Phuket Immigration re-confirms ‘embassy income verification’ letters not required after American expat given 30 days to leave Thailand

By The Phuket News

 

A foreigner has the stamps in his passport explained to him at the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town. Photo: The Phuket News / file

 

PHUKET:-- A year after the policy change was formally confirmed, Phuket Immigration today (Jan 13) again reconfirmed that letters from embassies are no longer required in order to confirm a foreigner’s income when applying for an extension to a non-immigrant permit to stay – as long as the relevant embassy no longer issues the “income verification” letters.

 

The news follows an American expat contacting The Phuket News late last week to explain that he had been refused a 12-month permit to stay on the basis of being married to a Thai because he could not provide an “income verification” letter from the US embassy.

 

With his application refused, the man had been given until the end of his current permit to stay – effectively less than 30 days – to leave the country.

 

Full Story: https://www.thephuketnews.com/phuket-immigration-re-confirms-embassy-income-verification-letters-not-required-after-american-expat-given-30-days-to-leave-thailand-74367.php

 

-- © Copyright Phuket News 2020-01-13

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Clear as mud?

 

10 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

Phuket Immigration today (Jan 13) again reconfirmed that letters from embassies are no longer required in order to confirm a foreigner’s income when applying for an extension to a non-immigrant permit to stay – as long as the relevant embassy no longer issues the “income verification” letters.

That´s like a Catch 22 in the opposite direction. It looks very stupid to require something that can´t exist due to that they are no longer issued. 

9 minutes ago, kotsak said:

Clear as mud?

 

Very clear. He could not proof his income, therefore rejected.

2 minutes ago, stevenl said:

Very clear. He could not proof his income, therefore rejected.

Exactly.

A 400K would have been enough for his marriage visa which is actually a small amount for Americans.

 

I have seen an increase in the number of foreign students 'learning Thai' on education visa just to stay in Thailand.

 

Guess he will also join the queue.

we all assume that everyone reads forums or other media about such things as immigration requirements - this guy seems to be one of the exceptions and knew nothing of changes to requirements ………….. now he does

 

always best to keep yourself informed of such matters

 

Hardly a big deal for him - he has many simple options assuming he has some income and savings back in the US - well he must have if he was always going the income letter route so what is his problem 

All I can say is thank god I/we left Thailand last year. After 9 years always worrying and having to go through that 90 day annual application. Rules changing on a whim what a way to live your life when you can never feel 100% secure. As for the smugness of sum people it never said he could not prove his income. He may not have had 400,000baht or 800,000baht in his account he may not have kept 50% of that untouched in his account (forever). It is very possible he could prove his income with bank statements. I remember going to immigration (an office I had used for 8 years so 8 applications and over 32 90 days reports) and asking the question way back in October 2018 about my requirements and if bank statements would do to prove income (which hadn't changed in 9 years well annual increase) to be told NO! Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months later. Leaving was the best decision I ever made, well settled back in the UK, wife being treated with dignity and respect, children loving school and me actually enjoying driving again. Beer is great, wine is great, food is far better quality and the icing on the cake is its all cheaper than Thailand now. 

Leaving was the best decision I ever made,

 

Ditto...back in the states now...what a fuggin relief from Thai Immigration hassles and scams...

 

No, I will not stop posting here for all you Thai apologist...don't dislike Thailand or it's people...tired of being subjected to punitive immigration procedures and rude IOs. 

Don't know if everyone read the full article. Seems like many haven't. Phuket Immigration has said:

 

“As for this [American] man, and anyone else who has had this problem, please come back to the Phuket Immigration Office so we can resolve this.

“Under this type of visa, all that is required to prove your income are bank statements and your bankbooks [plus copies of the relevant pages to file with the application]."

 

So all this guy has to do is go back to Phuket Immigration and show he has the money.

Not sure why so many people--including people who don't even live here--are getting so hysterical over it.  Patience and the ability to read are two basic requirements of living in Thailand. Not having those, it is indeed just as well that you left.

 

 

Jolly nice chaps Americans.

 

Little short in the patience department though.

45 minutes ago, Roy Baht said:

Don't know if everyone read the full article. Seems like many haven't. Phuket Immigration has said:

 

“As for this [American] man, and anyone else who has had this problem, please come back to the Phuket Immigration Office so we can resolve this.

“Under this type of visa, all that is required to prove your income are bank statements and your bankbooks [plus copies of the relevant pages to file with the application]."

 

So all this guy has to do is go back to Phuket Immigration and show he has the money.

Not sure why so many people--including people who don't even live here--are getting so hysterical over it.  Patience and the ability to read are two basic requirements of living in Thailand. Not having those, it is indeed just as well that you left.

 

Sounds so simple, but I wonder what happens when he does show up. 

 

Does he get rejected again because his bank statement shows 2 deposits in June and none in July?  Or because, being unaware of the changes, he let the balance drop below the minimums for a week?  Or because his deposits come through a channel that doesn't tag them as incoming foreign money?  And what, exactly, are those "relevant pages to file"?

