What documentation do I need from my Thai bank for my retirement extension with an $800k THB deposit?

Oct 19, 2022
2 years ago
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Question: what documentation is required from my Thai bank re: $800k THB I deposited for retirement extension?

I’m U.S. citizen, over 50, entered Thailand as a 45-day visa exempt tourist, expiring Nov. 20. $800k was deposited on August 30. I’m located in Bangkok. (So non-immigrant O, TM87, I believe?)

I went to Bangkok Bank today, they had no idea what I was talking about, but gave me 3 documents: a letter stating my balance as of today, a printout of the $800k transferred in, showing it came from outside of Thailand, & a copy of my statement for the month that the transfer came in, showing the funds transfer. Is that sufficient for immigration? Thanks for any advice!
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TLDR : Answer Summary
A U.S. citizen seeking a retirement extension in Thailand with an $800k deposit is advised to obtain specific documentation from their bank, including a letter confirming the current balance, a printout of the deposit, and an updated bank book. Community members emphasize the importance of showing recent account activity when presenting documents to immigration, and it's suggested to apply for the visa extension with at least 15 days remaining on the current visa. The bank documents must be no older than 7 days at the time of application.
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Glenn *******
I did not know you had to prove the funds came from outside Thailand

I thought as long as you have 800k

It should be ok
John **********
@Glenn ******
only for an extension. For the original Non-O visa application they must come from overseas (unless of course your embassy will provide an income affidavit)
Kev ****
@John *********
For renewal, do you have to print out the last 3 month 800K bank statements or just update the bankbook on the day of renewal and letter from the bank indicating the balance?
John **********
@Kev ***
if it's your 1st extension of stay (you're not renewing anything) 3 months of statements from your bank should be fine but for the 2nd and subsequent extensions you will need the full 12 months along with the updated bank book and letter.

Usually these need to be official statements from your bank, not something you print yourself
Kev ****
@John *********
Thank you so much. My 1st retirement extension at Chaeng Watthana.
David *********
The only document you need from your bank is a letter from the bank. My bank charges 100 THB and letter is valid for three business days. Then you need copy of your bank book First page and all pages going back one year. Immigration while require passport copy along with copy of entry stamp. Also proof of residency. Photo
Marine *********
Bank statement for 3 month
George *********
Bangkok Bank soi 43 Sukhumvit has staff who speak English and will facilitate opening an account, or statement for yearly visa requirements
Peter *********
Bank book updated and a 1 year statement printed out from bank
John **********
@Peter ********
you don't need a 1 year statement to apply for a Non-O visa in country, nor for the immediately following extension
Peter *********
@John *********
jontien immigration require it
กะลาสี *****
Everyone keeps telling you to update your bank book and they are correct. What nobody mentioned is that you need some type of activity in your account the day you update it/go to immigration. Do a 100 Baht ATM withdrawal for example and then update your bank book.
Alex *******
@กะลาสี ****
Why is some type of activity needed on the day you update it/go to immigration, please?
David *********
@Alex ******
you only have to update your passport the day you go to immigration. If no activity with your bank than it will update with the date and balance
John **********
@Alex ******
if there's no activity on the day your bank book won't show anything for that day
กะลาสี *****
@Alex ******
to show immigration your balance on the day you apply for the visa and not the last time your account had any activity. At least that's what immigration told me.
Todd *********
One can easily see by reading the post and the comments why agents are thriving in Thailand for long term extensions
John **********
By the sounds of things you're not going to be applying for any extension but an in country Non-O visa for the purposes of retirement there are no seasoning requirements for the money. You should be able to apply when you have 30 days left on your current stamp. Make sure you apply while you still have at least 15 days left on your current stamp. Since you've already got the bank documents I'd apply sooner than later as they have to be no more than 7 days old. When your 90 day visa is running down you'll need to repeat the process to get an extension but will need at least 2 months worth of bank statements
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *********
Oh, thank you,
Russell *******
I needed statement , updated bank book , and guarantee letter from bank confirming the funds .

I needed to present the documents to immigration with the rest of my application within 24 hours.

Hope that helps, but it wasn't in Bangkok and each office can differ.

Good luck. 🙏
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Russell ******
Thank you. What is "guarantee letter from bank confirming the funds"? Is that the same as a letter stating your balance on X day?
Russell *******
@Bennett *******
ok yes it must be the same , sorry I missed that .
Pete **********
Must update your bank book prior to going to immigration on the same day you apply for your extension.
Antonio ***********
And copy of updated bank book
Antonio ***********
You need a letter from the bank that today is
*****
0 and you keep same amount. For the 2 months
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Antonio **********
So I'll need to go to the bank when the funds have been there for 2 months - October 30 - and get a new letter stating my balance dated that day?
Antonio ***********
@Bennett *******
normally yes, but anyway you can try.. Why not?
Bennett ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Antonio **********
Probably better to play safe & bring this documentation in case immigration asks for it. 🙂
Antonio ***********
@Bennett *******
you can look website of immigration anyway
Martin *******
Update your bankbook before you go
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