Buriram Expats

Buriram Province - General Category => Isaan Thai Visa => Topic started by: fishy on April 07, 2019, 04:51:45 PM

Title: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: fishy on April 07, 2019, 04:51:45 PM
Appreciate the new Extension of Stay ..retirement visa topic has been flogged to death in many forums. What I am trying to find out is does the new rules apply to existing extension of stay holders. I renewed my extension in January. I did not do my 90 report in April as I have exited the kingdom to dodge Songkran and so missed my opportunity to ask at Burriram Imm  what's the story with the new rules. Can anyone clarify that an existing extension of stay holder can dip below the 400k bht this year or do you have to play by the new rules set out already. Is there a grandfather clause for people who had an extension before the new rules where enforced?

Reading heaps of forums on the subject but cant find an answer.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: iammike on April 07, 2019, 05:04:54 PM
The only grandfather rule was the old one for people who have been granted an extension before October 1st 2006.

The NEW rules that want in to effect March 1st there are NO grandfather rules so when applied (for new extension after October 2006) you need to have the 800k and adhere to the 400k min balance

Please Starman correct me if I am wrong on this.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on April 07, 2019, 05:20:16 PM
Officially, the new rules only apply to those who did their extension on or after 1st March.

@Fishy. You are not under the new rules, officially. You can spend your money but make sure you have 800k 2 months (maybe 3 depending on IO) before you extend next time. At that point you will be under the new rules as you would have extended after 1st March 2019.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: iammike on April 07, 2019, 05:23:25 PM
WOW that is a very gray area !!

So it could mean that even you are not under the NEW Rules, you drop under the 400k the IO can say "You don't qualify".

IMHO I would stay over the 400k min in any case. (If possible)  just to be sure
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on April 07, 2019, 05:26:31 PM
With the Thai news reporting today that the top immigration guy "Big Joke" has been moved to an inactive post, maybe the rules will change back.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: iammike on April 07, 2019, 05:34:01 PM
I hope you are right about that one and NO wonder why many people are switching to extensions based on Marriage

Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: fishy on April 07, 2019, 06:22:15 PM
Officially, the new rules only apply to those who did their extension on or after 1st March.

@Fishy. You are not under the new rules, officially. You can spend your money but make sure you have 800k 2 months (maybe 3 depending on IO) before you extend next time. At that point you will be under the new rules as you would have extended after 1st March 2019.

Starman, Iammike thank you for your feedback,
I see it as the new rules do not apply in my circumstance and many like me until I re-apply for my next extension in Jan next year then (have 800kBht cooking in bank 2 months prior to application + 3 months after + do not go under 400k bht in Bank account thereafter).

I wonder if enough fellangs got together and put a submission into the next ruling government (you can guess who that will be) about how crazy these changes are if you might get a response to it. By By Big Joke..

To me personally at the end of the year I spend down on my bank account and clear it out. That's my budget for the year. Now Thailand will miss out on my 400kbht I was going to spend..TiT brick1  brick1  brick1  brick1  brick1
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on April 07, 2019, 06:27:23 PM
Officially, the new rules only apply to those who did their extension on or after 1st March.

@Fishy. You are not under the new rules, officially. You can spend your money but make sure you have 800k 2 months (maybe 3 depending on IO) before you extend next time. At that point you will be under the new rules as you would have extended after 1st March 2019.


I see it as the new rules do not apply in my circumstance and many like me until I re-apply for my next extension in Jan next year then (have 800kBht cooking in bank 2 months prior to application + 3 months after + do not go under 400k bht in Bank account thereafter).


That is the official rule, yes.

Beware that some immigration offices are still asking for 3 months prior, even for applications after 1st March.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: fishy on April 07, 2019, 06:37:57 PM
So some officials are asking for 800k bht to be cooking in bank for 6 months... fark me.... brick1  brick1  brick1  brick1
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on April 07, 2019, 06:44:11 PM
So some officials are asking for 800k bht to be cooking in bank for 6 months... fark me.... brick1  brick1  brick1  brick1

Harsh as it may seem, it must be remembered that this new rule was introduced to stem the amount of people using agents and agents' money in order to get an extension.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: fishy on April 07, 2019, 07:09:34 PM
Harsh as it may seem, it must be remembered that this new rule was introduced to stem the amount of people using agents and agents' money in order to get an extension.

Interesting times to see how the agents and Immigration deal with the scenario. I'm sure their upset money wise with the change more than the fellang is.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Smithy on April 08, 2019, 09:39:35 AM
Harsh as it may seem, it must be remembered that this new rule was introduced to stem the amount of people using agents and agents' money in order to get an extension.

