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Will using the 65k per month option for a Non-O retirement extension be accepted by Thai immigration after not maintaining the 800k required in my bank account?
Non-O VisaRetirement VisaVisa ExtensionThai ImmigrationBank StatementsMonthly Income RequirementVisa Agents
Mar 27, 2026
a month ago
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERI plan to use an agent for my first non O retirement one year extension next month. I have bank account etc but not 800k in the bank.
I started already to transfer the minimum 65k per month into my thai bank account. I then plan to do my extension next year using the 65k per month option. However, does anyone know ,for sure, based on recent situations , will this be accepted by immigration,or will they say that it's not accepted as its years extension didn't have the funds in the account for the two months prior and the three months post the extension being approved. I think this is quite ambiguous and respectfully would ask that only people with genuine ,current experience give me advice. Please don't take it wrong but I see a lot of wrong information here and often contradictory information so please don't be offended.
I think it may also be possible that this issue and decision may as usual be at the discretion of the immigration officer I see at the time.
I do intend to ask immigration if this will be acceptable before I do my first extension next month but have a feeling the answer I may get could be different in a year's time do would really appreciate advice from people that have done this.
Hope I have explained it clearly enough.
Many thanks
I started already to transfer the minimum 65k per month into my thai bank account. I then plan to do my extension next year using the 65k per month option. However, does anyone know ,for sure, based on recent situations , will this be accepted by immigration,or will they say that it's not accepted as its years extension didn't have the funds in the account for the two months prior and the three months post the extension being approved. I think this is quite ambiguous and respectfully would ask that only people with genuine ,current experience give me advice. Please don't take it wrong but I see a lot of wrong information here and often contradictory information so please don't be offended.
I think it may also be possible that this issue and decision may as usual be at the discretion of the immigration officer I see at the time.
I do intend to ask immigration if this will be acceptable before I do my first extension next month but have a feeling the answer I may get could be different in a year's time do would really appreciate advice from people that have done this.
Hope I have explained it clearly enough.
Many thanks
TLDR : Answer Summary
The individual is planning to apply for a Non-O retirement visa extension using the 65k monthly transfer method, as they do not have the required 800k THB in their Thai bank account. They seek current and reliable advice regarding whether this method will be accepted by immigration, given that they won't meet the requirement of maintaining 800k in the account for three months prior and post-extension approval. Respondents have shared mixed experiences based on their encounters with immigration, emphasizing that maintaining the 800k in the account for required periods is generally a safer approach. Some suggest using an agent to navigate this process, while others caution against relying on agents without fulfilling initial requirements, as local immigration policies may vary.
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.
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Andrew ********
All depends which agent you go to ! I just renewed mine with 3000 b in it , some agencies have creative ways !
Good luck!
Good luck!
Robert *************
Andrew Wilson Yeah but what did it cost you?
Andrew ********
It doesn’t matter what price I tell you , as I think you’ll just say to much because your nothing but a keyboard fuk wit !
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Andrew ********
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Yaoyu ***********
They carefully checked my Thai bank balance since day one of deposit to the application day, it has to be :
3 solid months,
800,000 baht and no day falls below that number.
Maybe they will offer a way for remedy so that you may still get your extension ; but just from the beginning, don’t expect to be lucky for your application. 😉
3 solid months,
800,000 baht and no day falls below that number.
Maybe they will offer a way for remedy so that you may still get your extension ; but just from the beginning, don’t expect to be lucky for your application. 😉
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYaoyu Brancheauthree months. ??? You mean two...before application and three after issued ?
Yaoyu ***********
Doug Powell You’re right, it’s 2 months for the bank balance ! 🙏🏻
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Yaoyu ***********
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Scott *******
From recent experience, your 65k option works. You have to get a credit advice for each payment when you extend your visa in one years time.
Jeff ********
Steve Hemming I have heard Thai Visa Centre is very good!
Steve *********
Jeff Fouble they are excellent. I can’t write in here. But pm me if you need more info.
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Steve *********
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Graeme *******
What country are you from fella.
