Toolong

Get a RE 650 constellation and not only iz the trip gonna be more thrilling x10, but you could sell it without any loss in the future. 

BUT... I would still stay, if your hearts on a 350......go for it!!!! Still a damned good machine....😊

PS...no, I'm not implying you'd suffer much resale loss on the 350, at all! Au contraire! 

11 hours ago, rough diamond said:

It depends on which offfice and bank you use.

I suggest you repost and ask @DrJack54 wrt what office you use.

In my experience every bank and every IO in Thailand has their own rules on whichever day suits them.

As I live out of town/City i use an agent/lawyer to "hand hold" i,e, legally do all my Goverment etc transactions. She has Power of Attorney to get the bank statement etc so I only attend Goverment buildings for a few minutes with my hand holder to get photos taken or signatures done in person in front of the official.

10 minuets max in their dreadfull pig pens per visit,  worth every Baht as there is NEVER a return, or worse still numeruous return, visits to banks etc for the never changing whim of the IO's.

Thanks for that interesting account of your preferred way of navigating the bureaucratic highways & byways, Rough Diamond. 

All I can say is.....yes, it makes sense if circumstances somewhat demand it and you can do it (ie, can afford to) and I assume that you can, and I do actually envy you and would do the same if I could.

If, in the future, things necessitated me using that option, I might go for it, temporarily.

By the way, your 'hand holder' sounds very efficient & competent! 👍

2 minutes ago, flexomike said:

possible but I would check with immigration first,

Will do. Thanks again. 👍

3 hours ago, rough diamond said:

 CM insist on either 2x6 months or 1x1year plus one month on date of bank letter/bank book update.   Even in my case with a fixed deposit account!  

 

They say one week for the 1 year statement but best to give it a few more days in case of holidays etc.  Since you still need the one month statement in addition you can order the 1year statement 3 weeks in advance.  asking 4 weeks is not advised as the dates may not overlap!

This is from my "hand holding" agent and personal experience last month.

Rough Diamond, what you're saying is very, very interesting and includes points I wasn't aware of, so I do appreciate your post and thank you for sending it.

My thoughts at this stage, from the valuable info I've learned today so far, are basically that it would either be best to open an account with Kasikorn Bank (1 year statement available the same day), or stick with Bangkok Bank but use the 2x 6-monthly statements.

👍🙏

14 minutes ago, flexomike said:

been doing it for a long time never an issue, if concerned just ask your office for clarification

 

Ahh....thanks Mike. Assuming KannikaP is right (I'm sure he or she is!), then that answers the query I posted to you a moment ago! 😉

8 minutes ago, flexomike said:

sorry my bad, I am doing the montly income not the 800,000 in the bank

Thanks, flexomike, for pointing that out.

But does it matter which system you use?

If I'm using the 800k in bank option, can I not do the 6-month statement x2 option? 🤔

16 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Get one after the first 6 months, the another 6 months on the spot the day of applying.

A bit silly because the first will probably say Bht 800k to start and finish, the second the same with Bht 100 added or taken out. 

Thanks, KannikaP. 👍

It IS an option, and one I only learned about today. 

I'm thankful for you and others for pointing it out. Very useful to know!

🙏

20 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No problem what so ever. 

I changed to Kasikorn and my extension from Non O (retirement). 

I also approached BBL however for some reason they wanted a certificate of residence. 

As pointed out above obtaining 6 month statements from BBL is an option. 

I prefer not. 

When changing banks I suggest it's done after the 3 month 800k requirement. 

Then you can open new a/c with 400k from existing bank.. 

 

Edit: general  note for others. 

If cancelling (closing) bank account always ask the teller to give the bank book back to you. 

Thanks, DrJack. 👍

I will head down to local Kasikorn Bank after this long weekend, with Thai wife, giving them my best smile! 

Interesting that you confirm flexomike's option of doing a 6-month statement x2 from Bangkok Bank. 

Probably will go with the Kasikorn option, though. Sounds like less hassle overall, down the line. 

Thanks for advice to move money only after the 3 month period. It plays by their rules. And also pointing out that it could be limited to 400k at first. Followed by other 400k at least 2 months before applying to renew the extension. 

Much obliged to you DrJack, for your help. 🙏

4 minutes ago, flexomike said:

Bangkok Bank can do a six month statement on the spot, so get one at six months and one at twelve months, that is what I do

But isn't the 6-month statement no longer considered valid by immgration, 6 months after being issued?

I really don't know, flexomike. It would definitely be an option for me if immigration allow it!

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

The thing is the other banks can do the 12 month bank statement "on the spot".

I obtain my 12 month statement day or two prior to application. Easy peasy.

I also do the "bank letter" on same visit.

All that leaves on day of application is small deposit into account to update and show activity. 

