So, I'm confused by something that my dad's attorney said regarding that: (1) the 65,000 baht per month pathway isn't available, so my dad would need to do the 800,000 deposit pathway; and (2) Kasikorn Bank can't be used (now, only Siam Commercial Bank, Krunthai Bank, and another bank can be used). The attorney said that this was inside info gotten from the immigration official.

 

I also contacted another law firm because I wanted to check if that was the case (that my dad hasn't used before) and they said the same thing (except the latter bank issue).

 

I already gathered all the necessary documents for my dad's non-immigrant retirement visa renewal that's upcoming, including the official bank letter and bank statements showing the monthly 65,000 baht deposit from abroad to Kasikorn Bank.

 

Is what my dad's attorney said really true? Or are they just saying that so that they can increase their service price by making the visa renewal process seem complicated? To note, my dad's nationality is American and he's had this non-immigrant retirement visa for many years already.

 

If more info is needed for the description, please ask.

There's a lot to unpack there.

I'm assuming from your post that your Dad has been doing the extensions with the assistance of a lawyer/agent rather than by himself.

I can say that Thai banks have become extremely onerous about foreigner bank accounts of late with the stated reason to combat fraud. Apparently thousands of foreigner owned accounts have been locked and/or closed. Bangkok Bank in particular has imposed insane bank freezes on people doing retirement extensions by the 800K method that has nothing to do with what immigration has ordered.

Reading between the lines which is all I can do because you have provided incomplete info, it SOUNDS like what the lawyers are saying is probably true as far as assisting him with the 65K method. I don't really know why IF he really has done all the transfers and can prove it.

So back to the 800K method, the funds need to be in the account two months before application.

It sounds like you're past that now.

Possibly the lawyer can do "special" process where he doesn't need to actually put up the money.

That's what most people use agents for with retirement extensions and believe it or not it can be seen as quasi legal. 

Perhaps you will post more information and others can pipe in with their opinions on what is happening in your Dad's case.

11 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

So, I'm confused by something that my dad's attorney said regarding that: (1) the 65,000 baht per month pathway isn't available, so my dad would need to do the 800,000 deposit pathway; and (2) Kasikorn Bank can't be used (now, only Siam Commercial Bank, Krunthai Bank, and another bank can be used). The attorney said that this was inside info gotten from the immigration official.

 

I also contacted another law firm because I wanted to check if that was the case (that my dad hasn't used before) and they said the same thing (except the latter bank issue).

 

I already gathered all the necessary documents for my dad's non-immigrant retirement visa renewal that's upcoming, including the official bank letter and bank statements showing the monthly 65,000 baht deposit from abroad to Kasikorn Bank.

 

Is what my dad's attorney said really true? Or are they just saying that so that they can increase their service price by making the visa renewal process seem complicated? To note, my dad's nationality is American and he's had this non-immigrant retirement visa for many years already.

 

If more info is needed for the description, please ask.

 

 

Until now, the requirement to deposit 800,000 baht was only for the initial visa application, but for renewals, proof of monthly income of 65,000 baht in the Thai account was sufficient. I'm not aware of whether they've changed that rule. But it's true that each immigration office has its own rules, and sometimes almost every day. If they were to cause problems, I'd try another office.

 

 

2 minutes ago, Espanol said:

 

 

Until now, the requirement to deposit 800,000 baht was only for the initial visa application, but for renewals, proof of monthly income of 65,000 baht in the Thai account was sufficient. I'm not aware of whether they've changed that rule. But it's true that each immigration office has its own rules, and sometimes almost every day. If they were to cause problems, I'd try another office.

 

 

How do you change office when the office is dependant upon the location of your living accomodation?

Are you suggesting he ups sticks and move ?

15 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

The attorney said that this was inside info gotten from the immigration official.

 

"Inside information" is apparently what a potentially corrupt official may be telling his agent conspirator.

 

Why is your pop using an agent?  Is he bringing in 65K every month, and has he done so all year?  Does he have 800K in a bank account?  Is he registered, and have the extension from, the province where he actually resides?

 

18 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

Or are they just saying that so that they can increase their service price by making the visa renewal process seem complicated?

 

What's complicated?

 

I leave 800K in a fixed account year-round.  3-4 times/year I file an electronic 90-day report which takes 5 minutes each.

 

60 days before extension renewal, I go to the immigration website and book appointments for extension and re-entry permit.

 

I spend an hour putting together document packages for each appointment.

 

On the day of the extension, on the way to immigration, I stop by Bangkok Bank and pick up guarantee letter and bank statement, which takes about half an hour.

 

Arrive at immigration, get a new TM-30 receipt (local requirement), check documents, wait for appointment time.  Extension is done within 30 minutes of being called, with the IO doing the re-entry at the same time and also doing a courtesy 90-day report which would be due in a couple weeks.

 

"Super easy, barely an inconvenience!"

16 minutes ago, Espanol said:

. If they were to cause problems, I'd try another office.

Not the most sound advice, seeing as you are compelled to use the immigration office that serves the area where you live and cannot pick and choose where you go for your extension.

