CONFIRMED: Here is exactly what’s needed for retirement & marriage extensions (income method) from 2019

 

Here is an official English translation of the national police order confirming the documentation required by Thai immigration for foreigners applying for an extension of stay based on retirement, marriage or being a parent to a Thai child.

 

 

 

The requirements, detailed in a national police order and signed by immigration chief Lt Gen Surachet Hakparn, have now been updated after it was announced in October 2018 that a number of embassies, including the UK, USA and Australia, would stop issuing income letters or affidavits.

 

The income letters had been used by expats to confirm their income when applying for a retirement or marriage extension.

 

The new requirements state that applicants must be able to show income transferred into a Thai bank account.

 

Earlier, Thaivisa was able to share details of the new requirements, but can now reveal those details in full, with the translation of the police order 0029.173/Wor 4950 - titled  ‘Supporting evidence of income for visa extension in case of family members and retirement’.

 

The requirements detailed here are in effect from 1st January 2019.

 

Related: Thai immigration reveals new requirements for retirement, marriage extensions (visas)

 

-- © Copyright Thai Visa News 2019-01-07

the heading is misleading as it is not exactly what is needed for these 'visas', it is only exactly what is needed if you are using the income method. We are still presuming that the money in a bank account method remains the same.

So the existing "money in Thai bank" 800/400, still continues and the changes only concern expats using "income, combo"?

BTW...personally I use money in the bank. I would not be happy now showing monthly income. Like many others, I have income from rentals, super/shares etc. Do not qualify for pension, because of super fund/assets. Would certainly not like the changes to replace embassy SD.

Just now, taichiplanet said:

the heading is misleading as it is not exactly what is needed for these 'visas', it is only exactly what is needed if you are using the income method. We are still presuming that the money in a bank account method remains the same.

Yes, it would have been nice if the letter/memo confirmed that part.

I got my income affidavit notarized by the US Embassy here in Bangkok on November 30, 2018. I was told by the US Embassy at the time that the letter (income affidavit) I executed (and they notarized) would be valid for 6 months from date of issuance. That would mean it's valid until May 31, 2018.  My Retirement Visa renewal is scheduled for March 31, 2019. I'm hearing conflicting reports from people who've been to different Thai Immigration centers. Some say they won't accept the US Embassy notarized Income Affidavit in 2019 at all. Is there any credible source that can definitely tell me if I can use my November 30, 2018 letter (income affidavit) in March 2019 when I renew my Retirement Visa? Or is just a waste of paper now? I was planning on renewing at Thai Immigration at Chaeng Watthana here in Bangkok.  

SO having read all this ,this is only for the concern of people who used to get a letter confirming their pension from the relevant Embassies , it does not alter , the 400,000 bht  or 800,000 bht held in a thai bank account under the regulations , 2 months prior and 3 months on further applications ,for marriage & retirement extensions , JUST WATCH THE INDIVIDUAL IMMIGRATION OFFICES INTERPRET THIS AS IS FOR ALL < IN ORDER TO EXTRACT A LITTLE TEA MONEY 

 

So as previously confirmed (many times) there is NO change to the "money in bank" method !
 

7 minutes ago, MikeOKitches said:

I got my income affidavit notarized by the US Embassy here in Bangkok on November 30, 2018. I was told by the US Embassy at the time that the letter (income affidavit) I executed (and they notarized) would be valid for 6 months from date of issuance. That would mean it's valid until May 31, 2018.  My Retirement Visa renewal is scheduled for March 31, 2019. I'm hearing conflicting reports from people who've been to different Thai Immigration centers. Some say they won't accept the US Embassy notarized Income Affidavit in 2019 at all. Is there any credible source that can definitely tell me if I can use my November 30, 2018 letter (income affidavit) in March 2019 when I renew my Retirement Visa? Or is just a waste of paper now? I was planning on renewing at Thai Immigration at Chaeng Watthana here in Bangkok.  

Yes you can use your income affidavit to apply for your extension. The directive clearly states they will be accepted.

There is also a directive that states they are valid for 6 months.

Chaeng Wattana immigration will certainly accept it.

9 minutes ago, taichiplanet said:

the heading is misleading as it is not exactly what is needed for these 'visas', it is only exactly what is needed if you are using the income method. We are still presuming that the money in a bank account method remains the same.

There's no mention of that it even will exist.

5 minutes ago, Kerryd said:

So as previously confirmed (many times) there is NO change to the "money in bank" method !
 

Where did you read that part?

12 minutes ago, taichiplanet said:

the heading is misleading as it is not exactly what is needed for these 'visas', it is only exactly what is needed if you are using the income method. We are still presuming that the money in a bank account method remains the same.

It is a directive that only changes the option for using ia income of 65k baht or 40k baht.

Everything else in the existing police order has not been changed.

No mention of combination method.. still happening?? 

