Saraburi121

I didn't transfer funds to top off my K-Bank account soon enough to meet the 400k two month seasoning for my Non-O 1 year extension.  Yes I know bad on my part, beat me up later.  I figured I could use the 40K per month minimum deposit from my US account -> K-Bank instead.  I deposited minimum 120K Baht per month to my K-Bank account for over one year and at the time of applying had 600K account balance.  Bank statement clearly showed the deposits and even had K-Bank put in a letter that deposits originated from overseas. 

An immigration officer new to the office looked at my paperwork and said I did not have 400K seasoned and could not grant my extension.  I  replied please look at my bank statement I have over 40K deposited every month for the last year.  She said I needed the "guarantee" paper that the US Embassy does not issue anymore (Income Affidavit) to use the 40K method along with my bank statement.  I tried to explain that providing the bank statement with 1 year proof of over 40K deposits is the proof required now that the US income affidavits are not issued.  Am I misunderstanding the 40K method or is this one of those situations where the office interprets the rules with their twist?  Please correct me if I am wrong on this,

The last time I renewed my extension I had the affidavit from the US Embassy dated December 2018, applied for the extension on January 4th at the Saraburi Office.  The IO said as of January 1st 2019 US affidavits would not be accepted by Saraburi Imm.  I tried to explain that other offices were honoring them 6 months from date of issue, even though the US Embassy does not issue them, to no avail.   It seems this office really has their own take on interpreting regulations.  Nice folks but seem to have their own spin on things. 

Really not a big deal, just go to Savannaket (seems like least hassle/don't want to fly with the virus situation) drink some Beer Lao and read books for a day or two then reapply for extension later.  Bottom line is if you are a US citizen in Saraburi trying to extend your Non-O 1 year, the 400K is the only method.   

I use my Mac and Safari will not work at all.  Chrome works every time for me.

1 hour ago, MASSMAN said:

Thais avoid people everyday if they have no need for them.  Just follow their examples by pretending not to see the person.

Not sure where you live, but not here, pretty friendly bunch for the most part. Have a few that don't like foreigners. You are probably one that wears no shirt or a singlet to the market with a beer in hand and wasn't liked in your own country.  It is pretty fun place if you care to learn a bit of Thai language. Where I stay is pretty much based on your character. Probably the same in your home country. 

3 hours ago, Black Ops said:

down to earth ? I think gutteral is better.

Never met one yet that wasnt rude/crude and wholly inappropriate at the best of times, guess we all have different ideas about people. I try to keep an open mind, but experience is the best tool and that's what my experience of those people is, best avoided in my experience.

 

Quit hanging out in bars, change your "experience".  Yes we sure do have different ideas about "those" people.  

I have a reentry permit for my one year extension of stay and have returned from Cambodia via PP 2 times in the last 5 months.  Absolutely no hassle other than the long wait and and dragging a small suitcase through the maze of construction.  The last time the lady at the immigration booth was very pleasant and chatty, maybe just luck of the draw.  I read the horror stories but I think mostly are about those without a reentry permit. 

Mukdahan Jan 2020

Saraburi traffic, iPhone Xs Max

Chez Andy is a bit out of the way and food is very nice, good wine selection.  It is a proper restaurant not a bar setting.  Although not quite an intimate setting probably close to the best in Korat IMO.  

Wat Ban Rai IPhone 

Temple Dan Khun Thot Dec 2019 iPhone 

4 hours ago, sensei said:

Same in Saraburi. Idiotic since they have placed their office in the most inaccessible place they can find.

Agree since I live in the northernmost point in Saraburi, pain to make the trip. The office is very accessible though.  The only more accessible place they can put it is in my village. 

27 minutes ago, Andrew Dwyer said:

 

I think most people visit first in the knowledge that the requirements of their Amphur could be different to those they have read about !

I visited mine for the requirements: excluding the copy of blue book and owners id, passport and usual copies i was informed of only 1 out of their 3 ( could have been more, I stopped before achieving yellow book ) requirements.

