Embassy Pension-statement + Bank Cash-statement Still Working?

[Lelipad]

The previous immigration rules allowed me, non immigrant O and over 60 years, to obtain the 1 year visa presenting the written declaration from my Embassy that I receive an yearly pension of 400K Baht and a freshly dated written declaration from my Bank that on the date of the declaration I had on my Bank book 400K Baht so in total 800K Baht.

How the rule has been changed?

Is the Embassy pension declaration still useful in reducing the cash amount needed in the Bank, or must I absolutely have the whole 800K Baht in the Bank for 3 months before I can ask a visa renewal independently by the fact that I officially have a 400K Baht yearly pension?

And, if the Embassy declaration is still useful, the balance of 400K Baht in cash has to be deposited in the Bank for 3 months before I can present a demand for a new Visa?

Thank You

[lopburi3]

The rules have not changed - but that was not the rule. It was 800k in bank or 65k monthly or a combination for those over age 50.

There is now a 3 month prior requirement for the bank deposit for new applicants. It has not been enforced yet for those in the system so we don't know if it will apply to the combination method but one would expect that it may. I believe they will let you know at your next renewal. You will not have to have 800k in the bank. The Embassy paper is still used. But you now must have paperwork to back that statement up with that immigration can review (tax/pay slips/pension statement or such).

To be 100% safe I would try to keep bank account above 400k for the 3 months prior to renewal but do not believe that will be a requirement until after your next extension. Especially if there is normal money movements in your account.

[rainman]

what about for new applications? do you need the funds in the bank 3 months prior to application as well, if you have a combination of pension and money in the bank?

[lopburi3]

Have not seen any reports one way or the other on 3 month rule for combinations but if I were to try it and my bank account had to have 200k I would try to make sure it held 3 x 65k more, or about 400k as at least one office/officer seems to be using that formula to off-set the 3 month rule. But nothing ventured nothing gained and all that can happen is you are told to come back later so I would advise giving it a try.