The OA visa also has the option to self-insure with the equivalent of US$100,000 in a bank account in your name only.

@Andy ****

that's good, as you have no clue about what you are trying to talk about, no clue at all.

@Andy ****

there is no tax on social security payments for US citizens. That is an exception to any tax in Thailand. And the tax laws you seem to refer to are not new. You are guessing, whereas I've been doing this for over 14 years.

@Toon ********

use an attorney for the condo purchases, and for the due diligence that should be done before the purchase. They can also help you get the Thai bank account. The FET becomes important if you sell the condo, and want to transfer that money out of Thailand in the future.

@Yoshi *********

have your social security payment direct deposited to your Thai bank, preferably Bangkok Bank, or Kasikorn Bank. It makes life much easier, and is safe. Set that up as soon as you get your Thai bank

@Yoshi *********

you need to keep bt400,000 in the account after the three months with bt800,000 in it until you get your next extension based on monthly deposits. After the extension is approved using the monthly deposits method then you can take the bulk money out, but do not make the mistake of closing the account.

Anonymous participant your 500k wasn't in your account long enough. Leave it in there for three months then try again.

You are confused. You need bt800,000 lump sum for each of you. The money needs to be in your account for at least two months before you apply, then stay in the account for at least three months after you get your one year extension, then for the rest of the year can never drop below bt400,000. Then needs to be brought back up to bt800,000 at least two months before you apply for your next one year extension. That is the only time bt400,000 is relevant to any retirement extension of stay.

This website spells it all out, with job listings. Ajarn.com

You need all the original documents you used to get the visa updated for the extension. It is much easier to just cross a border and return.