This post will provide you with all the information you need to obtain your retirement visa, and answer all the nagging questions to which you have seen conflicting answers for all over the Internet.
Let's get started.
What is a Retirement Visa?
In truth, there is no such thing as a retirement visa, per se. However, when we talk about a retirement visa, we refer to it as such because people applying are generally retirees intending to spend their retirement in Thailand.
Moreover, you can't work on this type of visa, so it's generally for those who've stopped work and entered the sunny side of life.
What most refer to as a retirement visa is officially known as an extension of stay based on retirement.
The way the extension of stay based on retirement is obtained is by entering Thailand on a Non Immigrant O Visa, which we will discuss a little later, and then by obtaining the retirement extension from an immigration office – provided you meet the requirements.

What Are the Retirement Visa Requirements?
There are three key requirements, as follows:
- You must be over 50 years old
- You must have a monthly income of 65,000 Thai Baht or more
- Or, ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account for 60 days+ before applying for the extension. And ฿800,000 remaining for 3 months after the extension, and ฿400,000 thereafter.
The ฿800,000 must be in the bank for at least 2 months before your visa application.
As of 1st March, 2019, the ฿800,000 must also remain in your bank for 3 months after the extension, and, after those 3 months, you must keep ฿400,000 in there indefinitely.
You also need a letter from your Thai bank to confirm the ฿800,000 is there and has been there for the required time frame.
Note that you need a letter from your bank verifying the balance and a copy of your bank book.
Note that you can also use foreign currency, but the money must be the equivalent of ฿800,000 Baht.
There are a number of banks offering foreign currency accounts, but you must make sure that the amount you have in there equals the requirement for the extension of stay: exchange rates fluctuate throughout the year, and this may leave you short if you don't monitor it.
=> Read more about opening a Thai bank account here.
Instead of having ฿800,000 in a bank account, you can show an income of ฿65,000 per month, without having to bring the money into Thailand.
For those who don't want to tie up such a large amount of money in what essentially will be a zero interest account, it may be preferable to use this requirement, particularly if you have a steady pension income, or income from investments.
You will need to provide details of this income over a three-month period, by way of bank statements and through a notarized letter from your embassy that verifies the monthly income.
New Rules for UK and US Nationals
British and US nationals are no longer able to obtain a letter from their respective embassies to confirm that they have a pension income or other income of the required ฿65,000 amount.
This means that nationals of these countries will have to go down the route of having ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account, or they must have the ฿65,000 income paid into a Thai bank account each month and prove this by way of a 12-month bank statement history.
This is problematic for those who have not held a bank account for 12 months. It is therefore likely that British and US nationals will have to go down the 800k lump sum route, at least for the first year anyway.
On the plus side, money transfers to a Thai bank account are relatively cheap these days (see the link below).
=> Learn the cheapest way to send money to Thailand
* It is expected that other embassies will follow suit and stop issuing income letters too. I will update this article as and when this happens.
What If I Don't Meet the Financial Requirements?
Perhaps you don't have an ฿800,000 lump sum of money to put in a Thai bank account, or a monthly income of ฿65,000. In this case you can still meet the financial requirements by combining the two.
For example, let's say that you earn 50,000 a month. That would equal ฿600,000 a year.
In this case you would only need to deposit ฿200,000 in your Thai bank account to make up the required ฿800,000. However, you would need to provide both the letter from the bank and the proof of income letter from your embassy
(British and US nationals are currently unable to obtain this income letter).
What Documents Do I Need for a Retirement Visa?
To obtain the extension based on retirement, you will need to attend an immigration office, such as the office located at the Ministry of Foreign affairs in Bangkok. On the day you will need 5 things, as follows:
- Passport with Non Immigrant O Visa inside. Photocopies of: photo page of passport, page showing visa, page showing last entry date into Thailand.
- TM.7 (extension of stay form completed and signed). Attach a passport photo and include phone number by your signature.
- Departure Card (TM.6) (make a photocopy)
- 2 passport size photos
- Proof of funds and or proof of income (letter from bank/embassy). Bank letter cannot be more than 3 days old. If using the lump sum application route, you'll need an updated photocopy of your bank book page that shows the balance. Obviously take your bank book along too.
- Proof of address (copies of rental agreement, and utility bills (if you have them))
- Application fee of ฿1,900 THB
*Sign all photocopies.
90-Day Reporting
Once you have your retirement visa, there are two important rules that you must follow to ensure that you do not overstay your visa or invalidate your visa.
- You must conduct 90 day reporting. This means you must report to an immigration office in Thailand every 90 days. This is because Thailand has a law that states that a foreign national must produce his/her address if staying in the kingdom for 89 or more days. The address is reported on a TM48 form.
- Perhaps the most common mistake foreign nationals make when living in Thailand on a retirement visa is leaving the country without getting a re-entry permit. A re-entry permit can be obtained from an immigration office or the airport before leaving the country.
This permit will be stamped in your passport and protects your visa from expiring while you are outside of the country. If you do not get a re-entry permit, then your visa will be invalidated and when you re-enter Thailand you will get a standard 30 day exemption stamp.
As noted, you can obtain a re-entry permit as you are leaving the country. However, if you are able to plan in advance, it may be better to get one a few days before you leave to ensure that you get it done in time and don't miss your flight if you are in a rush to the airport. The re-entry permit form is known as TM13.
I have written extensively about the re-entry permit in this post here.
How to Renew Your Retirement Visa
Your retirement visa (extension of stay based on retirement) will last for one year. But don't wait until that year is almost up before you start planning to renew it. In fact, you can renew your visa up to 45 days before it expires.
Remember that you need to ensure that your Thai bank account balance does not fall below the ฿800,000 threshold three months prior to renewing your visa.
Also consider that if you need a proof of income letter from your embassy, you should plan this at least a few weeks before you apply for your visa.
Some embassies require you to make an appointment and they may be busy at the time you apply. Don't worry though, the letter from your embassy will be valid for six months, so is perfectly fine to obtain the letter up to a couple of months before you need to renew your visa.
Rules for Those Retiring with a Spouse (Dependent)
It may be the case that you're a foreign couple who want to retire to Thailand. In this situation, there are two possibilities for obtaining the visa:
- Each partner obtains a retirement visa by following the financial requirements laid out above: that is ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account two months prior to applying; or proof of ฿65,000 income per month, as verified by your embassy; or a combination of the two.
- One of you obtains a retirement visa and the other receives a visa as his/her dependent. The visa holder is generally the male party.
The easiest route is for you to both independently get visas. One reason for this is that if the main visa holder were to pass away then the dependent's visa would be immediately void.
This could be problematic because it would present you with a visa issue to overcome at a time when you would be going through a lot of grief and having to sort out a lot of other things in your life.
In this situation, you could essentially leave the country and come back in on a 30-day exemption stamp, or get a tourist visa from a Thai embassy in a neighbouring country. But this still might not give you the time you need to get all your affairs in order and take care of probate.
It sounds quite morbid, but it is worth considering – because at a time like this you would not want the hassle of sorting out visa issues.
The other reason to avoid going down the dependent visa route is that Thai immigration has moved the goalposts on this visa are a couple of times over the last decade. Both times they have reverted back to the original rules, but it can cause confusion and be problematic.
In the case of a dependent, immigration requires the financial aspect of the extension to be provided by the male party and not through a joint bank account.
Similarly, if you are using a letter from your embassy to prove your income to extend your visa, this must solely be in the man's name and not in joint names. In other words, the income is verified as the man's income and not a joint income.
It is also worth noting that if you are seeking to obtain a dependent visa for your spouse and your spouse is not yet 50 years old, your spouse must enter Thailand on a Non-Immigrant O Visa.
This is because a 30-day on arrival stamp cannot be converted into a Non-Immigrant O Visa inside Thailand, if you are not yet 50 and seeking an extension based on retirement.
Getting Your Non Immigrant O Visa
The most common pathway to getting the extension based on retirement is to obtain a Non Immigrant O Visa (90 day validity) from your home country before you arrive Thailand.
You can obtain this visa in Thailand, but then that's an extra step that you will have to go through with immigration before applying for your extension of stay based on retirement. It really isn't difficult to get from your home country either, so it is advisable that you do this.
Here are the requirements for the UK Thai Embassy. Please note that requirements may differ slightly from country to country.
- Visa application form
- Passport or travel document with validity not less than 6 months and at least 2 blank pages, as well as the photocopy of passport. The actual passport must be submitted with visa application form.
- Two (2) recent photos (taken within the past 6 months)
- Supporting documents for the purpose of visit to Thailand. (Please see details for each type.)
- A copy of pension statement if the applicant is a pensioner, or a copy of 1-month bank statement showing your income from pension, or 3-month bank statement of at least £10,000
Once you have your Non Immigrant O Visa, you can enter Thailand and stay for 90 days. You will have to wait 60 days before you can file your retirement visa application at the immigration office and follow the steps laid out in this post.
Getting a Retirement Visa (O-A) Instead
You should also know that you can obtain a long-stay visa (generally known as a retirement visa) inside your home country. It's known as an O-A visa.
Rather than include all the details in this post and confuse the two options, I wrote a separate post on this.
In a nutshell, there's more paperwork involved and it requires you to have a specific insurance policy. Though it does have some benefits that the extension we have discussed here doesn't have.
+ Read more on the O-A visa here
Have I missed anything? Still got a question? Leave it in the comments below.
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Send Money to Thailand:
Use Transferwise. It is fast, cheap, and gives you the market exchange rate. Me and the majority of my readers are using it.
Get Good Health Insurance:
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Last Updated on
Peter says
May 18, 2022 at 11:24 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 19, 2022 at 4:13 pm
Peter says
May 19, 2022 at 8:53 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 19, 2022 at 9:02 pm
Max says
May 19, 2022 at 6:21 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 19, 2022 at 8:47 pm
Max says
You are not converting your 90 days Non-immigrant O visa into a 1 year retirement visa. When you enter the kingdom, your visa is "USED", you're on a 90 days "permission of stay". What you're doing after 60 days at the local immigration office is extending your "permission of stay" one year.
May 19, 2022 at 6:29 pm
Jerry says
I have a question regarding the 65K THB per month for the financial requirement.
