2021 Trip Report for Retirement Extension with Thai Bank Deposit at BKK CW

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Went to BKK CW Immigration last week for my annual retirement extension re-issuance, which went as smoothly as I've ever had, although there were several changes/clarifications from the same process I experienced there last year. Some of the notable items included:

 

BANK DEPOSIT LETTER

--The IO handling my extension via Thai bank deposit confirmed that the Thai bank deposit confirmation letter of your 800,000+ baht deposit can be dated up to SEVEN days prior to your application, at least at BKK CW. Can't speak for other Immigration offices. And, the same SEVEN day period was also confirmed to forum member @Pib who went for a marriage extension a few days later. [However, you still need to update the printed balance in the physical Thai bank book you're using earlier on the same day of your Immigration application.]

 

90 DAY REPORTING

--Unlike past years, BKK CW Immigration is now allowing retirement and marriage extension applicants to complete their upcoming 90-day reporting obligations while there at BKK CW doing your extension. You just need to bring along or complete while there the standard TM47 90-day reporting form. Upon request, the IO handling your extension should handle that for you and give you a new slip for your future 90-day report right there in their cubicle, without having to go anywhere else or deal with any other IOs. In my case, since I had a completed TM47 in hand, that whole part of the process took about two minutes. In my case, my future reporting date was about 3 weeks into the future--no problem. In Pib's case, his future date was almost 6 weeks into the future--no problem.

 

ADVANCE APPLICATION PERIOD

The short-lived recent rule Immigration announced a few months back that, supposedly, you could only show up for your new extension no more than THREE days prior to your current extension expiring because of COVID is now GONE. And, the BKK CW Immigration office appears to be back to their prior, long-time rule of allowing extension applications up to 45 days prior to your expiration date. [Also, if you got a new/different Sept. 26 expiry date last year from BKK CW because of COVID, they're sticking with that time frame this year, so my new extension for the year ahead carries forward the same new Sept. 26 expiration date they gave me last year.]

 

FOURTH MISC FORM TO FILL OUT & SIGN

--For a long time, BKK CW Immigration has had three misc. single-page forms that they want retirement extension applicants to fill out, sign and submit, in addition to the TM 7 extension form and various photocopies. There now is a FOURTH single-page form, which is a copy of the actual Police Order rules for retirement extensions. Unlike past years, all four of the misc paper forms now seem to be readily available upon request from the Immigration info counter on the way into the main queue ticket counter inside.

 

However, for convenience, I'm attaching here PDF files of the four single-page forms (I like to have them completed and signed ahead of time):

2 Ret Exten Reqs from Imm 2020 version.pdf

2 Ret Exten Overstay Penalties Form.pdf

2 Ret Exten Statement 2.pdf

2 Ret Exten Statement 3.pdf

 

INCLUSION OF 90 DAY REPORT SLIP, TM30 RECEIPT & HOME MAP

--This was I think my first ever retirement extension application visit where the IO had absolutely nothing to request of me or complain about. She was satisfied with my package exactly as I submitted it. And while your mileage may vary, that included a package with copies of:

--my latest 90-day reporting update slip

--my most recent TM30 residency confirmation receipt

--an annotated Google Map printout that I enhanced on the computer to more clearly show the route to (and location of) my home.

 

All of the above were accepted by my IO and kept by her to use in my packet. None of those forms were returned to me. Likewise last year, the IO handling my retirement extension then specifically requested copies of the 90-day report receipt and TM30 receipt, which I had in my possession, but hadn't initially included in my paperwork submission then.

 

COVID RESTRICTIONS / WAITING AREA ACCESS

--Compared to last year this same time, there was a different COVID restrictions process in place. This year, once you got your queue ticket number from the main counter, there was an IO staff member standing at the entrance to the L Section (extensions area) entrance, and at least on the day of my visit, she would not let you into that area to sit and wait until your queue number was close to being called. My number was about 15 down upon arrival, so I had to sit outside the main interior entrance where they've set up a socially distanced seating area for people who already have their queue tickets.

