Buriram Expats
Buriram Province - General Category => Isaan Thai Visa => Topic started by: Starman on January 31, 2019, 08:18:53 PM
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There is now a new requirement for extensions of stay based on retirement (over 50).
As well as the 2 months seasoning period for the 800k in the bank, the money now must stay in the bank for 3 months AFTER the extension is granted.
After the 3 months 400k can be withdrawn but the remaining balance must stay and be constantly over 400k.
The 3 month requirement will be easy to police. I would imagine maybe a 3 months "under consideration" stamp and then return to immigration to get the further 9 months.
The 400k forever requirement will be more difficult. Maybe take bank book when you do 90 days? Maybe you will not be granted another extension the following year if you dip below the 400k??
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I just read this also. Effective from 1st March it seems.
So I'm assuming that anyone who was granted an extension in the last few months and has since dipped below the 800k and 400k thresholds will be ok as long as they have the required amount seasoned for their next extension.
I aske because for the first time ever I have borrowed from my 800k for an unexpected purchase her inThailand. My intention was to replace the funds from the UK no later than 3 months before my next extension is due however I may have to bring over and ensure in place before 1st March.
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I just read this also. Effective from 1st March it seems.
So I'm assuming that anyone who was granted an extension in the last few months and has since dipped below the 800k and 400k thresholds will be ok as long as they have the required amount seasoned for their next extension.
I aske because for the first time ever I have borrowed from my 800k for an unexpected purchase her in Thailand. My intention was to replace the funds from the UK no later than 3 months before my next extension is due however I may have to bring over and ensure in place before 1st March.
As with any changes, there has to be a cut off point. I would imagine that those with extensions already issued will be OK. Many people live off that money throughout the year and top it up later. Those people could not see this new requirement happening as they were withdrawing their money.
It's plain to see that this new requirement is aimed at the people who use agents and their money to get extensions.
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I hope so. My last extension was granted mid December. I'm buying another motorbike privately so actually took the cash from my 800k this very morning to avoid delay and so have temporarily dipped to 300k.
I was considering holding off replacing the funds in the hope of a little improvement in the exchange rates in coming months ( yes I know, lap of the Gods).
In theory you should be correct Starman and I should be OK to just reinstate the amount for the current required seasoning period prior to my next extension application.
But......TIT
Oh well, I've done it now anyway so I'll know in time.
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Talk about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut brick1
I've seen the latest news today and as normal it's all the Bad Old Expats fault and New Laws must be brought in to stop these Bad Expats that try and cheat the system at all cost's....even though it could effect the mainly Law/Rule abiding good one's !!!.
The simple answer to the problem would be to BAN all Visa Agents altogehter,to make sure all applicant's apply in person with the correct paperwork and to make sure the Immagrations Officers in charge of checking the Paperwork of those applying for an Extention based on Retirement ( or any other Extention that could be obtaioned fraudulently ) do so correctly.
Its that simple ::)
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What doesn't really make much sense is that the 800k on bank method is meant to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself for a year, but your not allowed to spend it!!
From a personal perspective I don't have to much if an issue with it however I recognise that I am fortunate enough to be in that position that I am able to leave the 800k sitting there all year if that is the requirement. For those that can't this may cause some real difficulties.
I understand what immigration are trying to achieve and realistically they can't just shut down all the agents. Many expats use them for the convenience of not having to do the job themselves and furnish their own funds.
This measure does have the potential to cause a lot of problems for agents. 10 clients would result in them needing to access 8 million baht that is going to be tied sitting in accounts for 2/3 months and then 4 million forever. The interest that the agents will have to pass on to the clients will make the service unaffordable and potentially Push many of the smaller agents out of the game.
Potential winners here are going to be money lenders.
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Talk about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut brick1
I've seen the latest news today and as normal it's all the Bad Old Expats fault and New Laws must be brought in to stop these Bad Expats that try and cheat the system at all cost's....even though it could effect the mainly Law/Rule abiding good one's !!!.
The simple answer to the problem would be to BAN all Visa Agents altogehter,to make sure all applicant's apply in person with the correct paperwork and to make sure the Immagrations Officers in charge of checking the Paperwork of those applying for an Extention based on Retirement ( or any other Extention that could be obtaioned fraudulently ) do so correctly.
Its that simple ::)
Corruption has two sides. Supply and demand. Both as bad as each other. Thai authorities have decided to go for the demand first, although BigJoke did arrest a couple of IOs recently for issuing fake stamps.
