OldAjahn

Thanks for the suggestion. That's definitely the safe course. But what's your estimation of the minimum requirements? I'd go with a logical deduction of the requirements if I was confident in it, and take my chances next year at CW. Failing which I wouldn't mind a trip to Singapore, it's been a while, to get a 90 day entry and follow EVENKEEL's course.

Unfortunately, while that should work, it does not always. Depends on the IO. I've been given incorrect instructions a couple of times in the past at CW by the IO officers that one deals with. Once I had to contest the IO's interpretation and the matter was settled by the senior officer who sits in the desk behind. Other times I've had to do the research myself. We're lucky who use CW because they will follow the published rules more than other offices

I'm confused. If someone with an existing non-o extension wants to convert from the 800,000 method to income method, when exactly can the 800,000 be removed? Presnock states, IIUC, that the 800,000 must be maintained for one year, simultaneously with 65,000 monthly deposits, until the next yearly extension. EVENKEEL's situation is slightly different, since he began fresh with a non-O 90-day visa. I just did my yearly extension at CW based on 800,000, but would like next year to change to monthly income. My understanding of the rules is that three months after the date of the stamp, the bank account could be drawn down to 400,000, and the 400,000 could be withdrawn only after the new monthly income-based extension stamp became valid. When I changed from marriage to retirement status at CW, I had to present all the valid documents for a marriage visa on the day of the change, meaning I proved that I had fulfilled the requirements for my granted marriage extension throughout the previous year. Does anybody have an experience changing the method at CW? And does CW just look at the date and amount of FFT transfer, or do they want to see documented proof of origin of the funds?

Last year at CW I renewed non-O retirement based on a US$ account, at BAY, which had only a plastic card. Presented a year statement printed out that day at BAY branch downstairs. The IO was not happy about it, but she took it.

Sorry to report, the details of the 5.1% FCD deposit accounts at Bangkok Bank, SCB, and also BAY, are not listed on their websites. Needs a call. But did learn the main catch; for all three banks, the customer must be in the "exclusive" category, meaning total deposits of either 3 or 5 million baht and an application to that status. I think for the right investor, the details would be highly interesting to learn. For me, not so much.

There's a new option, interest bearing foreign currency deposit (FCD). Bangkok Bank (from last year) and SCB (just announced), I'm not sure of the other banks, offer 5 plus percent on US dollar deposits. Last year I used a US$ FCD deposited at BAY (non-interest) in lieu of my 800,000 baht, and CW accepted it, though the IO was not quite pleased with the extra work to calculate the FX. I haven't read the offering details yet, but it seems to me these new accounts should solve the opportunity cost problem. Only special point is the need to monitor the exchange rate and deposit extra dollars when the baht rises, to avoid being short the 800,000 or the 400,000.

CW used to be 45 days. Anyone know if this is still the current rule at CW?

I subsequently did some research into the question. The Bank of Thailand is the one who issues the regulations for Thai bank accounts. A few years ago, I don't have the date, they changed the ID requirement from a passport, to passport plus some other quasi-official document which includes address. I was quoted: a Thai yellow book (non-tabien ban for foreigners), foreign government ID card, drivers license, a letter of employment from a recognized company, matriculation letter at a school, condo ownership document, and some others I've forgot. The Bank of Thailand thoughtfully provided as final option, in default of the others, an affadavit from the applicant's embassy. A grey area certainly. As is often pointed out on this forum, it is worth while to do you business at a location with many foreign customers. My second BKKB visit was to a branch in the tourist area. Also opened accounts at BAY with even being asked for the comical US embassy letter, because it was the main branch at Ploenchit. Tried again at my local shopping center and was refused.

Sorry, I meant the other embassy-issued certificates of residence that BKKB had previously allowed.

True that the US Embassy can't provide residence certificate. Had a little spat opening a new account at a Bangkok Bank branch in Bangkok last year when I presented the comical document the embassy did provide, certifying that so-and-so, a US citizen, states that he lives at ... . The BKKB officer was quite correct to refuse my application with this document, but when I asked to see some successful residence certificates, there were others just like from the US previously approved. On the advice of my wife not to make enemies, I went to another branch, met with some resistance but showed the evidence I had, and was approved.