I did my 1st 1 yr extension of stay in March of the this year using the 800K THB requirement. Im currently depositing the 65K or more monthly into Thai bank, so at the time of my next extension of stay I will have at least 12 consecutive months of deposits.
My questions
1) Is there any kind of rule thats says the 12 months deposts need to add up to 800K, or the 65K plus the balance need to add up to 800K?
2) Will the immigration have a policy that requires the deposts and balance needed to be 800K two months prior to my application?
Kinda like the map thing, never seen it on an official list but immigration asked for a map to my address at my extension meeting.
thanks in advance for your advice and wisdom!
May 16, 2022 at 10:31 am
Max says
May 16, 2022 at 6:33 pm
Jerry says
If I transferred 67,000 THB for 12 months, the Sum of the 12 transfers would be 804,000 THB. Then I spent 60K a month for living expenses, I would have a balance of 120K in my Thai bank account at the end on my 12 month period.
So my question is, would that be acceptable to the Thai Immigration official?
I would have transferred 65K or more into a Thai bank for the 12 prior months, per the posted regulation.
But I know my interpretation and the Thai Immigration official may not understand it the same way.
When I read the rule it sounds like they are ok with 12 monthly transfers of "at least" 65K into a "THAI BANK" and the "sum" of those transfers need to be 800K or more.
Kinda like that famous drawing where there is a pic of an old women and young woman in the same pic, just depends on what you see.
Thanks for all the help, always appreciated.
J
May 21, 2022 at 12:49 pm
JamesE says
May 22, 2022 at 5:46 am
Max says
May 22, 2022 at 11:02 am
Herbert says
Very informative sharing of you! Good work!
May 11, 2022 at 12:42 pm
Max says
May 11, 2022 at 4:20 pm
Joe says
Mar 23, 2022 at 3:08 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 23, 2022 at 5:57 pm
Jerry says
Here's where I'm stuck ... where do I get the forms, TM7, TM47 etc...
The other thing I want to know, can I get a "Sticker" visa is my passport Non-O now rather than carry the paper around, or am I stuck with the pdf file forever?
When I do the 1 year extension of stay, is that where I get the "Single Entry", or "Mult. Entry" visa. For now I put a copy of the pdf file on my phone, no printout.
According to the consulate site, the 90 day Non-O is single entry, but I want to travel in Asia as it opens and think the multiple entry streamlines the process and removes the "re-entry" paperwork you warn about doing before trips.
One more question, If I stay in hotels what paperwork should I use to prove my address? In. theory, they (the hotel) report my stay (TM30) directly already .... at least in theory.
I wanted to thank you for your site, it is my go to site for trying to sort this stuff out as I do my first round of renewals, 90 days check-ins and such.
After the first complete loop through I think it will make more sense ... 555, if that is possible.
Thanks Peter
Feb 01, 2022 at 12:19 pm
Max says
Feb 02, 2022 at 12:03 am
Jerry says
Couple questions, can my permanent address be a hotel until I decide where to live. Not sure of the city yet.
My eVisa was issued 27 Dec 2021, visa must be used by 26 Mar 2022 are the dates on it. My passport was stamped at BKK… Admitted 26 Jan 2022, Until 25 Apr 2022. Does that mean I file for the 1yr extension in April?
Somehow I thought the used by date was the date I needed to work to for filing my extension of stay application.
Sorry about the questions, came here a few times pre covid and did some logistics, setting up a bank acct, doctor, dentist, tried to get a driver license but ran out of time. So this is my first loop through the living here process.
Again thanks, your reply was extremely helpful.
Feb 02, 2022 at 2:56 pm
Max says
Feb 02, 2022 at 5:33 pm
Jerry says
The money part I understand, and the health insurance.
You said start about roughly 60 days into the 90 days. I’m unsure which date to work to on this.
My eVisa was issued 27 Dec 2021, visa must be used by 26 Mar 2022 are the dates on it. My passport was stamped at BKK… Admitted 26 Jan 2022, Until 25 Apr 2022. Does that mean I file for the 1yr extension in April?
Refer to paragragh above. Would my 90 days end on the March 26, 2022, or on the April 25, 2022.
March is the eVisa date, April is the entry + 90 days stamped at BKK upon arrival.
When I got the eVisa I thought my 90 days ended in March, but now that I see the stamp from Immigration upon Arrival I’m not so sure I understood the process.
Did I must need to initiate my first 90 days by March 26, 2022?
Thanks again,
J
Feb 06, 2022 at 2:01 pm
Max says
Feb 06, 2022 at 10:26 pm
Jerry says
I think my confusion was that i was interpreting the eVisa use by date as the end date. And having what i thought was a visa end date that ended sooner than the entry stamp end date, seemed to give me confusion. Also i woukd hat to show in April if I should have wormed to the March date.
Not a great way to start off.
Thanks for your patience with me.
Feb 07, 2022 at 5:40 pm
Max says
Feb 07, 2022 at 6:27 pm
Robert meredith says
I am concerned I don't have enough initially to qualify.
I have 620000 in kasikorn bank and about £10k to take with me ,
I will have sold my house when I move and will put £100K into my private pension and after I have move I will have £90k in uk bank I will also have £240 in my private pension but don't want to start using that for about 8 mths I also have barclays bank health insurance which covers covid up to £10 million can you see Any issues
Thanks robert m
Feb 07, 2022 at 3:25 am
Max says
Feb 07, 2022 at 6:39 pm
Thomas says
Perhaps you don't have an ฿800,000 lump sum of money to put in a Thai bank account, or a monthly income of ฿65,000. In this case you can still meet the financial requirements by combining the two.
For example, let's say that you earn 50,000 a month. That would equal ฿600,000 a year.
In this case you would only need to deposit ฿200,000 in your Thai bank account to make up the required ฿800,000. However, you would need to provide both the letter from the bank and the proof of income letter from your embassy
(British and US nationals are
Dec 21, 2021 at 1:06 pm
Max says
Dec 21, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Angus says
Dec 20, 2021 at 5:21 am
Max says
Dec 20, 2021 at 8:39 am
Angus says
Dec 20, 2021 at 7:38 pm
Max says
Dec 20, 2021 at 9:31 pm
Angus says
Dec 20, 2021 at 10:06 pm
Jerry says
Dec 10, 2021 at 4:02 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 10, 2021 at 7:32 pm
Max says
Dec 11, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Ben says
For example, could you leave Thailand for 2 months after every four months in Thailand and still qualify for the re-entry stamp/visa, a retirement visa the following year and residency after 3 years ?
Cheers
Nov 19, 2021 at 9:04 am
Max says
Nov 22, 2021 at 7:40 am
Louise says
Also is is possible to start with a visa with a dependent and change to two individual retirement visas when more finance becomes available?
Thank you for any help
Nov 08, 2021 at 1:03 am
Max says
Nov 08, 2021 at 7:07 am
Peter says
10-6 years ago an agent did the retirement visa for me each year, I prefer that route so no £25K has to be left in the bank. Is that option still open? And could it be done with just coming in on a tourist visa do you think?
Oct 20, 2021 at 8:31 pm
Max says
Oct 21, 2021 at 7:10 am
Earle Gaetz says
Oct 03, 2021 at 2:40 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 04, 2021 at 4:41 pm
Max says
Oct 04, 2021 at 5:01 pm
Earle says
Oct 05, 2021 at 7:11 am
Paul says
Thanks!
Sep 24, 2021 at 8:17 am
Max says
Sep 24, 2021 at 4:32 pm
Paul says
Sep 24, 2021 at 5:15 pm
woody says
I was at LA county court, but charge is 40usd, but I don't want to pay for if Thai consulate asks for different criminal record. I don't know where to get it Please, help
Sep 15, 2021 at 12:40 am
JamesE says
Sep 15, 2021 at 1:19 am
Max says
(About the criminal record, why don't you ask the Thai embassy/consulate in the US?)
Sep 15, 2021 at 9:36 am
Mark Westendorf says
Aug 27, 2021 at 12:40 pm
Max says
Everyone needs the income letter when using the monthly income method, except for people from the US,UK and Australia who can't obtain it anymore.
Aug 28, 2021 at 7:34 am
JamesE says
For example, say I was planning to retire in Thailand and wanted a visa that said so. I'm not quite ready yet because of getting the financial requirements in place, but I would like to start getting some things set up like opening a second bank account, and getting a driver's license which can be easier with an O visa than on a TV or visa exemption.
Would I be allowed to get an O (Retirement) stay my 90 days without extending it and then get another to do similar things or when I make my move in a few years?
I can't see anything in the rules that would preclude this but also have seen exactly no stories of anyone who has or tried and was refused.
Thanks.
Aug 13, 2021 at 4:10 am
Max says
Aug 13, 2021 at 2:11 pm
JamesE says
Aug 14, 2021 at 1:28 am
Brian says
I will apply for the Non Immigrant O Visa vs the OA.
Thanks for help with this.
This way I do not need a medical certificate or another criminal record check ( with added cost, fingerprinting and Waiting around for the document) and/or less paperwork as you have mentioned in one of your posts.
I have bought an annual inbound mid cost insurance policy through Mr Prakan for $1500 Canadian vs the Cost of insurance in Canada.
Do I need to get additional health insurance on top of this?
Thanks Brian
Aug 12, 2021 at 12:58 am
TheThailandLife says
Aug 12, 2021 at 1:55 am
Lara says
I've heard some people say that in order to get a dependent visa, I also need my financial proof, but I haven't read about this information anywhere.
Thank you.
Aug 06, 2021 at 10:33 am
Max says
Aug 06, 2021 at 6:52 pm
Lara says
I also would like to know that
1. on TM 7 form, what should I write for the reason I stay in Thailand?
2. "kind of visa" is the current visa right?
Thanks a lot for your time.
Aug 06, 2021 at 8:13 pm
Max says
Depending on where you're staying in Thailand and the local immigration office,they might ask for a legalized marriage license. This is now a requirement at Jomtien immigration in Pattaya. This is new from this year, but I don't know if the requirement is nationwide. I read about it at Pattaya City Expats Club's website. Google pcec pattaya
Aug 10, 2021 at 6:52 pm
Rich Platts says
I have been told that this has been changed to the letter being dated the day or your visa renewal. Which is correct?
Thanks.
