Question about changing from Money in the Bank to Income Method for Retirement EOS

[Equatorial]

With Money in the Bank, one has to have seasoned 800k two months prior and three months after the EOS application, then 400k, and then back up to 800k two months prior. 

 

If one intends to switch to the Income Method, and can show 12+ months of 65k foreign sourced deposits, it seems logical that it is not necessary to bring the balance back up to 800k two months prior to the EOS application. 

 

Can anyone confirm, preferably based on experience? Would this also be one of those things that may vary from one office to another? 

[Liquorice]

8 minutes ago, Equatorial said:

If one intends to switch to the Income Method, and can show 12+ months of 65k foreign sourced deposits, it seems logical that it is not necessary to bring the balance back up to 800k two months prior to the EOS application. 

Correct.

The 800K for 5 months and 400K (min) for 7 months covers a 12-month period.

 

However, note that if you intend to change from using the 800K funds method to the 65K monthly income method, then you will have to provide evidence of meeting the requirements of both. When your existing extension was approved using the 800K funds method, the condition was that you would maintain a balance of 800K for 3 months after the extension was granted, and a minimum of 400K for the remaining 7 months. So you need to provide evidence you met that criteria.

 

For the income method, you need to provide evidence of 12 x monthly overseas transfers of min 65K per month for the next extension application.

[Equatorial]

4 hours ago, Liquorice said:

then you will have to provide evidence of meeting the requirements of both.

 

Thanks, @Liquorice, yes, that is my understanding as well. I was just wondering if I need to bring the balance up to 800k for the last two months before the application, after the seven months of 400k. 

[Tod Daniels]

4 hours ago, Equatorial said:

it seems logical that it is not necessary to bring the balance back up to 800k two months prior to the EOS application. 

Totally correct, no need to bring the balance back up as long as you have met the new requirements of the monthly income method for the previous 12 months 

[DrJack54]

1 hour ago, Equatorial said:

...that is my understanding as well. I was just wondering if I need to bring the balance up to 800k for the last two months before the application, after the seven months of 400k

No. For the two months prior to next extension the balance does not need to go back up to 800k...however...   IMO best to take it back up to 800k just in case they reject something regarding the monthly transfers. 

 

The only negative is they may try to push you to continue with money in bank method. 

I'm Just covering all bases 

[Liquorice]

5 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

The only negative is they may try to push you to continue with money in bank method. 

Indeed, Jack, that's exactly what happened with a good friend last year.

He's always kept 800K in a FTD account in Kasikorn, and previously used that as the basis for his retirement extensions, but has also transferred over 65K per month into his Bangkok Bank Savings account for a number of years.

 

Last year he decided to switch to the monthly income method and provided the necessary documentation, however they noticed his previous extension was based on 800K funds in the bank method, so rightly demanded he obtained a 12-month statement from Kasikorn as proof he met the criteria on that basis.

On return, his Kasikorn being a FTD account, they then proceeded to approve his extension, but based on 800K funds method.

They gave him a real grilling and stated by trying to change the method he was causing them a lot of additional work and for further extensions he should proceed with the 800K funds method, otherwise they could make life difficult for him.

 

This month, he withdrew 50K from his Kasikorn account, reducing it to less than 800K and intends to apply again this year using the income method.

He wants to keep the 800K (now 750K) as an emergency fund without any restrictions applied to it.

If you meet the criteria for both funds and income, it's not for Immigration to dictate which method you use.

He's expecting some fun and games.

[DrJack54]

13 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

He's expecting some fun and games.

I am also. However will stick with the plan to satisfy both methods come time for next extension (Oct) 

If they muck me around as per your friend experience then I will accept the extension based on money in bank and after that use an agent

[Liquorice]

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

If they muck me around as per your friend experience then I will accept the extension based on money in bank and after that use an agent

His sentiments exactly.

If they give him grief, applying based on monthly income method, then he intends to use an agent.

[jaideedave]

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I am also. However will stick with the plan to satisfy both methods come time for next extension (Oct) 

If they muck me around as per your friend experience then I will accept the extension based on money in bank and after that use an agent

I switched from agent 800k to monthly deposits of 65k last March. I showed my Kbank and Wise statements. The IO had to have a chat with a colleague for a minute then approved me okay.