 

The queue ticket Immigration gives you also has a QR code on it, which if you have a mobile phone that can read QR codes, gives you access to a live webpage version of the Immigration queue system and shows you how many people are ahead of you for your queue. Though I believe you have to periodically refresh the webpage in order for the changes to get reflected on the screen you're seeing. The IO staff member finally let me into the L Section waiting area by the time I was only 4 or 5 people down in the queue for extensions.

 

Here's the full list and details of what went into my retirement extension paperwork package this year for Immigration:

 

-- Completed TM7 form printed on a single sheet front and back. Your color photo pasted on the back side, and your mobile phone number hand written at the top of the back side.

 

 

-- Official Thai bank letter confirming you have a qualified Thai bank account with at least the 800K required current  deposit, with the letter dated no more than SEVEN days prior to your Immigration visit.

 

-- Thai bank book for that account print updated earlier on the day of your Immigration visit, showing the required deposit and signed regular photocopies of your bank book pages showing account activity during the prior 12 month period. The current rules at BKK CW require a retirement extension applicant to show the 800K deposit for at least two months prior to the application, and then three months after, while the remainder of the year must have a balance of no less than 400,000 baht.

 

-- the four misc. single page forms listed listed above and included as PDF files.

 

-- Hand-signed portrait-orientation photocopies of the following: (they want photocopies, they don't seem to like printed scans):

-- Passport face page

-- if you've obtained a new passport any time after your most recent actual visa, the front two pages of that where Immigration has copied over the visa and stamps info from your prior passport.

-- Most recent visa or extension stamp page

-- Most recent arrival/entry stamp page

-- Airport departure card front and back

-- Hand-drawn or printed map showing the location & address of your home.

-- Latest 90-Day Report receipt

-- Latest TM30 receipt

 

Ahh, and let's not forget the money -- 1900 baht fee for the annual retirement extension, and 1000 baht fee for a single-use re-entry permit.

 

Lastly, this year, I took the new SRT Red Line for my trip to and from BKK CW, which was an interesting experience. And although the new Red Line has a Laksi station at the corner of Chaengwattana Road, my conclusion was that taking the BTS Light Green/Sukhumvit Line to Mochit Station and then a regular meter taxi onward to BKK CW is still the quicker, easier and simpler way to travel.  I did a separate thread on all the details of that, as follows:

 

 

 

Comments and personal experiences about all of the above at BKK CW welcome!

 

 

[ThailandRyan]

Awesome and thanks for the updates.  I will add to this as we all have in the past year as we head into CW in the upcoming months if anything else gets added.

[DrJack54]

TM30? 

[tonray]

23 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

-- Latest TM30 receipt

 

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

TM30? 

Above.....

[ThailandRyan]

What time did you arrive.  The reason I ask is that the K-Bank branch opens up at 8:30 and like last year I was in line when they opened to get both the bank letter and to update the bank book before heading back upstairs around 9am.  I wish we could make appointments as like last year, but that seems to be gone for the foreseeable future.

[DrJack54]

5 minutes ago, tonray said:

 

Above.....

I meant that it's not required. If changed address sure take it along. 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

12 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

What time did you arrive.  The reason I ask is that the K-Bank branch opens up at 8:30 and like last year I was in line when they opened to get both the bank letter and to update the bank book before heading back upstairs around 9am.  I wish we could make appointments as like last year, but that seems to be gone for the foreseeable future.

 

On the day I was there, I did a walk-around survey on what bank branches were there and/or open. And, AFAIK, it looked like the K-Bank branch was NOT open that day, although their outside ATM and CDM machines were functioning. [The Siam Commercial branch appears to be gone entirely]. The various other commercial bank branches were open.

 

AFAIK, the advance appointments system for BKK CW is still down.

 

--As for timing, I arrived BKK CW about 9 am, and was done with my retirement extension, re-entry permit and updated 90-day report by 11:15 am.  The bulk of that time was spent waiting in the outside seating area for my extension queue ticket to come up.

 

Once the IO finished her part of my retirement extension package, the ensuing wait to get my passport back from the L section was maybe only 10 minutes, whereas last year it was closer to an hour wait. Obviously, that time can vary a lot, depending on whether the various sign-off supervisors are there and available vs. off doing other things.