Jul 09, 2021 at 1:53 pm
Max says
Jul 09, 2021 at 6:27 pm
Andrew Greenfield says
Jun 23, 2021 at 11:40 am
Jan Lund says
Jun 23, 2021 at 3:35 pm
Max says
Jun 23, 2021 at 7:31 pm
Jan Lund says
Thank You for Your piece of mind.
Jun 17, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Max says
Jun 18, 2021 at 12:43 pm
Jan Lund says
Jun 23, 2021 at 3:44 pm
Scott j Johnson says
Apr 27, 2021 at 12:25 pm
Max says
Apr 27, 2021 at 8:10 pm
ray goodwin says
Apr 22, 2021 at 6:49 am
Max says
Apr 22, 2021 at 3:42 pm
JamesE says
Apr 22, 2021 at 9:17 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 22, 2021 at 9:37 pm
ray goodwin says
Apr 23, 2021 at 2:32 am
Dorian Wyn Williams says
Mar 26, 2021 at 3:00 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 26, 2021 at 3:40 pm
Max says
Mar 26, 2021 at 6:44 pm
Mary says
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Mar 09, 2021 at 12:16 am
Anthony Swift says
Feb 18, 2021 at 9:07 pm
Max says
Feb 18, 2021 at 11:55 pm
JamesE says
Feb 19, 2021 at 6:31 am
Brian T Addley says
First off, thank you for this information, it's very helpful. I do have a question though. My wife and I are hoping to retire in Thailand next year and while I understand the financial requirements for doing so, I"m not clear if the money required is per person or per couple. I can easily manage the financial requirements if it's for both of us, if we have to double the amount I'm not sure.
Thanks in advance for any input on the matter.
Feb 14, 2021 at 2:33 am
JamesE says
Feb 14, 2021 at 8:28 am
Max says
Feb 15, 2021 at 11:36 am
Mary turner says
Mar 04, 2021 at 1:19 am
Max says
Mar 04, 2021 at 7:25 am
JamesE says
Mar 04, 2021 at 7:37 am
Max says
Mar 04, 2021 at 6:37 pm
Mary says
Mar 11, 2021 at 7:39 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 11, 2021 at 8:23 pm
Mary says
Mar 11, 2021 at 9:41 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 12, 2021 at 6:46 pm
Max says
Mar 14, 2021 at 8:14 am
JamesE says
Mar 12, 2021 at 12:03 am
Max says
Mar 12, 2021 at 7:49 am
JamesE says
Mar 12, 2021 at 11:16 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 12, 2021 at 11:52 pm
JamesE says
Mar 13, 2021 at 12:13 am
Max says
Mar 14, 2021 at 8:26 am
Max says
Mar 12, 2021 at 7:41 am
Gary Farmer says
Mar 04, 2021 at 11:55 am
Anees says
Feb 17, 2021 at 5:35 am
David Broadfoot says
Feb 22, 2021 at 7:40 pm
Max says
Feb 22, 2021 at 11:36 pm
Max says
Feb 14, 2021 at 8:39 am
Bob says
1. Per person, so both of you have a separate and independent visa.
2. One of you has a retirement visa, and the other partner applies for a visa as a dependant. This reduces the deposit requirement.
3. Use an agent, no deposit account requirement. Costs roughly 14,000 baht per visa.
I would also suggest that you come to Thailand on a tourist visa and apply for a retirement visa in Thailand. This eliminates the health insurance requirement, which for whatever reason "sticks" for each extension to a retirement visa obtained outside of Thailand.
Feb 14, 2021 at 8:49 am
JamesE says
Feb 15, 2021 at 8:14 am
Max says
Feb 15, 2021 at 11:49 pm
JamesE says
Feb 16, 2021 at 7:31 am
WALTER TODD says
Feb 09, 2021 at 7:10 pm
Gary Farmer says
Feb 10, 2021 at 7:41 am
Max says
Feb 12, 2021 at 12:26 am
Bob says
If you are using an agent then you will not have an issue with the extra paperwork.
There has been no changes to the law since the 800/400 bullshit was introduced a couple of years ago. However the official in your face can introduce his/her extra requirements to show that you are complying with the rules.
Until last year the same official was happy with the bank book, copy of every page and a letter from the bank. Last year the twat decided to require six months statement from the bank. So back to the bank.
The year before suddenly he wanted a photograph of me outside my rented bunch. That meant a 50 kms round trip. That's after the same officer had issued me 12 consecutive annual extensions without a damn photograph.
Most of the money you pay an agent goes directly to bribe the immigration department to issues a visa extension without these checks and overlook the 800/400 requirement. "At the discretion of the officer" is the get out clause to make the illegal become legal.
I am on the verge of using an agent because I am am fed up with dealing with these self-serving arrogant pricks.
Feb 10, 2021 at 9:42 am
Max says
Feb 10, 2021 at 1:32 pm
Sydney K Liversage says
Feb 09, 2021 at 3:46 pm
JamesE says
Feb 09, 2021 at 7:02 pm
Max says
Feb 10, 2021 at 1:16 pm
Ron Kortsep says
Jan 25, 2021 at 12:57 am
Max says
Jan 25, 2021 at 8:29 am
Ron Kortsep says
Jan 26, 2021 at 12:19 am
Max says
Jan 26, 2021 at 7:51 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 26, 2021 at 5:04 pm
Ron Kortsep says
Jan 27, 2021 at 12:06 am
Bob says
The regulations surrounding COVID determine what will be possible, and these can change daily, without any warning.
My best guess is that cross border tourism with Cambodia will not be possible until at least 3Q 2022.
Jan 25, 2021 at 9:50 am
Ron Kortsep says
Jan 26, 2021 at 12:23 am
Bob says
The outlook for international travel is looking bleak. I am currently "Red Zoned" in Chonburi, which means I can't get back home without permission. And if I did manage to escape, the current requirements in the province I live in are a COVID test and two weeks quarantine.
With luck I will be "Orange Zoned" next week. I am not sure what extra freedom that gives me. If I can at least get to BKK it will be a nice change of scenery from the ghost city I am now in.
Anyway, Thailand has ordered enough vaccine to give roughly 17 million Thais two shots by early next year. Realistically that means less than 25% of the population by February 2022. The Thai government has already said that the borders will remain almost shut until all Thais have been vaccinated.
There is absolutely no way that you will be able to border hop to extend a tourist visa in early 2022. However, immigration is currently extending tourist visas in-country which will probably continue, which might be an option.
The outlook is dismal for 2022.
Try planning for 2023.
And if that hasn't depressed you, try this,
https://capx.co/close-the-borders-now-there-wont-be-a-second-chance/
I think I need a pack of Prozac.
Jan 26, 2021 at 8:35 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 26, 2021 at 5:03 pm
Ron Kortsep says
Jan 27, 2021 at 12:01 am
Max says
Jan 27, 2021 at 9:53 am
JamesE says
Jan 31, 2021 at 9:22 am
Max says
Feb 01, 2021 at 7:42 am
JamesE says
Feb 01, 2021 at 6:42 pm
Dilip says
Jan 12, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Max says
Jan 13, 2021 at 7:43 am
JamesE says
Jan 14, 2021 at 12:22 am
Richard says
Has anyone any experience where proof of address can/is be substantiated by Bank/Services bills and statements?
Understand that premises and owner ID are required, of the "address" but we have no formal agreement.
Dec 29, 2020 at 6:01 pm
Max says
Dec 29, 2020 at 7:29 pm
Richard says
Much appreciated..... best wishes for the NY.
Jan 04, 2021 at 11:58 am
Aaron says
Nov 27, 2020 at 11:24 pm
Max says
Nov 28, 2020 at 10:56 am
Bob says
1. A map showing location of residence (always been required)
2. GPS coordinate of residence (which I write on the map) (required for last four extensions)
3. Photo of me outside residence (required for last two extensions)
4. Statement from bank covering last six months (last extension)
I am now seriously considering using an agent to do the extensions. It costs about 15,000 Baht which includes the re-entry permit. I do not want to go this route, as the agent apparently only gets a couple of thousand with the rest going into the pockets of the corrupt immigration officers.
But it will save me getting wound up as the clown demands some other item. Last year I was forced to make a 40 kms round trip just to get the damn photo of me outside the residence. And then this year a 10 kms round trip to the bank to get the additional statement.
Nov 19, 2020 at 8:43 am
John says
Nov 15, 2020 at 11:31 am
Max says
Nov 16, 2020 at 8:12 am
Bob says
According to the rules you will not get an extension.
I extended in July and the officer this year required a bank statement going back six months (so I had to go back to the bank) and a copy of all the pages in the deposit book and a letter from the bank confirming the balance on the day. He then checked the book.
I would go as soon as possible, wear very smart clothes, and have an envelope with say THB 1k inside. If he says he cannot extend the visa, then plead ignorance and COVID, offer profuse apologies, and ask if anything could be done this time. If it goes along the lines, "well, maybe if you can help me too" slide the envelope over the desk.
If that fails, then get in contact with an agent. They charge around 15,000 Baht but can get it sorted.
Or go straight to an agent.
Nov 16, 2020 at 10:18 am
Chris says
Dec 11, 2020 at 8:07 am
Bob says
Another guy I was told paid 30,000.
You might find it less stressful if you use an agent to do it for you.
Dec 11, 2020 at 6:03 pm
Tara says
Nov 14, 2020 at 9:29 pm
Max says
Nov 15, 2020 at 8:19 am
Tara says
Nov 19, 2020 at 1:49 am
RG says
Oct 08, 2020 at 1:32 pm
Max says
Oct 08, 2020 at 4:56 pm
Nancy says
Sep 17, 2020 at 12:34 pm
Max says
Sep 17, 2020 at 5:18 pm
bob says
Can c children be attached to the visa or do they need a different type?
Aug 31, 2020 at 4:33 pm
Max says
Aug 31, 2020 at 6:45 pm
Max says
Aug 31, 2020 at 6:51 pm
James E says
Aug 31, 2020 at 10:37 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 01, 2020 at 2:44 am
James E says
Sep 01, 2020 at 4:15 am
Max says
Sep 01, 2020 at 8:28 am
James E says
Sep 02, 2020 at 12:20 am
Bob says
"How to Renew Your Retirement Visa
Your retirement visa (extension of stay based on retirement) will last for one year. But don't wait until that year is almost up before you start planning to renew it. In fact, you can renew your visa up to 45 days before it expires.