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraeme Drake uk
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraeme Drakeuk
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Doug ********
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John *********
I write this from experience. Having done the various permutations. I had my first two Non O Visa’s done by an Agent. The third I did myself, no issues at all. But having that Having 800K + in the Bank is by far the most straightforward option.
Because each office has their own local protocols.
As do the banks. You can get caught out through no fault of your own. You are also making your Visa “ future proof” remember No Visa - No nothing.
Because each office has their own local protocols.
As do the banks. You can get caught out through no fault of your own. You are also making your Visa “ future proof” remember No Visa - No nothing.
Steve *******
I doubt the 65k per month method will be accepted because you won't have fulfilled the previous years extention requirements, ie leaving the 800k in your bank account for 3 months after receiving your extention and not letting it drop below 400k.
CoolBun*******
Agents will tell you what you want to hear, because that is how they make their money.
If you can’t meet the requirements and have to use an agent, from what I read, you are at their mercy.
Only you can decide what you want to do.
If you can’t meet the requirements and have to use an agent, from what I read, you are at their mercy.
Only you can decide what you want to do.
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERCoolBunny_7244 I can deposit the amount needed but was just looking for as much experienced advice as possible before deciding.
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Doug ********
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Jackie ************
Im from the US, i used an agent my first year in February2023, i have done my last 2 extensions based on 65k per month transfers. They did not say anything about the original 800k as it was only in my account for 3 minutes. No embassy letter from USA are , but i have pension award letters and social security statement as proof of income to support my bank statements etc. Those were sufficient. My experience is at jomtien immigration.
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJackie Washington...thanks,that's what I was told would work but it seems most replies confirm that ,although it worked for you, it it could be done differently elsewhere but good luck that you got it 👌
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Doug ********
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Peter **********
You have answered your own question…”the answer I may get could be different in year’s time”….
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERPeter H Bates😂
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Doug ********
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John **********
If you use an agent to provide the 800k baht for the first year you will need to use them going forward. As you won't be able to show you have met the requirements of the first extension you won't be able to do the next one yourself
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
I am doing the 800k option. Do you know if the scb ez account works for immigration. Has a 1.45 percent interest,lol,better than nothing.Thanks again
John **********
@Doug *******
I'm not sure as immigration usually want to see a bank book updated on the day you go for an extension and that account doesn't have one. You'd need to check with your immigration officeDoug ********
ORIGINAL POSTER@John *********
thanks, I thought that may be the case, I spoke with someone in immigration and it's a kind of yes.no.maybe answer....I'm getting used to that now so will.just keep kgrunsgri as in have the book for that. Frustrating as we are all pushed to use apps,downloads and pdfs and stuff now lol. In the good days it was all.just paperwork, lolReply to
Doug ********
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Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERJohn Stannersthank you for a simple and logical answer. I was thinking that what you said would probably be the case. I was told differently and my gut feeling was that I would have issues with my second extension. Thanks again..I assume if I deposit the 800k two months before the extension,and carry on depositing 65k from the UK for 12 months then that would be ok, sorry to be a pain but can you confirm I would still have to leave the 800k for three months after the extension AND keep the balance at 400k for the whole year, so in essence I could only use the 65k option in full after my second extension had been done and the balance of the account wouldn't matter when I do the third extension
Graham ******
Doug Powell correct, when switching methods you have to meet the conditions set for the first extension (800k then 400k) while also meeting the requirements for the new extension (65k per month)
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERGraham Sealthanks
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Doug ********
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Robert *************
Doug Powell What you need to do is look at each extension year as an individual entity, and you must satisfy the criteria for that year, which means keeping the 800k lump sum in the bank for three months after you have obtained your current extension
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Robert *************
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Tom *******
@John *********
It’s good and refreshing to see someone giving a straightforward, helpful answer without judgement or arrogance. Out of interest, does the same thing apply if you want to change to an extension based on marriage to a Thai? Or would you still be in the same predicament?Graham ******
Tom Found you can change the reason for a Non-O extension from year two as the first extension needs to be for the reason that the Non-O was issued, either marriage or retirement (over 50)
Tom *******
Graham Seal Thank you. Was just wondering if the same restrictions apply when using an agent for funds for the initial application based on retirement? Would an agent have to handle the change to marriage basis if using your own funds? Are you still locked into the agent trap? Sorry if that sounds over-complicated, not sure how to word it.