2 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

It is a directive that only changes the option for using ia income of 65k baht or 40k baht.

Everything else in the existing police order has not been changed.

Thanks for the clarification.

5 minutes ago, ubonjoe said:

It is a directive that only changes the option for using ia income of 65k baht or 40k baht.

Everything in the existing police order has not been changed.

Its confusing though, as this letter shows 2.18 and 2.22 (changes), and gives reasons/documents/procedures. Is there a 2.XX that states the 400K/800K that would not be affected by this notice? Because if the 400K/800K is part of 2.18 or 2.22, then this letter/memo looks a little scary.

For confirmation and assistance contact your local agent.????

 

It says in the Subject: Supporting evidence of income. So 400/800 money in the bank method remains the same. Earlier income was supported by embassy letter. This also stays the same. The only change introduced is the monthly deposit of 40/65K in a Thai bank. It also says money should be transferred from overseas. Source of the money is immaterial.

2 minutes ago, ocddave said:

Its confusing though, as this letter shows 2.18 and 2.22 (changes), and gives reasons/procedures. Is there a 2.XX that states the 400K/800K that would not be affected by this notice? Because if the 400K/800K is part of 2.18 or 2.22, then this letter/memo looks a little scary.

how many times do you need to be told - this relates to income only

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

Yes you can use your income affidavit to apply for your extension. The directive clearly states they will be accepted.

There is also directive that states they are valid for 6 months.

Chaeng Wattana immigration will certainly accept it.

I apologize for my ignorance, but I'm having a very difficult time finding the precise language in the directives you're referencing. Perhaps it's my anxiety which is affecting my vision and reading comprehension.  This developing news is a source of consternation to many here, and I certainly appreciate your prompt initial reply to my narrative. Thank you for your attempt to assuage and allay my apprehension. I appreciate it greatly.

5 minutes ago, smedly said:

how many times do you need to be told - this relates to income only

Your opinions really don't matter, I want to see in writing that the 400K/800K is still supported. When they reference 2.18 and 2.22, they are basically saying this overwrites prior notices, so they should make sure to mention those in the same documents/procedures, and that they haven't changed.

4 minutes ago, ocddave said:

Its confusing though, as this letter shows 2.18 and 2.22 (changes), and gives reasons/documents/procedures. Is there a 2.XX that states the 400K/800K that would not be affected by this notice? Because if the 400K/800K is part of 2.18 or 2.22, then this letter/memo looks a little scary.

It is quite clear in the cover letter it only changes the income option that is why the other options are not mentioned

 

23 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

So the existing "money in Thai bank" 800/400, still continues and the changes only concern expats using "income, combo"?

BTW...personally I use money in the bank. I would not be happy now showing monthly income. Like many others, I have income from rentals, super/shares etc. Do not qualify for pension, because of super fund/assets. Would certainly not like the changes to replace embassy SD.

You do NOT have to show total monthly income from your rentals, shares or anything. All you need to show is 65k going into a Thai bank account from out of the country. Easy.

2 minutes ago, ocddave said:

Your opinions really don't matter, I want to see in writing that the 400K/800K is still supported. When they reference 2.18 ans 2.22, they are basically saying this overwrites prior notices, so they should make sure to mention those in the same documents/procedures, and that they haven't changed.

It is wonderful that you know what they should be doing.  It would probably be helpful if you really understood what they have done and not done before going off.

26 minutes ago, taichiplanet said:

the heading is misleading as it is not exactly what is needed for these 'visas', it is only exactly what is needed if you are using the income method. We are still presuming that the money in a bank account method remains the same.

It says (income method)

1 minute ago, ubonjoe said:

It is quite clear in the cover letter it only changes the income option that is why the other options are not mentioned

 

Poorly done at best, not to mention leaving open interpretation by many different Immigration Offices....UGH.

1 minute ago, sometimewoodworker said:

It says (income method)

Then the "reason" section in the table should state "Income method only".

Is there anyway Thaivisa can get it clarified that the money in the bank is still allowed, how do you prove income for income and money in the bank method. The other worry is that most people under 60 years old do not have a pension to show for the monthly income 

28 minutes ago, ocddave said:

Yes, it would have been nice if the letter/memo confirmed that part.

It doesn't need to. Just go back to the police order 138/255 7 July 2014 translation 

 

they need to be read together 

4 minutes ago, ocddave said:

Then the "reason" section in the table should state "Income method only".

Please reread it it is there. And read police order 138/255 7 July 2014

From the OP: 

‘The new requirements state that applicants must be able to show income transferred into a Thai bank account.’

This is misleading and not a requirement in the many cases where Embassies still issue the income declarations.

oh dear

I can see another 30 pages of

"what about money in the bank"

or

I'm leaving don't trust Thai  banks

but for my part

thank you for an informative post about the income method