Further to my post a few days ago relating to my Wise/Bangkok Bank experience, I now report on my experience at Chaengwatthana applying for extension of stay based on non-O (retirement) yesterday.

My appointment was for 10.00. I arrived at CW at 9:20 headed straight to the Bangkok Bank Passbook Update machine to get an entry for the day, then to the copy shop to copy the same page in the passbook.

Went into section L, to the "document check" booth, where the immigration officer went through all my submitted documents:-

- Completed TM7 form

- Bangkok Bank 12-month statement (obtained from the Bangkok Bank App)

- Photocopies of all Bank passbook pages

- Copy of my 12-month condo lease

- List of the 12 monthly 65,000 baht international transfers

Once these were checked, the immigration officer asked me to sign the standard forms relating to overstay and access to information, and told me to wait outside the booked appointments booth. Time was then 9:40

At 9:45 called into the booth (ahead of time), sat in front of immigration officer who thumbed through the documents, requested me to sign again the TM7 (probably wanted to make sure it was my signature), and asked me to wait outside again.

At 9:55 called over to the booth where I was given my passport back with a brand new 12-month extension of stay! Walked out of CW at 10:00. A total time of 40 minutes. Which goes to show if you've got everything in order there's no need for delays!

I also had with me (just in case) the 12 FETs for bank transfers, statement of my pension fund in Australia and the standard certification letter from Bangkok Bank (which it seems they seldom ask for with 65k per month process, but I always get just in case). None of these were requested.

Most importantly, I was not asked for any proof or documents relating to taxation!

✨ Successfully Opened a Thai Bank Account without Agent or Insurance ✨

(Your experience may vary.)

I just want to share my experience opening a Thai bank account without needing an agent or insurance, after running around to 10 different branches in Bangkok and Chiang Mai (since I was traveling around anyway). I’ve included a picture as proof, though I’ve hidden personal details for privacy. Hopefully, this helps some of you—though keep in mind, it may not work the same for everyone, depending on when and where you try. Good luck! 🍀

Branch: Bangkok Bank (Central Festival Chiang Mai)

Banker: When I went, there were two bankers—one male, one female. I chose the male banker without glasses. (Sorry I was too happy and forgotten to write down his name). I’m not sure if other bankers are as tourist/customer-friendly as the one who helped me.

Tips:

* Present yourself well—I avoided wearing a t-shirt, shorts, or slippers.

* Be really polite and pleasant

* I also mentioned I wanted to deposit 10,000 THB.

Documents I Brought:

* Passport with DTV Visa

* TM30

* Rental lease (for proof of address)

* Thai SIM card (for OTPs) -I already have this number for some time now.

* I also had a Thai driving license I got years ago on a 30-day visa-exempt, though I’m unsure if it helped my case.

* I brought the bank statements (I showed for DTV application) to proof I have more than enough funds to support myself in Thailand (Again, I do not know if this helps, but since I already have those documents printed as extra copies for DTV, I just show to the banker too)

I hope this helps others navigating the process! All the best.

Today, I went to Bangkok immigration to extend my retirement visa.. again, I had trouble not having a tm30 print, as my previous extension was done in chonburi. Is this normal? Anybody can clearly state what documents are needed, as I’m also not sure about documents needed from the bank.. thank you 🙏

Hi. Can anyone recommend how best to present the minimum 65k monthly income option (with all the required bank records I have showing a regular deposit from overseas each month above the 65k) to the immigration dept, rather than having to rely on the 800k option. Is there an easy solution for getting them to understand what I am trying to achieve without them suggesting that I need some kind of letter from the UK embassy, which isn’t going to happen. Thanks.

Renewal of O/A Retirement visa...

Copy of relevant passport pages

Bank Book

Bank Statement

Bank Letter

Insurance

2 x photos

TM 7

Have I missed anything?

Hi all,

I will be applying for a 12 month extension of my non-o (marriage) Visa next Monday and wanted to see if anyone had a checklist of documents to take.

Chaengwattana Office

I've looked online but found last time following the online info I was still short of a few documents.

TIA

Good morning, how many days is the bank's annual statement valid for the extension non o over 50 years in Bangkok Chaengwatthana? 3 days or 1 week?

Quick question.. For extension of non B visa for parent of child enrolled in school in Thailand I have to provide these bank documents in the picture.

If I go to the bank today do I have to go to immigration the same day or can be later this week? Bangkok immigration. Thank you

Morning. In Bangkok. Will go for extension of stay for non immigrant o visa based on expat child studying here. Question concerns bank book update and bank letter. Do they have to be dated the day of the extension or the day before is ok. The 500k is on the account for over a month (it’s my first extension). Reason for asking is that if I have to do it on the day then can’t go there early and finish early... Thanks!

Ok, so just did my 90 day report in Koh Samui, So thought I'd include this for information.

No mention of the TM30.

While there I also enquired about using the combination method for the qualifying funds.

I do not want to bring money over while the rate is so low, so wanted to do it this way. The very helpful lady said that I have to show two documents from the bank. 1. As per normal, letter stating my current balance. 2. Letter showing international deposits on a monthly basis for the last 14 months.

She said it would be better to include the two month qualifying period as well.

Seems straightforward, but I renew in August, so let's see.

Hope it's helpful.