14 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

There's a lot to unpack there.

I'm assuming from your post that your Dad has been doing the extensions with the assistance of a lawyer/agent rather than by himself.

I can say that Thai banks have become extremely onerous about foreigner bank accounts of late with the stated reason to combat fraud. Apparently thousands of foreigner owned accounts have been locked and/or closed. Bangkok Bank in particular has imposed insane bank freezes on people doing retirement extensions by the 800K method that has nothing to do with what immigration has ordered.

Reading between the lines which is all I can do because you have provided incomplete info, it SOUNDS like what the lawyers are saying is probably true as far as assisting him with the 65K method. I don't really know why IF he really has done all the transfers and can prove it.

So back to the 800K method, the funds need to be in the account two months before application.

It sounds like you're past that now.

Possibly the lawyer can do "special" process where he doesn't need to actually put up the money.

That's what most people use agents for with retirement extensions and believe it or not it can be seen as quasi legal. 

Perhaps you will post more information and others can pipe in with their opinions on what is happening in your Dad's case.

My dad receives retirement benefits from the USA, which are deposited to his Wise account. From Wise, we transfer money to Kasikorn Bank, which does show the inbound transfers as being foreign (when using Thai language for bank statements). Based on info on the official Bangkok Immigration website, there's 3 pathways for proving finances—(1) deposit 800K, (2) do at least 65K month foreign desposits, and (3) pathway 1 & 2 combined.

 

Also, yes, my dad has used the services of this attorney for a long time, although initially he did do the renewals himself but switched to the attorney because he got older and didn't want to deal with immigration.

 

With that said, since my dad's renewal date is upcoming this month, we would have to go through the "special" pathway. But still, I really wonder why this 65K monthly deposit is an issue. Should we try doing it ourselves first? And, if our own attempt doesn't work, use the attorney's service?

@VanillaK  You did not say what immigration office you are dealing with.

 

Regardless, you should go and talk to the immigration office directly.

I would recommend going to the local office and get as much info as possible from them, then make your decision.

30 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

(1) the 65,000 baht per month pathway isn't available, so my dad would need to do the 800,000 deposit pathway;

It must be 12 x 65K monthly overseas transfers, or 800K deposited for 2 months prior to submitting the extension application.

 

32 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

(2) Kasikorn Bank can't be used (now, only Siam Commercial Bank, Krunthai Bank, and another bank can be used).

That is just nonsense.

 

33 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

I already gathered all the necessary documents for my dad's non-immigrant retirement visa renewal that's upcoming, including the official bank letter and bank statements showing the monthly 65,000 baht deposit from abroad to Kasikorn Bank.

Then why are you using an agent., when your Father can do it himself.

29 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

Is what my dad's attorney said really true?

It might be true for the people that use them to get their extensions, but there has been no change to the rules about proof of funds for yearly extensions. 

 

You can't use monthly income method by International transfer for the first year extension off a 90 day Non-O visa because you need a year of incoming transfers. so for that first year you have to bank the money.

 

However for subsequent yearly extensions you can indeed use monthly income method by International transfers.

 

You show a minimum of 65k baht a month transferred from abroad into a thai bank account in your name only, each month, every month, for the previous 12 months before you apply for the extension.

 

I honestly  have no idea why the attorney would tell you that it can't be used.

 

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

 

"Inside information" is apparently what a potentially corrupt official may be telling his agent conspirator.

 

Why is your pop using an agent?  Is he bringing in 65K every month, and has he done so all year?  Does he have 800K in a bank account?  Is he registered, and have the extension from, the province where he actually resides?

 

 

What's complicated?

 

I leave 800K in a fixed account year-round.  3-4 times/year I file an electronic 90-day report which takes 5 minutes each.

 

60 days before extension renewal, I go to the immigration website and book appointments for extension and re-entry permit.

 

I spend an hour putting together document packages for each appointment.

 

On the day of the extension, on the way to immigration, I stop by Bangkok Bank and pick up guarantee letter and bank statement, which takes about half an hour.

 

Arrive at immigration, get a new TM-30 receipt (local requirement), check documents, wait for appointment time.  Extension is done within 30 minutes of being called, with the IO doing the re-entry at the same time and also doing a courtesy 90-day report which would be due in a couple weeks.

 

"Super easy, barely an inconvenience!"

I really do believe it's a lot simpler than what the attorney is describing.

 

To answer your questions, my dad's using an agent (and has done so for a few years) because he's in his 70s and doesn't have the energy to do it himself and, especially, deal with immigration. He's been bringing in at least 65K every month this entire visa 1-year period. He doesn't have 800K in a bank account because he doesn't get that much income. He resides in Bangkok and would have the extension done in Bangkok at Changwattana.

 

This time, I did my best to correctly gather all the necessary documents. We have everything (from what I know) from the application form (TM7 and TM8), his passport, his previous 90-day receipt, TM30 receipt, official bank statements, official bank letters, and all.

6 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

Should we try doing it ourselves first? And, if our own attempt doesn't work, use the attorney's service?

