New Update Phuket Immigration Retirement extension

[Tbone999]

Just thought I'd drop a line for this update as always, things have changed again, so see as follows :

1. Bank statement - Need to make sure the bank statement is up to the day you file for an extension (I use SCB, and in the past, updates would only show from the previous day, now, it will show right up to the day you make a transaction on the day, so I had to make a transfer and re-print the bank book again. So make sure you make a transaction on your bank app on the day you go to the bank for the letter.

2. Previously, hand drawn map, now changed to google maps, but you must make sure the latitude / longitude is displayed also (that is what they want). You can use your phone google map, display the co-ordinates and take a snapshot, the photocopy place has a line / whatsapp QR code to send to them and they'll print it for you if you haven't done it from home.

3. Room changed to 103 in the newer building near to the toilets, if walk-in, grab a number card at the end of the desks on the right as you walk through the door.

4. Required more copies of previous extensions, I had to print out another 10 pages, and they gave me back at least 5, not wanted.

5. Only took 1 photo of me outside the house with number. Inside didn't want.

6. There is a phone number displayed, 0954109103, maybe help to call for further info if needed.

7. I'm married and live in my wifes house, ID card / Blue Book, Marriage cert previously needed in lieu of a rental agreement, now not.

8. Guy at the desk phoned my number to verify my phone. New one.

 

Hope this helps.

[xylophone]

12 minutes ago, Tbone999 said:

Just thought I'd drop a line for this update as always, things have changed again, so see as follows :

1. Bank statement - Need to make sure the bank statement is up to the day you file for an extension (I use SCB, and in the past, updates would only show from the previous day, now, it will show right up to the day you make a transaction on the day, so I had to make a transfer and re-print the bank book again. So make sure you make a transaction on your bank app on the day you go to the bank for the letter.

2. Previously, hand drawn map, now changed to google maps, but you must make sure the latitude / longitude is displayed also (that is what they want). You can use your phone google map, display the co-ordinates and take a snapshot, the photocopy place has a line / whatsapp QR code to send to them and they'll print it for you if you haven't done it from home.

3. Room changed to 103 in the newer building near to the toilets, if walk-in, grab a number card at the end of the desks on the right as you walk through the door.

4. Required more copies of previous extensions, I had to print out another 10 pages, and they gave me back at least 5, not wanted.

5. Only took 1 photo of me outside the house with number. Inside didn't want.

6. There is a phone number displayed, 0954109103, maybe help to call for further info if needed.

7. I'm married and live in my wifes house, ID card / Blue Book, Marriage cert previously needed in lieu of a rental agreement, now not.

8. Guy at the desk phoned my number to verify my phone. New one.

 

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the update, it always helps to know what the latest "requirements" are, although I have to say that my visit in September to renew my retirement extension went very smoothly and the younger staff were more helpful than the older ones have ever been!

 

Although I didn't have the Google map, they accepted my hand drawn map and also the pic of my apartment block, even though I didn't have my actual apartment number on it!! Next time may well be different.

 

What I'm really trying to say is that they were much more lenient/flexible than they have ever been in the past, so let's hope that continues.

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Tbone999 said:

. Bank statement - Need to make sure the bank statement is up to the day you file for an extension (I use SCB, and in the past, updates would only show from the previous day, now, it will show right up to the day you make a transaction on the day, so I had to make a transfer and re-print the bank book again. So make sure you make a transaction on your bank app on the day you go to the bank for the letter.

Thanks for update.

Not sure understand this point re banking.

Bank statements are often not up to day of application.

BBL for example cannot be obtained on day of application.

I like many obtain 12 month bank statement few days prior to application.

That can also be done early for bank letter. 

On day of application you can make small deposit as an update and to show activity. The teller can provide photocopy of that page. 

[Tbone999]

I know re banking, for years, SCB could not give an up to date statement, however, this is now possible from what I did today, I made a transaction from my app, and had the missus go into a bank and update the bank book which showed the transaction I just made, so maybe they have revamped the system. For sure, they'll be asking for it, which is why I made the update to lessen the usual stress levels.

Also, the other curveball is the lat/ long on google maps...

 

[Tbone999]

That was after I visited immigration coming from the bank for the letter. as usual, they love the stress it causes, and I just cannot fathom why they can't simply post requirement updates on a webpage or even facebook for that matter, so at least some people might have a chance of having a decent visit rather than everyone clucking around and getting annoyed including the immigration people (as I saw today) I've been doing this for 20yrs and things have definitely improved, but there's no need for this if the correct info is given in advance. The mind boggles...

