3 replies to this topic

[conrad]

I understand that you just need to have 800.000 baht on the bank for two month. Not like three month as I have read in other posts on this subject.
Also if you renew your retirement visa there is no time limit at all for the time your money(800.000 baht)has been deposit at the bank.


but to be sure ask at the immigration office first. Rules change by the day in this country.

Last time I visited I got this information from a farang ( a very kind one) who assisted the imigration officers

[soisanuk]

As you say, the rules change. There was a 3 month requirement a few months ago. Pattaya Immigration was enforcing the rule for initial application, but did not require it for renewals. Other Immigration Offices were requiring the 90 days whether for initial application or renewal.

A subsequent Police order (I believe I saw the English language translation of the order on Thaivisa.com) changed the requirements to 60 days for initial application and 90 days for renewal. The very kind farang you talked to was probably Barry, the Honorary British Consul in Pattaya. He assists at the information desk on about a daily basis. I overheard him telling someone when I went in for my 90 day address reporting that he didn't have to have the 800k on deposit to renew his retirement visa. I asked Barry about it and he said at the moment, Pattaya Immigration is not enforcing the 90 day rule.

Since the Police Order from Bangkok stipulated 90 days on deposit for renewal, the non enforcement could change at any time - without notice. Also, from Barry's talk to one of the Expat Clubs, if you have any type of income (using the required Embassy letter) and combine it with money in the bank, there is no requirement for it to have been on deposit before making the initial application or renewal.

[smiles]

I understand that you just need to have 800.000 baht on the bank for two month. Not like three month as I have read in other posts on this subject.
Also if you renew your retirement visa there is no time limit at all for the time your money(800.000 baht)has been deposit at the bank.
but to be sure ask at the immigration office first. Rules change by the day in this country.
Last time I visited I got this information from a farang ( a very kind one) who assisted the imigration officers

Just a small point: you don't "renew" a Non Imm Type 'O' 12 month Long Stay (retirement) Visa. After the 12 months are up the visa expires.
If you want to continue staying in Thailand after the visa expiry you apply for a 12-month Extension of Stay, which is simply a permission to stay in Thailand on a 12 month time frame. But you would not be in Thailand on a visa any more.

As far as the rules regarding finances are concerned, I also have heard (and read) that the length of time that the required amount in a Thai bank must be shown on deposit is indeed 60 days (not 90) for at least the first application for an Extension of Stay. After the first extension is granted then I've heard the time frame changes to 3 months.
Thai Immigration rules are more often than not a movable feast ('annoying-but-charming' ), depending on the specific Imm office you are attending (i.e. differing interpretations according to place and, whim(?). . . which means of course that what I've heard (above) is already incorrect, or was incorrect in the first place.

Cheers ...

[Bob]

Regardless of what the rules are today (or, perhaps, this particular hour), Hua Hin immigration specifically told me (in response to a question) at the end of February that I must have the 800,000 baht in the account for 90 days prior to the date I go for my first renewal/extension in the spring of 2010.