It's only BBL that requires days in advance to produce the statement.

 

For folk starting the process of living in Thailand (imo) I would opt for bank such as Kasikorn who are also partner bank to WISE same as BBL and produce statement when requested. 

Thanks for that info', DrJack.

Frustrating for me to hear that only Bangkok Bank can't provide a 1 year statement on the spot. Both of my two accounts are with BB!

That is a drag. 

Apparently.....as far as I know..... the first time application for a retirement visa/extension (I want to change from marriage to retirement) can be a 2 month statement, with the 1 year statement being required for subsequent extensions.

So maybe I can open an account with Kasikorn, but change to retirement using my BB account, leave it in for 3 months, then move the money into the Kasikorn account, allowing me to get a 1 year statement the same day, without having to wait. 

DrJack, may I humbly ask you for your opinion on that possible plan? 

PS: Before going to the local branch, are Kasikorn foreigner friendly? Can a falang like me ( retired, no work permit) open an account without too much hassle?

Any help appreciated. 👍

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes up to 7 days prior to application is fine. 

Cost 200b 

Thanks for that confirmation. 🙏

Allowing that to be the case is very helpful on the part of immigration. I'm glad they realize that it's sensible policy. 👍

Just now, Upnotover said:

The statement and letter will/should be accepted up to 7 days old.  But you'll still need to update the bank book and show a transaction on the day of application.

Great!

Good to have that confirmed, thanks! 👍

5 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

The financial requirement is normal as is the requirement for a 12 month statement.  It's 800k 2 months before and 3 months after application, and 400k minimum is the remaining 7 months of the year.  Entirely up to you if you keep it at 800 or choose to use some of it, just remember to get it back to 800 in good time. 

Upnotover, may I ask you a quick question about the full year bank statement requirement?

Am I right in thinking that it takes a number of days to get the statement (at my BB at least), and that, when issued, it is then valid for 7 days, meaning that immigration will accept it at any time within the 7 day period?

PS, I will use the 800k method, not monthly payments.

Cheers. 

On 4/3/2025 at 7:18 PM, Tug said:

I’m just a simple lay person of modest meens that being said I seek expert advice in areas that aren’t in my wheelhouse.99% of experts on economic issues say trumps tariffs are not a good idea + with trumps history of business failures and bankruptcy’s  it’s obvious to be skeptical about anything the man says.I fear with sound reason this is another epic blunder.at the bare minimum it’s a tax hike on the working class it’s us regular folk world wide mind you that are going to pay the price I’m afraid.nothing would delight me more to be wrong about this…….we shall see…..

'Lay person' or otherwise, Tug (and to be so or not isn't subject to any judgement on my part, I assure you), I reckon you've proved you've little real need for any 'expert advice' at all, by how you distill the deliberately distracting, "apparent" complexities down to an essence which any unbiased expert would confirm is in total accord with the reality (and your own suspicions) that the working class are gonna be bending over and taking what they've always taken. 

In this case however.....one isn't just talking about US workers, or US economy. It's a bucket of turds thrown down so many other wells we all drink from, worldwide. 

(And btw, isn't the US congress the only body that can constitutionally enact such moves?..... stinky stuff.)

But anyway, agree with you Tug. 

12 hours ago, connda said:

It seems as though Thais consider themselves to be the guardian of Buddhism so they fain extreme displeasure at a farang getting a tattoo of Buddha while missing the point entirely as why the woman has the tattoo.  Pretty much for the same reason as a Christian would give a tattoo of Jesus.  It's not a sign of disrespect but of respect and devotion. 

Buddhism in not a "Thais" to make the rules.  Buddhism belongs to all Buddhists.  I get tired of the self-righteous indignation while the same people turn to blind eye to monks literally gaffing off the Vinayas or the moral precepts of monks and not following the rules monks must follow.  Thai Buddhists are a conflicted self-righteous lot.  

"How dare you criticize Thai Buddhism farang!" I've ordained twice and have been a Buddhist for the last 4 decades.

Theravada Buddhism isn't Thai people's religion to manage.  So until I see efforts to rein in the hypocrisy that I see day in  day out in the Thai Buddhist community, they should take a lesson from the Bible and "Don't worry about the speck of dust in their brothers and sister's eye while they have a stick poking out of their own."  If we are going down that route then Thai monks should refrain from engaging in "Protection Tattoo" of Buddhist symbology as well.  These people are not the purveyors of Buddhism.  They need to develop some reverse cultural sensitivity and get a clue as to where foreign Buddhist devotions are centered.

Well said. 👍

An old arabian saying : 'Beware the sanctimonoius, for beneath is boiling dirt'.

