4 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

The now ceased Embassy letters were always based on evidence of receipt of pension, whether by an affidavit (US),

 

Not in my experience, U.S. citizen, used the affidavit method for a few years.

 

Blank letter said:

 

I receive monthly pension and/other types of income in the amount of ________________

 

 

Yes, I agree that if the IO asks for a document and I/we can't produce it, then they can/will refuse the extension application.

 

That's why I have documents from my pension provider and from Social Security. That said, for me, the Credit Advice Receipt shows the pension provider, which is the source of my monthly SWIFT transfer. 

 

On 9/6/2025 at 7:23 PM, lungbing said:

I extended my non 'O' retirement visa yesterday at Khon Kaen.  What a trek that now is!

The IO was a little surprised to see two bank books.  One was full, that's all.  But she spent ages checking the closing balance in one was the opening balance in the other and that the account numbers were the same.  But all was well, she stamped in the new visa extension and also did my 90 day report as well, that not being due until Oct.  But then she says "where does your money come from?"  I  said "England"  She asked where.  It's some years since I've been asked that but always bring with me in my "Possibly" folder statements from my pension providers.  I'm 77, where does she think it comes from.  I handed over the evidence, she looked at it and was satisfied.  But what has it got to do with them.  the law says I must bring 65,000 baht per month into a Thai bank.  It's nothing to do with them where it originates.  What if I had no proof?  Or am I wrong.  Any thoughts?

Tell them the money comes from your children in your home country.

It's a legit Thai claim, and I doubt they'd question it.

Over half of elderly Thais live this way.

 

When I filled out a bkb questionnaire, it's the option I chose.

13 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Yes, I agree that if the IO asks for a document and I/we can't produce it, then they can/will refuse the extension application.

They would be asking out of ignorance and refusing extension with same ignorance.. 

 

Fortunately (from memory) your recent extension using income method at CW, the proof of "pension" was not required. 

Or perhaps I'm mixed up with someone else's report. 

 

16 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

Not in my experience, U.S. citizen, used the affidavit method for a few years.

 

Blank letter said:

 

I receive monthly pension and/other types of income in the amount of ________________

What do you think started the whole investigation by Thai Immigration that led to the Embassy's cessation of these letters?

 

In your own words, the US affidavit started with 'I receive monthly pension'. 
If proof of that pension was requested, would it meet the financial requirement without the 'and/other types of income'?

On 9/6/2025 at 7:23 PM, lungbing said:

But then she says "where does your money come from?"  I  said "England"  She asked where.  It's some years since I've been asked that but always bring with me in my "Possibly" folder statements from my pension providers.  I'm 77, where does she think it comes from.  I handed over the evidence, she looked at it and was satisfied.  But what has it got to do with them.  the law says I must bring 65,000 baht per month into a Thai bank.  It's nothing to do with them where it originates.  What if I had no proof?  Or am I wrong.  Any thoughts?

Document checklist states;

3. Evidence of income such as a retirement pension, interest or dividends; and/or

Never argue with someone who has the right to deny your visa extension.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Tell them the money comes from your children in your home country.

It's a legit Thai claim, and I doubt they'd question it.

Over half of elderly Thais live this way.

Thais are not subject to Immigration control, and the financial requirements only apply to foreigners.

Completely immaterial how Thais live.

7 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

Thais are not subject to Immigration control, and the financial requirements only apply to foreigners.

Completely immaterial how Thais live.

Like many foreigners, you fail to understand how Thai culture influences how Thais think. Screaming and shouting will get you nowhere, you need to manipulate their cultural norms in order to get results from their bureaucracy.

On 9/6/2025 at 7:45 PM, DrJack54 said:

Yes I recall that post. 

The io question was not "perfectly reasonable question" at all. 

The financial requirements for money in bank method are crystal clear. 

The io was out of line with ridiculous question. 

The IO's job includes asking any question or for any additional documents they deem relevant based on each case in front of them. You should know that its their job just like in almost every country in the world. 

58 minutes ago, Liquorice said:

In your own words, the US affidavit started with 'I receive monthly pension'. 

 

 

Sorry, the USEMBBKK affidavit template said:

 

 

I receive monthly pension and/or other types of income in the amount of ________________

 

 

I left out the "or", so it could be 0% pension, and 100% other types of income.

 

 

 

1 hour ago, DrJack54 said:

Fortunately (from memory) your recent extension using income method at CW, the proof of "pension" was not required. 

 

I've never been asked for proof of a "pension". Just proof of qualifying foreign transfers.

 

And no "fortunately" neded as I do have three forms of proof that my income comes from pensions. 