Remember that you need to ensure that your Thai bank account balance does not fall below the ฿800,000 threshold three months prior to renewing your visa. "
I thought it was TWO months before extending the visa.
(I presume this is the day on which the visa extension is stamped in the passport, not the date from which it is valid)
Aug 31, 2020 at 4:31 pm
Max says
Aug 31, 2020 at 6:32 pm
Philip Robinson says
Aug 28, 2020 at 2:38 pm
Max says
Aug 28, 2020 at 8:09 pm
S. V. Boykins says
Your information is very helpful. I'm hoping you can assist with a question I have been trying to answer for a little while. Are there any exceptions for the age requirement? I am a 42 years old, disabled, combat veteran, retired from the military. I meet all other requirements set forth except for age. Is this an area with any leniency or consideration for extenuating circumstances? I have all the required supporting documents (notarized by the embassy) showing service connection and banking information readily accessible.
Thank you in advance.
Aug 26, 2020 at 12:48 pm
Max says
https://www.thailandelite.com/?locate=en
Are you in Thailand now? If not, you can forget about Thailand for quite a while because of the Covid-19.
Aug 27, 2020 at 6:43 pm
MIKE ALBANESE says
Quick question. Im here in Thailand on a multi-entry OA retirement Visa. I arrived this year January 31 2020. I used my bank account from my home country to show the Embassy since I didnt have a Thai account.
I opened an account in February but did do the 65,000 Baht transfers or put 800K Baht in either. In July I just started doing the 65,000 transfers ut I'm reading I need 12 months to show Immigration.
Did I read correctly I can put 800K in my Thai account 3 months prior to my extension? Thanks for any help. Cheers.
Aug 24, 2020 at 6:36 pm
Max says
Aug 24, 2020 at 9:23 pm
James E says
Aug 24, 2020 at 10:15 pm
Max says
Aug 27, 2020 at 6:22 pm
Richard Julius says
So I had to change address details and ultimately bank branch as well. I also had to make application for multi entry as they did apply for this either which I paid them for. I had to do this remotely as I was already booked on a flight to Udonthani 2 days after my application and had to send my passport back the Keyvisa in Pattaya for them to complete!
I have not held the required amount of 800,000bht in my account as I wanted to do it based on monthly income which I also told them. Unfortunately as said previously Keyvisa did not give me much detail!
I have held 400,000bht in my account since then. When I apply for my first retirement visa extension will they reject it because I did not have the 800,000bht for 2 months after my arrival?
My pension is a self funded retirement (SFR) pension so I don't believe the Australian Embassy will be able to verify it through the Australian Government. I can show related documentation of the SFR pension.
Thanks in advance for your response 🙂
Aug 16, 2020 at 10:11 am
Max says
First of all: Your initial visa can't be a Non-immigrant O-A. An O-A Visa can only be obtained in your home country. You have a 1 year extension based on a Non-immigrant O Visa.
Secondly: If you used the money in the bank method, you MUST keep 800k in the bank for 90 days after the application (not after arrival) and then never below 400k until next 1 year extension if you're going to change to the monthly income method. If still going for the 800k in the bank, you must top up the money to 800k again 2 months prior to the application. Yes, Jomtien Immigration can reject your next application if you didn't keep 800k or more, in the bank for 90 days. Didn't Key Visa inform you about this?? If they didn't (and you're 100% sure) you have to take it up with them. This can be a big problem. Because of the non-existing income letter from your embassy you need to show 12 months of deposits (>65k/month) using a bank statement from your Thai bank,and they have to be foreign.
Aug 17, 2020 at 12:06 pm
Pauline Cornell says
Aug 01, 2020 at 1:00 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 01, 2020 at 4:49 pm
Max says
Aug 01, 2020 at 5:50 pm
richard bennett says
Jul 20, 2020 at 9:39 pm
James E says
Jul 20, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Kei Kimpara says
Jun 29, 2020 at 10:48 pm
Max says
Jun 30, 2020 at 11:07 am
Fred Prager says
Jun 04, 2020 at 10:14 am
Max says
Jun 04, 2020 at 5:39 pm
Fred Prager says
1. Can I use the money for monthly living expenses as long as I can show 12 months of deposits.
2. My bank, Bangkok Bank, says it will take 2 weeks to obtain a detailed statement of 12 months of activity. This will make the letter out of date by the time I go to Immigration.
3. If I get a letter showing 11 months of deposits and have a bank book showing the 12th month will that suffice for the 12 month requirement. This would be due to the timing of requesting the letter, when I receive my monthly pension, the expiration date of my VISA and going to Immigration
May 19, 2020 at 9:12 am
Max says
Getting a 12 months bank statement normally never takes longer than a week at Bangkok Bank, sometimes faster depending on branch. You'll need a 12 months bank statement and copies from the bank book showing the last week or two will most likely suffice. Remember that every monthly transfer have to show up as foreign/international. You also need a bank letter (aka Bank guarantee) from your bank. The fee is ฿100. The fee for the bank statement is normally ฿200.
May 20, 2020 at 10:28 pm
Fred Prager says
Jun 04, 2020 at 10:08 am
Max says
Jun 04, 2020 at 6:01 pm
Fred Prager says
Jun 10, 2020 at 9:57 am
alan says
Last couple of times at annual renewal in Bangkok, I am getting pressure to have my required funds with a Thai bank ( Bangkok, Kasikorn etc) rather than a Foreign bank in Thailand e.g Citibank Thailand.
To me both are Thailand bank accounts, regardless of origin of the bank's shareholders. But do you know if the rules are Thai owned bank or just a bank account in Thailand?
Any official requirement you can direct me to or just the whim of the immigration guy on the day?
cheers
alan
May 06, 2020 at 2:29 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 06, 2020 at 6:12 pm
Brad says
May 05, 2020 at 8:09 am
Max says
Other offices requires a 12 month bank statement showing the 800k for 3 months and that the balance hasn't gone below 400k until 2 months before next application when you have to top it up to 800k again.
May 07, 2020 at 7:31 pm
James E says
May 07, 2020 at 9:47 pm
Larry says
Another problem is I'm 78 yo and Thai Ins. companies I've called will not sell to me. One said maybe not after 80 yo; so then what do we do. I directly asked Jomtien immig.office that question and not only did not get an answer but I was ignored. So many things not set in stone but on the day you appear for assistance any one officer can demand you have "this certain document"
Apr 24, 2020 at 3:17 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 24, 2020 at 3:40 pm
Max says
Apr 24, 2020 at 4:09 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 24, 2020 at 4:21 pm
STEPHEN PRINCE says
May 18, 2020 at 1:18 pm
carlos boada says
Could you please indicate the article number of the law so that I can show igt to them?
Thank you,
Carlos
Apr 18, 2020 at 11:56 am
Max says
Apr 18, 2020 at 10:45 pm
Sylver says
For renewing the retirement visa after 1 year of stay you mentioned:
Remember that you need to ensure that your Thai bank account balance does not fall below the ฿800,000 threshold three months prior to renewing your visa.
1. But isn't the requirement that the ฿800,000 must be in the bank for 2 months before your visa application? Or is the 2 month requirement only for new retirement applications and not for renewal of existing retirement visas?
2. Is there any benefit of renewal of existing retirememt visa as against applying for a new one?
3. After completion of 1 year or at anytime if we want to cancel our retirement visa, can we withdraw/transfer the 800k Bht from the Thai bank? What is the process to be followed for cancellation of the retirement visa if required?
Thanks,
Sylver
Apr 18, 2020 at 8:47 am
Max says
Apr 18, 2020 at 10:39 pm
Igor says
And a second question, please. I am the owner of a house and have a household book (a blue one). In the list of documents number 9 is: House rental contract and copy of your household book (OK, I made a copy of this book). But then comes document 11: Document for Notification of the residence of foreigners. Do I need this document if I am an owner? If yes, then where can I obtain it?
Thank you
Apr 13, 2020 at 8:42 am
Max says
Apr 13, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Randy says
Apr 05, 2020 at 2:29 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 05, 2020 at 9:03 pm
Mark says
Kind regards m stables
Apr 03, 2020 at 1:07 am
Max says
Apr 03, 2020 at 10:26 am
Chris says
Mar 26, 2020 at 11:24 am
Max says
Mar 27, 2020 at 2:13 pm
Kathy Gardner says
Mar 10, 2020 at 12:34 am
James E says
Mar 10, 2020 at 2:44 am
Henry Byrne says
I will relax only when i see re-confirmation of confirmation of above lol!
Henry
Mar 07, 2020 at 2:01 pm
Max says
Mar 07, 2020 at 8:40 pm
Chris says
Mar 08, 2020 at 7:29 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 08, 2020 at 10:32 pm
Max says
Mar 09, 2020 at 12:10 am
Randall H Trantham says
Feb 18, 2020 at 7:02 pm
Bubba says
Feb 18, 2020 at 9:34 pm
James E says
Feb 18, 2020 at 11:23 pm
Max says
Feb 19, 2020 at 12:02 am
Thomas J Jacobson says
Feb 18, 2020 at 10:45 am
Max says
Feb 18, 2020 at 11:56 pm
Thomas J Jacobson says
Feb 20, 2020 at 9:36 am
Max says
Feb 20, 2020 at 8:56 pm
Thomas J Jacobson says
Feb 22, 2020 at 2:46 pm
David R says
For three years now I have visited Thailand 9-10 times per year on 2 week holidays(on arrival stamp) and intended to keep this up for the next 4 years and then retire in Thailand.
But I have been told soon immigration will not accept this amount of travel without a visa.
If this is the case a retirement visa seems to be the way to go as over 50, property and a bank account with regular transfers in Thailand.
My issue is where to get the non O visa and then converting to retirement visa with only ever being in Thai for 2 weeks at a time and reading the conversion is after 60 days.
I live and work in Saudi Arabia and only go home to Scotland two times a year for 4 days so getting the o visa could be a problem with the time constraints.
Feb 13, 2020 at 7:12 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 13, 2020 at 8:08 pm
Dennis Gabriel says
I'm planning to retire in Thailand, from Australia. I'm 68, and on pension. The Thai Embassy says that from October 2019, a Retirement Visa in Thailand MUST have Health Insurance from a Thai broker. Is this true? I have not got one in Australia, and I always take out Travel Insurance.
