Must Read Holding the balance: Phuket Immigration clarifies new rules on retirement visas to start March 1

[HuskerDo]

On ‎2‎/‎16‎/‎2019 at 2:10 AM, Hellsten said:

I probably need to move out from this madhouse soon  If the bath go more stronger I'm out, don't have the money to stay and I'm married and have lived her for soon 15 years, this IS my Home! I have no place to go! ????

The paper from the embassy show the income Before Tax

the Bank after Tax there is a big difference.

You live here very long time you married a Thai and take care the family

But you have NO RIGHT what so ever and they still make it even more difficult

for us to stay here I probably spend 8-900000 a year here the most time but now when I get older the money is not to great now, and the Bath is too damn strong

I lose about 30000thb/month compare from the first time I come her

Not to nice of you Thailand!

 

I agree with you Hellsten but the same thing is happening elsewhere in the world. In the US people who came there illegally but have lead a pretty clean life and married and have children are being uprooted and sent back to their native country with much uncertainty. It's not just Thailand that is tearing families apart. However, in your case, since you apparently have been living there for a while and didn't enter illegally it's a tougher situation. You simply should be given an exemption as should everyone in your situation.

 

 

[Agusts]

So what is the significance of this 1 March 2019...? 

 

1- If I go to extend my stay on 1 Mar 2019, I should show that I had 400k in my account since 1 Mar 2018...!? Which does not make sense as I didn't know of this rule in Mar 2018...!

 

2- If I go to extend my stay in 1 Mar 2020, I should show that I had 400k in my account since 1 Mar 2019 !? This makes more sense as they have announced this requirement coming into force now !

 

Your guess is as good as mine, as nothing here is done logically or orderly,  just have to go and hope for the best. I doubt if even they know what the rules are or how to properly implement it...

 

Edited February 19, 2019 by Agusts

[LazySlipper]

On 2/18/2019 at 9:05 AM, Henryford said:

The baht is not getting stronger, western currencies are getting weaker.

 

You say potato I say Po --Tato

[jacko45k]

10 hours ago, Isaanman said:

O-A extension after the two years

The extension requirements are the same for whatsoever type on Non-Imm  you started with. It depends on the Extension you pursue. Whether IO will accept Embassy letters that are under 6 months old has no relevance whatsoever on someone pursuing an Extension in 2 years time.

[ubonjoe]

6 hours ago, Agusts said:

1- If I go to extend my stay on 1 Mar 2019, I should show that I had 400k in my account since 1 Mar 2018...!? Which does not make sense as I didn't know of this rule in Mar 2018...!

2- If I go to extend my stay in 1 Mar 2020, I should show that I had 400k in my account since 1 Mar 2019 !? This makes more sense as they have announced this requirement coming into force now !

1. No you don't. You just need to show the 800k baht for 2 or 3 month. 

2, Yes

[Neeranam]

On 2/16/2019 at 1:43 PM, smedly said:

I fail to see any practical advantage of the 6month balance of 800k - what is the point of it

To weed out the undesirables who lie about their income out use illegal agencies.

Thailand, like all countries doesn't want poor immigrants coming.

Edited February 20, 2019 by Neeranam

[jacko45k]

Just now, Neeranam said:

To weed out the undesirables who lie about their income out use illegal agencies.

Rather than weeding out the local people who facilitate the deceptions.

[Henryford]

8 minutes ago, Neeranam said:

To weed out the undesirables who lie about their income out use illegal agencies.

Thailand, like all countries doesn't want poor immigrants coming.

I guess the illegal agencies will still operate, just charge more.

[PST]

23 hours ago, Olmate said:

Can u give us any evidence of your claim re affidavits and why if it was so, back up could have been requested, but seldom was. The report from Phuket of yesterday where the valid letter from UK embassy was flat out rejected along with supporting documentation, can be explained how? No one will need to exit if a legit method can be implemented with uniformity across the country. It apparently cannot, I think you know why!

My letter was refused because the IO said that from Jan 1st, NO letters were being accepted, and anyone who had used them since that date would need to re-sumbmit their applications( confirmed also to me after by the tourist volunteer, who also asked the same senior IO) I questioned this, and my IO then went across to see the boss ( a woman from Had Yai), and came back and said it can't be used as it was 'not valid". I had all the proof with me, which is the same proof that I used to get the letter, and the amount on my letter was almost double the requirement needed in my case for marriage extension (40k per month). I then showed the IO a copy of the amended police order which clearly states that a certified letter of income CAN be used. All to no avail.

 

As previously mentioned, it's not a huge deal for me, I simply keep leaving every 90 days, and we mainly take a holiday as a family then anyway a few times a year, but at the end of the day Phuket are making up their own rules, nothing we can do.

 

PST.