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Will this stop the corrupt officials? not so sure but it is a start. For those who go for the 15,000b bent visa this will cause you a problem and rightfully so, no longer will the corrupt one be able to put the 800 or 400 in your account and then quickly remove it. As long it policed by immigration upon renewal it could work and for one I hope it does.
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Corruption has two sides. Supply and demand. Both as bad as each other. Thai authorities have decided to go for the demand first, although BigJoke did arrest a couple of IOs recently for issuing fake stamps.
I remember Big Joke saying the other week that since the new changes in Income letters now not being given out by UK and other Embassy's that Immigration Officers has been told to be lenient with the proof of incomes for the first year when people are renewing their Extensions. This hasn't stopped some Local Immigration Offices asking for 20,000 baht from Expats because their paperwork is not in order ::) ::)
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Will this stop the corrupt officials? not so sure but it is a start. For those who go for the 15,000b bent visa this will cause you a problem and rightfully so, no longer will the corrupt one be able to put the 800 or 400 in your account and then quickly remove it. As long it policed by immigration upon renewal it could work and for one I hope it does.
'NO' it wont stop the corrupt officials !!!!. All it will do is increase the amount of money these Visa agents and corrupt Immigrations Officers will make . I'm sure the Visa Agents are working along side these IO's on a new price list to meet these new changes in the rules :)
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Will this stop the corrupt officials? not so sure but it is a start. For those who go for the 15,000b bent visa this will cause you a problem and rightfully so, no longer will the corrupt one be able to put the 800 or 400 in your account and then quickly remove it. As long it policed by immigration upon renewal it could work and for one I hope it does.
'NO' it wont stop the corrupt officials !!!!. All it will do is increase the amount of money these Visa agents and corrupt Immigrations Officers will make . I'm sure the Visa Agents are working along side these IO's on a new price list to meet these new changes in the rules :)
How many agents will have enough money to lend 800k many times for 3 months at a time?
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Will this stop the corrupt officials? not so sure but it is a start. For those who go for the 15,000b bent visa this will cause you a problem and rightfully so, no longer will the corrupt one be able to put the 800 or 400 in your account and then quickly remove it. As long it policed by immigration upon renewal it could work and for one I hope it does.
'NO' it wont stop the corrupt officials !!!!. All it will do is increase the amount of money these Visa agents and corrupt Immigrations Officers will make . I'm sure the Visa Agents are working along side these IO's on a new price list to meet these new changes in the rules :)
How many agents will have enough money to lend 800k many times for 3 months at a time?
I guess it will work the same was as it did before , it just goes in for a few hours .It's the IO's that get the back hander for letting the 2 or 3 month seasoning period that the money has to be in the bank to be wavered.
I have heard in Pattaya there are times when the Army send in Officials and the corruption has to stop until they leave. The Visa extension applications then have to go to Bangkok or another Immigration Office that isn't being monitored to be stamped. ::)
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Corruption has two sides. Supply and demand. Both as bad as each other. Thai authorities have decided to go for the demand first, although BigJoke did arrest a couple of IOs recently for issuing fake stamps.
Yes, there is always just a few bad apples that otherwise spoil their spotless image :biggrin:
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Dodgy visa agents...those that use them...................OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
Why make those who do not abuse the system suffer
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Dodgy visa agents...those that use them...................OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!
Why make those who do not abuse the system suffer
So what about those that don't use Visa Agents but go straight to the Immigration Office's that offer these services.
As I have said many times before the Thai Immigration could stop all fraudulent Visa applications if they wanted to by simply making sure that the rules were adhered too where the Visa's are issued . If they did then the Visa Agents would be out of businesses for those without the correct funds.If you apply for a Visa extension and your bank book clearly shows that the money has not been seasoned then the IO should reject it , not take a bung for saying all is fine !!
If people found that dodgy visa's were not available then they couldn't use them. Blaming those that use the Agents or the Visa Agents for Thia Immigrations corruption is just stupid. chairhit
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Can't say I fully agree. It's takes two to Tango ( or 3 if you factor in the IOS) No supply no demand. No demand, no supply. Those that partake of a clearly corrupt service to circumvent the requirements are just as responsible for the widespread corruption as those that provide it.
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Talk about using a sledgehammer to crack a nut brick1
I've seen the latest news today and as normal it's all the Bad Old Expats fault and New Laws must be brought in to stop these Bad Expats that try and cheat the system at all cost's....even though it could effect the mainly Law/Rule abiding good one's !!!.