 

 

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, bamnutsak said:

I've never been asked for proof of a "pension". Just proof of qualifying foreign transfers.

 

And no "fortunately" neded as I do have three forms of proof that my income comes from pensions. 

Yes, but point is the three forms of proof you have were in fact not required. 

2 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Yes, but point is the three forms of proof you have were in fact not required. 

 

Correct. They're in the "Possibly" folder.

 

 

10 minutes ago, Dan O said:

You should know that its their job just like in almost every country in the world

My post was regarding using funds in Bank method and financial requirements. 

They are simple and clear. 

The funds do not need to be shown from transferred from abroad. 

Nor is proof of assets in home company that may generate income.

 

 

Perhaps the io wanted to show some sort of relevance. 

Wouldn't be the first time. 

4 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

My post was regarding using funds in Bank method and financial requirements. 

They are simple and clear. 

The funds do not need to be shown from transferred from abroad. 

Nor is proof of assets in home company that may generate income.

 

 

Perhaps the io wanted to show some sort of relevance. 

Wouldn't be the first time. 

You claimed the additional questions asked where inappropriate or irrelevant. You know very well that the IO's have discretion to ask any additional questions or for additional documents if they deem it relevant.  I believe its even in the regs. Same all over the world and you know that.  

22 minutes ago, Dan O said:

You claimed the additional questions asked where inappropriate or irrelevant.

Because they are. 

 

2 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Unfortunately, yes.

If the IO insists on seeing evidence of receipt of a pension, as mentioned in Immigration orders, and you are unable to do so, then they will/can refuse the extension application and inform you to use the 800K funds method, or an agent.
I've witnessed this on more than one occasion.

 

The now ceased Embassy letters were always based on evidence of receipt of pension, whether by an affidavit (US), Stat Dec (Aus), or physical documentation (UK).

This is absolutely not true. The income can be from several sources, dividends, interest etc. 

Go ask the manager in a bank. After conflicting information from expats, I just did at BBL in Pattaya to be 100% sure. Just cover the 12 months transfers from abroad I was told, and that's it. Could even be a rental income from abroad. Immigration officers at Jomtien say the same thing. Asked and answered. This was a week ago.

 

Btw, visa agents also say the same thing.

 

If asked what the source is, just tell them. Won't change anything, they just want to see it's not from a scam or such.

1 hour ago, BritManToo said:

Like many foreigners, you fail to understand how Thai culture influences how Thais think. Screaming and shouting will get you nowhere, you need to manipulate their cultural norms in order to get results from their bureaucracy.

You fail to understand Immigration are influenced by what their orders state, which is nothing to do with their culture.
The Immigration Act and Immigration orders were written with only foreigners in mind.

41 minutes ago, thaibreaker said:

This is absolutely not true. The income can be from several sources, dividends, interest etc. 

Go ask the manager in a bank. I just did at BBL in Pattaya to be 100% sure. Just cover the 12 months transfers from abroad I was told, and that's it. Could even be rental income from abroad. Immigration at Jomtien says the same thing. Asked and answered. This was a week ago.

 

If asked what the source is, just tell them. Won't change anything, they just want to see it's not from a scam or such.

Unfortunately, as already stated, some Immigration offices request proof of receipt using the income method, whether that be from pension statement, proof of dividends, or interest.  Rather ironic that in the case of UK Embassy letters, it was that same form of proof that was required to issue the letter in the first instance.

 

Immigration are a division of the Royal Thai police and as such are entitled to request information to substantiate your legality to stay in Thailand.
Just in case you previously missed it, when applying based on monthly overseas income, their orders state; 
3. Evidence of income such as a retirement pension, interest or dividends; and/or

 

Whether Immigration offices enforce or do not enforce that requirement is at their discretion, but regarding the topic of this subject and the question whether they are entitled to request such proof of evidence, then the answer is 'yes' they are entitled to ask where that income comes from and request proof of such.

54 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Because they are. 

 

Nope disagree. They may be to you but they are doing their job and you know that just can't admit it can you? 

30 minutes ago, Dan O said:

Nope disagree. They may be to you but they are doing their job and you know that just can't admit it can you? 

Anything that can influence the hand with the stamp is "relevant".

"appropriate" is a bit like beauty, in the eye of the beholder.

7 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Which immigration office...

What did you provide to show income source. 

What has been required recently. 

Assume you are using income method for extensions

30 years ago, Udorn Thani. Was on Married system at that time. Each extension thereafter having to show receipt documents on two pensions. These were not required when I changed to retirement 800K method 10 years later.