Definitely take your documentation to your immigration office and see what they say, you're out nothing by trying it beforehand and if it doesn't fly then fall back to the attorney.

43 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

So, I'm confused by something that my dad's attorney said regarding that: (1) the 65,000 baht per month pathway isn't available, so my dad would need to do the 800,000 deposit pathway; and (2) Kasikorn Bank can't be used (now, only Siam Commercial Bank, Krunthai Bank, and another bank can be used). The attorney said that this was inside info gotten from the immigration official.

 

I also contacted another law firm because I wanted to check if that was the case (that my dad hasn't used before) and they said the same thing (except the latter bank issue).

 

I already gathered all the necessary documents for my dad's non-immigrant retirement visa renewal that's upcoming, including the official bank letter and bank statements showing the monthly 65,000 baht deposit from abroad to Kasikorn Bank.

 

Is what my dad's attorney said really true? Or are they just saying that so that they can increase their service price by making the visa renewal process seem complicated? To note, my dad's nationality is American and he's had this non-immigrant retirement visa for many years already.

 

If more info is needed for the description, please ask.

You need a new attorney or something is lost in your explanation or the translation. 

3 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

He resides in Bangkok and would have the extension done in Bangkok at Changwattana.

 

Check the stamps in the passport.

 

Was the extension done in Bangkok?

Who does the 90-day reports, and what address is used?

What address appears at the bottom of his TM-30 receipt?

Removed an off-topic post about "the new PM"

The current extension of the OP's father is based on monthly income.  This extension expires in a few days and he wants to get the new extension to be based on 800k in the bank but he does not have this money in the bank for the two-month period required by the immigration regulations.

 

Therefore, he should make his new application again based on monthly income and instruct his agent accordingly.

You can accompany your Father to the Immigration office to assist with his application.

51 minutes ago, VanillaK said:

 Should we try doing it ourselves first? 

Absolutely what I would do. 

 

Be sure to have a one year statement from the bank showing the monthly deposits from abroad, as well as copy of the bank book and bank letter confirming the acocutn balance.

 

Nothing has changed in the rules and there is no requirement to use specific banks.

 

I would also cease using this attorney, for anything.

Removed an off-topic post about application for extension in Pattaya.

1 hour ago, VanillaK said:

I also contacted another law firm because I wanted to check if that was the case (that my dad hasn't used before) and they said the same thing (except the latter bank issue).

So two "law firms" Stated that income method cannot be used. 

My first question would have been why 

You state that father has made 12 monthly transfers of more that 65k.

So again Why can't income method be used. 

1 hour ago, VanillaK said:

We have everything (from what I know) from the application form (TM7 and TM8), his passport, his previous 90-day receipt, TM30 receipt, official bank statements, official bank letters, and all.

The Bank Letter and 12 month bank statement is valid for 7 days. 

You state that you have already obtained them. 

When are you going to CW. 

The tm8 is reentry permit. 

 

Earlier this morning I made an appointment at CW for extension + reentry permit. 

Requires two separate appointments. 

There were few slots (not many) available. 

When does current permission of stay expire? 

 

He will not be able to the money in bank method as 800k has not been in bank for two months prior to application. 

The key issue here is WHY did agents state income method cannot be used. 

 

Link for appointment. 

https://bangkok.immigration.go.th/en/onlineservice-and-publicguide/  

 

Edit: Does anyone have the notice of closure of Kasikorn bank branch at  CW immigration. 

Had it but have misplaced it. 

14 minutes ago, Mason45 said:

Ok, if your dad is in Pattaya here's the latest update

Your post is not applicable. 

The OP is located in Bangkok and will deal with CW. 

OP, current slots for retirement extension. Need to book quickly. 

 

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Your post is not applicable. 

The OP is located in Bangkok and will deal with CW. 

 

But we don't know which immigration office his agent used.

 

He may need to have rental contract and copy of landlord's ID/housebook if he needs to submit a new TM-30 and move his residence to Bangkok from some backwater province.

1 hour ago, NoDisplayName said:

On the day of the extension, on the way to immigration, I stop by Bangkok Bank and pick up guarantee letter and bank statement, which takes about half an hour.

Many members say that it takes Bangkok Bank one week to produce a 12 month statement.

3 minutes ago, NoDisplayName said:

But we don't know which immigration office his agent used.

Indeed. The situation is unclear. 

For all we know the father has been doing the monthly transfers and using that money... 

Meanwhile the agent has been doing extensions using money in bank method without funds in the bank. 

Making switch to do it himself impossible. 

3 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Many members say that it takes Bangkok Bank one week to produce a 12 month statement.

 

800K (Korat) currently only requires a 2-month statement.

 

If 12-months required for proof of income, simply order that a week ahead of time.

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

I use No. 5.Combination, have done for years. 420k in Bangkok Bank and 35k per month to a separate account via WISE. Never failed yet.

47 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Your post is not applicable. 

The OP is located in Bangkok and will deal with CW. 

Are you telling me that there's no agents in Bangkok who provide the same service as the agents in Pattaya, surely there is.