Jomtien Immigration today

[chilly07]

Went to BB and Immigration to extend my retirement visa using Agent again. Had credit advices for 1 yr and 800k in account for 3 mths to cover both eventualities 

BB gave letter confirming 800k in account and said 'next year keep your account under 800k by transferring surplus to another bank if you want to use the mthly pension income route as otherwise we will lock up your 800k for 4 mths'!! Asked what happens if I finish up in Hospital and need the 800k. They had no answer just said Immigration and BB had agreed this restriction. Anybody else threatened with a locked account?

[treetops]

Your in the wrong forum, but there's several posts about banks restricting access to funds as you describe.  Look here and you should find some:

 

https://aseannow.com/forum/1-thai-visas-residency-and-work-permits/

 

[theoldgit]

Yes, you’re in the wrong forum, I’ll move your post to the Thailand forum.

[BrandonJT]

Based on current reports from people who have had this happen, this is what the policy is.  No promises it will be the same policy this time next year.

 

If the money has been in your account for 4 months at the time you request the bank letter, then there are no issues.  You can get the letter as usual.

 

If the money has not been in your account for 4 months at the time you request the bank letter, then they will freeze the money in your account for 4 months after that.  

 

I've seen people report that their account shows the full balance, but the "available" balance is their full balance amount, minus the frozen amount.

 

NOTE: This is ONLY Bangkok Bank, but been reported at branches across Thailand, from Far South to Far North.  But there have also been reports of people at branches who have not experienced this.  So it's hit or miss, same as everything in Thailand.

[quake]

This is just overreach from Bangkok bank.

I know it's a pain, but I would suggest people move there funds to a different bank

for visa renewal prepossess.

Don't close the account, but keep minimum funds in it.

You never know when you may need it. 

 

[bkk6060]

Agents have told me to get another bank account and stop using BB for future extensions.

 

[scubascuba3]

Would have been no issue if you'd used two bank accounts, one for 800k and one for monthly transfers

[chilly07]

Problem is that using Wise and BB seems to be the only way to get transfers identified as FTT in bank book

[asiacurious]

On 7/22/2025 at 6:02 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Would have been no issue if you'd used two bank accounts, one for 800k and one for monthly transfers

 

I finally started doing that.  Filled my bankbook up and had to get a new one issued.  Now I need to present both (and copies) to the IO every time I extend.  Solved the problem by setting up an account at a different bank for everyday use.  Pay all bills from the 2nd one now and leave the first one untouched with the 800k in it.  Tickle the account every 6 months with a small transaction.

[gk10012001]

9 hours ago, chilly07 said:

Problem is that using Wise and BB seems to be the only way to get transfers identified as FTT in bank book

Really?  Wow this is getting stranger every year.  Until I hear more reports about expats  being taxed or filing assessments or being in trouble for not filing assessments even if no taxes are due is keeping away from any long term retirement plans there at the moment.  I want things done simply when I retire.  heck I found out that Etrade will NOT automatically send wired money on a periodic basis.  Have to submit paper every time

[KhunBENQ]

14 hours ago, chilly07 said:

Problem is that using Wise and BB seems to be the only way to get transfers identified as FTT in bank book

WISE works with Kasikorn.

The bank book is not sufficient for 12 month transfer method anyway.

 

Account statement is required.

The English wording in the statement puzzles some people. Request a statement in Thai language for any case/bank.

[DrJack54]

17 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Request a statement in Thai language for any case/bank.

Good advice. 

 

[OJAS]

2 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Request a statement in Thai language for any case/bank.

 

Will definitely make a point of doing that from the get-go in future after my local Krungsri branch initially issued me with an account confirmation letter in English for my latest retirement extension application last week!

 

[DrJack54]

26 minutes ago, OJAS said:

 

Will definitely make a point of doing that from the get-go in future after my local Krungsri branch initially issued me with an account confirmation letter in English for my latest retirement extension application last week!

 

I don't think the guy you quoted is referring to the "Bank Letter" 

But rather 12 month "Bank Statement" 

The former simply confirms you as account holder and balance on day of issues. 

The 12 month bank statement shows financial compliance. 

Both for money in bank method and income method. 

The issue is sometimes the transfers for income method are not shown as international transfers. 

Having the statement in Thai solves this problem