Liquorice

I'm guessing by 'checking' account you mean the 'Savings' account (Blue book) which comes with a debit card. It's the Fixed term deposit account that offers the higher interest rate. (Orange book). No debit card, accepted by Immigration as funds are immediately accessible if required. A 12 month fixed term account will typically offer a 1.25% or a 24 month FTD a 1.55% interest rate. At the end of the 12/24-month term, the account will automatically revert to the standard 'Savings account' rate, unless you request the bank to 'roll' the FTD account over for another fixed term. https://www.bangkokbank.com/en/Personal/Other-Services/View-Rates/Deposit-Interest-Rates

Yes.

Unfortunately, and I guess you're not in Thailand, the requirement is for the 800K to remain in the account for 3 months after the extension is issued, only then can you make a withdrawal, but must leave a minimum of 400K in the account for the remaining 7 months. You cannot withdraw the 800K and invest elsewhere as you suggest, therefore you are wrong!

It's not feasible or practicable with transfer costs and exchange rates both ways. That initial 35K becomes 30K after transferring overseas, then transferring back to Thailand. If you want to try it, be my guest!

There is no requirement to have a Thai bank account in order to marry a Thai national.

Those who use an agent in such a manner will tell you it's at the discretion of the Immigration official to circumvent the requirements, however try that without a brown envelope and suddenly rules are rules. There are the options of using the monthly overseas transfer income method, the combination method, or still the Embassy Income letter where available. Although Immigration state the 'retirement' option being available for those 50+, most don't receive state pensions until age 65+, even private pensions may not be available to draw down on until 55+, so for many aged between 50 - 65, the only option is 800K in a Thai bank account, or an agent.

Even with a Non Imm O visa, the banks require proof of permanent Thai address, which can be achieved in one of two ways. 1. The foreign has obtained a yellow Tabien Baan and Thai ID card for foreigners, which in itself can be problematic to obtain. 2. File a TM30 with Immigration, then request a Certificate of Residence for the purpose of opening a bank account. Even then, some bank staff are under the illusion you have to have a work permit. In this instance, request to speak to the bank manager. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn have both accepted either of the above for proof of permanent residential address recently.

You'd never submit a 90 day report on a Tourist visa, even with a 30 day extension. The 90 day report is only submitted if staying 90 consecutive days or longer. Always filed a TM30 myself as the possessor of the residence. According to the new TM30 regulations, if re-entering with a re-entry permit or multi entry visa and returning to the same address already registered with Immigration, there is no requirement to file a new TM30.

Curiosity, but which Province do you intend to reside in? Which Provincial Immigration office will issue the extension?

An IDP is only valid for 12 months from the date of issue, so even a 2-year Thai licence renewal would be easier, cheaper and valid longer.

Neither did I, other than the 4 mandatory onsite tests, but it was different last week. I also required a medical certificate, which wasn't requested last time. Mileage may vary at your DLT office.

Rethink your strategy. When you book an appointment online, you'll have to watch a video, then answer several questions, before it gives you a QR code to take to the appointment. At the appointment, you'll need to take the 4 mandatory tests, colour blindness, peripheral vision, emergency stop and distance awareness test. Only then will your new driving licence be issued - a 2-year one in your case.

No, that isn't what I meant. Sent a PM.

Cheaper just to buy new here. I know an American who transported a load of electrical gear in a container at great cost. The US use 120 V, and he thought the rest of the world was the same.

Nobody forces you to read any particular topic, and this will be my only and last contribution to this one.

Yes! https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/17626-non-immigrant-visa

https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/35706-types-of-visas-2?page=5d75fe3d15e39c06b800679f&menu=5d75fe3d15e39c06b80067a0 https://mcusercontent.com/5f2fa9f8e313a7d6ad5855a60/files/1f48549c-2a16-147b-d66f-4679eb7c35f6/LTR_Long_term_Resident_Visa_2022.pdf

Many using agents wouldn't even be aware of their own address!

It's called a certificate of residence.

@KiwiFire There are always solutions to these problems, it just depends on how far you're willing to go with the inconvenience.

That's not true! And what do you suggest his wife does?

You obviously didn't read the STM10 form Rob. There is no 'two' or 'them', it requires a single witness, a good friend of the wife's who wouldn't take anything.

The point is the Non Imm O visa for your spouse is based on joining a family member already residing in Thailand, not accompanying a spouse to Thailand. You could approach the Thai Embassy in NZ and pose the question. Regarding agents, You can't switch from a Non ED visa to a Non O without applying separately at a local Thai Embassy, and I very much doubt they would process a Non O to join a non Thai family member already resident in Thailand. I stand to be proved wrong, but I'm fairly confident you have to be a national or resident of where you apply for that type of visa. That is correct advice in my opinion. Some agents will advise what you want to hear for your money. Another issue is that Thai Immigration do not accept foreign marriage certificates without first 'legalising' the foreign marriage certificate.

As an aside, if I recall, the extortionate costs of a Thai visa from New Zealand was discussed some time ago. New Zealand increased it visa prices to Thai nationals wishing to visit, so Thailand reciprocated by increasing their prices for Thai visas. Typically, a Non Imm O visa from London is £60 (135 NZD or 2,650 BHT).

Hi @KiwiFire and welcome to the forum. First and foremost regarding the Non Imm O visa. This could be lengthy! According to the Thai Embassy website in Wellington and confirmed by the e-visa application site, for your wife to apply for the Non Imm O to join non-Thai family in Thailand, you would already have to be residing in Thailand. You would apply based on retirement. Your wife would apply based on joining a Non-Thai family member already residing in Thailand. The financial requirement for the Non Imm O retirement is the equivalent of 800,000 BHT in any bank account. The financial requirement for the Non Imm O based on joining a non Thai family member is the equivalent of 30,000 THB in any bank account. https://wellington.thaiembassy.org/th/publicservice/81086-non-immigrant-visa-o-other This type of visa is issued to applicants who wish to enter the Kingdom for the following purposes: - Non-immigrant O (Spouse/Family) - To stay with a family member who is residing in Thailand - Non-immigrant O (Volunteer) - To do volunteer work with state enterprises or social welfare organizations in Thailand - Non-immigrant O (Retirement) - Retirement / pension earners E-visa website; https://www.thaievisa.go.th/visa/non-immigrant-o Staying with Family Visas To stay with non-Thai family residing in Thailand (more than 60 days) Required Document ( Please check relevant embassy/ consulate-general website for specific required documents) Biodata page of Passport or Travel Document Photograph taken within the last six months Document indicating current location Financial evidence: an amount of no less than 30,000 THB (e.g., bank statements for the last three months, sponsor letter) Personal details of a family in Thailand (e.g., ID card, passport and the visa page or stay permit in Thailand) Proof of relationship to a family in Thailand (e.g., a copy of marriage certificate/birth certificate/certificate of adoption) Number of entry single Validity of Visa 3 months. Single 3 Months On entry to Thailand, you will be granted temporary permission of stay for 90 days. Open a (Savings) account in your sole name and transfer the required 800K for Immigration purposes. Once the 800K has been deposited for 2 months, but before the 90 days expire, you can apply to extend your permission of stay for a further 12 months based on retirement. The criteria to apply for the retirement extension, is subject to clause 2.22 of Immigration Order 327/2557. Your wife would 'piggyback' your extension under clause 2.20 of the same order. You can download order 327/2557 from this link https://aseannow.com/topic/981135-laws-regulations-police-orders-etc/ No.12 in the list. Only you require the 800K, not your wife. There are other points to cover, but let's walk before we run. Have you been to Thailand before, and where would you intend to reside, as that will dictate which Immigration office you would use?