I was very specifically told by an Immigration officer in Chiang Mai that funds absolutely could not be moved to a different account during the time they're required to be in the bank, regardless of how straightforward or well documented the transfer may be.

Here is the handout I received from Chiang Mai Immigration today, in case it will be helpful to anyone else:

I am confused about this. I thought that it had to be seasoned for 2 months for the initial visa application, and 3 months for all subsequent extensions.

Thank you. This is very helpful. I will swing by Immigration, as you suggested.

@Rob *******

, I am not against using an agent. I believe the fee is generally justified by the convenience, and by the increased odds of everything going smoothly. I just sent you a private message on the subject, as I believe it is not supposed to be discussed in detail here.

@Tod ********

: So Vientiane just wants a Thai bank book showing 800k (no letter from the bank or proof of funds originating outside Thailand), and a Thai police background check? No other requirements outside the usual application/photos/fee?

Thanks,

@Tod ********

. If I do end up applying for the 90 day Non-O inside Thailand, which is starting to look like the easier path, what can I do about proof of origin of money? Are there any options other than the two I mentioned (transfer 800k baht more into Thailand, or transfer existing 800k baht out and in again)?

While we're on the subject, I have a question about the financial requirement for the 1 year extension of stay obtained at an Immigration office in Thailand before the 90 day Non-O expires. I've read that they not only want to see 800k baht in a Thai bank account, but that they want to see documentation from the Thai bank of the transfer of that amount into Thailand from outside the country. What if I already have that much in a Thai bank account, and it was transferred here gradually over the past few years, mostly by withdrawing money from a US account at an ATM here, and then depositing it via ATM into a Thai account? If I have the funds here, but can't show a single large transfer (or any transfer, other than those ATM transactions), will it be an issue? Would I have to transfer another 800k baht into the country all at once? Or transfer 800k baht of my money that's in Thailand out of the country and then in again? I'd rather not do either of those things.

I believe I'll either do that, or just get a tourist visa while in Hanoi and then convert to a Non-O within Thailand.

@Rob *******

, you were certainly correct about the embassies. See my update below.

I emailed the Hanoi embassy last night to enquire, and this morning received a reply from them with an attached (rather stringent) list of their Non-Imm O Retirement visa requirements:

• 1 Application form for visa (fully filled) and 2 photos (3.5x4.5cm)

• A personal data brief/ a CV

• A copy of bank statement showing a deposit of the amount equal to and not less than 800,000 Baht or an income certificate (an original copy) with a monthly income of not less than 65,000 Baht, or a deposit account plus a monthly income totaling not less than 800,000 Baht.

• In the case of submitting a bank statement, a letter of guarantee from the bank (an original copy) is required.

• A letter of verification issued from the country of his or her nationality or residence stating that the applicant has no criminal record (verification shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

• A medical certificate issued from the country where the application is submitted, showing no prohibitive diseases as indicated in the Ministerial Regulation No.14 (B.E. 2535) (certificate shall be valid for not more than three months and should be notarised by notary organs or the applicant’s diplomatic or consular mission).

You can view the original document in full here:

I'm pleased to know that applying there is an option, but I'll have to decide whether it's worth jumping through so many hoops.