In order to avoid the shenanigans that some IMMO offices in some provinces engage in, I have made sure to always renew my extensions with IMMO/Bangkok -- despite living in other provinces for certain months of the year.

 

In my experience, over the past 20 years of doing these extensions at IMMO/Bangkok, they have never asked for source of the 800K baht "bond" that we retirees are asked to post.  Also, I have never been "hustled" to use an agent at IMMO/Bangkok.

 

While some posters on this thread assert that an IO can ask for the source of the funds used to justify the retirement extension, that does not mean they have the legal right to. 

 

But, I also agree that it would be futile (and perhaps dangerous) to protest that request in a rogue IMMO office.

 

In sum, if you want the fairest treatment at your annual retirement extension, find a way to do it at IMMO/CW.

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

Unfortunately, as already stated, some Immigration offices request proof of receipt using the income method, whether that be from pension statement, proof of dividends, or interest.  Rather ironic that in the case of UK Embassy letters, it was that same form of proof that was required to issue the letter in the first instance.

 

Immigration are a division of the Royal Thai police and as such are entitled to request information to substantiate your legality to stay in Thailand.
Just in case you previously missed it, when applying based on monthly overseas income, their orders state; 
3. Evidence of income such as a retirement pension, interest or dividends; and/or

 

Whether Immigration offices enforce or do not enforce that requirement is at their discretion, but regarding the topic of this subject and the question whether they are entitled to request such proof of evidence, then the answer is 'yes' they are entitled to ask where that income comes from and request proof of such.

Agree, they might ask for the source, but that doesn't mean it has to be from a pension, as you state yourself in this answer. Several sources are accepted.

Then we fully agree.

1 minute ago, thaibreaker said:

Agree, they might ask for the source, but that doesn't mean it has to be from a pension, as you state yourself in this answer. Several sources are accepted.

Then we fully agree.

Are you aware of anyone who has provided evidence of monthly income receipts of 65K THB from dividends or interest?

It would have to be a substantial investment to pay dividends of 65K per month, or substantial savings creating interest of 65K a month.
Those with that kind of income usually plump for the Elite visa or the LTR type visas.

I suppose one could argue rental income from property investment qualifies, but good luck with that.

1 hour ago, sandyf said:

Anything that can influence the hand with the stamp is "relevant".

"appropriate" is a bit like beauty, in the eye of the beholder.

Exactly  its all a nuisance but hey its their game so you play their rules 

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

Are you aware of anyone who has provided evidence of monthly income receipts of 65K THB from dividends or interest?

It would have to be a substantial investment to pay dividends of 65K per month, or substantial savings creating interest of 65K a month.
Those with that kind of income usually plump for the Elite visa or the LTR type visas.

I suppose one could argue rental income from property investment qualifies, but good luck with that.

Yes, I am aware. One of my best friends did a combination of rental income and dividends, which added up to 68k baht. Transferred regular deposits to BBL, and got his 12 months transfers approved both from bank and immigration this year. There is nothing in the immigration act saying all have to come from a pension, or only one source. The bank knows that, and immigration as well.

To qualify for a  Thailand Non-O visa based on retirement, one needs to be a minimum of 50 years old.

 

To qualify for a UK pension, you need to be 66, rising to 67 and eventually 68 depending on your date of birth.

 

Hence the quandary for some of those in the 'in-between years' who are seeking a retirement extension at an immigration office that insists on proof that the funds from oversees are specifically from a pension.

2 hours ago, TaoNow said:

While some posters on this thread assert that an IO can ask for the source of the funds used to justify the retirement extension, that does not mean they have the legal right to.

 

I think the wording of the applicable Thai immigration law translates roughly as the immigration officer can ask for any other documentation that THEY see fit in addition to the A) published minimums, and B) the additional ones unique to that particular immigration office.

 

I don't see where the foreign applicant has any 'legal right' to not comply with such a request.

1 hour ago, thaibreaker said:

Yes, I am aware. One of my best friends did a combination of rental income and dividends, which added up to 68k baht. Transferred regular deposits to BBL, and got his 12 months transfers approved both from bank and immigration this year. There is nothing in the immigration act saying all have to come from a pension, or only one source. The bank knows that, and immigration as well.

My guess is that he wasn't asked for any evidence of where the income was derived from for his extension application.

In general I say no, they should not know at least not in any specific detail where your income originates.  But if one is getting a long term stay in a country, I think a country has some right and reasonable expectation to check on a person.  They do check on criminal activities, warrants, etc.  Certainly check that income is steady and that the person is not a risk of over staying or running out of money.  Monthly transfers prove very little.  They do not indicate steady or sustainable income.  One could have just sold something, their car or whatever and are spending the money down which will run out.