Second extension after applying for Non O

[300sd]

I was using “proof of income” method for the the Non O and the first extension. Now I am going to use the 800,000 in bank method for the next extension.

Do I need to show that these funds are from an International transfer?

Thank you in advance.

[BrandonJT]

7 minutes ago, 300sd said:

I was using “proof of income” method for the the Non O and the first extension. Now I am going to use the 800,000 in bank method for the next extension.

Do I need to show that these funds are from an International transfer?

Thank you in advance.

For an extension, there is no requirement to show that.  That requirement only comes into play when applying to convert from tourist to 90 day non-O visa.

[300sd]

19 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

For an extension, there is no requirement to show that.  That requirement only comes into play when applying to convert from tourist to 90 day non-O visa.

Thanks for that. 

[DrJack54]

3 hours ago, 300sd said:

Do I need to show that these funds are from an International transfer?

No. 

Be aware, to season the 800k for two months prior to application. 

[300sd]

44 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

No. 

Be aware, to season the 800k for two months prior to application. 

Great, thanks for that.

[Equatorial]

5 hours ago, 300sd said:

I was using “proof of income” method for the the Non O and the first extension. Now I am going to use the 800,000 in bank method for the next extension.

 

I am trying to decide which way to go. I think I understand pros and cons of both, and I am strongly leaning towards the income method. I am curious, what are your reasons for switching from the income method to money in the bank method (if you want to share, of course)?

[DrJack54]

29 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

I am curious, what are your reasons for switching from the income method to money in the bank method

At a guess could be that his embassy is no longer providing income letter. 

Couple of countries have recently stopped. eg Canada. 

 

I'm doing the opposite and changing from money  in bank to income. 

No brainer IMO. 

[300sd]

1 hour ago, Equatorial said:

 

I am trying to decide which way to go. I think I understand pros and cons of both, and I am strongly leaning towards the income method. I am curious, what are your reasons for switching from the income method to money in the bank method (if you want to share, of course)?

My embassy stopped giving out income letters.

[Liquorice]

1 hour ago, Equatorial said:

 

I am trying to decide which way to go. I think I understand pros and cons of both, and I am strongly leaning towards the income method. I am curious, what are your reasons for switching from the income method to money in the bank method (if you want to share, of course)?

Each to their own and dependent on personal circumstances and situations.

 

One of the Cons of using the 800K method is you could probably get much better interest rates in your home Country than you're likely to get in Thailand.

A couple of Pros are in the case of an emergency you have funds easily available and no proof of overseas transfers required.

 

 

[DrJack54]

38 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

A couple of Pros are in the case of an emergency you have funds easily available and no proof of overseas transfers required

Sorta... However if you are in the 7 months where the funds cannot be below 800k then it's of little use. 

Suggest most folk would have access to "emergency funds" from their home country. 

I just regard funds locked in a Thai Bank as "opportunity Cost" and not attractive option. 

[Liquorice]

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Sorta... However if you are in the 7 months where the funds cannot be below 800k then it's of little use. 

Surely, you mean the 5 months when the funds cannot be below 800K.
It's then 7 months for the 400K.

 

As I stated previously, it's an individual choice based on circumstances and situations.

I've known a couple of expats 'incapacitated' through emergency medical grounds and missed a monthly transfer.
The <deleted> then hits the fan, and you have to start the procedure all over again, Non O > extensions.

Those costs out way any loss of interest in keeping funds in a Thai bank, against your home Country.

 

Proof of monthly overseas transfers and requiring additional evidence can be another PITA.

 

I extend based on Thai spouse and use the 400K funds method, but keep closer to 750K in that FTD account.

I also have a regular Savings account. The wife is a co signature to both accounts.

In the event of anything happening to my spouse, easy to deposit another 50K and switch to retirement.

In the event of my demise, my Thai assets go to my Thai wife.

 

Jeez, I've even known a couple using the income method, that suddenly passed away and not that anyone else had access, but there wasn't enough in their Thai bank account to pay for their cremation. There is a lot to consider when deciding to use the funds or income method.

 

[Equatorial]

8 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Jeez, I've even known a couple using the income method, that suddenly passed away and not that anyone else had access, but there wasn't enough in their Thai bank account to pay for their cremation. There is a lot to consider when deciding to use the funds or income method.

 

Agreed that that'd be a problem, however one has to make sure that the wife has access to the funds in case of the husbands untimely demise. Knowing how rules in Thailand change on a daily basis, including based on the bank clerk's mood, I am much more comfortable keeping the reserve funds in my wife's bank account, and keeping close to zero balance in my own account. 

[Liquorice]

1 hour ago, Equatorial said:

 

Agreed that that'd be a problem, however one has to make sure that the wife has access to the funds in case of the husbands untimely demise. Knowing how rules in Thailand change on a daily basis, including based on the bank clerk's mood, I am much more comfortable keeping the reserve funds in my wife's bank account, and keeping close to zero balance in my own account. 