The simple answer to the problem would be to BAN all Visa Agents altogehter,to make sure all applicant's apply in person with the correct paperwork and to make sure the Immagrations Officers in charge of checking the Paperwork of those applying for an Extention based on Retirement ( or any other Extention that could be obtaioned fraudulently ) do so correctly.
Its that simple ::)
Admirable.
I am guessing that your tongue may have been in your cheek at various points of compiling that post Smithy ?? :)
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Admirable.
I am guessing that your tongue may have been in your cheek at various points of compiling that post Smithy ?? :)
I haven't condoned people that use Visa Agents or Visa Agents . I use the Savannakhet option , but if that route was to changed then I would just have to bring Money have I have in the UK over to meet the requirements for a Local Marriage Visa extension . What gets my goats is Officials like the Big Joke that blames Visa Agents and and those that use their services and NOT their own Officials . NO Visa Agent puts money in Visa applicants Bank Account for the required seasoning time and if anyone thinks these new changes in the rules are going to stop the visa infractions then think again.....these's to much money involved moneysmile
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Admirable.
I am guessing that your tongue may have been in your cheek at various points of compiling that post Smithy ?? :)
I haven't condoned people that use Visa Agents or Visa Agents . I use the Savannakhet option , but if that route was to changed then I would just have to bring Money have I have in the UK over to meet the requirements for a Local Marriage Visa extension . What gets my goats is Officials like the Big Joke that blames Visa Agents and and those that use their services and NOT their own Officials . NO Visa Agent puts money in Visa applicants Bank Account for the required seasoning time and if anyone thinks these new changes in the rules are going to stop the visa infractions then think again.....these's to much money involved moneysmile
I know of someone who arranges these extensions via agents. He tried to get it done in his home province but, in his words, "the bank would not play ball". A member of staff at the bank gets paid to pay the money in the bank with the wrong date. This particular time they went off to the seaside to do it. There is a well known bank there that will play ball for the right money.
Will the banks be able to swing it for 5 months now? Even if they do the expat will need to find 400k as a permanent deposit.
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I know of someone who arranges these extensions via agents. He tried to get it done in his home province but, in his words, "the bank would not play ball". A member of staff at the bank gets paid to pay the money in the bank with the wrong date. This particular time they went off to the seaside to do it. There is a well known bank there that will play ball for the right money.
Will the banks be able to swing it for 5 months now? Even if they do the expat will need to find 400k as a permanent deposit.
I know a few people that have used the Visa Agent Route and they have shown me their Bank Books . Their Bank books have showed the money was in there for less than a day.
I sure the Banks are getting a small donation for printing up the letters but I'm fairly sure that that the letter will only confirm that the money was the bank of the Day the letter was written on . That is why the IO's always want to see your Bank Book ( with photo copies ) showing the season period has been met when you go the legitimate route
I think it's obvious that those on a kosher extension will have to meet the new requirement but those using the unofficial route then I guess will just pay another fee to have bank book updated as before .....so quids in all round for the Visa Agent and corrupt IO's moneysmile
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One of the obvious consequences to this requirement is that there will be a large migration to marriage visas, have to wonder if that is intentional? I have been getting the Retirement Extensions over the Marriage because it was less hassle to me.
Is there a corresponding seasoning requirement for Marriage Visa funds?
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One of the obvious consequences to this requirement is that there will be a large migration to marriage visas, have to wonder if that is intentional? I have been getting the Retirement Extensions over the Marriage because it was less hassle to me.
Is there a corresponding seasoning requirement for Marriage Visa funds?
60 days only for each yearly marriage extension.
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One of the obvious consequences to this requirement is that there will be a large migration to marriage visas, have to wonder if that is intentional? I have been getting the Retirement Extensions over the Marriage because it was less hassle to me.
Is there a corresponding seasoning requirement for Marriage Visa funds?
As Gl already said, 2 Months, but I keep the money (well over 400k) in a Fixed Deposit Account and DON'T Touch I only add funds to it (via iBanking) and NEVER withdraw.
I think You are correct in this, but Marriage extension is a bit harder to get then Retirement, a lot more documents but less money. And don't forget it's not granted on the spot but you have to wait 30days+ (we have to wait 39 days) before you hear the "verdict" which has to come from the Regional Immigration Head office.
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One of the obvious consequences to this requirement is that there will be a large migration to marriage visas, have to wonder if that is intentional? I have been getting the Retirement Extensions over the Marriage because it was less hassle to me.
Is there a corresponding seasoning requirement for Marriage Visa funds?
