Alternate investments of 800k retirement funds?

[Packer]

What is the best paying Thai bank account for one's 800k retirement extension funds? What is the best % per annum?

 

1% p/a = 8,000.

-1900 extension fee

= 6,100

 

Agents can handle extensions for 14,000 without needing to keep these funds in a Thai bank. 

 

But I'd like to keep it in Thailand. 

 

Can buy a small apartment for 800,000. Rental income around 4000 per month after common fees are paid.

 

Full occupancy 48,000.

-14,000

= 34,000

Minus whatever maintenance needs to be done, usually not a lot.

 

75% occupancy (9 months. Sitting unrented for 3 months)

36,000

-14,000

= 22,000.

Minus any maintenance. 

 

Now, other Thai investment options paying annual dividends such as the SET?

 

 

[JohnnyBD]

18 minutes ago, Packer said:

Agents can handle extensions for 14,000 without needing to keep these funds in a Thai bank. 

Forgive me for going off topic, but can you explain how agents get the 1-year extensions without the 800k in the bank. I would really like to know how that works. Thanks.

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

Forgive me for going off topic, but can you explain how agents get the 1-year extensions without the 800k in the bank. I would really like to know how that works. Thanks.

The 800k is deposited and withdrawn. 

The stamps issued at io discretion. 

The funds are not maintained in the bank. 

[DrJack54]

Trolling post removed 

[Packer]

39 minutes ago, Packer said:

Thai investment options paying annual dividends such as the SET?

 

What is the dividend yield of Thai Union?

How much dividend does Thai Union Group PCL pay? Within the last 12 months, Thai Union Group PCL paid a dividend of THB 0.55. For the next 12 months, Thai Union Group PCL is expected to pay a dividend of THB 0.70. This corresponds to a dividend yield of approximately 6.19%

 

Expected dividends 6.19%

49,520

- 14,000 agent fees.

 

35,520.

[Packer]

17 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

Forgive me for going off topic, but can you explain how agents get the 1-year extensions without the 800k in the bank. I would really like to know how that works. Thanks.

 

The funds are deposited into your bank account.

The immigration officer grants the extension at their discretion. 

The funds are withdrawn.

 

You're welcome. 

[JohnnyBD]

15 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

The 800k is deposited and withdrawn. 

The stamps issued at io discretion. 

The funds are not maintained in the bank. 

Thanks for explaining. 

[JohnnyBD]

6 minutes ago, Packer said:

 

The funds are deposited into your bank account.

The immigration officer grants the extension at their discretion. 

The funds are withdrawn.

 

You're welcome. 

Thanks for explaining. 

[timendres]

26 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

Forgive me for going off topic, but can you explain how agents get the 1-year extensions without the 800k in the bank. I would really like to know how that works. Thanks.

 

As some have noted, the agents place funds in your account temporarily, and the IOs do not check on its maintenance.

There is also the case where a senior IO can "waive" the requirement altogether. Not sure how often that actually happens.

[henryford1958]

50 minutes ago, JohnnyBD said:

Forgive me for going off topic, but can you explain how agents get the 1-year extensions without the 800k in the bank. I would really like to know how that works. Thanks.

 

It's illegal, good luck with that

[Yumthai]

39 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

The 800k is deposited and withdrawn. 

The stamps issued at io discretion. 

The funds are not maintained in the bank. 

At extension renewal, how about the "800K maintained 2 months prior/3 months subsequent application" rule?

[bubblegum]

41 minutes ago, Packer said:

 

What is the dividend yield of Thai Union?

How much dividend does Thai Union Group PCL pay? Within the last 12 months, Thai Union Group PCL paid a dividend of THB 0.55. For the next 12 months, Thai Union Group PCL is expected to pay a dividend of THB 0.70. This corresponds to a dividend yield of approximately 6.19%

 

Expected dividends 6.19%

49,520

- 14,000 agent fees.

 

35,520.

6 plus % sounds pretty good to me, how does this work?

[DrJack54]

7 minutes ago, Yumthai said:

At extension renewal, how about the "800K maintained 2 months prior/3 months subsequent application" rule?

Not required

[UWEB]

1 hour ago, Packer said:

What is the best paying Thai bank account for one's 800k retirement extension funds? What is the best % per annum?

 

1% p/a = 8,000.

-1900 extension fee

= 6,100

 

Agents can handle extensions for 14,000 without needing to keep these funds in a Thai bank. 

 

But I'd like to keep it in Thailand. 

