@Roberto ********

they allowed the bank printed statement 2yrs ago here in Udon Thani. I thought we were finally seeing progress. Last year they wouldn’t accept as it had to have the “bank stamp” on it.

Apologetic but said the “Big Boss” in Bangkok changed the rule as it was too easy to fake🤷‍♂️. Also always start the process 10-14 days early for these yearly hurdles. The visa date doesn’t change you just lose some days on the 90day report.

Last year they also decided they wanted a signed copy of the Blue Book owners ID card🤷‍♂️ luckily the girlfriend was only 10min away (with book) so dropped in and it was ok. Going to be more interesting now that the office is way out of town!

@Stephen ********

for future reference, the Bangkok Bank will do 6mth statements while you wait for 100฿ (12mth is 200฿ so same overall cost). So on second 90 day report I get a bank statement and the second one after that I get another statement plus the letter for immigration (after a small transaction on the day).

No waiting required.

I REALLY agree with Joe here. Been with a great girl for 13yrs but would never do the ”marriage” visa (unless under 50). Every year they give you more hurdles and requirements to prove you’re still together. Just do your own thing for the extra 400,000฿.

Every year you just get a bank statement, a photo and your TM7 form and you’re in and out of immigration in 30min!

I got one a few years ago for an Aviation Security card as I’d been in Udon Thani during Covid. Was told you had to go to the Bangkok office to get your fingerprints done. If in the future you needed another one you could do in Udon.

Luckily I had a Thai friend help out.

Cheap as chips if you’re happy to wait 30 days for post or 3000฿ fee (bribe) to do on the spot.

I just paid the money to avoid possible problems.

As I have retired in Thailand obviously I agree however have another mate from Perth who predominantly does the same to Vietnam (Vung Tau) on a 3mth multi entry visa ($35 USD). Everything stated above for less than half the cost with beers about a quarter. If this income tax on retirees gets too hard that’s where I’ll go next.

Definitely worth a look!!

I just got back from Nam yesterday. I was lucky enough to have a mate living over there with a local account who could withdraw heaps for free (I do the same for friends visiting me in Thailand. You transfer from your Oz account to mine for free and I get what you want from an ATM for free) Vietnam is just as bad for tourists as Thailand (especially if outside Ho Chi Minh City). Many won’t work or limit withdrawals to 2-3m Dong and charge large withdrawal fees.

If you can cash up for a good exchange rate before you go, it’s worth considering.

@John *********

Good and correct point John.

Valid last 12mths only, so if you went a bit early last year make sure you order it less than 12mths later.

The bank can issue 6mth statements while you wait (100฿) or update bank book for the last little bit. They will take any cumulative evidence at Udon Thani Immigration (brilliant) can’t speak for other regions.

12mth bank statement was always a 7 day pain with Bangkok Bank, however as of last year you can now get statement emailed to you within 5min via the bank app. You print it out and take to the bank when you get the bank letter and they will confirm it.

Just need proof of residence and a non O visa. Marriage has nothing to do with it and avoid a joint account.

If you don’t have a lease or yellow house book, just get a letter from the boss of your village.