As Gl already said, 2 Months, but I keep the money (well over 400k) in a Fixed Deposit Account and DON'T Touch I only add funds to it (via iBanking) and NEVER withdraw.
I think You are correct in this, but Marriage extension is a bit harder to get then Retirement, a lot more documents but less money. And don't forget it's not granted on the spot but you have to wait 30days+ (we have to wait 39 days) before you hear the "verdict" which has to come from the Regional Immigration Head office.
Marriage Extensions aren't that much harder to get than an Retirement Extensions , there's just a little bit more paper work and an extra trip to the Immigration Office after you have been checked out .
You will get a Home Visit to confirm your are really married ( They were even doing this for those wanting a Retirement Extension a while back ) .I've had them in the past and 15 years ago when I first applied for a Marriage Extension I had to go to the local police station to be interviewed before home visits were routine , so getting checked out is nothing new . But more often than not if you go in to get a Marraige Extension it's the IO's that suggest's you use the Retirement Extension route after they have seen your bank book ( if you have more that 800k in there ) as it's less work for them and a One less trip for you !!
One last this about these new changes . Big Joke and the Immigration Officials are trying to make out these New Rules are there to stop Visa Agents and those that use them. But for the Visa Agent to obtain the under the counter Visa Extension there must be a complicit Immigration Official involved. 80% of the Visa Agents Fee goes to that complicit Immigration Official and the suggestion by Big Joke that the Immigration Officals are being duped by these devious Visa Agents is laughable :laugh: :laugh:
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A little bit more Paperwork ???
We needed 21 x 2 Pieces of Paperwork last January when we did our extension (marriage) ;)
Now with the New Rules for Retirement coming i Suspect that the rules for Marriage extension also will be tightened (But that is just guessing)
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Now with the New Rules for Retirement coming i Suspect that the rules for Marriage extension also will be tightened (But that is just guessing)
I doubt that there will be much change to the extensions based on marriage. They have been getting steadily more involved for sometime now and extra checks put in place.
The new rules announced this week with regards to extensions based on retirement are aimed at stopping people using agents.
This has already been covered with marriage extensions as they have to be approved at regional head office.
Why Immigration bosses did not decide to do this with extensions based on retirement is anyone's guess.
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A little bit more Paperwork ???
We needed 21 x 2 Pieces of Paperwork last January when we did our extension (marriage) ;)
Extra paper work :blink:
#1 A hand drawn map of where you live ( no need to be a cartographer ,a simple sketch will do )....so no big deal :)
#2 Copy of your marriage certificate ...no big deal :)
#3 Copy of spouse's house registration and ID card ...no big deal :)
#4 Picture of your house and yourself with family, both inside and outside showing the house number. We all have phones and Kodak shops are abundant ..so no big deal :)
#5 Some extra forms the wife has to fill in ,normally with the help of the Office girl at the Immagration Office....no big deal for us at all :biggrin:
Or cough up the extra 400k in the bank and then not allowed to spend it ....A big deal for many ::)
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Why Immigration bosses did not decide to do this with extensions based on retirement is anyone's guess.
Because that would be to simple spot1 crazydance
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Or cough up the extra 400k in the bank and then not allowed to spend it ....A big deal for many ::)
That's what we are going to do next year, money required is already in the account (Fixed account and never touch it)
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Have never used an Agent. Always had the 800k Bht +++ cooking in the bank 3 months prior to extension application... Now I'm thinking maybe time to check out the Agents for a price and invest "800K bht" my way instead of it sitting in an interest only bearing account for 5 months....and doing the same with the other 400K bht for the rest of the other 7 months. Maybe now it's time to consider an Agent for the best Price to get an Extension with all this crap going on. 4% x 800,000bht 5 months =13,333 bht, 4% x 400,000Bht 7 months(5+7=1year) = 9,333bht. I used 4% as an example of funds tied up. I'm sure you millionaires can do better than that! A total of 13,333 + 9,333 @ 4% = 22,666Bht per/year...? Is that somewhere in the ball park for an agent to provide an extension if/an when this stuff comes into effect? I reckon I can do better than 4%..
I'm still trying to understand how the 800K Bht + 400K Bht being locked away in a bank account is going to help the Thai economy. I'm on the back foot buying that new bike I was dreaming of already. TiT !!!! letitallout
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I suggest that anyone who is using the combination method and whose embassy is no longer providing and income verification statement should renew before the 1st of March. They will then have a yea runder the old laws and by then the Thai Government hopefully will make appropriate changes.
