@Gary **********

don't use an agent. It's a waste of money.

@Eric **************

no info but invitation. That sounds like an agent. Don't use agents.

@Christopher ******

don't use agents

I think you mix up a lot of things.

If you come with a 90 day non 0 retirement visa. Why the hurry to put that money in a Thai bank?

And its not 800.000 and 65.000.

it is 800.000 in the bank.

Or... 65.000 a month income.

Or a combination of both. Calculate as this... For every 1000 bath income you are short. You need bath in a Thai bank account. That money must be there untouched in the last 2 months.

To get a retirement visa or his extension. For immigration, you will need...

* TM30 from the landlord where you rent

* Long term (mostly they ask for a year contract) renting contract.

* They will ask you probably to draw a map of the neighbourhood you live in.

* As you don't have a Thai bank account yet. An embassy AFFIDAVIT. To prove your foreign assets or income.

* Visa application.

* copy of passport and entry stamp or visa stamp.

* Picture without glasses.

* If your landlord isn't know by immigration, you need to apply for the landlord's information by the "DBD" in the basement of the immigration office.

* As much as possible documents to prove your assets or income.

I guess that's all.

I live on the outskirts of BKK. You can rent in this neighborhood easily a condo or apartment for less than 10.000 a month. I pay 8000.

Opening a bank account you need a document of immigration + retirement visa + year contract Renting + ( for some banks even a contract with a telecom company.) easiest is "K-bank"

If you want a rental car or scooter. Bring an international driving licence. A simple British is not sufficient.

I hope this info is useful. If you have more questions. Feel free to pm me.

One advice. It looks complicated. But it is easy. So don't use an agent. They are expensive and not worth the money you spend.

@Max ************

there is no insurance required I think. I don't have one yet. Although i will take one for small risks. Because i have a health insurance in Belgium for serious deseases

@Dany *******

it's ALWAYS .. 65.000 a month, or 800.000 on a Thai bank, or a combination of both.

@Dan ********

it's ALWAYS .. 65.000 a month, or 800.000 on a Thai bank, or a combination of both.

@Dan ********

yes

@โธมัส ***********

bank 0%. Is still cheaper then the money you pay to the parasites of agents.

First of all. Don't use an agency. Only in case there is no other way.

But you have to know. It's not 800.000 in the bank or 65.000 a month income.

It is the combination.

65.000 X 12 = 780.000 TB. And that's where the 800.000 comes from.

So for every 1000 bath a month income you are short. You need 12.310 bath in a bank account. And that has to be there at least 2 months before you apply for the retirement visa or his extension.

That means. Presuming you have a pension of for example 40.000 bath. It is sufficient to have only 310.000 bath on your Thai bank account.

Best is to approve your monthly income with an 'affidavit' from the embassy. Although many embassy don't give that anymore.

Make in your calculations Marge for the fluency of the exchange rate.

Careful....

This is how it should be based on the law. But it can be different from immigration office to immigration office. Even intern in the immigration office it can be different from the officer that you land up.

I always use bank details from my Belgium bank with sufficient €. Details from Belgium pension department attached with an affidavit and my details of my Thai bank.

So show as much as you can.

Another advice. Use 2 Thai banks. One you use fore daily use. One to save and almost never touch. That way it's more clear for the officer that your money is stable in your account.