Please enlighten.
Dennis.
Feb 06, 2020 at 4:43 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 06, 2020 at 4:51 pm
James E says
Feb 07, 2020 at 12:03 am
Sandy says
Feb 02, 2020 at 8:05 pm
James E says
Feb 03, 2020 at 4:00 am
Max says
Feb 03, 2020 at 8:18 am
ray goodwin says
Jan 25, 2020 at 8:13 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 25, 2020 at 6:22 pm
James E says
Jan 25, 2020 at 8:05 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 26, 2020 at 12:13 am
Bubba says
Jan 26, 2020 at 8:24 am
Max says
Jan 26, 2020 at 8:06 pm
Max says
Same with Bangkok Bank.
Jan 26, 2020 at 12:10 pm
James E says
Jan 26, 2020 at 9:30 pm
ray goodwin says
Jan 26, 2020 at 8:35 am
Max says
Jan 26, 2020 at 7:26 pm
Brent says
Jan 21, 2020 at 9:37 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 21, 2020 at 5:04 pm
Max says
Check out this website:
https://canchamthailand.org/becoming-expat-need-know/
Jan 21, 2020 at 7:20 pm
brent says
.
Jan 22, 2020 at 9:09 am
Max says
It won't happen in my opinion.
Jan 22, 2020 at 10:21 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 23, 2020 at 1:06 am
Mojo says
Jan 23, 2020 at 2:13 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 23, 2020 at 5:55 pm
Max says
Jan 23, 2020 at 8:42 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 24, 2020 at 5:31 pm
Paul and Dow says
Jan 20, 2020 at 11:10 am
Max says
If money is no problem,then a visa based on retirement is better,but NOT the O-A Long stay visa you obtain in Australia. That visa requires an approved thai health insurance which is expensive and somewhat useless. (You can get a better thai insurance when the 1 year extension is obtained.) Better to start with a 60 days tourist visa incl conversion and the 1 year extension the way I explained earlier. 800,000 baht in the bank is needed the day when you're applying for the 90 days Non-immigrant O Visa based on retirement and same amount 2 months prior to the 1 year extension. It's less paperwork using the visa based on retirement method incl the extension but more money has to be kept in the bank. The bank account must be in your name only. No joint accounts are allowed. A long term condo/house rental contract is also needed.
Jan 21, 2020 at 1:08 am
Paul and Dow says
We will be staying in Lopburi in a house we have built in my wife's name. We were married in Bangkok and have the Thai marriage certificate, but taking your advice, the retirement visa appears the better option. We are going to Thailand in March for a three week holiday and normally would get the 30 day entry stamp at the airport on arrival. Would it be worthwhile applying for a multiple entry spouse visa for this trip and trying to open up a bank account? When we move to Thailand permanently, this would be one less hurdle to overcome.
Jan 21, 2020 at 9:06 am
Max says
Jan 21, 2020 at 8:18 pm
Paul and Dow says
Jan 22, 2020 at 6:24 am
Max says
Maybe you should pop by the bank and talk to them before going to the immigration office. Your wife might work as a reference. I'm just saying.
Jan 22, 2020 at 10:14 pm
Bubba says
Jan 23, 2020 at 5:07 am
Paul Underwood says
I have a “retirement” visa and have heard conflicting information about obtaining the extension.
please advise if the insurance is required.
I am nearly 70 years old with health problems so doubt insurance available.
If it is necessary, is there an alternative visa?
Jan 18, 2020 at 6:28 pm
Max says
If you're on an O-A Visa, and don't want the insurance, your only option is to leave for a neighbouring country, without a re-entry permit. Then you will "kill" your extension when returning. You have to start over again with for example a 30 days Visa exempt and then convert it to a 90 days Non-immigrant O Visa at your local immigration office. Then after 60 days apply for a 1 year extension. No insurance needed. Where are you staying?
Jan 18, 2020 at 10:40 pm
Gary says
Jan 18, 2020 at 10:49 pm
Gary says
Jan 19, 2020 at 12:03 am
Bubba says
Jan 19, 2020 at 7:11 am
Max says
Jan 19, 2020 at 5:00 pm
Bubba says
Jan 20, 2020 at 5:42 am
Max says
Jan 21, 2020 at 1:48 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 21, 2020 at 2:21 am
Bubba says
Jan 21, 2020 at 5:24 am
Max says
Jan 21, 2020 at 9:01 am
TheThailandLife says
Jan 21, 2020 at 4:59 pm
Max says
No retiree uses the ME 90 days Non-immigrant O Visa. That visa is normally used by people not meeting the requirements for an O-A or an O Visa.
Jan 21, 2020 at 7:39 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jan 21, 2020 at 7:44 pm
Max says
A friend of mine was in your situation a few weeks ago. He's 72 years old and on annual extensions based on an O-A Visa. He couldn't afford the insurance,and didn't want to start all over with a new Visa and instead went to an agent in Pattaya. I don't know how much he paid, but it worked out. I just wanted to mention it, because this is an option for you,too.
Jan 19, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Bubba says
Jan 20, 2020 at 5:47 am
Max says
Jan 21, 2020 at 1:37 am
doc says
Had to put money into the account to update book first. but you have to pay money in with UK pounds and get charged a 1% fee with a minim fee of 500baht = £12.70
And still had to pay 100 baht for the letter also took about 30 mins not including the wait
Also, the rules seem to state you have to do this every 90 day for the report???
This is a lot of hassle and expensive. you may be best to just put the funds needed in a Thai bank in Thai Bahts
Jan 17, 2020 at 3:45 pm
Max says
In my opinion having the money in a Fixed Deposit Account is cheaper,smoother and with a much better interest rate than in a savings account. At Bangkok Bank (maybe even at Kasikorn Bank), you can update the bank book in their update machines without the need to deposit any money.
What Immigration office do you belong to? You don't need to show the money in the bank every 90 days. At a few offices you show the 800k 90 days after the extension. Just once. The 90 days report has nothing to do with the money in the bank.
Jan 17, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Doc says
Jan 19, 2020 at 11:55 am
Max says
Jan 20, 2020 at 11:28 am
FRANK says
Jan 08, 2020 at 10:37 am
Max says
Most of the western countries have a so called Double Tax Agreement,DTA with Thailand. With a DTA you don't have to pay taxes on your pension in both countries,just in the country where you earned your pension.
Jan 08, 2020 at 7:20 pm
Bryan S says
Is my best option to enter with a 60 day tourist visa, open the bank account and deposit the 800,00 baht right away, extend for 30 more days, get my Thai health insurance, and then apply for the A-O visa after the money has been in the bank 60 days? Would I still need to upgrade to O visa before A-O? If so can I apply for that soon after entry?
Jan 05, 2020 at 2:41 pm
Max says
Jan 06, 2020 at 12:05 am
James E says
Jan 06, 2020 at 12:41 am
Max says
Jan 06, 2020 at 11:58 am
Bubba says
Jan 06, 2020 at 6:23 pm
Max says
Jan 06, 2020 at 9:12 pm
James E says
Jan 07, 2020 at 2:42 am
Max says
Jan 07, 2020 at 9:03 am
James E says
Jan 08, 2020 at 12:35 am
Bubba says
Jan 06, 2020 at 7:55 am
Bryan S says
Jan 07, 2020 at 12:55 pm
James E says
Jan 08, 2020 at 12:32 am
Bryan S says
Jan 08, 2020 at 6:06 am
Max says
Jan 08, 2020 at 7:28 pm
James E says
Jan 10, 2020 at 12:41 am
Max says
You can't use Bangkok Bank NY branch anymore for transferring money to a BB thai branch. That option died last year. Opening a savings account at a BB branch using a tourist visa is actually possible, BUT, it depends on the branch. Many branches live by their own rules. Do you have a place to stay in Thailand with a rental contract? If you have, you can get a Certificate of Residence from the local immigration office. The cost is from 0 to 300-500 baht. That's normally what a BB branch wants, or a letter from your embassy/consulate in Thailand. If you visit Bangkok Banks website (it's in english), you can see the requirements for a savings account. At my BB branch in Jomtien,Pattaya, the Certificate of Residence is like an "open Sesame" when opening an account,other branches wants the letter from an embassy. You need the 800k in the bank when doing the conversion 30 days later,so getting the account as fast as possible is crucial. But you can also extend your 60 days Visa another 30 days at the local immigration office for 1900 baht if you need extra time. Other than BB you've got Kasikorn Bank, and again,it depends on the branch if they allow you to open an account. Use the 800k you're about to transfer (or more) as leverage at the branch incl a few please. That might help. When you've got your account and the money is transferred from the US, (it must be a foreign transfer), then you're home free. When doing the conversion from tourist Visa to 90 days Non-immigrant O, you'll need a bank letter (they also call it a bank guarantee) from your bank to prove you've got the 800k and that the transfer was international. It cost 100-200 baht depending on bank. Now you wait 60 days and then back again to immigration with almost same papers as you needed for the conversion + another bank letter. Your at least 800k MUST be in the bank 2 months before the application for the 1 year extension.
Jan 08, 2020 at 1:06 pm
Bryan S says
Do have this all correct?
Jan 09, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Max says
https://m.pattayacondoguide.com/
Jan 09, 2020 at 7:37 pm
Bryan S says
Jan 10, 2020 at 1:36 am
Max says
Either you have 60 + 60 days after entry in Thailand until the application for the 1 year extension,or 90 + 60 days if you need to extend your tourist visa another 30 days. Just count from the day you entered Thailand. The money have to be in the bank when you do the conversion. The first 30 days (or 60 days if you extend the tourist visa),is the window you have to find a condo through a real estate agent, get the contract and then open the account and get the money transferred from the US. 30 days can be tight,but 60 days makes it a lot easier,less stress. You'll need to show a contract for the conversion, but also when you apply for the 1 year extension. So, a 3 months contract won't suffice, right? That just covers the 90 days Non-immigrant O Visa. It's easier and cheaper to rent long term = 1 year. I don't know how big condo you want/need and your budget,and where in Jomtien you want to stay. You can try to find a small cheaper condo for the 1st year, and if needed upgrade when you're back. Leaving stuff while away is normally no problem,you don't need to mention it to everybody,though. Nowadays they have security and CCTV cams.