Interesting times to see how the agents and Immigration deal with the scenario. I'm sure their upset money wise with the change more than the fellang is.

With the old rules the 800k had to be in the bank 2/3 months ( depending on it being your 1st or 2nd extention ) and that never stopped the Immigaration Officals colluding with the Visa Agents to by-pass the rules. I'm sure these new rules wont make much difference apart from those wanting to use the service having to dig a little deeper into their pockets to grease a few more palms  ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: gotlost on April 08, 2019, 11:55:04 AM
Harsh as it may seem, it must be remembered that this new rule was introduced to stem the amount of people using agents and agents' money in order to get an extension.

Interesting times to see how the agents and Immigration deal with the scenario. I'm sure their upset money wise with the change more than the fellang is.

With the old rules the 800k had to be in the bank 2/3 months ( depending on it being your 1st or 2nd extention ) and that never stopped the Immigaration Officals colluding with the Visa Agents to by-pass the rules. I'm sure these new rules wont make much difference apart from those wanting to use the service having to dig a little deeper into their pockets to grease a few more palms  ::) ::) ::)

+1  :o :biggrin:
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 09, 2019, 06:02:59 AM
For anyone under 60, it would be well worth considering an application for Permanent Residence. Over 60 and it may not prove cost effectve.

Got mine 30 years ago. No messing about with extensions or 90 day reporting. Worth every baht of the 25,000bt it cost me then.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: DeputyDavid on April 09, 2019, 06:32:26 AM
I did look into it recently. I don?t have the language skills to get through the interview or test, but I will be working towards that.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: iammike on April 09, 2019, 07:04:32 AM
Good one @Prakhonchai Nick.

Anyone interested doing this should read this
https://forum.thaivisa.com/topic/74654-cameratas-guide-to-the-permanent-residence-process/

Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Anthony on April 09, 2019, 11:10:35 AM
I looked into PR and began preparing docs etc., but when I enquired last year about starting the application process at Buriram IO, I was told that there had been no EOY announcement from the government at that time, and that there was a waiting list of up to 20 years. I suppose it's not unreasonable to think that 2000 people from UK could be on the waiting list for PR and, at 100 people per year then 20 years would be correct.

Which is why I shelved the plan.

Unless anyone knows if that's not the case?
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Prakhonchai Nick on April 09, 2019, 05:11:27 PM
I looked into PR and began preparing docs etc., but when I enquired last year about starting the application process at Buriram IO, I was told that there had been no EOY announcement from the government at that time, and that there was a waiting list of up to 20 years. I suppose it's not unreasonable to think that 2000 people from UK could be on the waiting list for PR and, at 100 people per year then 20 years would be correct.

Which is why I shelved the plan.

Unless anyone knows if that's not the case?

Applications are normally acceptedin the last 2 months of each year. I doubt there are 100 applications overall, not per country.

Avoid local Immigration office and apply direct through Bangkok.  Local immi offices cannot be bothered with the paperwork. When I applied at Pattaya immi some 30 years ago, they wanted a  large backhander to process it.  Not only did I refuse but I sent a letter to Bangkok Immi registering a complaint. 2 weeks later, unannounced, the chief of PR arrived at my hone one Sunday morning. He was visiting Pattaya with his wife and family, left them on the beach and came and assisted me with my application. He took care of me for the next 18 months with my regular visits to Bangkok Immi.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Tassie on April 09, 2019, 09:52:08 PM
Anthony. What is an EOY?
Regards
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Anthony on April 10, 2019, 04:13:01 AM
Hi guys, thanks for answering.

I suppose I shouldn't have just accepted the obviously not enthusiastic response from Buriram IO at face value, and I'll look into this again maybe this year, and applying through Bangkok as Nick recommends.

EOY is an acronym for end of year - as Nick mentioned and as I understand it, the government announce that they are accepting applications for PR towards the end of each calendar year, though as I said, Buriram IO advised there had been no announcement late last year.

Cheers guys.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Tassie on April 10, 2019, 05:49:55 AM
Anthony. What is PR.
Regards
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Anthony on April 10, 2019, 05:53:01 AM
Morning Tassie PR means Permanent Residency.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: paiboon on May 25, 2019, 11:00:29 AM
Do they ask for an updated bankbook on your second 90 day report at Buriram Immigration?
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on May 25, 2019, 11:44:01 AM
Do they ask for an updated bankbook on your second 90 day report at Buriram Immigration?