You made a comment at the time that I was lucky they accepted it.(Jomtien)

I intend to do the same again next year and am quite sure I'll have no issues from now on. 

[DrJack54]

9 minutes ago, jaideedave said:

I intend to do the same again next year and am quite sure I'll have no issues from now on. 

As you now have extension based on income you will have no problem continuing with that option. 

For myself the main concern is if the WISE transfers to my Kasikorn account will show as international transfers. 

One solution is obtain "credit advice" 

Another I read on this forum is to ask the 12 month bank statement to be in Thai language. 

The suggestion is that if this is done the coding translates to "money from abroad" 

Do not know if this is factual. 

[Liquorice]

9 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Another I read on this forum is to ask the 12 month bank statement to be in Thai language. 

The suggestion is that if this, is done the coding translates to "money from abroad" 

Do not know if this is factual. 

If you have online banking, go to 'statements' and this will confirm if the transfer is detailed as an 'International Transfer'.

[Upnotover]

37 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Another I read on this forum is to ask the 12 month bank statement to be in Thai language. 

The suggestion is that if this is done the coding translates to "money from abroad" 

Do not know if this is factual. 

Correct.  I send to Kasikorn and no matter what I use as the purpose the bank book only ever shows "TRN".  However if I download a statement in Thai the entry is described as "รับเงินธุรกรรม ตปท." ("Receive money from overseas transactions") and/or "ธุรกรรมต่างประเทศ" ("Foreign Transactions") - (translations by Google).  The English version of the statement says "Trade Finance Deposit"

[Dan O]

13 hours ago, Equatorial said:

With Money in the Bank, one has to have seasoned 800k two months prior and three months after the EOS application, then 400k, and then back up to 800k two months prior. 

 

If one intends to switch to the Income Method, and can show 12+ months of 65k foreign sourced deposits, it seems logical that it is not necessary to bring the balance back up to 800k two months prior to the EOS application. 

 

Can anyone confirm, preferably based on experience? Would this also be one of those things that may vary from one office to another? 

I've  already done it and I think several others have recently as well.

 

You have to complete the requirement for the original or existing extension first. So you must have the 800k back in the bank for 2 months prior to renewal. Bank letter showing the account balance and the 12 month statement show all transactions. 

 

All the monthly international deposits should have codes listed on them so highlight each monthly deposit. IMM know the code numbers. If in doubt explain your situation and ask the Bank for a Credit Debit Statement for each deposit. Some banks call ( it credit advice)  and it will show all the info for international transfers. Absolutely check with Imm first but don't be surprised if your get a blank stare.

[Equatorial]

17 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

No. For the two months prior to next extension the balance does not need to go back up to 800k...however...   IMO best to take it back up to 800k just in case they reject something regarding the monthly transfers. 

 

The only negative is they may try to push you to continue with money in bank method. 

 

@DrJack54 - Here is a possible strategy to minimize the chance of getting pressure to continue with the Money in the Bank method. 

 

In the bank where you normally keep your 400/800k for the Money in the Bank method, stay at 400k, and do NOT go back up to 800k for the two months leading up to the next EOS application. When you provide those bank statements to the IO, they will see that you do not qualify for the MitB method, so that won't be motivated to pressure you. 

 

As a backup strategy, make sure you have had 400k in a different Thai bank. That way, if your Income Method application is rejected for any reason, you can provide the bank statement showing the additional 400k in the other bank for the last two months, in order to qualify for the MitB method. Given that the funds are cumulative across multiple bank accounts, there seems no additional risk in this approach. 

 

Also, there is plausible deniability - you can claim that you "forgot" about the additional funds, in the unlikely case that the question why you did not provide the bank statements from the second bank. (Of course, providing all information is strictly voluntary, but TIT...)

[DrJack54]

9 hours ago, Equatorial said:

As a backup strategy, make sure you have had 400k in a different Thai bank

The plan you outline would work. 

 

Still I'm going forward with satisfying both methods. 

I keep the balance above 800k all year. 

The head io for extensions at CW is a reasonable woman and ultimately has final say. 

 

Bit off topic, however an agent will at some point be my next step. 