Jan 10, 2020 at 9:31 am
Bryan S says
Jan 19, 2020 at 8:36 am
Max says
http://www.tomtaxiservice.com/
Click on Book now and scroll down for information.
Jan 20, 2020 at 12:51 pm
Max says
Bangkok Banks Jomtien branch is located on Jomtien Second Rd between Soi 5 and Soi 7 opposite Rompho market. Jomtien Immigration is located on Soi 5 about 80 meters from the bank. Very convenient.
Jan 20, 2020 at 12:58 pm
Bryan S says
Jan 19, 2020 at 10:55 am
Bubba says
Jan 20, 2020 at 5:57 am
Max says
Jan 21, 2020 at 1:22 am
Max says
Jan 20, 2020 at 12:31 pm
Bryan S says
I have a couple of new questions. First is about security deposits for a one year leases on condos. I've read everything from one months rent to up to three months rent. What is the norm in Jomtien? Are they good about returning your deposit (providing no damage to the unit) at the end of the lease? Read varying opinions about this as well. Second question is about Covid-19. I've been tracking it for Thailand but most news reports are generic. Any new restrictions in place regarding visa extensions or entry? I understand business is way down. How is that affecting daily life in Pattaya? I haven't seen anything about Pattaya having confirmed cases as of now. Is that true? Any update is appreciated.
Mar 07, 2020 at 10:20 am
James E says
Mar 07, 2020 at 11:41 pm
Max says
It's actually quite relaxed here compared to BKK and some other places. Some people wear masks,but not that many. The low season has started now and there are less tourists here compared to just a couple of weeks ago, but that's normal.
Mar 07, 2020 at 9:00 pm
Chris says
Mar 08, 2020 at 7:47 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 08, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Jean-Luc says
It is clear and concise.
Nov 15, 2019 at 9:03 am
Max says
Nov 13, 2019 at 8:22 am
Mal haq says
Nov 13, 2019 at 4:39 am
James E says
Nov 13, 2019 at 7:18 am
Max says
Nov 13, 2019 at 8:51 am
James E says
Nov 14, 2019 at 12:54 am
Max says
Nov 14, 2019 at 6:12 pm
Arie Droogendijk says
Nov 11, 2019 at 5:39 pm
TheThailandLife says
Nov 11, 2019 at 6:01 pm
Khunang says
(400k deposit in an official Thai bank is your money. Withdrawal at your will and following your bank regulations.)
Nov 11, 2019 at 11:14 am
Andrew says
Nov 06, 2019 at 4:07 pm
Max says
The 90 days Non-Immigrant O is extendable 1 year after 60 days at the local immigration office. Cost 1900 baht. Then you can extend it every year. No insurance needed.
Nov 06, 2019 at 8:34 pm
Bubba says
Nov 08, 2019 at 6:21 am
Max says
Nov 09, 2019 at 2:15 pm
Bubba says
Nov 10, 2019 at 8:01 am
Max says
Nov 11, 2019 at 12:45 am
Bubba says
Nov 12, 2019 at 9:02 am
Max says
Nov 12, 2019 at 6:51 pm
STEVE says
May 18, 2020 at 1:25 pm
Max says
May 18, 2020 at 8:02 pm
James E says
Nov 06, 2019 at 11:34 pm
Max says
Nov 11, 2019 at 12:39 am
Abdu Basi says
The link on this site takes me to Cigna in UK which seems to be very expensive. Can any one suggest a different insurance company.
Oct 30, 2019 at 12:49 am
Max says
Oct 30, 2019 at 7:54 pm
James E says
Oct 30, 2019 at 10:27 pm
Max says
Oct 31, 2019 at 8:38 pm
Abdu Basi says
Oct 29, 2019 at 2:30 am
Max says
Oct 29, 2019 at 6:09 pm
Rami says
Oct 29, 2019 at 12:57 am
Max says
Oct 29, 2019 at 8:55 am
James E says
Oct 29, 2019 at 11:00 pm
Keith D says
Oct 22, 2019 at 3:10 am
Bubba says
Oct 22, 2019 at 6:37 pm
Max says
Oct 22, 2019 at 7:15 pm
Max says
Oct 22, 2019 at 6:40 pm
Keith D says
Oct 31, 2019 at 5:01 am
Bubba says
Oct 31, 2019 at 6:10 am
Max says
Oct 31, 2019 at 8:33 pm
Max says
Oct 31, 2019 at 9:47 am
philip robinson says
Nov 25, 2019 at 2:50 pm
Max says
Nov 25, 2019 at 6:13 pm
philip Robinson says
Nov 30, 2019 at 2:29 pm
James E says
Nov 26, 2019 at 12:07 am
Max says
Nov 26, 2019 at 6:59 pm
James E says
Nov 27, 2019 at 12:51 am
Max says
Nov 27, 2019 at 8:09 pm
Bubba says
Nov 28, 2019 at 8:29 pm
James E says
Nov 29, 2019 at 12:21 am
Sa dra says
I nearly died on the spot but was able to get new one in one week and pay a fine but told to leave the country to go to Thai Consulate in Vientian. We booked and left right away only to get here to Vientiane and go to Thai Consulate where I first had to get an account with their system and a code to then make 2 separate appointments with no way of knowing WHEN. Been here a week and no appt and must leave tomorrow. Consulate says Must noe have police report from Bangkok. And medical report. Never told this by immigration and they provided a list of requirements.I have no idea what to do next. Been to CM Immigration 4 Times and to Chiang Rai Immigration who sent us to Mae Said Immigration who said they do not do piggyback as we have in the past and my husband would have to leave the country and come back with non immigrant O. They told me i woulf need to do that in Thailand. I have no idea what will happen at the airport tomorrow. Any advise.
Oct 18, 2019 at 5:33 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 18, 2019 at 6:07 pm
Max says
Oct 18, 2019 at 9:05 pm
TheThailandLife says
Oct 18, 2019 at 9:58 pm
Alex says
This has caused me problems big time. for two weeks I tried the thai embassy
in London. It seems they have a policy of not answering the phone.
I did find out that you apply on line to Bangkok. Sounded simple enough but that was about all. Turns out its not policy to respond to your emails so they will only come back mailer demone.
I have family in Thailand and was in the process of getting rid of everything
in England. It has been dawning on me that everything is turning to dust.
I have been coming here for 11 years, What happened?. I am now in a real mess.
Sep 29, 2019 at 7:42 am
TheThailandLife says
Sep 30, 2019 at 2:48 am
Gary says
Sep 30, 2019 at 10:43 am
Bill M. says
Bill
Sep 17, 2019 at 10:14 pm
Max says
What kind of visa will you arrive on? 60 days Tourist or 30 Visa exempt?
If you arrive on a 60 days Tourist Visa,that visa can be converted to a 90 days Non-Immigrant O based on retirement at the local Immigration Office. After 60 days you can apply for a 1 year extension. But your problem will probably be the opening of an account in a thai bank.
Sep 18, 2019 at 6:19 pm
James E says
Sep 18, 2019 at 10:48 pm
VegasGuy says
Sep 06, 2019 at 6:11 am
Bubba says
Sep 06, 2019 at 9:13 pm
James E says
Sep 06, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Steep says
I was planning to spend two nights in Bangkok upon arriving before moving on to Pattaya. Would two nights delay make any difference to my application?
Sep 02, 2019 at 9:11 pm
Max says
Sep 03, 2019 at 12:50 am
STEEP says
Sep 09, 2019 at 8:42 pm
James E says
Sep 03, 2019 at 1:30 am
STEEP says
Sep 09, 2019 at 8:43 pm
Max says
The new requirements when having >800k in a Thai bank: From March 1 2019 you need the money in the account for 2 months before applying. Same with next extension and third and so on. NOT 3 months before. 2 months for every extension. Then also 3 months after the application. They also require a so called 90 days check to see that you still have >800k in the account.
The interest rate for a Savings Account is not 0%. You get 0.5% at Bangkok Bank and at several other banks.
It's also possible to open a Fixed Deposit Account,FDA. The interest is about 1.5% for 12 months at Bangkok Bank. Higher rate for 24 months and so on.
The Australian Embassy also stopped issuing the income letter January 1, 2019 together with the UK and US Embassies.
Other embassies still issues them same as before.
If you don't have an income letter you need >65k monthly. The transfers "HAVE TO BE INTERNATIONAL" and the Thai bank will issue a bank letter stating this. You also need copies of the bankbook and "EVERY" transfer has to be a foreign transfer. This is at the moment very important. It might change when Immigration learns how foreign transfers really work.
Aug 31, 2019 at 4:26 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 01, 2019 at 3:37 am
Max says
It's 2+3 months for every extension from March 1. I have seen the official police order from Immigration, and I did my last extension in May according to the new rules.
Sep 01, 2019 at 9:42 am
TheThailandLife says
Sep 02, 2019 at 5:38 pm
Steve Holt says
Sep 06, 2019 at 7:36 pm
TheThailandLife says
Sep 06, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Shanti says
Thanks
Aug 05, 2019 at 6:55 pm
TheThailandLife says
Aug 05, 2019 at 7:28 pm
Max says
Passport and have a retirement visa.
Aug 29, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Tron says
Can anyone break out the details and or confirm my understanding please.
Cheers, Tron
Jul 24, 2019 at 10:12 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 24, 2019 at 4:45 pm
Tron says
I don't expect you to include the following if you post my reply, but for your reference the comment by "Jimn" and just below that "ubonjoe" on Thaivisa https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/1089085-retirement-extension-but-outside-thailand-for-extended-periods-and-bank-deposits/?do=findComment&comment=13931972
I'm familiar with all the requirements etc, etc, just the key question of whether this is actually true for retirement as well.
Thanks
Jul 26, 2019 at 1:25 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 26, 2019 at 4:36 am
Tron says
Thanks for your great articles too. Cheers
Jul 26, 2019 at 11:58 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 26, 2019 at 9:20 pm
Max says
Aug 29, 2019 at 7:49 pm
James E says
Aug 29, 2019 at 10:24 pm
Max says
Aug 30, 2019 at 1:04 am
James E says
Sep 01, 2019 at 10:45 pm
Max says
An O-A visa from your home country will still be an O-A visa after a 1 year extension. I have done all this myself. I know how it works.