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Have never used an Agent. Always had the 800k Bht +++ cooking in the bank 3 months prior to extension application... Now I'm thinking maybe time to check out the Agents for a price and invest "800K bht" my way instead of it sitting in an interest only bearing account for 5 months....and doing the same with the other 400K bht for the rest of the other 7 months. Maybe now it's time to consider an Agent for the best Price to get an Extension with all this crap going on. 4% x 800,000bht 5 months =13,333 bht, 4% x 400,000Bht 7 months(5+7=1year) = 9,333bht. I used 4% as an example of funds tied up. I'm sure you millionaires can do better than that! A total of 13,333 + 9,333 @ 4% = 22,666Bht per/year...? Is that somewhere in the ball park for an agent to provide an extension if/an when this stuff comes into effect? I reckon I can do better than 4%..
I'm still trying to understand how the 800K Bht + 400K Bht being locked away in a bank account is going to help the Thai economy. I'm on the back foot buying that new bike I was dreaming of already. TiT !!!! letitallout
The new agent fees, if they can circumnavigate the stricter rules, are likely to be a lot more than 22,666. I have heard 70,000 being mentioned.
Why not transfer 65k into a Thai account every month?
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I wonder what happens when you drop below the 400k required just for a little while.
I have seen (on forums that is) that extension wasn't granted because the amount dropped below the 800k required and in some cases it was only 50 THB below the 800k required. IMHO that is HARSH !!
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I wonder what happens when you drop below the 400k required just for a little while.
I have seen (on forums that is) that extension wasn't granted because the amount dropped below the 800k required and in some cases it was only 50 THB below the 800k required. IMHO that is HARSH !!
If you dip below 400k then your next extension won't be granted.
You say that 50 baht under is harsh. Where do you think the flexibility should stop? You give grace for 50 baht and then someone asks for grace for 100 baht. Then the next is 200, 400, 800, 1600.............. You have to have a limit somewhere. Zero seems to be the best mark. At least everyone knows where they stand.
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As my renewal will be in June (3 months from now), I'm looking at what fits me best...
I see a lot of discussion about the 800k, but nothing about the monthly income.
I'm not sure I got the 65k per month right...
Is it a total of 780k within the last year (12x65)?
Thats what I understand, and it is what I have... sometimes more, sometimes less, but in total easy over 800k.
Or do I have to receive 65k or more absolutely every month?
That would mean I have to send 800k, and get a tiny interest compared to what I have invested now.
Does anyone have proven information about this?
-- Bob
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As my renewal will be in June (3 months from now), I'm looking at what fits me best...
I see a lot of discussion about the 800k, but nothing about the monthly income.
I'm not sure I got the 65k per month right...
Is it a total of 780k within the last year (12x65)?
Thats what I understand, and it is what I have... sometimes more, sometimes less, but in total easy over 800k.
Or do I have to receive 65k or more absolutely every month?
That would mean I have to send 800k, and get a tiny interest compared to what I have invested now.
Does anyone have proven information about this?
-- Bob
65k or more per month.
You can bring 800k over and put it in a fixed deposit account with better interest. The only requirement is that it must be an account where you have instant access to the money.
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Hi, Can anybody confirm if this is still the case>
My 90 day Report was due next week. However I recently left the country on my Multi Entry Visa
Am I right in thinking that my 90 day is now extended to 90 days from my date of re-entering Thailand ?
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Hi, Can anybody confirm if this is still the case>
My 90 day Report was due next week. However I recently left the country on my Multi Entry Visa
Am I right in thinking that my 90 day is now extended to 90 days from my date of re-entering Thailand ?
That is correct.
What kind of visa do you have? Multi Non O or Multi Non OA?
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Beware if you have exactly 400K or 800K in an ordinary account, then get debited 2/300baht for the annual ATM card fee. Balance drops below the minimum level!
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Hi, Can anybody confirm if this is still the case>
My 90 day Report was due next week. However I recently left the country on my Multi Entry Visa
Am I right in thinking that my 90 day is now extended to 90 days from my date of re-entering Thailand ?
That is correct.
What kind of visa do you have? Multi Non O or Multi Non OA?
Steve. If he was doing 90 day reports it would have to be O-A..... chai mai?
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Hi, Can anybody confirm if this is still the case>
My 90 day Report was due next week. However I recently left the country on my Multi Entry Visa
Am I right in thinking that my 90 day is now extended to 90 days from my date of re-entering Thailand ?
That is correct.
What kind of visa do you have? Multi Non O or Multi Non OA?
Steve. If he was doing 90 day reports it would have to be O-A..... chai mai?