 

Can buy a small apartment for 800,000. Rental income around 4000 per month after common fees are paid.

 

Full occupancy 48,000.

-14,000

= 34,000

Minus whatever maintenance needs to be done, usually not a lot.

 

75% occupancy (9 months. Sitting unrented for 3 months)

36,000

-14,000

= 22,000.

Minus any maintenance. 

 

Now, other Thai investment options paying annual dividends such as the SET?

 

 

Minus 15% Taxes the Bank will withhold from your Interest. Other options minus Taxes you have to pay.

[offset]

2 hours ago, Packer said:

What is the best paying Thai bank account for one's 800k retirement extension funds? What is the best % per annum?

 

1% p/a = 8,000.

-1900 extension fee

= 6,100

 

Agents can handle extensions for 14,000 without needing to keep these funds in a Thai bank. 

 

But I'd like to keep it in Thailand. 

 

Can buy a small apartment for 800,000. Rental income around 4000 per month after common fees are paid.

 

Full occupancy 48,000.

-14,000

= 34,000

Minus whatever maintenance needs to be done, usually not a lot.

 

75% occupancy (9 months. Sitting unrented for 3 months)

36,000

-14,000

= 22,000.

Minus any maintenance. 

 

Now, other Thai investment options paying annual dividends such as the SET?

 

 

 

But if you buy an apartment how are you going to show 800000bhat in the bank to immigration 

 

You should be able to get 1.5% for 12 months

[JohnnyBD]

38 minutes ago, offset said:

But if you buy an apartment how are you going to show 800000bhat in the bank to immigration 

You missed the part about the agent putting the 800k in his bank account temporarily for his 1-year extension.

[Celsius]

SCB pays over 8% and I still wouldn't do it.

 

That 800k condo will be rented out to cambodian slave labor or Thais. Good luck collecting.

[Packer]

23 minutes ago, Celsius said:

SCB pays over 8%

 

Link please. 

[Celsius]

2 minutes ago, Packer said:

 

Link please. 

 

is it too difficult to Google?

[JohnnyBD]

5 minutes ago, Packer said:

 

Link please. 

https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/SCB.BK/

[Packer]

Thanks. That's a nice amount. 

 

64,000

-14,000 agent fees

 

50,0000.

 

Are those doing retirement extensions without agents fools? 

[DrJack54]

11 hours ago, Packer said:

Are those doing retirement extensions without agents fools? 

Extensions from a Non O retirement can also satisfy financial requirements by using income method.

The required monthly transfers is 65k.

There is option to money in bank method. 

The money can be used. Not required to be held in bank.

 

[treetops]

On 3/17/2025 at 11:38 AM, Packer said:

Thanks. That's a nice amount. 

 

It's not an interest rate and it's not guaranteed.

[FlorC]

On 3/17/2025 at 3:43 PM, DrJack54 said:

The 800k is deposited and withdrawn. 

The stamps issued at io discretion. 

The funds are not maintained in the bank. 

Not even the 400k for 7 months ?

[DrJack54]

2 minutes ago, FlorC said:

Not even the 400k for 7 months ?

No

[FlorC]

11 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No

Sounds pretty illegal and money under the table.

Not sure this would fly in smaller provinces' I.O.

 

[Colki]

Allowing for requirements re B800,000 you could withdraw allowable funds and buy Thai gold SHOULD beat any thai bank interest rate. Risk factor if gold price falls.

[oceanbluejewell]

RE: What is the best % per annum?

 

A very good question Packer. The banks here in Thailand pay very low rates for fixed term deposits. Attached is BBL.bk Mar 3/25 updated rates. If you don't read thai just pay attention to the first column (unless your a government agency or non-profit or insurance company). To get the higher rates and products like # 10, 11, 12 you will need TIN and a good relationship with your bank.

 

-> I will not comment on your method or the mechanics, other than it creates risk to you. 

 

Being a landlord in a third world country is likely unwise and has made lawyers like Advanced Adjusting Associates Co. Ltd a lot of money. (They specialize in collections).

Personally I invest in the stock market, generate 4.050% after withholding tax (2024). Not interested in chasing yield, more interested in satainable long term yields.

But, if you need the money because the IM officer wants to see it and the market is in a downturn then your fudged.

 

In the end Packer it will come down to your risk tolerance and understanding.