 

Edit:  I agree that the onus on expats is to keep up with the rules, but losing the embassy affidavit route caught a lot of people out with no adequate warning to make other arrangements.  He may realize that going back is a waste of time, not because he doesn't have money.  But because it hasn't been seasoned, or any number of other technicalities.

 

3 hours ago, stevenl said:

Very clear. He could not proof his income, therefore rejected.

 

3 hours ago, Kopitiam said:

Exactly.

 

3 hours ago, EricTh said:

A 400K would have been enough for his marriage visa which is actually a small amount for Americans.

 

1 hour ago, smedly said:

we all assume that everyone reads forums or other media about such things as immigration requirements - this guy seems to be one of the exceptions and knew nothing of changes to requirements ………….. now he does

 

always best to keep yourself informed of such matters

 

Hardly a big deal for him - he has many simple options assuming he has some income and savings back in the US - well he must have if he was always going the income letter route so what is his problem 

Did you all read the original article? It´s not soooo difficult to understand:
 

Lt Col Udom Thongchin, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town, today said he had no idea why the foreigner would have been refused his application on the basis of not having an “income verification” letter from the US embassy.

“These letters from embassies are not needed if the relevant embassy no longer issues them,” he said plainly. 
 

“I don’t know what happened. I am not sure who is concerned with this case, but please come to the second floor of the Phuket Immigration Office to discuss this directly with the correct immigration officers,” Lt Col Udom said.

Lt Col Udom assured that officers at Phuket Immigration have been reminded that the income verification letters are no longer needed for some nationalities.

“I told them today to be careful about the details of this part,” he said.

“As for this [American] man, and anyone else who has had this problem, please come back to the Phuket Immigration Office so we can resolve this.

“Under this type of visa, all that is required to prove your income are bank statements and your bankbooks [plus copies of the relevant pages to file with the application].

“This is fine to prove your income,” Lt Col Udom said.

14 minutes ago, CNXexpat said:

Did you all read the original article? It´s not soooo difficult to understand:

evidently you didn't

15 minutes ago, smedly said:

evidently you didn't

I read your signature "Do not argue with a fool. He will drag you down to his level and beat you with experience" and think: "ok, don´t argue with him".

1 hour ago, Roy Baht said:

Don't know if everyone read the full article. Seems like many haven't. Phuket Immigration has said:

 

“As for this [American] man, and anyone else who has had this problem, please come back to the Phuket Immigration Office so we can resolve this.

“Under this type of visa, all that is required to prove your income are bank statements and your bankbooks [plus copies of the relevant pages to file with the application]."

 

So all this guy has to do is go back to Phuket Immigration and show he has the money.

Not sure why so many people--including people who don't even live here--are getting so hysterical over it.  Patience and the ability to read are two basic requirements of living in Thailand. Not having those, it is indeed just as well that you left.

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Scot123 said:

 Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months late

 

Sorry, don't quite understand what made you blow your fuse? 

Off-topic post reported and removed.  

 

3 hours ago, Scot123 said:

All I can say is thank god I/we left Thailand last year. After 9 years always worrying and having to go through that 90 day annual application. Rules changing on a whim what a way to live your life when you can never feel 100% secure. As for the smugness of sum people it never said he could not prove his income. He may not have had 400,000baht or 800,000baht in his account he may not have kept 50% of that untouched in his account (forever). It is very possible he could prove his income with bank statements. I remember going to immigration (an office I had used for 8 years so 8 applications and over 32 90 days reports) and asking the question way back in October 2018 about my requirements and if bank statements would do to prove income (which hadn't changed in 9 years well annual increase) to be told NO! Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months later. Leaving was the best decision I ever made, well settled back in the UK, wife being treated with dignity and respect, children loving school and me actually enjoying driving again. Beer is great, wine is great, food is far better quality and the icing on the cake is its all cheaper than Thailand now. 

 

How's the weather today?

6 hours ago, EricTh said:

 

Sorry, don't quite understand what made you blow your fuse? 

I don't know either, regardless of what the rules are I would continue to maintain a balance in excess of any requirement - not because it is the requirement but because it is always good to keep a float for emergencies (been here when the international lines were cut and ATMs etc. no longer would connect to international networks for weeks).   I find having emergency funds available -- good for my mental health.

9 hours ago, Scot123 said:

All I can say is thank god I/we left Thailand last year. After 9 years always worrying and having to go through that 90 day annual application. Rules changing on a whim what a way to live your life when you can never feel 100% secure. As for the smugness of sum people it never said he could not prove his income. He may not have had 400,000baht or 800,000baht in his account he may not have kept 50% of that untouched in his account (forever). It is very possible he could prove his income with bank statements. I remember going to immigration (an office I had used for 8 years so 8 applications and over 32 90 days reports) and asking the question way back in October 2018 about my requirements and if bank statements would do to prove income (which hadn't changed in 9 years well annual increase) to be told NO! Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months later. Leaving was the best decision I ever made, well settled back in the UK, wife being treated with dignity and respect, children loving school and me actually enjoying driving again. Beer is great, wine is great, food is far better quality and the icing on the cake is its all cheaper than Thailand now. 