Agreed, Co-Co. I was just checking to see if he understood the visa and 90 day situation. Being his first post on here maybe Jon is new to Thailand and the visa situation too.
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Hi, Can anybody confirm if this is still the case>
My 90 day Report was due next week. However I recently left the country on my Multi Entry Visa
Am I right in thinking that my 90 day is now extended to 90 days from my date of re-entering Thailand ?
That is correct.
What kind of visa do you have? Multi Non O or Multi Non OA?
Steve. If he was doing 90 day reports it would have to be O-A..... chai mai?
Agreed, Co-Co. I was just checking to see if he understood the visa and 90 day situation. Being his first post on here maybe Jon is new to Thailand and the visa situation too.
Hi, Can anybody confirm if this is still the case>
My 90 day Report was due next week. However I recently left the country on my Multi Entry Visa
Am I right in thinking that my 90 day is now extended to 90 days from my date of re-entering Thailand ?
That is correct.
What kind of visa do you have? Multi Non O or Multi Non OA?
Steve. If he was doing 90 day reports it would have to be O-A..... chai mai?
Agreed, Co-Co. I was just checking to see if he understood the visa and 90 day situation. Being his first post on here maybe Jon is new to Thailand and the visa situation too.
Thanks Guys. I Did my first annual O-A renewal in Dec and also got a Multi-Entry. The date for my 90 day was 6th March, however I returned from a trip to Burma on 12th Feb, so wanted confirmation that my 90 day date would now be in May
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That is correct Jon. Your next 90 day report will be in May, 90 days since your last entry.
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Many thanks, Jon.
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65k or more per month.
My understanding based on the possibility of mixing monthly income with money in bank was that:
I can have 400k in bank and receive another 400k over 12 months be it in 2 months or 12 doesnt matter.
So, if I receive 130k in one month and 0 the next month ss as good as receiving 65k in 2 months.
But what you say sounds like "must have 65k or more EVERY month" and not the sum over the year is important.
Did I get you right?
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65k or more per month.
My understanding based on the possibility of mixing monthly income with money in bank was that:
I can have 400k in bank and receive another 400k over 12 months be it in 2 months or 12 doesnt matter.
So, if I receive 130k in one month and 0 the next month ss as good as receiving 65k in 2 months.
But what you say sounds like "must have 65k or more EVERY month" and not the sum over the year is important.
Did I get you right?
EVERY month - that is correct.
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What are members advice on this one ???
I have a friend that is on a Marriage Extention and has always used the UK Embassy Letter as proof of income .
He gets a State peion of obout 35k Baht a month which is paid direct into his Thai Bank and has a private pension of about 400k Baht a year that is paid twice yearly ( 200k in April and 200k in October ) paid into his UK bank that he then transfers to his Thai Bank.
With the old Embassy Letter it was easy to prove his income was enough to meet the requiremets of 40k a month to obtain his marriage extention as his yearly income was about 820K which was more than adequate.
So how does he now prove his 40k Baht a month income when his bank book is only showing 35k baht a month .
Do you think they will they take the 2 x 200k Baht bi-annual payments into his account into a account or will they say his 35k Goverment pension is not enough.
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I would ask Immigration to be sure, but the immigration order indicates for marriage extension you must have an average of 40K per month whereas for the retirement extension you must have 65K each and every month.
Personally I chose 400K in the bank because I don?t trust the currency volatility both here and home country. At least this way I don?t loose sleep if the conversion gets to the point I can?t afford to stay. Plus I save a lot in fees if I transfer twice a year vs 12 times a year.
Best bet is to go to immigration or give them a call to be sure.
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What are members advice on this one ???
I have a friend that is on a Marriage Extention and has always used the UK Embassy Letter as proof of income .
He gets a State peion of obout 35k Baht a month which is paid direct into his Thai Bank and has a private pension of about 400k Baht a year that is paid twice yearly ( 200k in April and 200k in October ) paid into his UK bank that he then transfers to his Thai Bank.
With the old Embassy Letter it was easy to prove his income was enough to meet the requiremets of 40k a month to obtain his marriage extention as his yearly income was about 820K which was more than adequate.
So how does he now prove his 40k Baht a month income when his bank book is only showing 35k baht a month .
Do you think they will they take the 2 x 200k Baht bi-annual payments into his account into a account or will they say his 35k Goverment pension is not enough.
I would advise that your friend gets 400k in the bank. That is the only way he can do it, unless he gets his 35k a month sent to his UK bank and then tops it up to 40 before he transfers it over.
