pizzachang

22 minutes ago, Gumballl said:

 

Either way, anyone with a computer could easily fabricate the gibberish that the OP posted; hence why it is unacceptable.

Why would anyone fabricate such easily available information. This is not even mentioning the official letters provided by the SS Admin, stating that the person HAS a pension and the Federal 1099's , the official letter showing a State pension. As I stated bank records are easily obtainable and the norm for proof in any legal proceeding (in the USA) If a non 0 person wants to hide income source because of illegal activity, couldn't they just pay "Speedi Visa" to provide cover? As I stated, I understand the requirement "in a Thai bank" , I just wonder why there is a difference. If the difference is the lack of English language skill, I can understand that as well. It seems that the origin of the funds is easily provable by means other than having a "Thai bank" foreign deposit code. The funds withdrawn from an ATM are electronically recorded as to the origin of the funds.

In the USA, electronic bank records are routinely used in courts of law, in fact many banks don't even send these records by mail but have switched to electronic data.  So, my questions pertains to the reason or non-reason that my bank statement from the US wasn't acceptable to Immigration - the statement clearly shows the origin and disposition of my funds, even to the serial numbered ATM in Thailand, where funds are withdrawn.  I realize that "in a Thai bank" is a separate issue but regardless of that, the actual information proving the origin is the same no matter what bank issues a statement.   I've enclosed a PNG of the pertinent information that clearly shows the origin and disposition of deposits from my pensions. Comments are welcome.

2 hours ago, Maca said:

Original and a copy of your marriage certificate.

Copies of your wfes house book registry (page 1 and the page she is shown on) and ID card signed by her (date not required).

Photos are 3.5 X 4.5 cm.

..................................................................................................................................................................................

Is a copy of the photo page on the blue card(house book registry) a new thing? As I've got a Non O spouse visa twice now from Savannakhet before and never had to show it 

Did you get a 60 or 90 day visa?  I am assuming the 1 year extension can only be obtained inside Thailand.

"It's only because some embassies are unwilling/unable to verify what you claim as monthly income that immigrations has had to resort to a more reliable method of proof ... actual foreign sourced monthly deposits in a Thai bank. "  Interesting comment. My experience today was that CM IO will not accept a US bank statement, showing the source of deposits, the disposition of those deposits to a serial-numbered ATM here in Thailand. So much for providing proof. Electronic records that are acceptable in law courts in the USA are not accepted here.  We have to make adjustments.

Jingthing,

Asking because the criteria for assigning the funds for monthly deposits needs to show that the money came from outside Thailand. Apparently electronic bank records showing this fact are not acceptable. I need to get money into my account to make up a very small shortfall on the monthly amount requirement and hoped it could be done by that method (or may have to find out if a SWIFT transfer will suffice, from my US bank to my Thai bank.

Anyone know if it is possible to transfer money from a US bank account to the Bangkok Bank New York branch? If it is possible, what are the methods?

[However, if your mean the US govt payment was received free that is not correct as two fees are applied]

Pib,  How do you know what my account is charged? I'm amazed.  Now, I have to admit that this deposit was my first IDD, and it is quite possible that a fee will be shown on my monthly statement, however the amount that appeared in my account in Thai baht, was exactly what I get each month when calculating the exchange rate + or - fluctuations.  So, at least for the first deposit, I'm happy with the process. Thanks for all your input and I'll be watching my statements for fees. 

On 4/20/2019 at 1:52 PM, ubonjoe said:

That is not required for the current direct deposits to Bangkok Bank via New York or the new International Direct Deposits (IDD) to Thai banks.

When they first announced IDD being available they stated they had be going to dollar account but changed it to Thai baht accounts. The transfers are done in baht.

 

I received my SS to the "direct account" , went inside the bank and transferred the funds to my local account(ATM/savings) today.  No fees of any kind.  No "Transferwise" or SWIFT code. In Thai baht.  Now, I am assuming that simply filling out another 1199a  at my local Bangkok Bank might eliminate the NY branch.  I couldn't check today, since the bank officer who is in charge of that, wasn't in. This is the same person who set up my NY branch account, so I'll post again after speaking with them.

12 hours ago, ubonjoe said:

Don't get into a big rush to do it. Manilla is not prepared to process them yet. They have informed people it is still in the testing of it phase.

They do have this special sign up form for it. https://www.ssa.gov/forms/SSA-1199-OP107.pdf

Not really disputing your post but curious as to why Thailand would appear on the list if "Manila is not ready to process them yet."  If an applicant were to apply online, inside the USA, would they not just simply fill out the 1199a with their Thai bank account number? Would they then get a communication from Manila telling them it's not ready yet?  Thanks for all your help and input about this very important subject

As a note of interest to all. I checked the US Social Security list of IDD eligible countries and Thailand is now on the list.  It was not on the list when I went through the process of opening a deposit account with Bangkok Bank, New York. I'm going back to my BB and changing to Direct Deposit.

