For your information. I’m not looking for advice just relaying what happened at Chon Buri immigration when I applied today. I prepared everything as usual and it was accepted other than my financials. I got the extension refused due to lack of funds. I get part of my salary paid into my Thai bank from my European employers. This figure in Baht has diminished due to the falling GBP, so in recent months has been less than 40k Baht. I recognised this situation months ago so topped up my Thai account to around 50k in every case. There has always been in excess of 40 k in my account over the last 12 month period. The bank statements showed this but immigration refused to add the 2 figures together and said there was a shortfall in the past 3 months. No matter how myself and my Thai wife explained the situation immigration refused to recognise the 2nd top up transfer from the UK. No extension granted.
The next part is interesting albeit dubious. The immigration officer to me I did not need an extension anyway because I leave Thailand for 6 months of the year. I leave and enter Thailand usually twice a month. He said there was no problem using visa exemption for as many times as required during the year. His instructions were to carry my marriage Certificate and Tabian Baan and to produce them at immigration in the airport. Tell them I am visiting my Thai wife and there will be no problem In entering. This only applies to arriving by air and not land crossings.
Sorry it’s so long winded, but made it as short as I could.
Amazing Thailand
TLDR : Answer Summary
An expat in Thailand recounts their experience at the Chon Buri immigration office where their visa extension was refused due to insufficient funds in their Thai bank account, despite having topped it up and meeting the required minimum over the year. The immigration officer suggested they could continue entering Thailand using a visa exemption while carrying proof of marriage. The discussion reveals inconsistencies in immigration policies and financial proof requirements, along with alternative options such as applying for a NON-O visa at a consulate.
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