I would ask Immigration to be sure, but the immigration order indicates for marriage extension you must have an average of 40K per month whereas for the retirement extension you must have 65K each and every month.
Personally I chose 400K in the bank because I don?t trust the currency volatility both here and home country. At least this way I don?t loose sleep if the conversion gets to the point I can?t afford to stay. Plus I save a lot in fees if I transfer twice a year vs 12 times a year.
Best bet is to go to immigration or give them a call to be sure.
I think you'll find that is a mis translation. The requirement is at least 40k per month.
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That is correct Jon. Your next 90 day report will be in May, 90 days since your last entry.
12th May by my calculation.
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What are members advice on this one ???
I have a friend that is on a Marriage Extention and has always used the UK Embassy Letter as proof of income .
He gets a State peion of obout 35k Baht a month which is paid direct into his Thai Bank and has a private pension of about 400k Baht a year that is paid twice yearly ( 200k in April and 200k in October ) paid into his UK bank that he then transfers to his Thai Bank.
With the old Embassy Letter it was easy to prove his income was enough to meet the requiremets of 40k a month to obtain his marriage extention as his yearly income was about 820K which was more than adequate.
So how does he now prove his 40k Baht a month income when his bank book is only showing 35k baht a month .
Do you think they will they take the 2 x 200k Baht bi-annual payments into his account into a account or will they say his 35k Goverment pension is not enough.
I would advise that your friend gets 400k in the bank. That is the only way he can do it, unless he gets his 35k a month sent to his UK bank and then tops it up to 40 before he transfers it over.
I think I have come up with a plan :)
Everytime he receives his UK Pension in his Thai Bank account he will draw out an additional 10K baht from the ATM from his UK bank account and pay it into his Thai Bank ( he will save the recipt from the ATM showing the money is coming from the UK ) .Hopefully that will show 45K a month coming into his Thai Bank account to meet the Marriage Extention 40k Baht a month income requirement . Nowhere does it say the income must come from only one source.
He's doing a 90 Day report on Monday , so he is going to check with Immagration that this is OK :)
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Based on what others have posted in another forum I would guess that they will say no but please keep us updated.
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Based on what others have posted in another forum I would guess that they will say no but please keep us updated.
I agree.
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Based on what others have posted in another forum I would guess that they will say no but please keep us updated.
So whats been said on other Forums ???
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In summary they report the IO only wants to see money transferred to Thailand bank and must show on the bank statement as FTT. They don?t want to see foreign accounts or receipts. However there have been reports of IO wanting to see a letter from the source indicating the amount of benefits but that was not at Buriram.
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In summary they report the IO only wants to see money transferred to Thailand bank and must show on the bank statement as FTT. They don?t want to see foreign accounts or receipts. However there have been reports of IO wanting to see a letter from the source indicating the amount of benefits but that was not at Buriram.
He and his wife are going to do a 90 day report tomorrow and his wife will ask what they have do .
The problem is he has diabetes,has had half his foot removed and is 90% blind. He cant do any on-line banking, only has his Monthly Pension and a ATM to withdraw money from his UK bank account. I have helped him do his Embassy letter each year and have helped him fill in his paperwork for his marriage extension each year also.
Not only is he in ill heath but the strain of meeting the new requirement is also a detriment to his health. ( he was nearly in tears with worry when I saw him last week ) :(
Lets hope they can come up with a solution for his next marriage extension at the Immigration Office tomorrow !!
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In summary they report the IO only wants to see money transferred to Thailand bank and must show on the bank statement as FTT. They don?t want to see foreign accounts or receipts. However there have been reports of IO wanting to see a letter from the source indicating the amount of benefits but that was not at Buriram.
He and his wife are going to do a 90 day report tomorrow and his wife will ask what they have do .
The problem is he has diabetes,has had half his foot removed and is 90% blind. He cant do any on-line banking, only has his Monthly Pension and a ATM to withdraw money from his UK bank account. I have helped him do his Embassy letter each year and have helped him fill in his paperwork for his marriage extension each year also.
Not only is he in ill heath but the strain of meeting the new requirement is also a detriment to his health. ( he was nearly in tears with worry when I saw him last week ) :(
Lets hope they can come up with a solution for his next marriage extension at the Immigration Office tomorrow !!
I have come in late on this one..... sorry if I have missed something.
Can the pensions not be sent to his Thai bank account ?
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I have come in late on this one..... sorry if I have missed something.
Can the pensions not be sent to his Thai bank account ?
