In Chiang Mai the tenant was being charged 1600 baht fine for not having a TM30 or not updating it upon returning from being out of the country. Yes, it was the landlord's responsibility, but it was easier for the immigration officer to fine the farang in front of them than pursue the landlord. It has pretty much been a case of "if you want the visa/extension, and you don't have an updated TM30, you pay the fine

@Tony ******

not sure about that. My Australian debit card has a visa chip, not sure if that helps, but drawing money out over the counter is not using the credit function as far as I know. I used this method for almost 2yrs and didn't experience any hidden charges

You can enter most banks and withdraw cash from your overseas debit card with just your card and your passport. This way you avoid atm fees. I have done this at Bangkok Bank at Airport Plaza, Pathip Plaza and Tesco Kamthieng and at Kasikorn Bank in Nimman and Promenada

@Roger *******

and that is why many of us are here in this group

@Evan *******

that's interesting to know

Many people will be interested in your experience and the outcome of your visit to immigration

And re-post your question there

If your post gets closed down for not being visa related join the Transferwise solutions group on facebook

Yep, there are so many of us affected by this

Garrett Greenwald exactly, while bringing the equivalent of 65K baht into the country monthly, remains an option for fulfilling the requirements of getting a "retirement" visa or extension, I would prefer to have the bulk of my money working for me in my own country