Sep 02, 2019 at 9:09 am
Gary says
This route does away with the medical and Police checks in your home country { and no I'm not a criminal or infirm it was just quicker for me to move after retirement } , but does require you to have the 800K in place already in Thailand before you apply on the TM 86. I set up my bank account on a previous visit in the February before flying out in October to ensure the funds were siting in the bank for the required time period.
Oh yes as a foot note this method is actually less expensive than obtaining the O-A in the UK as well !
Sep 02, 2019 at 10:07 am
Max says
Sep 02, 2019 at 9:25 pm
James E says
Jul 24, 2019 at 10:18 pm
Max says
Aug 29, 2019 at 7:55 pm
Terry Barclay says
Low point 70k with monthly income of between 70 to 80k every month,
Exchange rate ???, would this be acceptable to the nice people at immigration.
Thank you
Jul 20, 2019 at 11:23 am
Max says
That's why your Thai bank book must show international transfers = FTT every month around the same period of the month. Plus you need a bank letter from the bank.
Aug 29, 2019 at 8:13 pm
Bubba says
Sep 01, 2019 at 6:39 am
Gary says
I wonder if this is what you have experienced and they have failed to explain themselves at the Branch. Try your original set up Branch as I believe you will have better luck .
Sep 02, 2019 at 9:54 am
Max says
Sep 02, 2019 at 9:30 pm
Bubba says
Sep 03, 2019 at 8:01 am
Max says
The new requirements from Immigration states that they want to see a bank letter showing 12 consecutive international transfers. Your Bangkok Bank branch should know this. It's 9 months since the new requirements kicked in.
Sep 04, 2019 at 12:09 am
Max says
In Chonburi province and in other provinces there's no problem what so ever at B-Bank with income letters showing international transfers for 12 months. That in combination with copies of the bank book showing foreign transfers is what Immigration demands.
Sep 02, 2019 at 10:12 am
Tom Larner says
What do you need to do to prove this to Immigration on the 6 months anniversary? Copies? Letters?, etc?
Jul 19, 2019 at 9:24 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 19, 2019 at 6:58 pm
Gary says
Sep 02, 2019 at 10:14 am
Max says
When you apply for your 1 year extension and last time 3 months after to show you still got >800k.
That's a new requirement from March 1. Immigration calls it a 90 days check.
The TM30 mess is what it is,and we'll have to wait and see what happens.
Sep 02, 2019 at 8:08 pm
Bubba says
Jul 15, 2019 at 4:48 pm
Max says
Aug 29, 2019 at 8:24 pm
Bubba says
Sep 02, 2019 at 5:44 am
Max says
Sep 02, 2019 at 8:24 pm
Bubba says
Sep 03, 2019 at 7:54 am
James E says
Sep 02, 2019 at 11:17 pm
Max says
The requirements (>800k in the bank) has not changed the last 3 years. Just extend your visa another year 30 days before the visa expires,and you have another year + apply for multiple re-entries.
Sep 03, 2019 at 11:57 pm
James E says
Sep 05, 2019 at 12:14 am
Max says
Sep 05, 2019 at 9:58 am
TheThailandLife says
Sep 05, 2019 at 6:10 pm
Max says
Sep 05, 2019 at 8:16 pm
alfie says
So can you tell me When and How i could withdraw the remaining 400k if i decide to leave Thailand ?
Jul 15, 2019 at 7:50 am
TheThailandLife says
Jul 15, 2019 at 2:14 pm
Bubba says
Sep 02, 2019 at 5:50 am
Max says
If you come from the UK,US or Australia your embassy doesn't issue income letters starting 20190101. You need 12 monthly international transfers, that's important and they should arrive in the bank every month and about the same time. Never 2 transfers one month and none next month. You need a bank letter from your Thai bank and copies of your bank book showing 12 foreign transfers = FTT. That's very important at the moment.
Other countries uses income letters from their embassies as usual. >65k monthly in the bank is not required.
If you want to transfer your 800k in the bank to your bank abroad,they can as I understand it be repatriated. You have to show they were an international transfer in the first place,and provide the Thai bank with all information they need about the bank, account no,Swift code etc etc. If you need cash then you can almost withdraw as much as you want. Cleaning the account wouldn't be the best move in my opinion. Always nice to have some money in the bank for a rainy day.
Sep 02, 2019 at 9:07 pm
James E says
Sep 02, 2019 at 11:01 pm
Max says
Every transfer in the bank book has to be a foreign transfer = FTT.
Many applications have been denied because of Interbank Transfers. That's when the transfered money has been sent to another bank first,then been routed to the applicants bank. Some Immigration offices don't trust the bank letters and just look at the transfers in the bank book.You should read up on the requirements,they are not secrets. And there are many reports online about applications being denied. Hopefully Immigration will learn to trust the banks instead of the transfers in the bank book.
Sep 03, 2019 at 12:31 am
James E says
Sep 03, 2019 at 6:41 am
Bubba says
Sep 03, 2019 at 7:56 am
Max says
Can't you visit BB main office on Silom Road?
They should be able to help you.
Sep 04, 2019 at 12:21 am
Yvonne says
I am considering whether apply for a retirement visa or elite visa.
Thanks
Jul 10, 2019 at 7:02 pm
James E says
Jul 11, 2019 at 12:16 am
Max says
Aug 30, 2019 at 1:14 am
Bubba says
For many expats, the bloom is soon oft the rose.. and remember, in Thailand "NO REFUNDS!"
Jul 11, 2019 at 8:57 am
Terri says
Jun 29, 2019 at 3:21 pm
Bubba says
Jun 30, 2019 at 8:10 pm
jonathan says
Went this morning for my yearly retirement visa (non-o) to the Bangkok Immigration office. This time they wanted a map which shows the place I live. Of course I didn't know that because this is something new. This time not a big problem, but they let me make a drawing whereabout I live. Next year this will be a problem.
Another problem I encountered: half a year ago I was for two days in Hua Hin for a short break. The officer told me that I am therefore registered in Hua Hin. They even showed me prove (a picture and documents made in the Hua Hin hotel). So I had to go to change my address (into the address where I live for many years) first before getting my retirement visa.
Very annoying, not the least for the officers who have to deal with this BS. On a positive note: the Immigration Officers were, as always and without exception, super friendly and at noon I finally got my visa.
Jun 11, 2019 at 1:35 pm
TheThailandLife says
Jun 11, 2019 at 2:30 pm
Bubba says
Jun 11, 2019 at 3:41 pm
Max says
Aug 29, 2019 at 8:48 pm
Bubba says
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-49470726
A very interesting article.. just remember that xenophobia exists everywhere.
Sep 01, 2019 at 6:54 am
Max says
Sep 02, 2019 at 10:25 am
TheThailandLife says
Sep 02, 2019 at 5:25 pm
gary says
I am about to attend my first 90 day visit to Immigration, can anyone confirm what is now needed for them since the rules changed around the banking of the 800K prior to and after the granting of the extension of stay. Do I need a bankers letter, my bank book , both or something else ? I've looked through the posts but can't see any definitive answer unless I'm on the wrong post (apologies if the case).
Can I also confirm if I visited the UK at the end of March so my 90 days started on my return date when a new TM6 was issued ?
Jun 05, 2019 at 7:26 pm
Andrew Evans says
May 29, 2019 at 7:53 pm
James E says
May 29, 2019 at 9:57 pm
Max says
I hope you are registered at the address you're staying at.
Next 90 days report you only bring your passport.
Aug 29, 2019 at 9:04 pm
Marc says
May 05, 2019 at 9:58 am
TheThailandLife says
May 06, 2019 at 5:07 pm
Teresa says
May 03, 2019 at 11:14 am
Bubba says
May 03, 2019 at 7:09 pm
TheThailandLife says
May 03, 2019 at 11:36 pm
James E says
May 03, 2019 at 10:33 pm
Max says
Aug 29, 2019 at 9:10 pm
Max says
Aug 29, 2019 at 9:12 pm
Liz says
“Or, ฿800,000 in a Thai bank account for 60 days+ before applying for the extension. And ฿800,000 remaining for 3 months after the extension, and ฿400,000 thereafter. “
“The ฿800,000 must be in the bank for at least 2 months before your visa application.”
Observation: The first requirement applies to the time of extension and clearly states a Thai Bank.
The second requirement applies to the initial application and does not state the location of the bank i.e. Thailand or one’s home country.
Question: When making the initial application for this VISA, can the required 800,000 BHT, be in the applicants bank in their country of residence, then transferred to a Thai bank, approximately, 3 months before filing for an extension?
Apr 29, 2019 at 2:17 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 29, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Chris says
Apr 29, 2019 at 6:33 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 29, 2019 at 7:32 pm
James E says
Apr 29, 2019 at 9:42 pm
Chris says
Social Security Administration
U.S. Embassy Manila
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Ermita 0930
Manila, Philippines
Email: FBU.Manila@ssa.gov
Phone No.: +63 2 301 2000 ext. 9 (from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Manila Time, Tuesdays and Thursdays except Philippine and U.S. Holidays)
Department of Veterans Affairs
Email: DIRECTD.VBAMUS@VA.GOV
Phone: +1 (918) 781-7550 (from 9:00am to 5:30pm, Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday)
Office of Personnel Management
Retirement Operations Center
PO Box 45
Boyers, PA 16017 U.S.A.
Email: retire@opm.gov
Phone: +1-888-767-6738 (from 7:40 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time)
May 01, 2019 at 7:10 am
Anees says
https://www.ssa.gov/deposit/GIS/data/Reports/printable_pdf/IDD%20Web%20Report%20April%202019.pdf
May 04, 2019 at 4:36 am
James E says
May 06, 2019 at 8:14 am
TheThailandLife says
May 06, 2019 at 5:05 pm
Chris says
May 06, 2019 at 8:05 pm
James E says
May 06, 2019 at 9:22 pm
James E says
May 06, 2019 at 9:40 pm
Max says
Aug 29, 2019 at 9:22 pm
Betsy says
Apr 18, 2019 at 9:58 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 18, 2019 at 9:23 pm
James E says
Apr 18, 2019 at 10:19 pm
Philip Robinson says
Apr 14, 2019 at 10:10 am
James E says
Apr 15, 2019 at 4:52 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 15, 2019 at 8:15 pm
UR says
Apr 14, 2019 at 6:18 am
Lo says
Apr 10, 2019 at 8:45 pm
Bubba says
Apr 11, 2019 at 3:13 pm
Mike says
BUT, if you use another bank that is not one of the select 3, it will be a domestic transfer from BKK Bank (or one of the other 2 ) and therefore will not satisfy Immigration's requirements.