I've sent you a PM on FB Ray
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My Australian pension is sent directly to my Thailand Bank. No transfer fees.
Regards
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Follow-on from previous posts!!!
My friend went to the Immigration Office today to do his 90 day report and to ask about his monetary situation.
The IO said to him 'Nothing has changed ".........My friend replied " It has changed as I can no longer use an Embassy letter " .He tried to ask if what I had suggested would be OK but was just given a blank stare and was uninterested in answering any of his questions. He seemed more interested in getting him out the door so he could deal with other waiting customers . brick1 . I just don't know why Immigration Office's cant be more helpful ::) , he is no better off knowing on what to do than before he asked any questions !! . I guess he/we will have to rely on all the arch-chair forum Visa experts if we need to know something at a later date :)
I think the plan is now ........ to bring money over each month until he has 400k in his deposit account and if there is any shortfall 2 months before his visa extension is due I will lend him some money for a 3 months .He will leave the money in his deposit account for any of his next renewals as DeputyDavid is doing .
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Follow-on from previous posts!!!
My friend went to the Immigration Office today to do his 90 day report and to ask about his monetary situation.
The IO said to him 'Nothing has changed ".........My friend replied " It has changed as I can no longer use an Embassy letter " .He tried to ask if what I had suggested would be OK but was just given a blank stare and was uninterested in answering any of his questions. He seemed more interested in getting him out the door so he could deal with other waiting customers . brick1 . I just don't know why Immigration Office's cant be more helpful ::) , he is no better off knowing on what to do than before he asked any questions !! . I guess he/we will have to rely on all the arch-chair forum Visa experts if we need to know something at a later date :)
I think the plan is now ........ to bring money over each month until he has 400k in his deposit account and if there is any shortfall 2 months before his visa extension is due I will lend him some money for a 3 months .He will leave the money in his deposit account for any of his next renewals as DeputyDavid is doing .
Sensible solution I think..
I know some people love IO's................... I hate the jumped up little pricks. But, as we know, they are not here to help us and we have to take a "every man for himself' approach.
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Follow-on from previous posts!!!
My friend went to the Immigration Office today to do his 90 day report and to ask about his monetary situation.
The IO said to him 'Nothing has changed ".........My friend replied " It has changed as I can no longer use an Embassy letter " .He tried to ask if what I had suggested would be OK but was just given a blank stare and was uninterested in answering any of his questions. He seemed more interested in getting him out the door so he could deal with other waiting customers . brick1 . I just don't know why Immigration Office's cant be more helpful ::) , he is no better off knowing on what to do than before he asked any questions !! . I guess he/we will have to rely on all the arch-chair forum Visa experts if we need to know something at a later date :)
I think the plan is now ........ to bring money over each month until he has 400k in his deposit account and if there is any shortfall 2 months before his visa extension is due I will lend him some money for a 3 months .He will leave the money in his deposit account for any of his next renewals as DeputyDavid is doing .
A sad outcome. I agree that IOs can sometimes be a little unhelpful.
However, I guess that this was Surin immigration and not Buriram?
To be honest, I have never had problems with BI. I do, however, know a couple of people who have. It can be a lottery.
The example that Freddy posted in the shout box is a good one. That could have been a nightmare with a shitty IO dealing with it. As it is, it turned out OK.
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A sad outcome. I agree that IOs can sometimes be a little unhelpful.
I guess adding 37k and 10k together and saying that was OK was way above his pay grade ::) spot1
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It shouldn't be a lottery Steve - but it is.
There should be a consistent, well publicised, understandable system that is applied even-evenhandedly.
It is not just Thai immigration; the same inconsistencies can apply in UK banking for example - but Thai Immigration can have such an impact on our lives that it magnifies any issues.
I would prefer to do pretty much as you do and not have to deal with Thai Immigration. If I could get a multi-entry Non-Immigrant 'O' visa, I would go back to having one.
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It shouldn't be a lottery Steve - but it is.
There should be a consistent, well publicised, understandable system that is applied even-evenhandedly.
It is not just Thai immigration; the same inconsistencies can apply in UK banking for example - but Thai Immigration can have such an impact on our lives that it magnifies any issues.
I would prefer to do pretty much as you do and not have to deal with Thai Immigration. If I could get a multi-entry Non-Immigrant 'O' visa, I would go back to having one.
I totally agree. Everything is there other than the parts which I have highlighted.
However, even with a friendly IO, I don't think Smithy's friend would have got anywhere.
The rules do state that one must provide a bank statement showing international transfers of a minimum of 40k a month.