Me Have Left also mostly due to the complexity and requirements of the visa process, combo method, TM30’s  jada jada frankly all of it together it wasn’t worth the hassle anymore. Nowadays  I can go to the South of Spain no visa headache , euros , better climate, no pollution!

4 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

Me Have Left also mostly due to the complexity and requirements of the visa process combo method, TM30’s  jada jada frankly all of it together it wasn’t worth the hassle. Nowadays  I can go to the South of Spain no visa headache , euros , better climate, no pollution!

Why don’t you?

8 hours ago, CNXexpat said:

 

 

 

Did you all read the original article? It´s not soooo difficult to understand:
 

Lt Col Udom Thongchin, Deputy Chief of the Phuket Immigration Office in Phuket Town, today said he had no idea why the foreigner would have been refused his application on the basis of not having an “income verification” letter from the US embassy.

“These letters from embassies are not needed if the relevant embassy no longer issues them,” he said plainly. 
 

“I don’t know what happened. I am not sure who is concerned with this case, but please come to the second floor of the Phuket Immigration Office to discuss this directly with the correct immigration officers,” Lt Col Udom said.

Lt Col Udom assured that officers at Phuket Immigration have been reminded that the income verification letters are no longer needed for some nationalities.

“I told them today to be careful about the details of this part,” he said.

“As for this [American] man, and anyone else who has had this problem, please come back to the Phuket Immigration Office so we can resolve this.

“Under this type of visa, all that is required to prove your income are bank statements and your bankbooks [plus copies of the relevant pages to file with the application].

“This is fine to prove your income,” Lt Col Udom said.

Uh no.  The details are lacking.  The current "proof" is to show monthly 65K or larger transfers every month.  Not 130k one month, then 0k the next month.  Not 65k x 12 one lump transfer, etc

6 minutes ago, Olmate said:

Why don’t you?

Been there so often.

Anyway Enjoy urself with all ur immigration trips and documents obtaining jobs !

"This passport. Take Agent. Come back"

Mmm  - It sounds as 'tho this American guy was attempting to renew his marriage extension based on 40K+/month income from abroad. It is a fact that Phuket immigration will only accept 400K Baht in a Thai bank, income from employment(verified by Thai tax records) or an embassy letter which is no longer available to Australians, Americans  or Brits.

41 minutes ago, Destiny1990 said:

Been there so often.

Anyway Enjoy urself with all ur immigration trips and documents obtaining jobs !

Jobs! What for and the agent does my tripping anyway!

10 hours ago, Scot123 said:

All I can say is thank god I/we left Thailand last year. After 9 years always worrying and having to go through that 90 day annual application. Rules changing on a whim what a way to live your life when you can never feel 100% secure. As for the smugness of sum people it never said he could not prove his income. He may not have had 400,000baht or 800,000baht in his account he may not have kept 50% of that untouched in his account (forever). It is very possible he could prove his income with bank statements. I remember going to immigration (an office I had used for 8 years so 8 applications and over 32 90 days reports) and asking the question way back in October 2018 about my requirements and if bank statements would do to prove income (which hadn't changed in 9 years well annual increase) to be told NO! Then told "it's only 800,000baht 3 months before and left for 3 months after application". I blew a fuse and told them to shuve Thailand and walked out leaving Thailand 5 months later. Leaving was the best decision I ever made, well settled back in the UK, wife being treated with dignity and respect, children loving school and me actually enjoying driving again. Beer is great, wine is great, food is far better quality and the icing on the cake is its all cheaper than Thailand now. 

A lengthy, but informative saga. Glad you have found happiness back in the UK. I trust that nothing will dampen your spirits, that all will meet your expectations and that those governing your country will not impede your happiness.

23 minutes ago, Mr Smithy said:

Mmm  - It sounds as 'tho this American guy was attempting to renew his marriage extension based on 40K+/month income from abroad. It is a fact that Phuket immigration will only accept 400K Baht in a Thai bank, income from employment(verified by Thai tax records) or an embassy letter which is no longer available to Australians, Americans  or Brits.

I think you are right but what the covoluted Phuket News article fails to state is whether the American did have sufficient money in the bank. If he does have the funds he'll be fine, if he doesn't he's screwed.

7 minutes ago, madmitch said:

I think you are right but what the covoluted Phuket News article fails to state is whether the American did have sufficient money in the bank. If he does have the funds he'll be fine, if he doesn't he's screwed.

If he had 400K Baht in a Thai bank for the requisite length of time the problem would not have arisen