The system does not bode well for folk with mobility issues and this in fact is of serious concern for some. 

[sandyf]

20 hours ago, Dan O said:

 

All the monthly international deposits should have codes listed on them so highlight each monthly deposit. IMM know the code numbers.

My bank statements have never had "codes" on them, transactions have "description" and "channel". All I have ever seen on "channel" is "auto" or "international".

I always supported the statement with the remittance advice,  as opposed to the credit advice.

In all the time I did income extensions immigration never once asked to see the bank  book.

[WDSmart]

On 6/17/2025 at 11:13 PM, Equatorial said:

With Money in the Bank, one has to have seasoned 800k two months prior and three months after the EOS application, then 400k, and then back up to 800k two months prior. 

 

If one intends to switch to the Income Method, and can show 12+ months of 65k foreign sourced deposits, it seems logical that it is not necessary to bring the balance back up to 800k two months prior to the EOS application. 

 

Can anyone confirm, preferably based on experience? Would this also be one of those things that may vary from one office to another? 

Yes, you are correct. You do not have to have a certain amount of money in the bank as long as you can show THB 65K+ monthly deposits. I've been doing this for the last two times I've extended the stay on my visa for one year. 

But you should check with your immigration office since I've found that some of these rules do vary from one office to another. 

[Dan O]

3 hours ago, sandyf said:

My bank statements have never had "codes" on them, transactions have "description" and "channel". All I have ever seen on "channel" is "auto" or "international".

I always supported the statement with the remittance advice,  as opposed to the credit advice.

In all the time I did income extensions immigration never once asked to see the bank  book.

NST  Imm office  required the bank book pages copied, a current account balance letter and 12 month statement. Codes are always list on Krungsri 12 month statement. I also provide the  Deposit Statement for each swift wire transfer\deposit as a matching  back up.  Never had an issue although all Imm office can be  different as are some bank statement formats.

[sandyf]

3 hours ago, Dan O said:

although all Imm office can be  different as are some bank statement formats.

Exactly the point. Nobody can say what an IO would know or what the documentary evidence would show. 

Just because one bank may use codes, doesn't mean they all do and even the same office can change from one year to the next.

Always best to ask at the office concerned.

[AFearneyhough]

On 6/17/2025 at 11:13 PM, Equatorial said:

With Money in the Bank, one has to have seasoned 800k two months prior and three months after the EOS application, then 400k, and then back up to 800k two months prior. 

 

If one intends to switch to the Income Method, and can show 12+ months of 65k foreign sourced deposits, it seems logical that it is not necessary to bring the balance back up to 800k two months prior to the EOS application. 

 

Can anyone confirm, preferably based on experience? Would this also be one of those things that may vary from one office to another? 

I personally did this last year in Chon Buri so I will only speak to my experience. I did this last year when I did my extension renewal. I did not bring the balance back up to 800k. I simply provided the back statements showing the international transfers. I did not have any difficulty. 

[Dan O]

19 hours ago, sandyf said:

Exactly the point. Nobody can say what an IO would know or what the documentary evidence would show. 

Just because one bank may use codes, doesn't mean they all do and even the same office can change from one year to the next.

Always best to ask at the office concerned.

The imm's i have spoken too all seem to know the code for international bank transfers. Its more a matter of whether the bank 12 month statement lists the codes or just a description.   But with that said its always best to check with the local Imm Off for what the expect, especially what copies are required

[LawrenceW]

Thanks for all the great advice on this forum, it's been most helpful so many times-  have a question today if anyone can answer please do:  After many years of work visas and tourist visas am now over 50 and am seeking to change from the tourist visa when visiting to the Retirement visa on an annual basis.  Have saved up the 800 thousand Baht and am ready to transfer the funds from the States if necessary and apply for the change of visa to a Non-O Retirement Visa.                                                                                                                                                                                     

The IO in Chiang Mai said to first open a Thai bank account, transfer the funds, wait seven days, and then apply for the Non-O Retirement.  Went to my old bank in Chiang Mai and they said my account was closed due to non-activity while I was visiting home in the States- wonderful. 

