O Visa extension change from 800k Deposit to Income Method

[Dazzler]

I am planning to return to Thailand in the New Year on my O visa extension which expires in April.

 

I want to change from the bank deposit to the income method.

 

When and how do I notify immigration?

What is the process and timing needed?

When would the first payment(s) of Bt65000 need to be made into my Thai bank account, e.g. a month prior to extenfding the visa?

 

Any advice gratefully received...

[ubonjoe]

You will need one year of 65k baht or more transfers into a Thai bank from abroad for 12 months since you have a existing extension. Only the first extension application has the allowance for 2 months or transfers.

You will also need proof you kept at least 400k after the 3 months you needed to keep the 800k baht in the bank.

[Dazzler]

Thankyou ubonjoe. I did read that some immigration offices accept 2-3 months of transfers TIT..

 

Are you saying that I need to keep 400k in the bank after 3 months of transfers have been made?

[ubonjoe]

29 minutes ago, Dazzler said:

Are you saying that I need to keep 400k in the bank after 3 months of transfers have been made?

Since March 1st of last year you only need the 800k baht in the bank for 2 months on the date of application, then for 3 months after the application and then 400k baht until you top up your account to 800k baht.

[lopburi3]

For new extension for income - 65k per month letter from embassy or 65k every month for the last 12 months.

Plus

To qualify for continued extensions you had to have 800k in bank account for 3 months after application and at least 400k for remainder of the period until after you receive your income extension.

 

Hope I got that right.

[Dazzler]

Thanks Lopburi.

 

So if my current extension runs out on April 30:

I can apply for extension by income method on Jan 30 with 800k in the bank.

Then after I get my extension on April 30, I can then reduce the 800k to 400k.

When does the first transfer of 65k have to be made?

[lopburi3]

14 minutes ago, Dazzler said:

Thanks Lopburi.

 

So if my current extension runs out on April 30:

I can apply for extension by income method on Jan 30 with 800k in the bank.

Then after I get my extension on April 30, I can then reduce the 800k to 400k.

When does the first transfer of 65k have to be made?

You apply not more than 30 (or at some locations 45) days before your current extension ends.  So March or April.  If you use bank deposit you can reduce from 800k to 400k 3 months after your March or April stamp of the new one year extension of stay.  If you want to change to income and your embassy does not issue letters you would need to start in March or April (you will need 12 months record when you apply for next extension.

[Dazzler]

OK Lopburi, all clear now, many thanks ????

[poppysdad]

For the past 12 months I’ve kept my bank balance over the 800,000 baht level but have still transferred around 80,000 every month. I don’t do this on a regular date in the month but just when I think the exchange rate is at its best so would this matter if going down the income route. 

[lopburi3]

26 minutes ago, poppysdad said:

For the past 12 months I’ve kept my bank balance over the 800,000 baht level but have still transferred around 80,000 every month. I don’t do this on a regular date in the month but just when I think the exchange rate is at its best so would this matter if going down the income route. 

It has been questioned in the past - obviously it will not be the same day every month but should be close as intended to prove your monthly income.  As long as each month has such a deposit it may be accepted - but probably best to keep close to same date each month.  At least you have fallback of 800k if needed.