@Steve *******

I believe there may have been variations between embassies regarding the basis on which they actually confirmed income, with some confirming income on far too weak a foundation. I also know that some immigration offices have refused to accept confirmations from certain countries for this reason. However, this is not the reason why the Norwegian embassy has chosen to stop issuing income confirmations; it is solely a matter of prioritizing the foreign service’s general worldwide operations, and it is politically directed from Norway. The Norwegian embassy only accepts your most recent tax assessment submitted to the Norwegian tax authorities, or the latest annual statement from your pension provider. They will not accept any income you simply declare yourself, and really, what more than documentation of the income you have actually paid tax on in your home country can reasonably be required as proof?

@Mikael *********

I see it a bit differently. I live in Norway and have at times kept significant amounts in a Thai bank account over the past twelve years. I still have not had any problems. But for many years, it has been far too easy to open a bank account in Thailand. In what other country could you open a bank account during just a 14-day holiday? Now the banking system has been abused by large groups involved in organized fraud and money laundering. It is really about time that a proper cleanup takes place. Of course, one can argue that things could have been handled differently and that better information could have been provided, but if you are on a long-term stay in Thailand and have everything in order regarding your finances, I also believe there is little reason for concern. No legal funds will disappear from your account.

It varies between immigration offices. Some immigration offices request to see an updated bank book at your first 90-day report after your extension, in order to confirm that the amount you had in the account when you applied for your extension still remains untouched in accordance with the requirement.

@Mikael *********

For our part, this represents a change in what the embassy considers to be its primary responsibilities, as documentation of finances is essentially a matter between the individual and Thai immigration. For most people already living in Thailand, it is straightforward to document twelve monthly transfers to their Thai bank, provided that they meet the income requirement each month. It is a bit more difficult during the first year of relocation, when one must document the entire first year with a lump sum in a bank account.

@John *********

I actually agree that in this overview it can be understood that way; in any case, it becomes inconsistent when it states bank certificate or income certificate. In the more comprehensive regulations from Bangkok, however, it is made clearer that an income confirmation is an independent alternative for documenting the required income for subsistence.

Formally, according to the regulations, a bankbook should not be required when you can present an income confirmation from the embassy. This is also stated in the handout you received from your immigration office. It is an “OR” rule. Nevertheless, we know that the immigration offices interpret and apply the regulations in their own way. You will not have problems opening a bank account on an extension of stay, and it is probably an advantage to simply prepare for this as well. We will lose the income confirmation from the Norwegian embassy in May next year, and as I understand it, it is likely that changes will eventually also be introduced at the Swedish embassy.

She cannot switch to a DTV in Thailand, but she may apply for one at an embassy in a neighboring country once everything is in order

You can apply from 45 to 30 days before the due date, and up until the very last day (although this is not recommended). Normally, you will receive your passport back during the process. At some immigration offices, you can pick it up the following day.

You must provide a travel itinerary, specify a flight number, and give an address/booking in Thailand, but you do not need to upload tickets or follow the stated itinerary after the visa has been issued. They will also normally not request any additional documentation regarding accommodation for a Non O visa.

The only extension available for the 90 days Non O visa is the one year extension of stay, unless you’re married thai or have a thai child and can apply for the 60 days extension visiting thai family. 30 days extension is only for stay based on tourism.