Liquorice

Los Angeles certainly do not list it as a 'Non Immigrant' type visa, it's listed as a DTV. Listed as DTV 'type' visa on Jakarta's website as well.

From personal experience, Immigration always request proof of receipt of a pension(s) from the pension provider(s) when using the monthly overseas transfers. I'm also informed by expats of different nationalities that in order to receive the Embassy Income letter, they are now required to provide proof of pension statements to obtain the letter. Just how do you prove your retired the previous month if you can't provide a letter stating when your pension started. Would you expect Immigration just to take you at your word that you only retired a 'month' ago?

Correct, if you make an overseas trip and miss the due date of a report, you must make the next one in person 90 days after entering so they can reset the clock.

Over the last 4 years, I've witnessed several expats passing and leaving their spouses, girlfriends up <deleted> creek without a paddle due to using the monthly overseas transfers. Last one just a fortnight ago, leaving his wife to pick a substantial hospital bill, his cremation costs and deal with finance on a car. His account had just over 30,000 BHT in it, and she's now waiting to obtain a court order to release the funds, which will go towards paying off her debts she's now incurred to pay his bills. Add to that the loss of a monthly income.

I recall the requirement for a medical letter years ago. I used to pick mine up at a clinic, 50 BHT, never saw the doctor. Then long before Covid my IO handed it back and stated not required any more. Not seen any recent requirements which including a medical report. If I recall it was for Elephantiases, Leprosy and a couple of other conditions. Any other IO's still requesting the medical letter?

Impossible to 'verify' unless your pension provider breaches the Data protection Act. Other Embassies don't and can't 'verify' incomes, and I wonder if you understand the legal term of the word. Not ALL foreign Embassies issue Income letters. After news of the cessation of Embassy letters, Immigration issued new orders stating Embassy Income letters only had to be 'certified', which the UK in particular had been doing. That order was issued after the horse had bolted the stable. They really expected the UK, US and Aus to resume services as normal after a merry dance for the previous 6 months. Final word, as it's off-topic to the thread.

Jeez, I thought that old requirement of providing a medical certificate was thrown out by all Immigration offices years ago. Samui are still living in the dark ages.

The problem being the stamp isn't translucent, so they can't stamp, so your signatures falls directly on the line it should. Whether you can sign them in the comfort of your home or at the Immigration office is immaterial - they all have to be signed regardless.

That depends on the Immigration office's preferences. Mine have a large 4" x 3" stamp they put on each document you have to sign within, so they stopped pre signing documents.

Pros and Cons. My wife has her own business, but for 2 hours once a year she closes to attend Immigration for my application. She doesn't have to return when I get the stamp after the under consideration period. The financials are less and not forced to lock funds in a Thai bank account throughout the year. Legally allowed to work if desired, just apply for the work permit.

No, you cannot extend the 90 day stay from a Non O visa, unless married to a Thai, then you can apply to extend your stay for a further 60 days.

Copy of TM6 departure card, no longer required. You may want to add a map to residence to your list, and a Rental contract. Cover all possibilities.

Sorry, but IMO @DrJack54 dismissed your original post re the 'exception' as I did, as it wasn't applicable to the OP in this case. He clearly stated his reasons, which you appear to dismiss. If you know of a way to legally comply with this 'exception', when not having a Thai bank account and not in receipt of a pension, then please advise.

Although you weren't previously clear with what in particle you were referencing to, I assumed it was this little nugget from clause 2 of orders amending order 138/2557 regarding transfers of income to a Thai bank account. Correct me if I'm mistaken. Unless you had an existing Thai bank account in order to commence overseas transfers from the date of retirement, then you are not in compliance with that clause. I previously dismissed your first post on the subject as the OP is only 58, not in receipt of a pension and does not have a Thai bank account. If you were referencing something different, then please be clearer.

That information was correct. Both the 'Stat Dec' and 'Affidavits' used by the Aus and US Embassies were always only valid and enforceable in their respective Countries. For the UK Embassy letter proof of pension statements were supplied, but even that wasn't infallible. Regarding 'verification', if Mr Somchai from the British Embassy contacted any of my pension providers to confirm my income, he'd be told where to go. Under Data protection laws, personal information cannot be provided to third parties.

Yes, but a looooong story. I'll send you a PM shortly.

Yes, already answered by @DrJack54 It's an extension of your permission of stay, a permit, not a visa.

You're confusing the rules in force at that time. When the UK, US and Aus Embassies ceased Income letters at the end of 2018, Immigration were forced into issuing a new order accepting monthly overseas transfers to a Thai bank account in addition to the Embassy Income letters. This new order dated 21st Dec, but not published until the beginning of Jan 2019, amended the previous order 138/2557 allowing those monthly overseas transfers to a Thai bank to be accepted as proof of income. Many expats were able to obtain an Embassy Income letter prior to the cessation, and these letters were valid for 6 months. However, many expats weren't even aware of the changes until the early months of 2019. Immigration recognised this fact that UK, US, Aus expats using the income method would therefore not be able to provide 12 months evidence of transfers to a Thai bank, so issued an additional 'leniency' order for the 2019 period. It was clear this was a temporary order and that for the following year (2020) only 12 x monthly overseas transfer would be accepted. Applying for the Non O at Immigration has always only permitted either 'funds' deposited in a Thai bank, an Embassy Income letter, or a combination of both. When the changes came about, the option of providing evidence of monthly overseas transfers to a Thai bank was never added to the requirements for Non O applications.

Personally, from the information you've advised, I would apply for the Non Imm O based on Thai spouse from the Thai Embassy in London. On entry that permits a stay of 90 days. To apply for the extension of stay based on Thai spouse, the financial requirement using funds in the bank method is to deposit 400K in a Thai bank account for 2 months prior to the date of applying for the extension. That essential gives you 30 days to open a bank account and transfer said funds, although you have a further option of applying for a 60 day extension to the 90 days based on Thai spouse, which will grant more time. Once the 1-year extension is granted, you can withdraw and spend the whole 400K if desired. For the following year, deposit 400K again 2 months before you submit your next application. Most expats use 'Wise' for overseas transfers of income/funds. Very transparent and good exchange rates. You should consider registering before you make the move. https://wise.com/us/blog/how-to-open-wise-account It's now not as easy to open a bank account as it used to be. A Non Immigrant visa and a certificate of residence from Immigration as proof of address. File a TM30 with Korat as soon as you arrive and then request a COR. I suggest Bangkok bank, Kasikorn or SCB. It also helps immensely if you know someone who can also vouch for you, such as an existing customer or Thai official.

You may have a problem using the income method, unless you can convince Immigration your rental income comes as a result of an investment. Read the info graph posted by sandyf above. 2) Evidence of showing pension - although theoretically, income from investments and dividends should also be accepted. Immigration can and do sometimes request proof of pension via statement from a pension provider.

Firstly, that income must be from a pension, investments, or dividends. It's much easier to switch from funds in the bank to income when the extension is based on Thai spouse.

There is an exception for those who have just retired and can evidence receipt of pension.

Is the source of that income from a pension, an investment, or dividends?

Wouldn't it be prudent to first ask if the OP is in receipt of a pension.

That was the year after the 3 Embassies stopped issuing Income letters. Immigration showed leniency for those switching to the income via monthly overseas transfers.