The Op's original post though mentioned 800K - retirement.

3 possible scenarios, Thai spouse but prefers the retirement route, single but Thai girlfriend, single unattached.

 

Absolutely ironical that this evening, on the way home from shopping, the wife is telling me a story that could be related to this very subject.

She owns a hairdressing shop directly facing Roi Et hospital, and many nurses frequently visit.

Today, a nurse informed her of the case of a German national who was admitted to the hospital 3 years ago. Retired, Thai girlfriend.
Apparently he was very sick and after 3 months the girlfriend simply stopped visiting. The bills were mounting, and they pressured her for some kind of payment. She had no funds nor access to his Thai bank account. Sadly, after 12 months in hospital he passed away.

The hospital have held his body in cold storage for the last 2 years, refusing to release it until such time the bill is paid.

His Embassy have been unable to trace any family members, Thai authorities gained access to his Thai bank account which had less than 10K in it, apparently he used the Embassy Income letter. It's taken 2 years for his Embassy and the Thai authorities to reach an agreement and finally release his body for cremation.

No mourners attended.
 

[NoDisplayName]

20 hours ago, 300sd said:

was using “proof of income” method for the the Non O and the first extension. Now I am going to use the 800,000 in bank method for the next extension.

Do I need to show that these funds are from an International transfer?

 

Shouldn't be a problem if some uppity IO demands that.

 

You remitted much more than that over the past two years using the income method.  Easy enough to get a bank letter showing that.

[DrJack54]

10 hours ago, NoDisplayName said:

You remitted much more than that over the past two years using the income method.  Easy enough to get a bank letter showing that.

Seems you do not understand the "income method" 

The OP previously had been using "embassy letter" to validate transfer of funds from abroad. 

Some have not been transferring monthly amounts of 65k +

If the OP had then there would be no need to change to money in bank method. 

For the folk from eg USA, UK, AU etc where embassy letter is not available then immigration will want to see transfers EVERY month of 65k +

In addition the transfers would need to show funds were international transfers. 

A 12 month bank statement and credit advice would be required. 

 

[sandyf]

On 6/13/2025 at 6:40 AM, Equatorial said:

 

I am trying to decide which way to go. I think I understand pros and cons of both, and I am strongly leaning towards the income method. I am curious, what are your reasons for switching from the income method to money in the bank method (if you want to share, of course)?

For many that have no embassy letter, I would think it is the paperwork that would  be the main reason, why I changed. It is not really a big deal but you need to keep your eye on the ball with the transfers. They like to see a regular pattern, for example not the beginning of one month and then the end of another.

I nearly caught a cold a couple of times, distracted while out of the country when a transfer was due.

On the retirement extension there is a bit more of a downside to money in the bank than for marriage.

[NoDisplayName]

4 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Seems you do not understand the "income method" 

The OP previously had been using "embassy letter" to validate transfer of funds from abroad. 

Some have not been transferring monthly amounts of 65k +

If the OP had then there would be no need to change to money in bank method. 

For the folk from eg USA, UK, AU etc where embassy letter is not available then immigration will want to see transfers EVERY month of 65k +

In addition the transfers would need to show funds were international transfers. 

A 12 month bank statement and credit advice would be required. 

 

 

Oh, I get it now.  It's just a notarized affidavit claiming and swearing they have income, not that they bring it into Thailand, and no proof is income is required, at least for US letters.

 

Sounds like a scam.

 

 

[DrJack54]

1 minute ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

Oh, I get it now.  It's just a notarized affidavit claiming and swearing they have income, not that they bring it into Thailand, and no proof is income is required, at least for US letters.

 

Sounds like a scam.

 

 

It certainly was abused. Even if someone was transferring money to Thailand to live off they may opt to do larger transfers every few months. 

Possibly the OP was  not actually doing monthly transfers.. 

 

[StandardIssue]

On 6/12/2025 at 2:56 PM, DrJack54 said:

No. 

Be aware, to season the 800k for two months prior to application. 

Has this changed in Chang Wattana? It used to be just one day prior to Non O application submission. The funds remain in the bank during the first initial 90 days of the Non O then extension is done showing same funds. Applicant would make sure and not touch the 800k during the Non O initial 90 days permission to stay.

[Upnotover]

9 minutes ago, StandardIssue said:

Has this changed in Chang Wattana? It used to be just one day prior to Non O application submission. The funds remain in the bank during the first initial 90 days of the Non O then extension is done showing same funds. Applicant would make sure and not touch the 800k during the Non O initial 90 days permission to stay.

The two months is required for an annual extension. It is not required when applying for the first non-O visa.

[StandardIssue]

19 minutes ago, Upnotover said:

The two months is required for an annual extension. It is not required when applying for the first non-O visa.

 

Well, actually from my recollection bank deposit holdings can dip down 2 months after the first extension to no less than 400k BUT 3 months before the next annual extension the balance has to be back up to 800k. 

