@Ivan ***********

if you are sending the full amount to meet the 800k requirement and want to season in a Thai Bank account it doesn’t matter if it has the Swift code or not. They don’t check.

You only need the Swift code if it is for the monthly deposit requirement. It has to show that it is Retirement income coming from outside the country on a monthly basis.

When they ask you the reason for transferring funds make sure that you put “For general living expenses in Thailand “

I have seen this question asked a few times on Wise Facebook page .

They are aware that transfers to Thailand for that reason need the swift code . They say that because if that it may take a little longer for the funds to reach your Thai account.

@Jean-Francois *********

Ok . To answer your question you can use the 800,000 for your 1st year , but for the monthly deposit option you will have start at least 12 months before your next extension. You will also be required to leave the full 800,000 in the bank for the required months before you withdraw. Also keep at least 400,000 in for the entire year to meet all the requirements that yearly extension . Then next year just switch over to monthly. Good Luck Cheers

As a Canadian and you you meet the requirements in regards to annual income you can use the Income Statement letter . Go to Canada Revenue Webpage and click on Proof of Income Letter. It is basically a copy of your Tax Returns for the year . Print off a copy and take that to Canadian Embassy or Consulate in Chiang Mai . They review it and if it meets requirements will issue you a letter to take to Immigration. They charge 1200. Baht for the service . Just be aware presently you can’t just show up at the Embassy you have to go on their website and book an appointment.

I had it done at local RCMP. This was a couple years ago now . There are two options. One requires Fingerprints and takes a couple of weeks and one is just a National Computer check. The RCMP asked we why I required it and I told them it was for a Visa. They said for that all you need is a Computer Check. So I just went with a simple computer check and submitted that with my application to Thai Embassy in Ottawa and was no problem.

There is Honda Training School in Chiang Mai also. I’m sure they accept Foreign students as I see people recommending them in the Chiang Mai Expat Forums all the time to people wanting to get licensed. I think it is a 2 day course and they can issue the License. They also have bikes available.

You get the OA Visa in your home country. You are required to have the equivalent of 800,000. Baht in your home Bank Account. Also you will need Health Insurance from one of the Companies approved by Thai Immigration. Go the the website of the Thai Consulate in your home country and all the requirements will be listed there. You will find forms to be downloaded and signed by a doctor . You will also need a criminal record report from your home country.

I came here on a OA Visa issued in Canada . You need the equivalent of 800,000. Baht in your Bank in Canada . The Embassy will require a Print out of a Bank Statement plus a letter from your Bank stating you are the owner of the account. Multiple Entry means under normal circumstances for the first year you can leave and enter the Country as many times as you want without a re entry permit. Each time you re enter you will be stamped in for another year. You are not required to leave. As long as you leave and return before your first year is up you will be stamped in for another year when you return.

So you get two years from your initial Visa. The big difference is as long as you stay on the OA Visa you will be required to have Health Insurance. At the end of 2 years you will be required to have money in Thai account. As a Canadian you can just go to the Canadian Embassy and get a letter stating you have the funds. It’s very easy just show them a copy of your Tax returns for that year.

@Karan *****

Yes they will give you an extra 6 months on top of the 5 years right now. Then before it expires you can extend for another year.

@Jay ****

Yes that is about exactly what I paid.