 

Edited September 24, 2021 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I meant that it's not required. If changed address sure take it along. 

 Re the TM 30, I've never changed my address since moving to Thailand many years ago. But the IO last year for the first time specifically asked me for a copy of my TM30 receipt last year. And this year, I simply gave them a copy of the same receipt, which they accepted and did not turn back.

 

[DrJack54]

43 minutes ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

[However, you still need to update the printed balance in the physical Thai bank book you're using earlier on the same day of your Immigration application.]

My experience is that the io at CW wanted to see 'activity in the account' on day of application. This can be deposit or withdrawal. 

I have never provided a TM30, however I provide current lease.

I haven't provided a copy of 90 day report, however always take it along.

 

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

My experience is that the io at CW wanted to see 'activity in the account' on day of application. This can be deposit or withdrawal. 

I have never provided a TM30, however I provide current lease.

I haven't provided a copy of 90 day report, however always take it along.

 

The bank book update can be done different ways, depending on the bank.

 

I do a minimal 100 baht deposit and withdrawal the morning of my appointment, and then update the passbook after that, just to keep my book balance the same as my bank letter, even though that (having matching amounts) is not technically required.

 

Some Thai banks, including BKK Bank but not the bank that holds my account, also will do a so-called balance forward update that prints a new current balance when the update is done, even without any deposit or withdrawal.

 

Edited September 24, 2021 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[chalawaan]

Always worth reading these even if based in other provinces as although they all have their little variables, its a bellwether of how things are progressing or not, in the main.

 

Chiang Mai as an experience in general has improved vastly since the days of 3am line up just to get one of 30 places allocated each day!

 

The new HQ building is organised and spacious, and never felt crowded, even prior to Covid.

Plus, those 90 day reports, re-entry stamps, address updates, etc can still be done at the satellite office in Promenada now next to the BKK bank on level 2. If that is more convenient. Tho annual extensions are always done at HQ.

 

The drive-thru 90 day report feature at the Airport (HQ) building, is a nice touch.  The drive thru should be used even if you don't have wheels, you can walk up, or use a grab, I've done both.

 

 

[Digitalbanana]

17 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

There now is a FOURTH single-page form,

Good report. I take it the re-entry permit was a whole other process and cannot be done at same time?

 

These FOUR pages have been around for well over a year. I just did my second extension with them. The KBank front door looked like the photo below this week and has been this way a long time I understand. Every other bank seems to be open. Wonder when KBank will re-open?

 

 

 

[rwilem]

Thanks for the clear and detailed reporting. I always find good 'actionable intel' in your reports and other contributions.

 

Seems like the L counter at CW may not be as busy as in earlier times. Perhaps, and this is just a guess, there has been some degree of 'shake-out' of extension applicants as the covid-19 situation has progressed. 

 

Question on 90-day reporting: Were you unable to do any online 90-day reports for previous ones earlier this year?

 

Like many folks here, I have been shut out. My last extension details apparently were not updated or properly entered in immigration's 90-day reporting database.

 

With the system in disarray, especially for more Bangkok residents in '21, I am hoping--we need hope!--that a 90-day report 'reset' by the IO in CW will get me and others back in the 'good graces' of the online reporting scheme.

 

 

 

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

59 minutes ago, Digitalbanana said:

Good report. I take it the re-entry permit was a whole other process and cannot be done at same time?

 

Thanks for mentioning that... I realized after that I made very short mention of the re-entry permit part of the visit...  Yes, the re-entry permit process is a different and separate process and service desk inside Immigration from the extension process, as it always has been at BKK CW. But it can be done on the same day and same visit as your extension visit, but just immediately after.

 

While I got a separate queue ticket for the re-entry permit section/process after I had completed the extension process, the re-entry permit staff at the C section (I believe) desk weren't really using it now for the second year in a row.

 

Last year and this year (last week), I just walked up to the Re-entry permit section/desk where several IOs were sitting doing nothing much, and handed them my application paperwork. They had me sit down, and pay the 1000 baht single entry fee, and then go back out and sit down in the adjoining waiting area. Got my stamped passport back within 5 minutes.