 

so, technically speaking 2 months before annual extension is not correct and I've made 8 years worth of extensions and 4 Non O for the purpose of retirement VISAs

 

Now, in Jomtien Soi 5 immigration the "dragon lady" requires 2 months seasoned funds for a Non O but this is not standard. Chang Wattana goes by the book and only 1 day before Non O application

 

[DrJack54]

12 minutes ago, StandardIssue said:

 

Well, actually from my recollection bank deposit holdings can dip down 2 months after the first extension to no less than 400k BUT 3 months before the next annual extension the balance has to be back up to 800k. 

 

so, technically speaking 2 months before annual extension is not correct and I've made 8 years worth of extensions and 4 Non O for the purpose of retirement VISAs

 

Now, in Jomtien Soi 5 immigration the "dragon lady" requires 2 months seasoned funds for a Non O but this is not standard. Chang Wattana goes by the book and only 1 day before Non O application

 

You are confusing folk. 

For an application for Non O at local immigration office the funds (800k) need to be in bank account on day of application. 

For 12 month extension the funds need to be seasoned for Two months prior to day of application for extension and maintained for Three months the after extension approved. 

Not less than 400k in other months. 

 

Jomtien is a rogue office and for application for Non O retirement from visa exempt or tourist visa entry they had been requiring 2 months of seasoning which is a Jomtien rule. 

[Bredbury Blue]

On 6/13/2025 at 12:38 PM, Liquorice said:

I extend based on Thai spouse and use the 400K funds method, but keep closer to 750K in that FTD account.

I also have a regular Savings account. The wife is a co signature to both accounts.

 

Not sure what an FTD account is, but if I understand correctly you have 2 accounts and your wife is co signature to both. How does that work? Always thought that the farlang had to have the B400k or B800k in one's own private account. Can you have a private account with a co signature? Would certainly help, if possible, on one's demise to permit the spouse access to the funds.

 

 

[Upnotover]

22 minutes ago, StandardIssue said:

Well, actually from my recollection bank deposit holdings can dip down 2 months after the first extension to no less than 400k BUT 3 months before the next annual extension the balance has to be back up to 800k. 

2 before, 3 after.

[DrJack54]

32 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Not sure what an FTD account is, but if I understand correctly you have 2 accounts and your wife is co signature to both. How does that work?

FTD means fixed term deposit.

Most folk just call it FD account. 

You can have your wife on the account as a "silent signatory" 

Her name will not appear on ownership of the account. 

35 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Would certainly help, if possible, on one's demise to permit the spouse access to the funds.

There is debate on that point. Some say it's fine for her to withdrawal funds after your demise. 

I don't support that idea. 

Also from my inquiries with bank the signatory only possible for marriage. 

 

Funds locked in account if doing extensions based on retirement is a Real concern. 

One solution is to use income method. 

For extensions marriage not nearly of such concern as funds only need to be in band for 2 months + under consideration period. 

 

[Bredbury Blue]

Well worth knowing about the silent signatory, thanks for the advice. Something to check out.

[DrJack54]

16 minutes ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Well worth knowing about the silent signatory, thanks for the advice. Something to check out.

All good. Just don't rely on any advice from bank staff in relation to access to funds upon your demise. 

[Liquorice]

3 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

 

Not sure what an FTD account is, but if I understand correctly you have 2 accounts and your wife is co signature to both. How does that work? Always thought that the farlang had to have the B400k or B800k in one's own private account. Can you have a private account with a co signature? Would certainly help, if possible, on one's demise to permit the spouse access to the funds.

 

 

FTD = Fixed Term Deposit account.

Yes, you have your spouse as a co signature to your accounts.
Her name does not appear on the accounts (only under a UV light in the book) or any letters for Immigration purposes.

Bangkok Bank even issued my spouse a separate debit card for the Savings account.

 

All part of making it easier for your spouse to access funds in the event of your demise.

[Liquorice]

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

There is debate on that point. Some say it's fine for her to withdrawal funds after your demise. 

I don't support that idea. 

Under Thai law, your legal spouse is the natural heir with or without a Will, unless there is a Will to the contrary.

I've acted as the 'executor' in a couple of cases of demise.

In one instance, a friend who had a carer for 14 years made a Will naming her as the beneficiary of 800K in an FTD account and at the time of his passing had 240K in his Savings account. He'd been disabled for a number of years, and she handled all the finances.

On production of the Will at the bank, they actually advised her to withdraw the 240K (50K daily maximum) to pay ceremony and cremation costs, but she'd have to obtain a Court Order to release the 800K funds. That took 4 weeks to obtain.

 

It's apparently quite common for the spouse of a deceased to withdraw funds held in the deceased account before notifying the bank of the death.

The problem only arises if the person withdrawing the funds turns out not to be the natural heir, or named as the beneficiary in any Will.

[DrJack54]

21 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

All part of making it easier for your spouse to access funds in the event of your demise.

Beg to differ however leave it there as off topic.