Kimchibob, 

Am I not keeping up?  I was under the impression that affidavits from the US Consulate were't being issued. [with income affidavit from the US Embassy, dated 21 Dec 2018,] Did you have to show a Thai bank account with the monthly transfers from the USA?  As I've stated before, with worldwide electronic banking, the ability to instantly show an Immigration Officer where your money is deposited, it's source and disposition to an ATM in Thailand, the "requirements" seem frivolous and petty. 

An interesting comparison, if I may.....I have a US bank account, from which I can instantly download my deposit records. In the USA, these records are acceptable to law courts and, in fact can be subpoenaed as factual evidence. My bank deposit records indicate clearly where my deposits come from (in my case including SSA and PERS retirement benefits) My bank activity records will also indicate when, where and what ATM in Thailand was used to withdraw them. These facts meet all the requirements for the finances portion of the Immigration requirements - except the bank account in Thailand.  Since I've read the new Immigration order, I've wondered who exactly benefits from the Thai bank account and why this makes a difference? In this age of electronic banking, I fail to see any difference in practice - the practice of proving where the money comes from and transferring the money electronically.  Is money-laundering a serious problem among expat Social Security recipients? 2 to 3 thousand dollars per month seems a bit unattractive to launderers, I would think - especially since we can so easily prove where our funds originate.  Just some random thoughts for comparison.  

Thanks Danthai

Lopburi 

The relevant agency is the Treasury Department and I filled and submitted the change of direct deposit form on their website.  The date they provided for this to take effect was April 1st. I guess what I don't know, is will the account number provided by my local branch be accepted by the New York branch.  The local branch provided the routing number for New York because I asked to apply for the Direct Deposit account for New York.

4 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Living in Thailand requires that you process SS through the Manila Embassy SS office AFAIK.  The current issue is that SS is sending in both international and domestic to Bangkok Bank New York and effective April 1 any in domestic will be rejected - so kind of important for people to be aware and they will probably want to confirm.  A third wheel is that Thailand has just been approved for direct deposit but no details on how it will work.  

Not sure at all about Manila, since all my SS deposits were always into a US Bank and I just used my ATM to access. (much simpler and my bank didn't even charge a fee for "foreign transaction" so only had the Thai bank fee) April 1st seems to be the change to the [The International ACH (IAT)

4 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

No not easily for most of us to prove it as US Embassy would be the signing authority and they refuse to do so.  So now it must be cash deposited into a Thai bank account each month.  Yes Immigration can make exceptions this year for those that do not have 12 months to show but what they want is confirmation from Thai banks and in future this seems to be the only thing they will accept (next calendar year) from those whose Embassy will not provide letters of income. 

 

As for you bank account - the first 3 digits of Bangkok Bank account indicate location of account - so if you compare your account to another from same bank am sure they will be the same - New York is just a transit point making it easier for direct payment.

Social Security issues a "statement of proof"  Also issues a yearly statement of benefits. 

 you can ask the relevant US government agency to route your payments into your Bangkok Bank account via Bangkok Bank’s New York branch. If you reside in Thailand, you can apply for the service in person at any Bangkok Bank branch (except for micro branches).  Lopburi, is there something I'm missing in this statement from the New York branch?  

So, from the above information, any Social Security Pension Benefit recipient living in Thailand should find this a simple process.  

1. Apply for the direct deposit account in New York, at any main Bangkok Bank branch.

2. Visit the Treasury Department's website and fill out the change of direct deposit form, designating your account number issued when you applied for the d.d. account at your local Bangkok Bank branch.

This takes about 2 to 3 months according to the Treasury Dept website.

Nothing I received stated charges for transferring funds to Thailand, although I assume there will be fees.

This on the Bangkok Bank's New York website:

The US Treasury Department has ceased issuing paper cheques for the payment of Federal retirement benefits such as pensions, annuities or payroll, including Social Security and Veterans Affairs payments, and now requires direct deposit of your benefit into your bank account. You will therefore need to notify the US government agency providing your Federal benefit how you wish to receive payments.

As Bangkok Bank is the only provider in Thailand offering a direct deposit services into a Thai bank account, you can ask the relevant US government agency to route your payments into your Bangkok Bank account via Bangkok Bank’s New York branch. If you reside in Thailand, you can apply for the service in person at any Bangkok Bank branch (except for micro branches).

Since your transactions are transmitted to us as an ACH transaction and process the bank is required to comply with the rules and formats developed by the Electronic Payments Association (NACHA).  The International ACH (IAT) is a special code (a Standard Entry Class or “SEC Code”) for ACH payments that enables financial institutions such as Bangkok Bank to identify and monitor international ACH payments and to screen them in compliance with Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requirements.  The NACHA rules require Bangkok Bank’s New York branch, which serves as an intermediary, to ensure that payments that we receive and that are transmitted to the account of a beneficiary in another country are appropriately classified as IATs. To do this we need to obtain information as described below to the relevant US government agency to your transactions in the IAT format.

