ThoMichael

Thanks for mentioning the border bounce option. I can gather the 800,000 baht right now, I just need a few more months social security deposits to cover travel and living expanses, so if I wait until December I should be ok, unless any unexpected expanses happen. The cost of living increase will be good for 2023, so I will be getting around $1500 per month. I can easily live on around $900 per month, so future months I will be fine. So if I can get 45 days then do a border run or two if needed, that would work for sure!

Thanks for all of your replies. Now I pretty much know what I am dealing with. And I feel pretty certain I am gonna have to do the 800,000 in a Thai bank. But it will take me some time to put together that much money.

I was thinking if I go to Thailand, I will first try to find an immigration office that would accept 300,000 baht transferred into a Thai bank and my monthly (US Social Security) international transfers of $1,400 for 2 or 3 months, to do the combo method. But make sure before I go to Thailand, I have enough money for living expenses and the 800,000 baht in my bank account at home, in case I need to transfer that also, to go the full 800,000 baht route. Are there any visa service companies in Bangkok that could maybe help me?

I am not making any transfers now, but I do still have a bank account at Bangkok Bank. I could transfer $1,400 this week and also transfer 200,000 baht, and have my social security direct deposits start the October 3rd. Could I maybe do the combo method in mid October? I thought 2 months of income deposits are accepted on the first retirement extension application?

It would be great if I could do the combo method.

I am not sure what area I will be staying in. Just around Khaosan road I guess, but if someone can recommend a good Immigration office. I will use that one.

That sounds great, Actually, I wouldn't be arriving until mid October. It says in the Thai Imm doc, a rental agreement for the last three months is needed. I will be staying in a hotel for the first few months, but I guess they accept that?

Thanks so much for this info. I will study the Thai immigration pdf doc and make sure I meet all of the requirements. I have to step away from my computer until later today. Will check back later.

It really would be great if I can make the combo method work. I will probably do the application at the Bangkok immigration office. Can I go to Thailand on a visa on arrival and open a bank account, and I think I can change the visa on arrival to the required Non-b visa in Thailand?, which would give me three months total to work with? Thanks for your help, this is all kinda complicated.

Oh ok. well I think I can scrape together the 800k if I sell my car. So I guess if I go to Thailand and get a bank account and transfer 800k into it, that will work?

Thanks for your quick reply! I receive a monthly pension from the US Social Security Administration that is around $1,400 per month. And if I have the current benefits letter from them? Will that work if I put the balance to equal 800K in a Thai bank?

Hello, I have been gone from Thailand for many years, but thinking about returning. A friend told me the half income half money in the bank combo method, for the money requirement for a retirement visa extension was stopped in in some provinces. Is it still possible at Bangkok immigration or at offices in any other cities? Any info is much appreciated.