Apr 17, 2019 at 9:12 pm
TheThailandLife says
The way you lay it out may be the letter of the law but it is not how it is being enforced in Chiang Mai.
They accepted twelve US bank statements confirming my income. For this year they just need to see a few International money transfers into a Thai bank that would either add up to 800,000/b yearly or be augmented with a bank account all totaling the called for amount.
They seem to understand that we did not have time to prepare this year but expect to see all the transfers next year.
My situation happens to be monthly but I don't think that really matters. International documented transfers to a Thai bank and/or money in the bank totaling 800,000/b is all that they are after.
My impression was that as Consulate letters are nonexistent they are accepting that and just moving on.
Apr 08, 2019 at 11:56 pm
Bryan Carpenter says
Apr 06, 2019 at 10:40 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 06, 2019 at 11:39 pm
Chris says
Apr 07, 2019 at 7:34 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 08, 2019 at 5:44 pm
Bubba says
Apr 09, 2019 at 8:30 am
TheThailandLife says
Apr 09, 2019 at 6:59 pm
Stephanie says
Apr 03, 2019 at 8:24 pm
James E says
Apr 03, 2019 at 10:52 pm
James E says
Apr 03, 2019 at 10:59 pm
Philip Robinson says
Apr 01, 2019 at 1:27 pm
TheThailandLife says
Apr 01, 2019 at 5:00 pm
philip Robinson says
Apr 02, 2019 at 8:43 am
Brian hislop says
Mar 28, 2019 at 10:00 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 28, 2019 at 6:41 pm
GARRY L CORWIN says
Please advise the best way to go on spending 2 months in Thailand and leave to return one month later and stay for 2 months.
Thank you
Garry
Mar 27, 2019 at 1:05 pm
Joy says
Can one show proof of funds to cover medical bills? Or is there another possibility? Can a retirement extension be denied on the basis of “no medical insurance”?
Mar 17, 2019 at 3:29 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 17, 2019 at 5:21 pm
Hobbitpeter says
Mar 14, 2019 at 8:53 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 14, 2019 at 6:31 pm
Chris says
Mar 14, 2019 at 7:34 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 15, 2019 at 7:10 pm
Chris says
Mar 16, 2019 at 5:09 pm
Robert Booth says
I recently decided to bring over my stuff from the UK. I have been on a retirement visa for some years. I sent 5 cartons by sea from UK when I sold my house. The customs duty was NIL. I think I was allowed to do this one time.
There are a few restrictions: numbers of one type of item, no toys! Nothing seen as new! I did not even have my boxes opened and checked! It did enable me to bring those possessions I treasured and make Thailand feel more like home!
Mar 21, 2019 at 8:13 am
David Bushnell says
Mar 09, 2019 at 11:51 am
James E says
Mar 09, 2019 at 11:06 pm
CHRIS says
Mar 10, 2019 at 11:00 am
Anees says
1- Will the Thai immigration accept a rental income from property in the US, if so, how can I prove it?
2-Does the Thai immigration accept Supplemental Security Income from the US?
3-If my spouse or I decide to apply for the retirement visa as a dependent of the other, then does the 800K route cover both spouses? Thanks.
Mar 08, 2019 at 4:22 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 09, 2019 at 12:11 am
Michelle says
Mar 07, 2019 at 7:06 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 07, 2019 at 8:14 pm
John Brichacek says
Mar 05, 2019 at 3:58 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 05, 2019 at 6:30 pm
JOHN PARKER says
Mar 04, 2019 at 6:07 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 04, 2019 at 6:56 pm
Peter says
SO would the accept a translated letter of proof of pension ..from a general translator ...and a copy of my uk. Statements ???
Or does it have to be from the minstry of foreing affairs translater in Bangkok
If not i will move the 65000 each month reluctantly ...until the rate goes up !!! Lol
Thanks
Mar 01, 2019 at 12:04 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 02, 2019 at 12:24 am
Dave in Udon says
Evidently they want an end to guys keeping all money back home and getting by here with an ATM card.
Oh yes, the verifying bank letter must be signed by bank manager on the same day as visa extension.
They have heard nothing about requiring hospital insurance for retirement visa extensions...
Hope this helps?..
Mar 15, 2019 at 7:39 am
TheThailandLife says
Mar 15, 2019 at 7:06 pm
James E says
They're not interested in the 800KB (which is chump change to an economy even if there are a million retirees) tied up in a bank, they're interested in the 1-2MB that will be spent into the economy which, through the Miracle of Modern Monetary Theory, turns into much more than that.
Plus it clears out the riff-raff... :)
Mar 15, 2019 at 11:01 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 16, 2019 at 12:29 am
James E says
Mar 16, 2019 at 3:55 am
CHris says
Mar 16, 2019 at 5:05 pm
Kenneth Schroeder says
Feb 21, 2019 at 9:09 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 21, 2019 at 10:26 pm
Vlad says
Feb 20, 2019 at 3:26 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 20, 2019 at 6:06 pm
Vlad says
Feb 23, 2019 at 2:04 pm
Mark says
Feb 14, 2019 at 7:54 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 14, 2019 at 8:31 pm
Bill says
Feb 12, 2019 at 9:48 pm
Thomas says
Feb 12, 2019 at 5:40 am
CHRIS says
Feb 13, 2019 at 6:05 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 13, 2019 at 6:18 am
Gary says
To me that means if you want to leave and return you ned a re-entry permit . As I only saw one option when applying for the Retirement Visa how do I obtain a multi entry Retirement visa and remove the need for a re-entry permit which I collected last week so I can leave Thailand next month and return with my year Visa still valid ?
Have I missed something on the visa or are people talking about the 3900Baht multi-entry permits and not the 1900Baht O-A Retirement Visa it's self ? Can someone please clarify for me
Feb 28, 2019 at 5:19 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 28, 2019 at 7:51 pm
gary says
In my case I just obtained a single entry visa then obtained the Retirement extension here in Thailand but other readers obtained their multi entry Visas outside Thailand and can now use them with the Retirement extension and get around the need to purchase a re-entry permit. It's one of those things I wish I had read more about and understood the significant differences in the two entry visa's when applying in the UK . Thanks for clarifying it for me
Feb 28, 2019 at 9:58 pm
TheThailandLife says
Mar 01, 2019 at 12:20 am
Fred Prager says
Feb 10, 2019 at 1:45 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 10, 2019 at 4:22 pm
CHRIS says
Feb 10, 2019 at 8:05 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 11, 2019 at 7:09 pm
CHRIS says
Feb 13, 2019 at 6:33 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 13, 2019 at 6:33 pm
CHRIS says
Feb 21, 2019 at 8:26 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 21, 2019 at 9:27 pm
CHRIS says
Feb 21, 2019 at 10:39 pm
Peter Hlywa says
Feb 05, 2019 at 6:03 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 05, 2019 at 7:20 pm
James E says
Also, do a search on whether your meds are available OTC in Thailand. I know some of the things I get when I'm in Thailand (I keep an emergency supply of antibiotics on hand at home) are available without a prescription in Thailand. The last thing to consider, while technically not allowed, is that pharmacists in Thailand seem to have more, ahem, latitude in deciding where the counter is. If you can bring an empty, recent prescription bottle which was accidentally "dropped in the toilet" it might be easily refilled.
The last suggestion would be to visit a pharmacy out in the 'hood instead of in a mall. You'll find better prices and the same availability.
Feb 05, 2019 at 11:18 pm
Carol Taylor says
Feb 01, 2019 at 12:20 am
TheThailandLife says
Feb 01, 2019 at 6:58 pm
carol taylor says
Feb 01, 2019 at 7:14 pm
TheThailandLife says
Feb 02, 2019 at 12:13 am
Dennis says
Jan 24, 2019 at 12:51 pm
CHRIS says
Feb 03, 2019 at 6:41 am
Chris says
Jan 24, 2019 at 6:57 am
James E says
Places to start: the international SSA office for Thailand which is located in Manila. Contact info: https://www.ssa.gov/foreign/foreign.htm#Tahiti (The #Tahiti just takes you to the first entry under T.) They may be able to provide a more official looking letter than you can get off your My SSA online account.
You can get a certified copy of your most recent IRS 1040 by requesting same with an IRS Form 4506.
Your bank/investment house should be able to provide you with a letter that states income you received from the SSA and investments as well.
Good luck and I hope you report back how it goes.
Feb 03, 2019 at 8:59 am
CHRIS says
Passport photos, Passport, Thai Bank statement, Medical certificate, US Checking statements, US Credit Card statements,
SSA Earnings statement, UNICEF Thailand statement, Net Worth Statement, 90 day extension form, 90 day reporting form. Iwill keep yo updated.
Feb 04, 2019 at 5:44 am
David says
Dave
Dec 21, 2018 at 12:23 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 21, 2018 at 4:11 pm
David says
Dec 26, 2018 at 12:48 pm
James E says
Dec 19, 2018 at 12:15 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 19, 2018 at 12:48 am
James E says
Your instructions work perfectly when one is applying from the UK. However, in the dour land of my primary residence - the US - things are different.
Here is the form for the US: http://thaiembdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Visa-Form-2015.pdf Within it there is no mention of a state pension or any of the other fun things in the post. Neither in the instructions.
The UK gets a completely different form: http://www.thaiembassy.org/london/contents/filemanager/document/visaapplication18.pdf With full instructions to proceed as you advise.
God only knows what is else is different in the other (2n+1) countries served by a Thai Embassy.
Dec 19, 2018 at 11:39 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 20, 2018 at 7:09 pm
James E says
Dec 20, 2018 at 11:49 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 20, 2018 at 11:57 pm
James E says
Dec 22, 2018 at 12:12 am
TheThailandLife says
Dec 22, 2018 at 12:40 am
James E says
Dec 18, 2018 at 10:22 pm
TheThailandLife says
Dec 18, 2018 at 10:31 pm