 

Re-entry Paperwork: Standard TM8 form completed with photo attached on the reverse side, along with signed photocopies of the basic passport pages -- face page, any transfer info from prior passport, most recent visa or extension stamp, most recent entry stamp and copy of airport departure card.

 

Note: because you've just been issued a new extension stamp for the coming year that you didn't have when you walked in the door, one thing I always do AFTER the extension process is go downstairs to the copy shop and get a new photocopy of my new extension stamp page, and use that one as the most recent extension stamp photocopy in the paperwork I give to the Re-entry permit folks (not my soon to expire extension stamp that was issued last year).

 

[mtls2005]

1 hour ago, Digitalbanana said:

I take it the re-entry permit was a whole other process and cannot be done at same time?

 

Well you can't apply for a re-entry permit until you get your extension, and make a copy of it. And it is done at a different desk area (C). 

 

Two weeks ago, after making a copy of my new extension downstairs, I returned to the queue desk, got a C number, which was called before the ticket was handed to me. Walked over, sat down, handed the forms over with 1,000 baht. Passport was returned within a few minutes. About the same as last year.

 

 

20 minutes ago, rwilem said:

Question on 90-day reporting: Were you unable to do any online 90-day reports for previous ones earlier this year?

I have been unable to file online for the last two years. Hopefully this 90-day filing at CW will correct that situation. FWIW, for me, staff were handing out TM.47's to those in the L desk area. They said to complete one regardless of your next reporting date, I did so, handed it back and received my new next report date form BEFORE meeting with the first IO for my ext stay/ret.

 

 

 

[Hornell]

Thanks TallGuy for a useful explanation of your retirement extension and for the links to the various documents. I had come across the Police Order in 2019 and as I had arrived in Thailand in September 1997, I thought I might qualify for the 200k Baht deposit. Alas I did not, as I didn't actually get my Retirement Visa until March 2001.
What I have not been able to discover is whether the date of the Police Order is updated so that one's qualifying year of entry moves up accordingly. If it is, then this year the Order should be dated 27 September 2021 and should read that those who entered prior to 21 October 2000.
Has anyone tried asking about this?

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

36 minutes ago, rwilem said:

Question on 90-day reporting: Were you unable to do any online 90-day reports for previous ones earlier this year?

 

 

I personally have never been entirely locked out of the online 90 day reporting system for Bangkok because of passport issues or not having re-entered the country in any recent years...

 

I normally do my 90-day reports online, but was unable to do one cycle online this past spring when the whole entire online system was down for some months.

 

But my most recent 90-day report prior to last week at BKK CW was back in July, and that one was once again done online.

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

2 hours ago, Digitalbanana said:

Good report. I take it the re-entry permit was a whole other process and cannot be done at same time?

 

These FOUR pages have been around for well over a year. I just did my second extension with them. The KBank front door looked like the photo below this week and has been this way a long time I understand. Every other bank seems to be open. Wonder when KBank will re-open?

 

 

 

 

I took a photo of the K-Bank branch entrance doors the day I was there also...because I was trying to keep track of which commercial banks there were open and not... I couldn't see any clear mention posted on their doors of why they are closed or for how long that will be....

 

Edited September 25, 2021 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

25 minutes ago, mtls2005 said:

 

FWIW, for me, staff were handing out TM.47's to those in the L desk area. They said to complete one regardless of your next reporting date, I did so, handed it back and received my new next report date form BEFORE meeting with the first IO for my ext stay/ret.

 

ya, another member who went to BKK CW a few days after me mentioned the same thing about being handed a TM47 form while waiting to go in for their extension visit.

 

I never had any sit down time inside on the day of my visit, but I'd brought along a completed TM47 with me anyways, because I'd heard in advance that BKK CW Immigration might be doing the 90-day report updates now along with the extension renewals, which happily turns out to be true!