 

I am not an investment professional; consult your professional investment advisor and/or legal counsel and/or professional accountant before making any investment decision. While all reasonable effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information and data contained herein, accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Past performance is not a good predictor of future performance. Results are not guaranteed and I assume no liability whatsoever for any material losses that may occur. No compensation for suggesting particular securities or financial advisors is solicited or accepted. The information in this document is not intended to be educational, nor does it constitute financial advice nor is it a suggestion or recommendation. Investing is risky and may result in substantial losses.~ Terry W Jewell

 

[arick]

How about having  your funds in a Bkk income funds account.  You can get the bank to print off the statement and stamp it . Will immigration accept that? Each immigration office different.

[SupermaNZ]

 

To determine the best-paying Thai bank account for the 800,000 THB retirement extension funds deposit requirement, along with the highest interest return per annum as of March 20, 2025, it is necessary to consider the specific requirements of the Thai Retirement Visa (Non-Immigrant O-A or O Extension) and evaluate available bank account options. The retirement extension mandates that 800,000 THB be held in a Thai bank account for at least two months prior to the application and maintained at that level for three months post-approval, after which it can drop to 400,000 THB until two months before the next renewal. The account must be accessible to Thai Immigration for verification (typically via a bank statement or passbook), making fixed deposit accounts a popular choice due to their higher interest rates compared to regular savings accounts, while still meeting these criteria if structured correctly.

 

Key Considerations

• Eligibility: The account must be in the applicant’s name at a Thai commercial bank registered with the Bank of Thailand (BOT).
• Liquidity: Funds must be verifiable at all times during the initial three-month post-approval period, ruling out accounts with mandatory lock-ins exceeding this duration unless withdrawals are permitted with penalty.
• Interest Rates: Rates vary by bank, deposit term, and amount. For 800,000 THB, we’ll focus on terms of 3–12 months to align with visa rules, prioritizing the highest yield.
• Practicality: The account should allow easy updates (e.g., passbook) for Immigration and ideally offer ATM access for convenience, though some retirees limit this to avoid accidental withdrawals below the threshold.

 

Analysis of Thai Bank Options

 

Below is an evaluation of major Thai banks’ fixed deposit accounts suitable for the 800,000 THB requirement, based on the latest available data up to March 20, 2025. Interest rates reflect trends from late 2024 and early 2025, adjusted for the BOT’s key rate of 2.25% (lowered in October 2024), with some banks offering promotional rates.

 

1. Bangkok Bank (BBL)

• Account: 4-Month Fixed Deposit
  • Interest Rate: 4.35% per annum (promotional rate as of February 2025).
  • Minimum Deposit: 2,000 THB (800,000 THB qualifies).
  • Conditions: Interest paid at maturity. Early withdrawal within 3 months yields no interest; after 3 months, it reverts to savings rate (~0.6%). Auto-renews to a 3-month term unless specified otherwise.
  • Annual Return: 800,000 THB × 4.35% × (4/12) = ~11,600 THB (for 4 months); annualized ~34,800 THB if rolled over.
• Suitability: High rate, but the 4-month term requires planning to align with Immigration’s 3-month post-approval check. Passbook updates are straightforward at branches.
• Strengths: Largest bank, widely accepted by Immigration, extensive branch network.

 

2. Siam Commercial Bank (SCB)

• Account: 3-Month Fixed Deposit
  • Interest Rate: 4.5% per annum (updated late 2024).
  • Minimum Deposit: Typically 10,000 THB (800,000 THB exceeds this).
  • Conditions: Interest at maturity. No interest if withdrawn within 3 months; savings rate (~0.65%) thereafter. Flexible renewal options.
  • Annual Return: 800,000 THB × 4.5% × (3/12) = 9,000 THB (for 3 months); annualized ~36,000 THB.
• Suitability: Perfectly matches the 3-month post-approval period, ensuring funds remain intact and verifiable. Passbook or statement easily obtained.
• Strengths: High yield, aligns with visa timing, reliable for Immigration purposes.

 

3. Krung Thai Bank (KTB)

• Account: 4-Month Fixed Deposit
  • Interest Rate: 4.4% per annum (elevated since late 2023).
  • Minimum Deposit: 5,000 THB.
  • Conditions: Interest at maturity. Early withdrawal penalties similar to peers (no interest < 3 months, savings rate ~0.5% after).
  • Annual Return: 800,000 THB × 4.4% × (4/12) = ~11,733 THB (for 4 months); annualized ~35,200 THB.
• Suitability: Slightly longer than the 3-month requirement but manageable with timing. Government ownership adds stability.
• Strengths: Competitive rate, state-backed security, widely recognized by Immigration.