Robert *************
Tom Found If you're using an agent you have to continue using an agent until such time as you leave the country and start again
John **********
@Robert ************
you can spend the 65k as it comes in and use it to apply for the 2nd extension but you must also comply with the terms of the extension based on 800k so once you get it the 800k has to remain for 3 months and can't drop below 400k at any point in the 12 monthsReply to
Robert *************
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Ray *********
@John *********
is it worth adding that the best solution might be to let the agent obtained extension lapse, go out of country and return with a non-O (admittedly show money seasoned for 2 months for the next 12 month extension, keep up the 65k p. m. and then extend the following year on the income basis?Graham ******
Ray Bingham no because on your return you will be on a new Non-O and, again, the 800k will be needed for the first 12 month extension
Ray *********
Graham Seal yes Graham I said that above BUT it sets you up for the following year to extend on an income basis - rather than using an agents funds and paying 15k +....the poster indicated that he would have the 800k later.
Robert *************
Ray Bingham You cannot switch from an agency visa to a D-I-Y visa without leaving the country and starting the whole process again without the 800k lump sum, irrespective of how many 65k transfers you have
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Robert *************
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Sara *******
This is just a General info, as 800K is a required deposit for maintenance of your Non O visa status, but be sure your account carry more than 800K as banks deduct various Fee during a year, and balance gone below threshold and later small variation makes big problem at Immigration....have seen many times at Immigration office people arguing and Immigration not accepting bank statements
Bob **********
Your only option for using monthly transfers is if your embassy issues a income affidavit and most don’t anymore
Stuart ***********
Bob D'Andrea i use the 65,000 method and my embassy doesn't issue the affidavit Bob. I think it depends which immigration office you use.
Bob **********
Stuart Chiverton yea what Graham said 😎😎😎
Graham ******
Stuart Chiverton You cannot use the 65k monthly transfer for the first 12 month extension now, only for subsequent extensions
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Graham ******
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Yo***
Why you worry? you said, you hire an agent. Talk to the agent and pay, then, the agent will care everything for you. Normally you do not need to see the immigration officer, or even not need to go to immigration office. Agent cares all.
Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYoung. I'm sorry I am entitled to worry,I plan to live in Thailand and stay. I don't want to start by trying to buy into a system that leaves me always tied to an agent and their
I wanted to use the 65 k option in order not to lose a fairly large sum of interest in the 800k I can leave in another country.
However the loss.of interest doesn't compare to the worry of being refused an extension one day.
So that is my worry, are you worried that if extension rules are made stricter, then agents fees will get higher and higher ??
Hope I have satisfied your interest
*****
k bhat fee. In addition to that may be some day the.thai.government will enforce the rules correctly and cut out the illegal fees given to certain people to bypass the system.I wanted to use the 65 k option in order not to lose a fairly large sum of interest in the 800k I can leave in another country.
However the loss.of interest doesn't compare to the worry of being refused an extension one day.
So that is my worry, are you worried that if extension rules are made stricter, then agents fees will get higher and higher ??