[Caldera]

2 hours ago, Tbone999 said:

I know re banking, for years, SCB could not give an up to date statement, however, this is now possible from what I did today, I made a transaction from my app, and had the missus go into a bank and update the bank book which showed the transaction I just made, so maybe they have revamped the system.

 

Getting a bank statement and updating your passbook are two different things though.

 

I think it's not possible (at any bank) to get a bank statement that includes transactions from today. Passbook updates, on the other hand, may well include the latest transactions even from the same day.

[Bluetongue]

Yes I extended yesterday at a different office. She had a problem with the statement not being up to the current day, then I showed her the passbook with the 100bht deposit. She conferred with colleagues and it was deemed OK

[black tabby12345]

Previously, hand drawn map, now changed to google maps, but you must make sure the latitude / longitude is displayed...

 

In Phuket, they want the GPS-indicated  proof of your address for non-o Retirement extension?

 

During previous military regime rule, they demanded the position coordinate of the expat for 90 day report(eventually dropped though) in Chiang Mai.

[statman78]

I did my retirement extension December 23 in Chiang Rai.  I had a map with the coordinated on it but I did not give it to them and they did not ask. Different office, different requirements .  I went to my Bangkok Bank branch the morning of the 23rd a had them print out an updated statement which only had transactions through the 22nd.  They also updated my bank book with an entry dated the 23rd indicated balance brought forward.  I did not need to do a transaction.  I also got the bank letter.  With regards to the OP point 4 - copies of previous extensions, I provided a copy of all of the used pages of my passport which included a number of previous extensions.  The only difference this year was that the IO asked to see my bank passbook.  For proof of where I live I provided a copy of my yellow book and pink ID card.

 

I don’t know about other offices but I was able to make an appointment.  In Chiang Rai I don’t think very many people do this because I had to ask for the supervisor because everyone else didn’t know that appointments could be made.  

[OJAS]

@Tbone999 - do you apply for your annual retirement extensions on the basis of an original non-OA visa which expired prior to October 2019? If you do, are Phuket still relaxing the requirement for approved health insurance in these circumstances?

 

[OJAS]

14 hours ago, Caldera said:

I think it's not possible (at any bank) to get a bank statement that includes transactions from today.

 

Certainly possible at Krungsri in my experience!

 

[merijn]

Phuket immigration requires the bank book updated on the day of the application but the bank papers (statement and certificate) can be from the previous day.

The map can be a hand drawing map or google map as long the Longitude and Latitude are mentioned.

Only 1 outside picture was always accepted and there is no change.

[DrJack54]

On 1/10/2025 at 1:37 PM, OJAS said:

 

Certainly possible at Krungsri in my experience!

 

Interesting.

My last extension (Nov) I attended my Kasikorn bank couple of days prior to application for extension.

I made a withdrawal and asked for 12 months bank statement.

She replied..."this withdrawal (today) will not be shown on the statement" 

She knew it was immigration as was also doing the "bank letter" 

[KhunBENQ]

Account(?) statement of same day. No way at Bangkok Bank.

Statements are day to day. Nothing intraday.

Only way to show activity is by bank book.

The " bank letter" (deposit certificate) shows latest balance and indeed many offices want this same day.

 

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Account(?) statement of same day. No way at Bangkok Bank.

Indeed Bangkok Bank requires 5-7 days to provide 12 month bank statement.

Other banks on the spot.

My bank Kasikorn just one example.

Immigration should accept Bank Statement and Bank Letter up to 7 days early.

Some offices want an update on day of application.

Also "activity" on day of application.

Personally I make 100b on day of application. 

[NE1]

25 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Interesting.

My last extension (Nov) I attended my Kasikorn bank couple of days prior to application for extension.

I made a withdrawal and asked for 12 months bank statement.

She replied..."this withdrawal (today) will not be shown on the statement" 

She knew it was immigration as was also doing the "bank letter" 

So how did you remedy the situation , or did Immi. accept things as they were ?

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, NE1 said:

So how did you remedy the situation , or did Immi. accept things as they were ?

Nothing to remedy

Immigration should (CW certainly does) accept Bank Letter and Bank Statements days prior to application.

The fact I deposit on day of application and the balance slightly different than Bank Letter is not an issue. 