 

4. Kasikornbank (KBank)

• Account: 6-Month Fixed Deposit
  • Interest Rate: ~1.05% per annum (standard rate; promotional rates unlisted online, but assume ~4% possible based on market trends).
  • Minimum Deposit: 1,000 THB.
  • Conditions: Interest at maturity. Early withdrawal penalties apply (savings rate ~0.5% if after 3 months).
  • Annual Return: 800,000 THB × 4% × (6/12) = 16,000 THB (for 6 months); annualized ~32,000 THB.
• Suitability: Longer lock-in (6 months) exceeds the 3-month requirement, requiring careful renewal timing to avoid penalties during Immigration checks.
• Strengths: Strong digital banking, but rates lag unless promotions apply.

 

5. TMBThanachart Bank (ttb)

• Account: 3-Month Fixed Deposit
  • Interest Rate: 4.5% per annum (highest among ttb’s USD rates, assumed similar for THB based on 2024 trends).
  • Minimum Deposit: 10,000 THB.
  • Conditions: Interest at maturity. Standard penalties for early withdrawal.
  • Annual Return: 800,000 THB × 4.5% × (3/12) = 9,000 THB (for 3 months); annualized ~36,000 THB.
• Suitability: Matches the 3-month visa period perfectly, ensuring compliance and liquidity post-check.
• Strengths: Top-tier rate, smaller but growing bank, accepted by Immigration.

 

Savings Account Baseline

• Typical Rate: 0.5%–0.6% (e.g., Bangkok Bank savings at 0.6%, SCB at 0.65%).
• Annual Return: 800,000 THB × 0.6% = 4,800 THB.
• Suitability: Fully liquid and Immigration-compliant but offers minimal returns.

 

Best Option: SCB or ttb 3-Month Fixed Deposit

• Winner: Siam Commercial Bank (SCB) 3-Month Fixed Deposit and ttb 3-Month Fixed Deposit tie for the best-paying option at 4.5% per annum, yielding an annualized return of 36,000 THB on 800,000 THB.
• Why: 
  • Yield: Matches the highest rate among major banks for a term aligning with the visa’s 3-month post-approval requirement.
  • Compliance: Funds remain intact and verifiable during the critical period, with interest paid at maturity (after Immigration’s check), avoiding withdrawal issues.
  • Safety: SCB’s larger scale (market cap 350 billion THB, AAA local rating) edges out ttb’s smaller footprint (150 billion THB), but both are BOT-regulated and stable.
  • Practicality: SCB’s extensive branch network and passbook system are Immigration-friendly, while ttb offers similar ease with growing presence (e.g., Pattaya, Bangkok).
• Return: 36,000 THB per year is the highest practical return, assuming no early withdrawal. Longer terms (e.g., Bangkok Bank’s 7-month at 4.2%) yield slightly less annually (~33,600 THB) and complicate timing.

 

Practical Tips

• Open Early: Apply for the account upon arrival with a Non-Immigrant O visa (90-day validity), deposit 800,000 THB, and let it season for two months before the extension application.
• Documentation: Request a bank letter and updated passbook showing the balance and term start date for Immigration.
• Renewal Strategy: After the 3-month post-approval period, shift funds to a savings account (400,000 THB minimum) or reinvest in another fixed term, topping back to 800,000 THB two months before renewal.
• ATM Caution: Link a separate savings account for daily use to avoid dipping into the 800,000 THB.

 

Caveats

• Rate Changes: Promotional rates (e.g., 4.5%) may expire; standard rates are lower (~1–2%). Verify with each bank at the time you are considering deposit.
• Branch Variability: Immigration offices (e.g., Jomtien) accept fixed deposits, but confirm local rules.
• Alternatives: If rates drop, consider the 65,000 THB/month income method to avoid tying up funds, though this requires 12 months of statements.

 

Conclusion

 

The SCB 3-Month Fixed Deposit at 4.5% per annum is the best-paying Thai bank account for the 800,000 THB retirement extension requirement, offering an annualized return (potentially tax assessable/ taxable) of 36,000 THB. It balances yield, compliance, and safety, with ttb as a close alternative. For maximum reliability, SCB’s scale and reputation make it the top choice (in my opinion) as of March 20, 2025.

 

Disclaimer: This is not financial advice; consult a professional and verify rates with banks. Data reflects trends up to March 20, 2025, and may shift.  Not immigration advice.  Not marital advice.  Not relationship advice.  Not life advice.  Returns and financials can change at any time. Do your own research 😀