Hope I have satisfied your interest
Yo***
Doug Powell I understand your feeling to worry. Yes, there is always something we are worry about. Whatever we do, we will worry. You are half right. once you got an agent working for you, next time you also need agent again, but not the same, but also other agents you more prefer. However, you can change it once you go back to
*****
THB monthly methods. You can talk with your agent then. But this way costs a bit more than normal agent fee. after that, you can extend by yourself in next extension. I heard of this before, but depending on the location and agents, it can vary, please check it again by yourself with your agent. By the way, yes, possible that thai government can enforce more tightly and correctly to that agent engaged visa and permits. possible but very low probability I think. because this agent thing is actually not a big issue for thai government. Thai government rather has to care about big corruption cases. Also agent case is very hard to enforce anti corruption laws and tighten it. Because all agents are Thais. traditionally and culturally, Thai people help each other. especially when it comes to foreigners. thai people protect thai people. But, if an agent is involved in criminal case, like abusing visa and permit for criminal purpose. ( There were crackdowns for ED visa holders who abused ED visa to make criminals like scam syndicate, mule accounts, money laundry. most of them are Chinese. Thai government crack downed them and evoked all their ED visas. ), the agent will be crack downed. But I do not see any reason to crack down retirees using agent. They are just retirees and live in Thailand without any involvement of illegal business. And there is no reason for them to do this. Clearly, they use their own money in Thailand. For thai government, 800k thb is not important at all. more important is, how a foreign retiree is really supported by his own money and spend it in Thailand. As normal retiree, all transactions of money and spending is too clear. there shall not be any doubtful transactions. retiree life is very simple. Rent, foods, beers, clothes, bike, shopping etc.. That is all spending categories and so clear your money from your bank comes to your thai bank. maybe 100,000 ThB a month? Again, I think Thai government does not care so much if 800K thb is in thai bank etc.. rather, interested in how the money comes, for what reason to spend or withdraw, and how much is traded like that, more money, more suspicious. But for normal retirees, we do not do like that. Simple and clear money in and out. So why Thai government crack down them? There is no good reason to do this. this is all my opinion only. Thai government and immigration already know agents and what and how they do their job. it has been since more than 50 years. If Thai government crack downs, I think 90 percent of immigration officers must be replaced with new. 😅 but if a retiree is involved in serious criminals with agents and some immigration officers, they will crack down it. Plus, the foreign retirees who already put 800K Thb in Thai bank and think they always follow the laws, are safe too? absolutely not. Their visa or permit can be evoked at any time and thai government can evict them at any time. Reason? no reason is the answer. whatever you do correctly, it is only your view. If Thai immigration thinks you are not following or suspected? no clearance, you can be evicted. What I meant is, regardless of 800K Thb etc.. anyone can be evicted at any time. no one knows. That is why worries about this is not worthy at all. We can not change or control it at all. So just relax and enjoy your rest of life in Thailand. I always hire agent, because I do not want to worry and waste my rest of life for nothing I can do. 😂😂Doug ********
ORIGINAL POSTERYoungI understand your reasoning, but I prefer to do stuff as legal as possible..and I have the time to.run around fortunately🙂
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Doug ********
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John ********
Young he worries becsuse its not legal?
Yo***
John Fitton he said and asked, if it is accepted or not. Agent is there to make it accepted by the immigration. that is the agents job. That is why I said, no worries if he use agent.
Andy ********
Young accepted by immigration and legal are two different things.
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Andy ********
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Chatchalai ***********
For 1st year extension immigration will accept 2 months of your income with a letter guarantee from your Embassy.
William ******
Chatchalai Chua-apai not available for US, GB or Canadian citizens
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William ******
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Colin **********
Its a requirement of the visa ext keep money in the 800kthb for 3 months after, then 400kthb until its topped up.
This will give the possibility of swapping to monthly income for the next visa.
This will give the possibility of swapping to monthly income for the next visa.
Nongnuch ********
Colin Chaffers "Its a requirement of the visa" . . .there is no more visa. He will be on an "extended stay permit". It is the requirement of the upkeep of the deposit during the 1-year stay permit
Colin **********
Nongnuch Kamdee indeed school boy error, now corrected
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Colin **********
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Nongnuch ********
Colin Chaffers sadly, if he uses an agent, it does not give him the opportunity to swap. At the end of his first 1-year extension he will not have fulfilled the requirements for the upkeep of the deposit throughout the full year because the agent will remove the 800,000 THB after 10 minutes. That's why he will still need the agent, again, for the next 1-year extension of the stay permit (not for the "next visa")
Colin **********
Nongnuch Kamdee indeed you are probably right, but didn't want to assume anything about what the agent will do because I dont know.
Nongnuch ********
Colin Chaffers I am talking about countless reports in FB-groups of people who tried to jump off the agent hamster wheel and surprisingly found out that they cannot easily do so
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Nongnuch ********
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Marty *********
They are going to ask for a one year bank statement to see if you met the terms of the 800k method. You actually have to deposit the money and keep it there.
Reply to
Marty *********
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