[Peterw42]

5 minutes ago, PST said:

My letter was refused because the IO said that from Jan 1st, NO letters were being accepted, and anyone who had used them since that date would need to re-sumbmit their applications( confirmed also to me after by the tourist volunteer, who also asked the same senior IO) I questioned this, and my IO then went across to see the boss ( a woman from Had Yai), and came back and said it can't be used as it was 'not valid". I had all the proof with me, which is the same proof that I used to get the letter, and the amount on my letter was almost double the requirement needed in my case for marriage extension (40k per month). I then showed the IO a copy of the amended police order which clearly states that a certified letter of income CAN be used. All to no avail.

 

As previously mentioned, it's not a huge deal for me, I simply keep leaving every 90 days, and we mainly take a holiday as a family then anyway a few times a year, but at the end of the day Phuket are making up their own rules, nothing we can do.

 

PST.

What country/embassy was the letter from ?

 

[PST]

3 minutes ago, Peterw42 said:

What country/embassy was the letter from ?

 

UK., one thing I also forgot to mention, was afterwards when I told the Volunteer ( the same volunteer who saw my letter whilst checking my paperwork prior to seeing an IO) was that this NEW rule had only come in the last 3 days or so

Edited February 20, 2019 by PST

[Olmate]

Have the BE made any announcements previously suggesting letters would be accepted by TI, for the 6 months? Pretty sure US did(at CM?). Do the BE have a consul here and would a call to them be an idea? At best your ok for now but really tells the story how unreliable info can be office to office. UJ ,can this be mentioned in the discussions with TV and immigration perhaps as if not just Phuket is involved surely effects 1000,s. with these last minute letters?

[Isaanman]

On 2/20/2019 at 7:23 AM, jacko45k said:

Whether IO will accept Embassy letters that are under 6 months old has no relevance whatsoever on someone pursuing an Extension in 2 years time.

I was speaking to the affidavits to validate annual income obtained at foreign embassies (such as the US embassy in my case) in BKK at the end of last year that were supposedly to be valid for 6 months (i.e until the end of June '19) before the new rules (before this latest change) kicked in. I almost went to BKK to get this affidavit and I am glad I didn't, as it seems many IOs are not accepting them! I know this has no bearing whatsoever in getting an extension to my O-A visa obtained abroad in 2 years from now; I was not speaking to that. I am following everything in this thread, as this possibly does have a bearing on what I can or cannot do in 2 years!

[john west]

On 2/16/2019 at 1:45 PM, worgeordie said:

You will have to tighten your belt ????

regards Worgeordie

Yes, to be honest I have always kept 800K in my account but yes can see the case of an emergency one might need some of the funds, if they have not enough other income.
Just a point and a question and please do not jump down my throat.
I noticed as well that as well as not going going below 800k after a new extension on or after 1st March for 3 months and must not in any case fall below 400k at all in the other 6 months.
I know nothing more has as yet been stated about compulsory local medical insurance (well only being discussed) but is this new 400k which can not be touched the figure they are possibly discussing for insurance.
Just asking and no not meaning to worry people as indeed it has not been mentioned for a few months now.
Also just trying to help others too.

[Joe Mcseismic]

On 2/19/2019 at 5:56 PM, Thailand Outcast said:

Yes.  It is true.  Many people lied to get the letter.  Or many people recycle their money each month.  Most of these people paid their bills and do no crime here and not work illegal here.  But if an older person like to live in essan and make a house there, he not need 65k a month.  Many people can live here with less than 65k.  The Thai government make it 65k to get money into their banking system every month from millions of retired foreigners here.  I did not lie, I have more than 65k monthly income, but I think many did.

 

What if they say you need 90k a month to live on?  They know 90k is the lifestyle of a Thai who make big salary, but that does not mean you really need 90k to live here.  The same many do not really need 65k to live here if you are happy to live average lifestyle. I think many will leave and many will overstay but a lot of people do not think this.  

 

 

It's not about what you can live on, it's about how much money Thailand want you to bring into the country to allow you to stay here. The two are not connected.

[Joe Mcseismic]

On 2/20/2019 at 9:50 AM, PST said:

My letter was refused because the IO said that from Jan 1st, NO letters were being accepted, and anyone who had used them since that date would need to re-sumbmit their applications( confirmed also to me after by the tourist volunteer, who also asked the same senior IO) I questioned this, and my IO then went across to see the boss ( a woman from Had Yai), and came back and said it can't be used as it was 'not valid". I had all the proof with me, which is the same proof that I used to get the letter, and the amount on my letter was almost double the requirement needed in my case for marriage extension (40k per month). I then showed the IO a copy of the amended police order which clearly states that a certified letter of income CAN be used. All to no avail.

