Verification Needed

[LOSBound2014]

I've read a LOT of conflicting advice and experiences on this board over the past couple of months.  After living in Thailand for coming up on 5 years, it appears that Immigration has changed the ground rules, and I am not sure if my situation is any longer tenable here.  Here is my situation .... 

 

When I moved from Canada after retirement, I studied the requirements that I would need to live in Thailand.  I would have to show a monthly income of over 65,000 baht, and this could be done by getting a notarised letter from the Canadian Embassy in Bangkok verifying my monthly income.  It is important to note here, and this is something that I checked very thoroughly before I ever moved here, that what was required was GROSS income, not NET income, of over 65,000 baht.  This is important, because Canada automatically makes deductions before pension checks are deposited.  So while I have always qualified for GROSS income, I have never qualified for NET income, but up until now, this has been fine.   However, IF Thailand decides not to accept Letters of Income, then I will be royally screwed, as my NET income will not allow me to transfer in 65,000 baht/month due to my pension already having taxes deducted before it is even deposited in my Canadian bank account.  Added to this is the propped up Baht, which has sunk from 30 baht per CAD dollar when I moved here in 2014, to a low of just 23.70 baht today.  That means my income drops again because of the horrendously over-inflated Thai baht every time I do a transfer from my bank in Canada.  

 

BTW, it is not rocket science for an Embassy to be able to verify pension income.  I take in my official Pension Documents, which I get mailed every year, showing exactly what I received.  I also take along my T4 Income Tax document, again verifying exactly what my gross income is.  The Notary checks these documents, and then issues the Letter.  Why is this such a difficult task for the 4 Embassies that have stopped issuing Letters?  

 

So, just so I am 100% clear, when my Retirement Visa comes up for renewal at the end of July, will the notarised Letter of Income still be accepted by Jomtien Immigration?  

 

To be honest, I am seriously thinking of packing things up here in Thailand anyways, whether I qualify for the Retirement Visa or not.  It seems that this country is intent on making things increasingly more difficult to live here.  There also seems to be a subtle hostility towards foreigners that is becoming more and more tangible as time goes on.  I moved here initially because I really loved this country, both for it's natural beauty and for the openness and friendliness of its people.  The beauty is still here, though marred by the increasingly high level of air pollution, but the Thai people just don't strike me as welcoming as they once were.   Cambodia, on the other hand, seems almost hassle free by comparison, and most of the people there strike me as charming and friendly.  Minimal financial qualifications for 1-Year Visa, no 90 day checks, no Re-Entry Permits or the need to purchase an additional Multiple-Entry Visa rather then Single-Entry.  Just pay the $300 US for a 1-Year visa and done.  Sounds like heaven to me after the increasingly frustrating bureaucratic runarounds that Thailand is introducing.  

 

So if anyone can confirm that my Canadian Letter of Income will be accepted in July, that would be appreciated.  Thanks! 

[glegolo]

It has been all over this forum in hundreds of threads and posts,

that it is ONLY the "unlucky four" that cannot get any income letter.

 

And they are; Denmark, Australia USA and UK .... So you are just fine

 

glegolo

[ubonjoe]

20 minutes ago, LOSBound2014 said:

So, just so I am 100% clear, when my Retirement Visa comes up for renewal at the end of July, will the notarised Letter of Income still be accepted by Jomtien Immigration?  

Yes it will still be accepted.

It is money going into a bank or proof of income from an embassy.

Form clause 2.22 of the amendment to the police order.

 

 

[LOSBound2014]

Ok, thanks for those speedy replies.  Good to know that I will be ok for this year anyways.  I did dig my way through several threads, including the 11 page behemoth on this topic, but came away still confused if the Letter was going to be accepted or not.  Thanks for clearing that up. 

[4evermaat]

IF (IF) The Canadian Embassy decides to stop issuing the income affidavit, they will usually announce it and provide a deadline to when they will stop.  Of course it would be wise to obtain the letter prior to the deadline.  The letter would still be good for 6 months.

 

So either way, you should still be covered for providing financial proof for this year's immigration extension application ????.