@Victor **********

I can’t remember the last time I used my US number before last month’s trip. I hadn’t left Thailand since 2019 and I don’t need my phone to do my banking.

I turn on my AT&T number 1-2x per year. I returned to the US last month and had no problem using my AT&T number. I’m not saying some people may not have a problem but I didn’t. I got my SIM card six years ago.

Let’s emphasize though that they almost never ask for this. If you are a normal visitor then you have little to worry about.

I will say though that I brought the 20,000 baht for the first time when I traveled last month. I had switched to a new visa and I didn’t know if I would encounter any problems when I returned. I did not have any problem returning and I was not asked about the money.

@Dudley ********

When you get a 1 year extension you sign a document that says you understand the terms of the financial requirements. I think you have to honor those requirements throughout the year. That would mean not going below 400k the remainder of the year. If they see you didn't abide by the requirements it may complicate whatever you plan to do the subsequent year. Or maybe not. Play it safe or take a risk?

James Lasenby-Griffiths That is the earliest you apply for your next extension. In most offices it it 30 days but in Bangkok it is 45 days. I recommend going as early as possible.

If you are asking about a 1 year extension then you can apply 45 days early in Bangkok.

Same here. I went to get a yellow book and got the Thai ID at the same time. Getting the yellow book was a bit of a process. After that getting the ID required nothing more.

@Dudley ********

A different visa or a different way of meeting the 1 year extension financial requirements?

Ben Sevilla To use the money income method of 65,000 baht/month you must show 1 year of monthly deposits. The deposits have to be code as coming from outside Thailand. Showing that they are foreign deposits is the complicated part. $2,100 is currently 74,000 baht. This qualifies but you must keep track of the exchange rate. Much of the last 6 years the exchange rate varied between 29-33 baht/$. Your pension is cutting it close if the exchange rate drops. If you deposit less then 65,000 baht for even one month you will lose your visa.

@Steve *******

I think the first 1 year extension of an OA requires that you use the 800,000 baht method. Then you can use the income method.