opporna Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 I've noticed on the visa section that the kind of account that is accepted for retirement is different at different offices around Thailand. However, at Jomtien they accept fixed term deposits and I have had a fixed-term deposit with Bangkok Bank that has successfully satisfied them for years. I have noticed that LH Bank has a much more attractive interest rate (1% vs 0.5%) and a branch at Central Festival, so I'm considering marching my money across the mall to get that better rate, but I worry that immigration won't be happy with me. I'd be very interested to hear if anyone else has used LH Bank or any other banks and or types of accounts for their 800,000 baht deposits, and also the experience of anyone who has changed banks. I'm hoping this is the right section of the forum to post this as it's Pattaya/Jomtien immigration related. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Henryford Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 I use Krungsri. The Mee Tae Dai savings accounts offers 1% interest but operates like a normal account with a debit card, internet banking etc. Only issue is a 50 baht charge on more than 2 withdrawals a month. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Litlos Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 5 minutes ago, Henryford said: I use Krungsri. The Mee Tae Dai savings accounts offers 1% interest but operates like a normal account with a debit card, internet banking etc. Only issue is a 50 baht charge on more than 2 withdrawals a month. Same for me. Have been using for 9 years Bangkok and Jomtiem, never a problem. Cheers 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post DrJoy Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 Does not matter, you can use any bank. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post fangless Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 5 minutes ago, Henryford said: I use Krungsri. The Mee Tae Dai savings accounts offers 1% interest but operates like a normal account with a debit card, internet banking etc. Only issue is a 50 baht charge on more than 2 withdrawals a month. I am always concerned about having ATM access to my retirement account in case I use it in error or get a sudden unexpected transaction. I limit the account to in branch service only. 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jingthing Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 Don't move it during the two months before and three months after period. 3 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opporna Posted November 28, 2021 Author Share Posted November 28, 2021 22 minutes ago, Jingthing said: Don't move it during the two months before and three months after period. Thanks for the warning. May I ask how you learned this fact? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post sanuk711 Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 2 hours ago, opporna said: I have noticed that LH Bank has a much more attractive interest rate (1% vs 0.5%) That extra 76 baht a week is certainly an attractive interest rate......& your pay tax on that also. Just dont stop for a beer on the way, or your probably spend a month of its interest.......................................................???? 2 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 (edited) 17 minutes ago, opporna said: Thanks for the warning. May I ask how you learned this fact? Common sense. It could still be a problem because you need at least 400k during the rest of the year. It would be best if you could show the out then in on the same day. You will need bank records for both banks for the next extension. If there is even one day where both banks show zero, could be a problem. Edited November 28, 2021 by Jingthing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubascuba3 Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, fangless said: I am always concerned about having ATM access to my retirement account in case I use it in error or get a sudden unexpected transaction. I limit the account to in branch service only. It's a passbook, no ATM card. If you are able to open the account online it pays 1.5% vs 1%, not sure if possible for falang Edited November 28, 2021 by scubascuba3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubascuba3 Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 (edited) 2 hours ago, Henryford said: I use Krungsri. The Mee Tae Dai savings accounts offers 1% interest but operates like a normal account with a debit card, internet banking etc. Only issue is a 50 baht charge on more than 2 withdrawals a month. Anyone use Big C Extra branch for Jomtien Imm letter etc? Buakhao and Avenue branches closed or closing Edited November 28, 2021 by scubascuba3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henryford Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 13 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said: Anyone use Big C Extra branch for Jomtien Imm letter etc? Buakhao and Avenue branches closed or closing My account is with the Central Festival branch, because its always open, but i use the Jomtien beach branch to get my immigration letter, close to immigration. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolt Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 I use the Bangkok Bank Which is round the corner from immigration, they have an "Special" agreement with Immigration which ensures no delays with your applications 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubascuba3 Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 15 minutes ago, Henryford said: My account is with the Central Festival branch, because its always open, but i use the Jomtien beach branch to get my immigration letter, close to immigration. Good idea using Jomtien beach branch, I'll do the same Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sophon Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 37 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said: It's a passbook, no ATM card. If you are able to open the account online it pays 1.5% vs 1%, not sure if possible for falang It only pays 1.5% for the first THB 100,000, for the rest you get the normal 1% p.a. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post fangless Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 3 hours ago, Jingthing said: Common sense. It could still be a problem because you need at least 400k during the rest of the year. It would be best if you could show the out then in on the same day. You will need bank records for both banks for the next extension. If there is even one day where both banks show zero, could be a problem. During the period that you only need to show 400,000 move the 1st 400,000 on one day, make sure it shows in the new account, update bank books, then move 2nd 400,000 and update passbooks. That leaves a trail that even the most pedantic IO cannot complain about! 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 36 minutes ago, fangless said: During the period that you only need to show 400,000 move the 1st 400,000 on one day, make sure it shows in the new account, update bank books, then move 2nd 400,000 and update passbooks. That leaves a trail that even the most pedantic IO cannot complain about! Yeah, thanks. I thought of suggesting that myself and probably should have. Immigration really does give serious problems based on non compliance for even one day. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opporna Posted November 28, 2021 Author Share Posted November 28, 2021 8 hours ago, Jingthing said: Common sense. It could still be a problem because you need at least 400k during the rest of the year. It would be best if you could show the out then in on the same day. You will need bank records for both banks for the next extension. If there is even one day where both banks show zero, could be a problem. I fully intend to do it in one day--in minutes in fact. Walk 100 meters carrying the cash from one bank to the other in Central Festival. I have used multiple bank books up to now from Bangkok Bank because their term deposits were 7 months or 3 months. I'm sick of that, plus I'd like the higher interest. Thanks to everyone for the knowledge shared--I will go with Krungsri. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted November 28, 2021 Share Posted November 28, 2021 12 minutes ago, opporna said: I fully intend to do it in one day--in minutes in fact. Walk 100 meters carrying the cash from one bank to the other in Central Festival. I have used multiple bank books up to now from Bangkok Bank because their term deposits were 7 months or 3 months. I'm sick of that, plus I'd like the higher interest. Thanks to everyone for the knowledge shared--I will go with Krungsri. Carrying 800k cash? Sounds exciting. Hope you're not American. 2 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post jacko45k Posted November 28, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 28, 2021 11 hours ago, opporna said: I'm sick of that, plus I'd like the higher interest. I have given up chasing pennies..... just leave the money on FD now, all 800k. If they want to see the whole year of transactions, it is there on a single page in 2 or 3 lines. 7 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Jaxxper Posted November 29, 2021 Popular Post Share Posted November 29, 2021 I use the Kasikorn bank. They have a branch 500 Metres from the IO I use and they understand what the immigration people want to see each year. Also worthy of note is that they can prepare annual statements within minutes. Some banks have to request from BKK, and it’s a longer wait (couple of days). Useful question to ask when opening the account. Hope this helps. 4 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthainess Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) 23 hours ago, Henryford said: I use Krungsri. The Mee Tae Dai savings accounts offers 1% interest but operates like a normal account with a debit card, internet banking etc. Only issue is a 50 baht charge on more than 2 withdrawals a month. Under 1 mil 1.1% interest 1m-5m 1% I don't think it matters what bank if you have the money deposited, as long as you can withdraw it at anytime. I would like to add getting the bank letter and statement only takes about 1 hr max. with Krungsri. Edited November 29, 2021 by brianthainess 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthainess Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 22 hours ago, fangless said: I am always concerned about having ATM access to my retirement account in case I use it in error or get a sudden unexpected transaction. I limit the account to in branch service only. Your not forced to have a ATM card and you can open an ordinary saving account with the same bank for daily/monthly spending. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthainess Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 22 hours ago, opporna said: Thanks for the warning. May I ask how you learned this fact? Its the Rules at all Immigration, if you fail to keep 400k all year it will show up on your next application. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianthainess Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 20 hours ago, scubascuba3 said: It's a passbook, no ATM card. If you are able to open the account online it pays 1.5% vs 1%, not sure if possible for falang Not true if you want an ATM card then you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opporna Posted November 29, 2021 Author Share Posted November 29, 2021 14 hours ago, Jingthing said: Carrying 800k cash? Sounds exciting. Hope you're not American. It's done quite often in Thailand and is no problem. Getting mugged in the middle of Central Festival is not a huge worry to me. I might investigate how to do it online just for the fun of it, though. I'm guessing 800,000 will surpass any single day online transfer limits. 2 hours ago, Jaxxper said: I use the Kasikorn bank. They have a branch 500 Metres from the IO I use and they understand what the immigration people want to see each year. Also worthy of note is that they can prepare annual statements within minutes. Some banks have to request from BKK, and it’s a longer wait (couple of days). Useful question to ask when opening the account. Hope this helps. Thanks for the input but the rates I've seen at Kasikorn aren't attractive to me. 1 hour ago, brianthainess said: Under 1 mil 1.1% interest 1m-5m 1% I don't think it matters what bank if you have the money deposited, as long as you can withdraw it at anytime. I would like to add getting the bank letter and statement only takes about 1 hr max. with Krungsri. Thanks for this: How much does the letter cost at Krungsri? At Bangkok Bank it's 100 baht. 1 hour ago, brianthainess said: Its the Rules at all Immigration, if you fail to keep 400k all year it will show up on your next application. Yeah, not a problem if you transfer the money right away by walking 100 meters with the cash in Central Festival. I've watched the guy going through my multiple fixed-term bankbooks, and he just makes sure the dates match and there was no day the money wasn't in a bank. I might be wrong, and if I am you'll see me at the agent's place crying and begging. I'll be transferring the money on Thursday at 2:30 pm, wearing green pants and a red shirt if anyone is interested. (Just kidding of course ???? ) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 (edited) If it was me I would talk to the receiving bank first about your plan to walk in with that much cash. Just in case there might be some kind of new policy to address money laundering. Edited November 29, 2021 by Jingthing 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opporna Posted November 29, 2021 Author Share Posted November 29, 2021 Yeah, I'll test the waters first. I'll be astonished though if there's a change. You'd be surprised how often large cash deposits are made in Thai banks with no one batting an eye. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jingthing Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 Just now, opporna said: Yeah, I'll test the waters first. I'll be astonished though if there's a change. You'd be surprised how often large cash deposits are made in Thai banks with no one batting an eye. Yeah but you're not Thai. If you're American that activity would be reported to the IRS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcho Posted November 29, 2021 Share Posted November 29, 2021 On 11/28/2021 at 10:00 AM, sanuk711 said: That extra 76 baht a week is certainly an attractive interest rate......& your pay tax on that also. Just dont stop for a beer on the way, or your probably spend a month of its interest.......................................................???? -Yes you pay tax on the interest, but you claim it back every year . So theres no loss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now