A Brit visiting Bang Pa-In Amphur , unmarried, on an OA visa.

 

A little luck and what happens that day!  

Thanks for providing status, it helps all understand where your coming from.  Understood difficult on an OA unmarried, no way I could have got my YB without my wife who grew up in the Amphoe.  Best and Cheers!

3 minutes ago, the guest said:

I have a yellow book (YB), and quite honestly it has no practical value anymore. In the old days you could use the YB to renew your driving licenses, but not now as the rules have changed (again).

 

 

 

 

Maybe a little more information would be helpful.  As said many times in this forum it depends on where you live, what is done in your Amphoe may not apply in others. 

4 hours ago, CharlieH said:

In and out in about half an hour, just wife and passport, they took what copies they wanted themselves.

 

But as with so many things in the Kingdom, it entirely depends on who you see and where you go, there is rarely any consistency in requirement or service from any office judging by the vast array of experiences I have seen posted on this forum.

 

All comes down to what happens on the day. 

 

The best you can do is to visit prior to actually applying and ask directly what they require, then hope you get the same person when you do apply. ????

CharlieH has the best advice "The best you can do is to visit prior to actually applying and ask directly what they require, then hope you get the same person when you do apply. ???? plus what happens on that day"  

Since Amphur to Amphur requirements are different it would be helpful if some put which Amphur they applied at in their post.  As I was reading some of the easy/successful gaining of a yellow book I did not see what Amphur they applied at, what country they were from, married to Thai or not/visa held which may help those seeking information. I went to my Amphur in person with my Thai wife and asked what was required prior which prevented me multiple trips...plus a little luck.

For me at Amphoe Muak Lek December 2018 1st interview:

-passport info page copy stamped at US Embassy then embassy stamped copy translated at Thai MFA

-copies of current 0 visa, last visa

-wife family book and id card 

-three Thai witness's, including the village headman is a plus.  We don't live in a city, very rural.  I think a little more difficult in a city. Hopefully neighbors know you, if not talk to them.   Witness have to bring family book and Thai ID card and copies. 

-marriage certificate

-four pictures forget the size

-interviewed wife first, me next then village headman and witness's

-three witness's were interviewed as of date of marriage, how long they have known me, if they were at my wedding, do we live together etc.

-asked me my family history including previous address, bothers/sisters/ parents and their date of birth. 

-copies of every document if I forgot to mention

-getting the same person is good advice too.  My initial advice was given from one person at the Amphoe Office.  When I went back to bring my documents I talked to another which said I needed more documents...luckily I saw the the person who I talked to before and he took care of us. 

2nd interview about 3 weeks later:

-only my wife and myself

-talked to Amphoe for a few minutes and was issued Tabian Baan Yellow and ID card 

Yellow book has paved the way for opening bank accounts, driver license and getting a loan from Toyota.  I don't know if helps for O visa extension but it can't hurt. 

My dealings with the Amphoe Office was professional and they did their due diligence as they should in my mind. 

Opening a bank account is another subject in this forum but will expand a bit. Tried opening an account with Kasikorn Bank upon arrival in Bangkok to no avail, many branches tried.   Bangkok Bank opened an account on first attempt but I am married to Thai. I did not read all the pages before on your situation.

I am retired US and I choose to wire money to my Thai bank account and costs me $25 from my bank and B500 for BKK bank and I choose gambling on exchange rates when is the best. Saves me on the ATM fees in the long.  Good advice from Jack. 

1 hour ago, Crossy said:

Does sound like a Golden Tree Snake, beautiful, fast, harmless.

 

THE website for Thailand snake info, download their free e-book

 

https://www.thailandsnakes.com/thailand-snake-notes/most-common-snakes/

 

 

Excellent website mentioned by Crossy.  Took me a bit to learn all the snakes in the village, the one mentioned is not aggressive.  A bit scary when you walking about and one comes your way.  I just let them pass now and enjoy the encounter.