 

[SooKee]

Useful and detailed report.  First time I noticed the TM30 being paid attention to recently was when I did my first 90 Day after doing the stamps transfer into a new passport.  It had been so long since anyone bothered with it that I just kept the TM30 from years back in the back of my passport, of course that had never been post dated (signature and stamp) since my last entry.  The IO wasn't that bothered then just told me to update it online but luckily I had actually done a TM30 after my last entry using the mobile app and showed her the screen (now printed out and attached in the back of the passport.

[ThailandRyan]

15 hours ago, TallGuyJohninBKK said:

 

ya, another member who went to BKK CW a few days after me mentioned the same thing about being handed a TM47 form while waiting to go in for their extension visit.

 

I never had any sit down time inside on the day of my visit, but I'd brought along a completed TM47 with me anyways, because I'd heard in advance that BKK CW Immigration might be doing the 90-day report updates now along with the extension renewals, which happily turns out to be true!

 

@TallGuyJohninBKKdid they want additional copies of the TM-7 and the supporting paperwork or was the original all that was needed.  

[mtls2005]

41 minutes ago, ThailandRyan said:

did they want additional copies of the TM-7 and the supporting paperwork or was the original all that was needed.  

In my case, no.

 

Just handed over the TM.47 to staff, not even my passport.

 

 

[DrJack54]

I will be doing my annual extension in October so this thread is of interest to me.

 

Any posters that have recently done their extension at CW can confirm OP report that would be appreciated. 

 

My past experiences and what I plan to take.

All of what's listed in OP apart from TM30 and 90 report receipt.

Unless change of address the TM30 should have nothing to do with extension same for 90 report.

 

In the past immigration has accepted a map that is on back of condo flyer and I don't bother with hand drawn option.

 

I take along copy and original of current lease for condo.

 

As for bank letter that's personal choice. My preference is not to go early and as result I do bank letter at CW. I go to clerk that does this (not counter). I give her 200baht. 100 for cost of letter and 100baht for deposit into account. Also ask her to photocopy last page of bb showing deposit and balance. 

 

Note: This year I will check with AseanNow that Kasikorn bank at CW is open. Currently seems bit of confusion about that.

 

As pointed out in OP......if you have obtained a passport renewal at some point and your original non O visa is in old passport then the first pages on current pp showing the information re non O is sufficient.

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

On 9/26/2021 at 7:40 AM, ThailandRyan said:

@TallGuyJohninBKKdid they want additional copies of the TM-7 and the supporting paperwork or was the original all that was needed.  

Not sure I understand your question, given that you're replying to a post of mine talking about the current TM47 90-day reporting process at BKK CW.

 

For the retirement extension process, you only need ONE completed TM7 original form along with all the other various documents and photocopies.

 

For the 90-day reporting process done there at BKK CW as part of doing a retirement extension, you only need the completed TM47 form and its various supporting photocopies. You don't need another/second TM7 form in order to do the 90-day reporting part.

 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

On 9/26/2021 at 9:17 AM, DrJack54 said:

My past experiences and what I plan to take.

All of what's listed in OP apart from TM30 and 90 report receipt.

Unless change of address the TM30 should have nothing to do with extension same for 90 report.

 

In the past immigration has accepted a map that is on back of condo flyer and I don't bother with hand drawn option.

 

I take along copy and original of current lease for condo.

 

Re the TM 30 and 90 day reporting slips, as I said above, last year I didn't provide photocopies of those in my packet, and the IO then specifically wanted them, even though I hadn't moved/changed my residence or had any other triggering activity.

 

Fortunately, I had the originals with me stapled in my passport, so the IO unclipped them and made a photocopy of them there in her office.  Given that experience last year, this year I included photocopies of both with my paperwork packet, and this year's different IO didn't return either of them to me as un-needed/unwanted.   Would she have asked me for them if I had NOT included the photocopies, that I don't know.

 

So from my perspective, I can't say I know they're requiring them. But I can say from a safety and preparedness perspective, if I wasn't including photocopies of those two documents, I'd certainly want to be sure to have the originals with me just in case they are asked for.

 

Re the map, Immigration at BKK CW is usually fine with either a hand drawn map OR a printed version, as long as it clearly shows your home location.