 

As previously mentioned, it's not a huge deal for me, I simply keep leaving every 90 days, and we mainly take a holiday as a family then anyway a few times a year, but at the end of the day Phuket are making up their own rules, nothing we can do.

 

PST.

Is this only the letters from the four countries that have now stopped the letters, or, is it ALL letters from ALL embassy's?

[jacko45k]

52 minutes ago, john west said:

but yes can see the case of an emergency one might need some of the funds, if they have not enough other income.

Yes, and if one gets over the emergency you won't  qualify for the retirement ext based on money in the bank next renewal. Maybe have to go home or join the agent's books.

[Barti]

On 2/17/2019 at 8:25 PM, Barti said:

Your case is exactly the same as mine. Except that my original Non-B visa was granted in 1994 and since then extended continuously. As I turned 50 the same original visa was extended as a retirement visa. To answer you question, yes I believe you should qualified under (6a).

I extended my visa today (Immigration Chiang Mai) and the IO confirmed that I do qualify for paragraph 6a. That means that you should be qualified as well

[Felt 35]

1 hour ago, Joe Mcseismic said:

Is this only the letters from the four countries that have now stopped the letters, or, is it ALL letters from ALL embassy's?

It appears after the latest info I got today through a long time friend here who asked directly to the IO who stand outside room 103 (office for retirement extensions in Phuket) and advice and check applicants documentation before they are handed in that they still accept income letters but not from the four countries you mention above. But as my friend said to me the IO added "if they still issue them" with a smile, and my friend got the feeling that its was nearly a time question before all embassies will stop issuing the letters......

[merijn]

On 2/21/2019 at 4:31 PM, Felt 35 said:

It appears after the latest info I got today through a long time friend here who asked directly to the IO who stand outside room 103 (office for retirement extensions in Phuket) and advice and check applicants documentation before they are handed in that they still accept income letters but not from the four countries you mention above. But as my friend said to me the IO added "if they still issue them" with a smile, and my friend got the feeling that its was nearly a time question before all embassies will stop issuing the letters......

The income affidavit is still accepted from the effected countries for extension based on retirement as long they are still valid and you have the correct supporting documents.

The affidavits are not accepted for extension based on marriage.

Phuket Immigration Volunteers have a good explanation about the retirement financial options on their website.

http://piv-phuket.com/changes-regarding-retirement-extension-application/

There are no any indications that anything will change with the income certificates from the other embassies.

 

 

 

[Derek B]

Cannot see a delete option.............

Edited March 15, 2019 by Derek B

[ubonjoe]

2 minutes ago, Derek B said:

So what is going to happen if you re-enter Thailand at an airport - will you have to prove you have maintained the required 800K/400K balance whilst overseas straight off the plane?

Certainly not at an airport.

Even a check at a immigration office may not be required until you apply for your next extension.

[Agusts]

Can someone please send the exact link for 90 day reporting online... I go to immigration website and try suggested links and get no where , or a porn site pop up...!?!? 

 

I'm in Phuket,  I remember they had their own online site for this... ! 

[Old Croc]

3 minutes ago, Agusts said:

Can someone please send the exact link for 90 day reporting online... I go to immigration website and try suggested links and get no where , or a porn site pop up...!?!? 

 

I'm in Phuket,  I remember they had their own online site for this... ! 

https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.do?cmd=acceptTerm

[KarlS]

13 minutes ago, Agusts said:

Can someone please send the exact link for 90 day reporting online... I go to immigration website and try suggested links and get no where , or a porn site pop up...!?!? 

 

I'm in Phuket,  I remember they had their own online site for this... ! 

http://www.phuketimmigration.go.th/main.php

The link is easily found in the left-hand column

 

NB Clear your computers cookie cache! 

Edited March 15, 2019 by KarlS

[Agusts]

58 minutes ago, KarlS said:

http://www.phuketimmigration.go.th/main.php

The link is easily found in the left-hand column

 

NB Clear your computers cookie cache! 

This one above goes back to main imm website and then goes nowhere clicking the links provided, try it...

 

This one below works, thanks:

https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.do?cmd=acceptTerm

[KarlS]

2 minutes ago, Agusts said:

This one above goes back to main imm website and then goes nowhere clicking the links provided, try it...

 

This one below works, thanks:

https://extranet.immigration.go.th/fn90online/online/tm47/TM47Action.do?cmd=acceptTerm

I have no idea what you were doing but I have just checked the link I provided and it works. 

[Old Croc]

1 hour ago, KarlS said:

I have no idea what you were doing but I have just checked the link I provided and it works. 

My link bypasses the terms and conditions page.

 

This page is confusing for some, because you have to scroll down and tick the box acknowledging you have read and understood these terms and conditions before it will allow you to continue. 

It's not very clear that you have to scroll, and many will try to click the button for a download without finding the box to tick.