I have some skin in this game too. I mistakenly gave you some incorrect information about Bangkok Bank. Hopefully, yesterday’s retirement extension report will clarify it. Coincidentally, my province is Ranong, not Rayong. Two weeks ago, I went to Ranong Immigration to collect the checklist and forms in preparation for my Non-O Retirement Extension of Stay, due in six weeks. The checklist I was given was: TM.7 Application for Extension of Stay 2 off 4 x 6 cm passport photos Bank statement for the first 3 months since the date of last extension approval Bank statement for the last 2 months Bank Manager's letter Original and copy of bank book All bank documents dated the day of application and showing the same balance Passport and copies of all pages STM.2 STM.9 STM.11 Partner's Tabien Baan and ID card – originals and copies Partner's statement confirming my stay, with 3 witnesses signing Google Map with coordinates One photo standing by the front door showing the house number One photo standing in front of the full house showing the house number Two different photos standing inside the house, showing the room as much as the person. I also called into Bangkok Bank to order a statement confirming the ฿800k balance for the first 3 months since the date of my last extension approval. Yesterday the big day, I went to Bangkok Bank at 9:30am. There was no waiting and everything went smoothly, except the bank cannot provide a bank statement dated the current day until the close-of-business balance is available, i.e. the morning of the next day. The teller affirmed Immigration is aware of and accepts this issue, even though the requirement says documents must have the current day's date. I arrived at Ranong Immigration at 10:30am. There were two other applicants there and effectively it took 45 minutes, as I had to go next door to get a photo printed one that I failed to include. Take aways from Bangkok Bank: You cannot get a bank statement, with today’s date i.e. until the morning of the next day. From Ranong Immigration: Last year I put all my transactions thru my BB A/C and I almost got into trouble so this year I had a dedicated account with 800k locked in. Having a bank book and statements with zero transactions, with over 800k static in bank for 12 months, is an issue. I need to show that I am spending money in Thailand. On a re-entry permit application, the IO checked my passport and saw all my past re-entry stamps with no travel and suggested I come back for one if and when I had a specific planned itinerary.