It's a tattoo ffs. A body-art image of what history & culture calls 'the Buddha'. I humbly & kindly assure those that call this tattoo somehow a violation of......'something', that...the profound truths of what we call Buddhism are just fine thanks, in unmoved, calm repose....and do not feel they have been touched inappropriately or disturbed by the absurd folly going on here. 

53 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 

Wife needs to attend for changing from marriage to Retirement is explained in this attached thread.

 

Also the thread has links for that change general advice....

 

 

Excellent thread for me to check out. Just what I need!

Once again, thanks!

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

That won't be an issue.

Ongoing do you plan to use money in bank or income method for extensions.

 

BTW: For your first extension based on retirement having switched from based on marriage your wife will need to attend immigration with you.

For subsequent extensions (retirement) she is not required. 

I'll be using the money in bank method. 800k.  By now well-seasoned. 👍

Good to know about wife being required to attend when change is made. (I'd probably take her anyway, as she likes the grub at The Mall in Korat town!)

Thanks! 🙏 

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

A Non O-A visa is a multi entry visa that is valid for one year from date of issue.

 

During it's validity, every time you enter Thailand you are stamped in for 12 months.

 

So ...if you exit and reenter just prior to expiry you receive another 12 month stamp.

Hence you can obtain 2 years stay out of the visa.

 

After which you would either obtain a new Non O-A OR start obtaining extensions.

Note: Insurance required.

 

A Non O retirement is a single entry Visa. When you enter Thailand the visa is "used" and you are given a 90 day stamp.

 

In the last 30 days of that stamp you apply for 12 months extension.

This has financial requirements.

Note: Insurance not required.

 

For extensions from a Non O-A and a Non O (retirement) the financials are exactly the same however the extensions from the Non O-A require insurance.

 

Guys with a Non O-A and able to base their extension on marriage then Insurance is not required.

Note: The very first extension from a Non O-A would have to be based on retirement.

 

Note non O-A can only be obtained in own country or country where you have resident status.

Non O retirement can be obtained at most places outside of Thailand. 

Previously at consulate/embassies and now using eVisa. 

 

The Non O-A previously was a ripper Visa when it had no insurance requirement.

Especially for those that returned home every couple of years and also did not wish to have funds sitting in a Thai bank.

 

Not surprising that many folk with a Non O-A stamp and needing extensions based on retirement decided to exit Thailand at some point without reentry permit to Kill Off the Non O-A.

Reenter Thailand and obtain a Non O retirement reason being no insurance requirement. 

 

Note: Also Non O-A application has some requirements that Non O does not such as Criminal background report, medical, etc.

Outlined here.

 

https://www.mfa.go.th/en/page/non-immigrant-visa-o-a?menu=5e1ff71bc4281a00c812e8e2

Well, DrJack, I really have to thank you most heartily for that marvellously detailed & thorough breakdown of what these terms mean. Re the Non OA, it's a great deal more complex than I imagined!

Yes, I can see why the Non OA might have once been 'a ripper' visa. Shame they changed the rules. 

But anyway they did and a Non -O extension switch from marriage to retirement is my intended course of action. 

I actually felt like a bit of an ignorant so & so enquiring what the difference was between non oa and non o, as I've been here long enough and I ought to know! 

Maybe until now I just had no real need to know. My brain's overloaded as it is!

Once again.....thanks a LOT, DrJack! 🙏🙏

13 hours ago, edwardflory said:

'm surprised no one talks about compulsory health insurance

 

NON - O-A retirement requires insurance

 

NON - O retirement does NOT require insurance.

( 12 years so far )

I'm 80 and insurance is NOT available for folks my age.

 

Edward (or anyone), I should by now know this, but I don't...so could you just tell me exactly what the difference is between a NON - O-A, and a NON -O ?

15 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

@Toolong the post above from Upnotover explains it exactly. 

I very much appreciate your reply and help re this, DrJack54!

Cheers! 👍

24 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

The 12 months will start on the day of application/issue.  It will end 12 months later.  The earlier marriage extension is irrelevant.  Don't apply early, if you're worried about losing a few days/weeks.

Well, surprise, surprise.....I got that wrong! Wouldn't be the first time! 😉

I'm glad I DID get it wrong, as I feel more like I'll now get my money's worth spending the 2000 baht change fee.

Great news!

And thanks for the advice about not applying (too) early. 👍

Much appreciated, Upnotover, Thanks. 🙏

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Bottom line is you have your permission of stay for next 12 months + .

Small note for next extension.

If you change from based on marriage to Retirement the 12 month extension will start from date of application and not date of current expiry. 

Sorry for slow reply.

Ah....that's interesting, regarding what you say about extension start date being from date of application (the day I change). And I'm assuming it will expire on the same date the 12 month marriage ext. was originally set to expire. It would make sense. 

(Though if I'm wrong about that, I would welcome any correction.)

Thanks very much meanwhile, for the solid info'! 👍🙏