 

Tried to re-activate the Thai bank account and they said no way- citing Thai Central Bank law that requires--- a Non-O Visa Stamp to open a Thai bank account.  Same with every other bank in Chiang Mai- they all say 'cannot' citing the same law.  So, now I'm in a fix- can't get the Non-O stamp without the Thai bank statement, and can't open a Thai bank account without the Non-O stamp.    

 

Thus, if the bank statement has to be from a Thai bank, then how to open a Thai bank account without the Non-O stamp which seems to require showing 800k in funds transferred from abroad.   

 

Also:  Is it possible that after filling out the application for the TM.87 or TM.86 that this would be acceptable for beginning the Non-O process and maybe be acceptable for the Thai bank to open an account?  Or does all of this have to be done at the Thai consulate in the States showing funds from a local bank there?  However, in that case it's still not clear as to how to open a Thai bank account from that location and transfer the funds to a Thai bank. 

 

Meanwhile I'm being directed in circles from the Immigration office to the Thai Banks to open an account, and then the Thai bank staff tell me to go back to Immigration for the Non-O stamp where the IO says go back to the Thai bank etc.  Any advice would be most welcome- thanks    

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, LawrenceW said:

Thus, if the bank statement has to be from a Thai bank, then how to open a Thai bank account without the Non-O stamp which seems to require showing 800k in funds transferred from abroad.   

 

It's referred to as Catch 22.

Since you live in CM you could consider a trip to Laos to obtain Non Of retirement e-Visa. 

That process is done online however you need to visit Thai embassy (eg Vientiane) and funds do not need to be in a Thai bank account. 

21 minutes ago, LawrenceW said:

Have saved up the 800 thousand Baht and am ready to transfer the funds from the States if necessary and apply for the change of visa to a Non-O Retirement Visa. 

That statement is big red flag to me. 

Perhaps mis reading it. 

You need lot of access funds in case of emergency. 

 

Apart from the eVisa suggestion.. If you have future plans to return to pp country you could do border bounces for this stay and pp wait to obtain Non O in home country

[LawrenceW]

Thanks for the reply and sorry for the delay:  yes it is quite the Catch 22 at this point.  Was thinking of applying for just the Tourist Visa extension at Vientiane to give some time to work this out- but if it's possible to apply for a Non-O at Vientiane then that would be preferable. 

 

However, would that require some special reason, such as a letter such as for an Ed. Visa?  If the Non-O can be done at Vientiane without a Thai bank statement that would work, but the Chiang Mai IO seemed to think it could all be done at CM as long as I have the 800,000 baht bank statement showing it was deposited from abroad into a Thai bank, hence the Catch 22 because a Thai bank account can't be opened without the Non-O and we can't get the Non-O without the Thai bank account-- how did everyone else solve this situation?   

 

And what is this TM.86/87 application for?  Is this required for the Non-O app and for the Thai bank?  On the paper sheet the IO provided, it looks like this is the first step to changing the visa to Non-O, and if so then maybe the TM.86 or 87 would be sufficient to open a bank account in CM, and/or to apply for the Non-O in CM and/or Vientiane?

 

And about the second question flag, I meant to say 800,000 baht, not 'k' as in dollars or pounds.   Have saved up the required 800 thousand baht, and for this it seems there are also some different interpretations, with some saying it has to be deposited to a Thai bank 3 months in advance, but the IO said seven days.  Well, if anyone has any further experience to add here to this very foggy situation it's most appreciated-

[Equatorial]

25 minutes ago, LawrenceW said:

hence the Catch 22 because a Thai bank account can't be opened without the Non-O and we can't get the Non-O without the Thai bank account-- how did everyone else solve this situation?   

 

@DrJack54 answered this question in the previous post. Go get the Non O in Vientiane, where you need to show the funds, but they can be in your US-based bank rather than in a Thai bank. With Non O you will be able to open an account in a Thai bank. Then you can transfer the funds from your US-based bank to a Thai bank and season it for two months so that it's ready when you apply for your Extension of Stay. 

 

Regarding "Have saved up the 800 thousand Baht," I think what DrJack54 is saying (and I agree), if that's all you have, with no additional funds for emergencies, that is not a good situation to be in. 

[LawrenceW]

Got it- thanks very much for the information!