I ask teller to photocopy last page of bb also of course have bankbook as hard copy. 

[KhunBENQ]

32 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Indeed Bangkok Bank requires 5-7 days to provide 12 month bank statement.

My workaround for the monthly transfer method (extension in October):

In March get statement from Nov 1 to Feb  28  (4 months).

In July get statement from March 1 to June 30.

The day after 12th transfer in October get statement from Aug 1 to day before (last transfer) plus deposit certificate and book update. Then off to immigration.

 

Statements up to 6 months back are issued on the spot and cost 100 Baht.

Make sure to request exact dates from/to.

More convenient to read.

[DrJack54]

4 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Statements up to 6 months back are issued on the spot and cost 100 Baht.

Make sure to request exact dates from/to.

More convenient to read.

Indeed. This "way around" BBL issue for 12 months bank statement is to obtain 2 six months bank statements.

 

Aside: for those using CW suggest obtaining 12 month bank statement day or two prior to application as even though banks are located lower level, producing the bank statements does take time..

[paddypower]

On 1/9/2025 at 5:09 PM, Tbone999 said:

Just thought I'd drop a line for this update as always, things have changed again, so see as follows :

1. Bank statement - Need to make sure the bank statement is up to the day you file for an extension (I use SCB, and in the past, updates would only show from the previous day, now, it will show right up to the day you make a transaction on the day, so I had to make a transfer and re-print the bank book again. So make sure you make a transaction on your bank app on the day you go to the bank for the letter.

2. Previously, hand drawn map, now changed to google maps, but you must make sure the latitude / longitude is displayed also (that is what they want). You can use your phone google map, display the co-ordinates and take a snapshot, the photocopy place has a line / whatsapp QR code to send to them and they'll print it for you if you haven't done it from home.

3. Room changed to 103 in the newer building near to the toilets, if walk-in, grab a number card at the end of the desks on the right as you walk through the door.

4. Required more copies of previous extensions, I had to print out another 10 pages, and they gave me back at least 5, not wanted.

5. Only took 1 photo of me outside the house with number. Inside didn't want.

6. There is a phone number displayed, 0954109103, maybe help to call for further info if needed.

7. I'm married and live in my wifes house, ID card / Blue Book, Marriage cert previously needed in lieu of a rental agreement, now not.

8. Guy at the desk phoned my number to verify my phone. New one.

 

Hope this helps.

first thank you for the update. I must compare it with the list I just received from my provincial IO. I'm not a pessimist - but I never understand posters who put the house in their wife's name. you do know a farang can own a house? the restriction is just for ownership of land. ?

[paddypower]

On 1/10/2025 at 11:49 AM, Bluetongue said:

Yes I extended yesterday at a different office. She had a problem with the statement not being up to the current day, then I showed her the passbook with the 100bht deposit. She conferred with colleagues and it was deemed OK

IO in my location can be a bit picky about 2 bank info issues: (i) because my extension is based on pension income, they seem to be sensitive about the detailed statement for 12 months being right up to date. SCB in my village is very helpful with this. (ii) for those on the 400/800k deposit system, (which i am currently switching away from) the list should include bank-generated/certified copies of the deposit account, for 12 months, as well as the certified bank letter of deposit amount.

[oldcpu]

Initially when I was on a Type-OA visa in Phuket, I used Bangkok Bank for my 800k proof. My recollection is it would take a week to get the twelve month statement (together with accompanying letter).  The very day I received notice from Bangkok Bank that the statement/letter were available, I would rush to the Bank, pick up both (and have my Bank Book updated) and then rush to Phuket immigration to apply for my extension. This was often difficult as it might be the afternoon when I found out the statement was ready to pickup.  In those days, I recall Phuket immigration would accept one day old paperwork.   I believe that has changed now and they want same day.

 

So I switched to Kasikorn bank for my 800k proof. In that case I would show up at Kasikorn about 5-minutes before they opened in the morning and withdraw a trivial amount from the ATM outside the bank. When the bank doors opened, I would go inside the bank and within 10 minutes or so obtain the annual statement, the certifying letter, and get my bank book updated (with the day's ATM transaction showing, and all balance figures matched).  Then I rushed off to Phuket immigration as it was still early in the morning.  There are photocopy facilities for a trivial cost at Phuket immigration.

 

Still, I found the precise timing needed every year a bit of a pain, which was part of the motivating factor for me to go for the LTR visa.