Extension of O-A Visa based on marriage

[alans]

In August of this year I closed my Kasikorn bank account and opened an account with the Bangkok Bank, at the same time I stopped using Bahtsmart for my monthly pension transfers and now use Transferwise. I did this for a couple of reasons, the main one being that Kasikorn/Bahtsmart did not show the transactions as international transfers in my account statements, where Bangkok Bank/Transferwise does.

Between August and March next year, when I am due to seek a Visa extension, I would have transfers totalling in excess of 400,000 Baht, will this satisfy the financial aspect of seeking an extension of my O-A Visa, based on marriage?

[Prakhonchai Nick]

I cannot answer that question, but from all accounts come next March you will need to have 400,000/40,000 health insurance in place as you are extending on an O-A visa.

[alans]

Thanks for the reply, hopefully someone else can advise re finances. BTW, I have the insurance already in place, so all good on that front.

[DeputyDavid]

So much misinformation online right now especially regarding insurance. Since so many offices and officers are interpreting things differently, your best bet is to go to the immigration office that you will do the extension at and ask what they require. You have plenty of time to get the 400k into an account if that is what they demand and they will tell you what is needed today regarding insurance. Tomorrow may be different! 

When I went I was told 400k in bank. Others have reported they want a full year of transfers into the same account and they must be coded international. I was also told averaging the amount per month is not permitted. Not saying the above is correct but this is why I say check for yourself.

[gotlost]

So much misinformation online right now especially regarding insurance. Since so many offices and officers are interpreting things differently, your best bet is to go to the immigration office that you will do the extension at and ask what they require. You have plenty of time to get the 400k into an account if that is what they demand and they will tell you what is needed today regarding insurance. Tomorrow may be different! 

When I went I was told 400k in bank. Others have reported they want a full year of transfers into the same account and they must be coded international. I was also told averaging the amount per month is not permitted. Not saying the above is correct but this is why I say check for yourself.

+1

[Starman]

So much misinformation online right now especially regarding insurance. Since so many offices and officers are interpreting things differently, your best bet is to go to the immigration office that you will do the extension at and ask what they require. You have plenty of time to get the 400k into an account if that is what they demand and they will tell you what is needed today regarding insurance. Tomorrow may be different! 

When I went I was told 400k in bank. Others have reported they want a full year of transfers into the same account and they must be coded international. I was also told averaging the amount per month is not permitted. Not saying the above is correct but this is why I say check for yourself.

You are confusing the matter by talking about 2 different issues. 400k in the bank 2 months before extension is fine. No need to prove where the money came from.

If you want to extend by monthly 8ncome, you must show 12 monthly transfers and you have to show that the money came from overseas. It is correct to say that you cannot show an average of 40k a month. Every month must be 40k or more.

The issue of insurance for extending an O-A is still vague. If in doubt, pop over to Savannakhet and get an O visa and extend that. Or, get a multi entry and avoid immigration all together.

[DeputyDavid]

Starman thank you for proving my point. Lots of confusion out there so my best advice is to go to the source and ask what they want. Then, if it is not possible, certainly there are alternatives. Some very knowledgeable folks here, and their advice and experiences they share is absolutely helpful, such as yours Starman, and I?m sure many appreciate it!

[alans]

Thanks to you all for your advice, it is all very frustrating and confusing at the moment. I will pay Buriram IO a visit.

[Freddy]

Purely a personal view and fully appreciated that not all are able to do so.

If you are in the position to put 400k in a separate bank account and just leave it there, then it really is the simplest way to go. It removes all the hassle of income verification and the related confusion that comes about when the rules change. At time of renewal, back that up with a bank account showing monthly in/out expenditure if immigration require it.
Bangkok Banks (as others) are well set up to provide the bank verification letter so the income side of application becomes very simple.

I realize that it is predominantly dead money just sitting there but in a fixed deposit account you do get a very small amount of interest which covers a few evenings out and the big plus for me is the peace  of mind it brings.

Even if you have to stretch things to get the amount deposited initially I think it?s worth it. Had my 800k for retirement visas sitting there for 5 years now so I don?t even think about it anymore.

[alans]

Thanks for your reply Freddy. I have decided to apply for another O-A (retirement) Visa when I return to Australia in December. I have an email from the Thai Embassy in Canberra stating that a letter from my Superannuation Pension company confirming that my monthly income equates to a minimum of 65,000 baht will be accepted. So, doing this will give me multiple entries and close to two years, depending on trips out of and back into Thailand and when I need to extend again, I will have the required information.

Thanks again.

[Freddy]

All good. Glad you?ve got it all sorted out.

[gotlost]

Thanks for your reply Freddy. I have decided to apply for another O-A (retirement) Visa when I return to Australia in December. I have an email from the Thai Embassy in Canberra stating that a letter from my Superannuation Pension company confirming that my monthly income equates to a minimum of 65,000 baht will be accepted. So, doing this will give me multiple entries and close to two years, depending on trips out of and back into Thailand and when I need to extend again, I will have the required information.

Thanks again.

What about the medical insurance requirment being imposed on an O-A?

[alans]

I have the required insurance with AXA Global Health Insurance.

[gotlost]

I have the required insurance with AXA Global Health Insurance.

Sounds great. Wish you the best.

[Bob]

" I have an email from the Thai Embassy in Canberra stating that a letter from my Superannuation Pension company confirming that my monthly income equates to a minimum of 65,000 baht will be accepted."
Good luck with it mate.
But you will face a reality not emails. Embassy and a local Immigration are different departments. With their email you will get the Visa but no Extension of stay