@Mark *******

exactly, and I actually asked the embassy for a verification letter like the bank asked and they had no clue and nothing they could give me except the certified copy.

A visa grants you entry into the country up until the last day that it is still valid. Regardless of when you enter within that validity date you will be stamped in for the duration that the visa grants.

@Mark *******

when I opened one a few years back at Bangkok bank they asked for the same thing. Went to the US embassy and the only thing they provided was a certified copy of my passport. I assumed that this would suffice to prove my passport was real, but when I went back they said that wasn't what they wanted yet couldn't clarify why it wasn't adequate or what exactly it was that they did want. They finally accepted it after some back and forth with the help of my Thai wife though.

Use someone other than AIS. I have a longterm package with true.

@Peter ********

some people follow the law regardless if there is any risk in being caught. The OP asked a question and I don't think there is anything wrong with giving all the information. What the law actually requires and what is "needed" from a practical standpoint.

@Peter ********

I agree with you that if the foreigner is staying less than 60 days they won't need it, and the risk to the homeowner is virtually zero. I was simply stating what the actual law is. Also, it's not as if it is some super difficult thing to do. It can be done online in just a few minutes.

@Peter ********

no, these were not instances of them fining the foreigner when they went to immigration. This was immigration going to the house/rental or whatever and fining/arresting the home owner. Had nothing to do with 60 days.

@Peter ********

i have seen stories lately of immigration arresting or fining people for not registering foreigners staying on their property. The articles don't say, but I suspect it was people renting out rooms. Not people having a guest stay.

@Peter ********

from a practical standpoint you are correct since they will have no need to get an extension, but from a legal standpoint homeowners are required to register any foreigners staying there within 24 hours.

Both. For the initial 90 day visa it needs to be in the account when you apply. For the 1 year extension it needs to be in the bank 2 months prior and 3 months after applying. It also cannot go below 400k at any point during the year. Then needs to be back to 800k 2 months prior to applying again.