn't bring in enough every month had nothing to do with anything in this topic, the rules are clear, IF you use monthly income method you transfer in 65K baht a month each month every month for the previous year. Miss a month, you don't get the extension.
4 years ago
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Tod *********
@Paul *******
 and what I'm saying IS there is no proof of funds origin when you are using banked money method (banking the 800K baht). So you can believe it or not, but no matter what your bank gives you, there is no proof needed where the 800K baht came from to get a year extension

AND

As this person is using banked money method, I'm not even gonna get in to the monthly income option :)
4 years ago
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Tod *********
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