The financial requirements and doing 90 day reports are not linked.

I have not heard of anyone needing to show bank books at these times.

Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: paiboon on May 25, 2019, 09:33:55 PM
Thanks Starman.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Freddy on May 26, 2019, 07:19:08 AM
Me neither. All you need is your passport for 90 day report.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Tassie on May 26, 2019, 07:21:04 AM
Yes, only the passport is required for a 90 day report.
Regards
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: PolarAttack on May 27, 2019, 03:34:48 PM
I was thinking the same question. I thought that showing the 800 - 3 months before and 3 months after would be done during the 90 day check-ins. I thought at the same office. Of course I have no idea but I thought that made sense. I see my error  brick1
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on May 27, 2019, 03:58:18 PM
I was thinking the same question. I thought that showing the 800 - 3 months before and 3 months after would be done during the 90 day check-ins. I thought at the same office. Of course I have no idea but I thought that made sense. I see my error  brick1

The 2 months before, previously 3 months, has always been done at time of application. IO checks that the money has been in for 2 months already.

Some offices have been issuing slips of paper with a date at which to return with an updated bank book to show money is still there after 3 months.

Not everyone has a 90 day report to do exactly 90 days after their extension has been issued. Also, knowing how picky immigration can be, 90 days is not equal to 3 months anyway.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: paiboon on May 27, 2019, 06:28:33 PM
Been today,only passport needed.The office behind Chang Arena,took 5 minutes.Thanks guys.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: PolarAttack on May 27, 2019, 06:37:54 PM
I was thinking the same question. I thought that showing the 800 - 3 months before and 3 months after would be done during the 90 day check-ins. I thought at the same office. Of course I have no idea but I thought that made sense. I see my error  brick1

The 2 months before, previously 3 months, has always been done at time of application. IO checks that the money has been in for 2 months already.

Some offices have been issuing slips of paper with a date at which to return with an updated bank book to show money is still there after 3 months.

Not everyone has a 90 day report to do exactly 90 days after their extension has been issued. Also, knowing how picky immigration can be, 90 days is not equal to 3 months anyway.

Thanks for the explanation Starman !!

True about the 90 days and not 3 months.  I believe mine said up to 15 days early and not more than 7 days late.
Sorry if I left some confusion. I?m referring to the future status and not current. My last check in only required my passport as well.

In the future though are you suggesting that it?s possible to require two trips?  One for the regular check in and another date to prove the funds? 

I guess it doesn?t really matter, I?ll do whatever they ask.

Thanks,
Wayne
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on May 27, 2019, 07:07:36 PM
I was thinking the same question. I thought that showing the 800 - 3 months before and 3 months after would be done during the 90 day check-ins. I thought at the same office. Of course I have no idea but I thought that made sense. I see my error  brick1

The 2 months before, previously 3 months, has always been done at time of application. IO checks that the money has been in for 2 months already.

Some offices have been issuing slips of paper with a date at which to return with an updated bank book to show money is still there after 3 months.

Not everyone has a 90 day report to do exactly 90 days after their extension has been issued. Also, knowing how picky immigration can be, 90 days is not equal to 3 months anyway.

Thanks for the explanation Starman !!

True about the 90 days and not 3 months.  I believe mine said up to 15 days early and not more than 7 days late.
Sorry if I left some confusion. I?m referring to the future status and not current. My last check in only required my passport as well.

In the future though are you suggesting that it?s possible to require two trips?  One for the regular check in and another date to prove the funds? 

I guess it doesn?t really matter, I?ll do whatever they ask.

Thanks,
Wayne

Unless you travel outside of Thailand your extension should coincide with a 90 day report, at least withing the 15/7 day window, as when you do your first extension you will have been here for about 90 days (the permission to stay of a single entry O visa) and thus will do a report on the same day.

If you leave Thailand, get a re entry permit first, then your 90 day report clock resets and will likely be out of sync with your next extension. If this is the case then you will need to do a special trip for your 3 months bank book check.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: PolarAttack on May 28, 2019, 07:36:19 AM
I was thinking the same question. I thought that showing the 800 - 3 months before and 3 months after would be done during the 90 day check-ins. I thought at the same office. Of course I have no idea but I thought that made sense. I see my error  brick1

The 2 months before, previously 3 months, has always been done at time of application. IO checks that the money has been in for 2 months already.

Some offices have been issuing slips of paper with a date at which to return with an updated bank book to show money is still there after 3 months.

Not everyone has a 90 day report to do exactly 90 days after their extension has been issued. Also, knowing how picky immigration can be, 90 days is not equal to 3 months anyway.