 

Re the rental housing lease, in +-15 years of living here, I think Immigration has only once ever asked to see my rental lease... although, I always bring it as part of my backup / just in case packet of extra stuff.

 

 

[lamyai3]

On 9/26/2021 at 9:17 AM, DrJack54 said:

I will be doing my annual extension in October so this thread is of interest to me.

 

Any posters that have recently done their extension at CW can confirm OP report that would be appreciated. 

 

My past experiences and what I plan to take.

All of what's listed in OP apart from TM30 and 90 report receipt.

Unless change of address the TM30 should have nothing to do with extension same for 90 report.

 

In the past immigration has accepted a map that is on back of condo flyer and I don't bother with hand drawn option.

 

I take along copy and original of current lease for condo.

 

As for bank letter that's personal choice. My preference is not to go early and as result I do bank letter at CW. I go to clerk that does this (not counter). I give her 200baht. 100 for cost of letter and 100baht for deposit into account. Also ask her to photocopy last page of bb showing deposit and balance. 

 

Note: This year I will check with AseanNow that Kasikorn bank at CW is open. Currently seems bit of confusion about that.

 

As pointed out in OP......if you have obtained a passport renewal at some point and your original non O visa is in old passport then the first pages on current pp showing the information re non O is sufficient.

 

I extended non O-A about a week ago at CW, similar to OP report plus also needed insurance certificate. The girl who pre-checked my forms asked about 90 day report, but I told her I'd just mailed it and showed her my receipt. TM30 wasn't asked for at all, I had a copy in my folder but didn't volunteer it.

 

Map was a google maps printout, accepted same as last year. Bank deposit and letter all done early afternoon (45 minutes at Krungsri) then photocopy shop for copies of passport and visa pages, also bank book as KSB don't make copies. No copies of TM7 or other forms required, it looked like L section seemed to be doing quite a bit of their own photocopying this year.

 

Very busy as I went there in the days preceding 26th September, but otherwise all pretty smooth. Having the QR code on the ticket really helped, updating queue status on the phone and freeing me up to move around the building.

[lamyai3]

On 9/26/2021 at 7:40 AM, ThailandRyan said:

@TallGuyJohninBKKdid they want additional copies of the TM-7 and the supporting paperwork or was the original all that was needed.  

Original only. The copy shop downstairs was great actually in advising exactly what copies were needed. 

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, lamyai3 said:

I extended non O-A about a week ago at CW, similar to OP report plus also needed insurance certificate. The girl who pre-checked my forms asked about 90 day report, but I told her I'd just mailed it and showed her my receipt. TM30 wasn't asked for at all, I had a copy in my folder but didn't volunteer it.

 

Map was a google maps printout, accepted same as last year. Bank deposit and letter all done early afternoon (45 minutes at Krungsri) then photocopy shop for copies of passport and visa pages, also bank book as KSB don't make copies. No copies of TM7 or other forms required, it looked like L section seemed to be doing quite a bit of their own photocopying this year.

 

Very busy as I went there in the days preceding 26th September, but otherwise all pretty smooth. Having the QR code on the ticket really helped, updating queue status on the phone and freeing me up to move around the building.

Thanks for report.

I pretty do same as your procedure.

Only difference is that I do my photocopies prior and my Kasikorn bank provides photocopy of last page to show the deposit I make same time as obtaining letter. 

BTW (for others) I use 2 bank accounts a FD 600K and a savings 200k+. The Kasikorn bank puts the 2 accounts on the ONE letter. 100baht.

I also never have provided a TM30 dealing with CW over many years and in fact have never done a TM30. 

Will have the 90 report receipt just in case. 

Your right about that photocopy stall. Very helpful joint if anyone forgets anything. Same level as banks.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

7 hours ago, lamyai3 said:

TM30 wasn't asked for at all,

Glad to hear that!

 

If future trip reports from BKK CW remain the same on that point, I'll plan on leaving it out of my paperwork packet next year.... and see what happens.

[English Chaai]

Thanks for the comprehensive report. I have one question how did you fill out the "Statement 3" form?