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

You apparently have a extension of stay based upon marriage not a non-o visa entry since you mention the 40k baht income requirement.

You will need show transfers going in to your account every month by way of a bank book or a statement from the bank. Then you will need a letter from the bank confirming your account is valid.

 

Thanks again.  Yes I do have the extension based upon marriage.  Since this is a new Immigration Order, just released, I am assuming that unless an applicant for marriage extension already had an account that complied with the new order, that it will be up to Immigration as to what will be accepted (as far as deposits of 40K into a Thai bank)  I'm trying to get these things conformed to the new Immigration order, because I have only used my ATM from my US bank previously. Much less confusing and less hassle for me as "electronically" there isn't any difference that is evident to me. I'm sure any US citizen receiving State or Federal pensions can easily prove they could access those funds legally and almost anywhere in the world.

1 hour ago, ubonjoe said:

You do not have a New Your account of any kind. They do not have local accounts.You are going to need to change the account you have now to a direct deposit account or open another account that has to be direct deposit account or Bangkok Bank in New York will not process your SS payments.

Best to apply for the new direct deposit account. Then when your SS payments come in you would need to go the bank to transfer the money into your other account.

When you opened your account did you do a SF1199A form to have your SS payment sent to your account?

You do not have a New Your account of any kind.   Funny, since I specifically asked for the direct deposit account in the New York Bangkok Bank.  I will visit the local branch again and ask for clarification.  I don't remember filling out the 1199A form at the local branch. Could I just send it by mail?

10 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

And that is not acceptable to immigration for extensions of stay - you must show 65k every month into a Thai bank account and have that bank confirm in writing if using income method.

Since I'm using a non - O, I think my requirement is 40K per month.  My S.S. pension alone covers that. I also have a PERS pension.  What is the difference in bank records and "the bank confirming in writing"?  Just wondering if there is a logical reason. 

Ubonjoe,

  When I opened the Bangkok account at the local branch, I also got the ATM card - This was the (according to my understanding) the Bangkok New York branch account, since that is what I requested.  I have only one account number and tested the ATM card to make sure I could withdraw funds locally. Of course, the funds I withdrew were not actually deposited in New York. 

So, from what all these helpful posts are saying, is that I will have to go to my local branch, withdraw funds from the NY account and redeposit into local account - all using the same account number. Correct?

10 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Also be aware that you will not be able to send funds to Bangkok Bank NY for transfer to Thailand after April 1 using normal ACH domestic system (if that was your plan).

 

As said funds must go into a visit bank access only account in Thailand (although they may allow set up and a deposit or two before they notice).  This is to protect bank as they are responsible for repayment of any funds issued after death.

" transfer to Thailand after April 1 using normal ACH domestic system (if that was your plan)."

I thought the ACH didn't apply specifically to Social Security direct deposits?

29 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

If you set up a direct deposit account to have your SS payments sent to via the New York branch you can only withdraw the funds or transfer the funds to another account by doing it in person. You cannot have a ATM/Debit card or use online banking to move funds out of that account in anyway.

Source after selecting this here. https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Other-Services/Transfers/Transferring-Into-Thailand/Transfer-money-from-US-to-Thailand-via-Bangkok-Bank-NewYork-branch

If you set up a direct deposit account to have your SS payments sent to via the New York branch you can only withdraw the funds or transfer the funds to another account by doing it in person. - By "in person" I hope you don't mean in person in New York.  After having set up this account, I'm wondering what the advantage really is for those of us with SS pensions? Also, I'm not seeing any real difference in using my US Bank ATM to withdraw funds in Thailand and using the BBK Bank New York and transferring funds to my Bangkok Bank Chiang Mai account. All my deposits of pensions are easily provable by US bank records and the ATM slip proves I withdrew those funds.

22 minutes ago, hokeedoo said:

it would help to see what you actually asked them.

 

If you open a bangkok bank account here in Thailand and tell them you want ATM, mobile banking and more importantly the ability to do domestic rate International transfer from a USA bank to your account here in Thailand via the NYC office in order to meet Immigration requirements you shall receive. 

 

The new york office is basically a 'transfer station' that allows you to get the domestic electronic transfer rate. It is also the only Thai bank that allows for direct deposit of US type government pensions. It is not a 'bank' itself where you can just walk in the NYC office and say "hey I want to make a withdrawal or open an account". 

 

So, again, not sure what you asked them because many many US expats use Bangkok bank for both direct deposit of governments pensions as well as domestic rate International transfers. Edit: as well as ATM and Mobile Banking

Thanks for your reply - Here is what I sent them. I do understand that S.S deposits and some State Retirement Benefits are different in some way, for the purpose of direct deposit.  I guess I was surprised that the NY Bangkok Bank stated that there was no ATM use - maybe they meant for use in the USA?