Thanks for the explanation Starman !!

True about the 90 days and not 3 months.  I believe mine said up to 15 days early and not more than 7 days late.
Sorry if I left some confusion. I?m referring to the future status and not current. My last check in only required my passport as well.

In the future though are you suggesting that it?s possible to require two trips?  One for the regular check in and another date to prove the funds? 

I guess it doesn?t really matter, I?ll do whatever they ask.

Thanks,
Wayne

Unless you travel outside of Thailand your extension should coincide with a 90 day report, at least withing the 15/7 day window, as when you do your first extension you will have been here for about 90 days (the permission to stay of a single entry O visa) and thus will do a report on the same day.

If you leave Thailand, get a re entry permit first, then your 90 day report clock resets and will likely be out of sync with your next extension. If this is the case then you will need to do a special trip for your 3 months bank book check.

Ok, understood.
Thank you
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: iammike on May 28, 2019, 10:15:29 AM
Re: 90 day report

FYI

I was told by the IO in Chang Arena Immigration, that you only can be late with your 90 day report if the day you supposed to report is a Holiday.

I know about the 15 days early and 7 days late window, but I just wanted to let you know what he said.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on May 28, 2019, 11:56:24 AM
Re: 90 day report

FYI

I was told by the IO in Chang Arena Immigration, that you only can be late with your 90 day report if the day you supposed to report is a Holiday.

I know about the 15 days early and 7 days late window, but I just wanted to let you know what he said.

It's becoming quite apparent that the IO at Chang Arena is making up his own rules.

The answer is quite simple. Don't go there.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Freddy on May 28, 2019, 03:23:53 PM
Off topic but relating to Chaing Arena Office. In January I got a new passport. I used the Chaing Arena Office to get everything transferred from the old to new passport. That process all seemed very smooth and efficient at the time. However, when I went to do the following 90 day report at the main office I was informed that I was on overstay by 1200+ days.
Not sure how but seems all my records other than my last entry into Thailand had been lost.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: iammike on May 28, 2019, 03:27:54 PM
Wow 1200 days.

How was it resolved ?
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Freddy on May 28, 2019, 03:35:04 PM
Given all the info that had been transferred to my new passport I guess it was obviously an error so after some head scratching by the IO he just processed my 90 day.
I?ve no idea if all the info has been recovered on their computers. I?ve done another 90 day since ( last week) and was quick.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Tassie on May 28, 2019, 05:18:23 PM
As I am 73 years of age I cannot get medical insurance in Thailand.  If I return to Australia all my medical bills are covered by the Australian government.  I also have a good sum of money in my Thai bank account. I have been living in Thailand for 5 years on a non O  immigration visa based on marriage.
Where do I stand?
Regards
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on May 28, 2019, 05:22:35 PM
As I am 73 years of age I cannot get medical insurance in Thailand.  If I return to Australia all my medical bills are covered by the Australian government.  I also have a good sum of money in my Thai bank account. I have been living in Thailand for 5 years on a non O  immigration visa based on marriage.
Where do I stand?
Regards

Nothing has changed.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Tassie on May 28, 2019, 05:24:21 PM
Thanks Starman.
Regards
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Bob on May 28, 2019, 05:26:27 PM
So far mandatory insurance only affects those on Non-Immigrant Visa O-A  (which are issued in your home country.
But never know...
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on May 28, 2019, 05:36:09 PM
So far mandatory insurance only affects those on Non-Immigrant Visa O-A  (which are issued in your home country.
But never know...

The figure of 400k has been branded about a lot recently.

Those on extensions based on being over 50 now need to keep 400k in a Thai bank for ever.

O-A visa holders need insurance with 400k cover.

I can see, and this is only speculation, in the future those on extensions based on marriage may well be required to leave 400k in the bank forever also.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: DeputyDavid on May 28, 2019, 05:50:29 PM
And probably insurance. OP insurance adds a lot to the premium. I currently self insure for Out Patient but that may not be possible soon.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Starman on May 28, 2019, 05:52:57 PM
And probably insurance. OP insurance adds a lot to the premium. I currently self insure for Out Patient but that may not be possible soon.

I doubt there will be a need for bank balance and insurance.
Title: Re: 800k Bht and 400k Bht new Imm rules
Post by: Freddy on May 28, 2019, 06:13:10 PM
now That I have my head around the proposed requirements relating to medical insurance it does make sense.
I don?t think the government or immigration services would have any interest in making it difficult for those who have settled with Thai partners and families to remain.