The first thing I will say is that I was wrong and right.  I was wrong when previously stating that the Marriage Extension meant something - that is total khrapp - the only advantage is 400K versus 800K required in bank - but there are a lot of disadvantages, as per my posts long ago about this issue. I was right when thinking that the Annual Extension for Retirement is easy and uncomplicated, when compared to the previous Extensions for Marriage I have 'tolerated'. I strongly recommend switching to Retirement Extension for anyone with a Marriage Extension.

 

I went to the KK Immigration Office a month ago and got a list of things needed to submit for Retirement Extension.  Then the day before I completed and signed in black ink and then printed out all the other documents in the list - and then signed them all in blue ink.  TM7 (including recent photo) - STM2 - STM9 - STM 11 - All pages of Passport with stamps on them - Letter and Certificate from the bank - copy of front page and all pages of the bank book. Because I am married, I was able to 'prove' address by providing signed by wife in blue ink copies of Thai ID Card - House Book - and Marriage Certificate (Khor2) signed by both of us.  I assume if not married you would need to provide copy of your own house book, or the owner of a rental place. 

 

The only negative was that Bangkok Bank has issued a new rule that the money for an Immigration Certificate/Letter  must be in the account at least 4 months before the date of the certificate/letter. Because I only had over 800K for 3.5 months, that meant the 800K in my account was frozen for 4 months - money over that amount can be withdrawn - but a minimum of 800K for 4 months. Not impressed and told them so. I checked out Krungsri, Kasikorn and SCB - they only require 3 months before the date as per Immigration Rules, and they do not lock that money in after that date (currently). Obviously when I next apply for a Retirement Extension I will have to show the bank book and prove I had a minimum of 400K for the year.  I have a Krungsri account and I will be using that bank going forward with Bangkok Bank as the back-up. 

 

On 21 October we arrived at Immigration just after 2.30pm. The place was not very busy and after the front desk checked we had all the paperwork, I was given a number and asked to wait.  Less than 30 minutes later we were in front of the IO and it was all done and dusted within 10 minutes. I then asked about 90 days (due in 2 weeks), and she did that at the same time.  Absolutely brilliant and by far the best annual extension process (except the bank) that I have undertaken since 2012.  No complicated documents and maps - no 30 day waiting period - no house visit and lecture - done and dusted on the day.   I recall asking an IO 2 years ago what would happen if I had to leave Thailand during the marriage extension waiting period (eg. death in family), and he said doing that would cancel the Visa, and I would have to start again. I asked about a Permission Certificate to Leave and Re-enter, and he said that was only for a current/valid Visa because I would not be permitted to re-enter without a current/valid Visa.

 

Besides the 400K, I am at a total loss about the benefits of having a marriage extension, because after switching to that some years ago, I see nothing. 

18 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I checked out Krungsri, Kasikorn and SCB - they only require 3 months before the date as per Immigration Rules, and they do not lock that money in after that date (currently).

Immigration rules are 2 months, not 3.

 

19 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Obviously when I next apply for a Retirement Extension I will have to show the bank book and prove I had a minimum of 400K for the year.  I have a Krungsri account and I will be using that bank going forward with Bangkok Bank as the back-up. 

800K for 3 months after, then 400K for the remaining 12 month period.
12 month bank statement required.

18 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Besides the 400K, I am at a total loss about the benefits of having a marriage extension, because after switching to that some years ago, I see nothing. 

First up the issue you had with frozen funds in bank account has nothing to do with immigration. 

That is a BBL specific rogue action. 

 

The financial requirements using money in bank method is apples and oranges. 

For marriage it's locking up 400k for two months only then  an be used. 

Many on extensions retirement basically lock up the 800k all year round. That's a significant loss with opportunity cost consideration. 

 

Granted many married guys opt to do extensions retirement because of less paperwork etc. 

Up to the individual. 

You could consider income method if you don't wish to lock up any money. 

 

38 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Besides the 400K, I am at a total loss about the benefits of having a marriage extension, because after switching to that some years ago, I see nothing. 

Marriage extension qualifies for a work permit, if you wanted to work.

Just now, BrandonJT said:

Marriage extension qualifies for a work permit, if you wanted to work.

And the option to apply for a 60 day extension.  😉

2 minutes ago, BrandonJT said:

Marriage extension qualifies for a work permit, if you wanted to work.

Good point. 

Also for any folk that have extensions from a Non O-A using based on marriage instead of retirement avoids health insurance requirement. 

Clearly the OP extensions must be from a Non O

42 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Obviously when I next apply for a Retirement Extension I will have to show the bank book and prove I had a minimum of 400K for the year.  I have a Krungsri account and I will be using that bank going forward with Bangkok Bank as the back-up. 

 

In that case you'll probably need account confirmation letters plus bank statements from both Krungsri and Bangkok Bank on a one-off basis next year.

 

 

45 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I recall asking an IO 2 years ago what would happen if I had to leave Thailand during the marriage extension waiting period (eg. death in family), and he said doing that would cancel the Visa, and I would have to start again. I asked about a Permission Certificate to Leave and Re-enter, and he said that was only for a current/valid Visa because I would not be permitted to re-enter without a current/valid Visa.

 

The IO was talking through their derriere, I think. No problem for those applying for a marriage extension to seek a re-entry permit covering their 30-day "under consideration" period - provided, of course, that they were back in Thailand by the time this period (and, indeed, the related re-entry permit) expired.

 

1 hour ago, OJAS said:

 

The IO was talking through their derriere, I think. No problem for those applying for a marriage extension to seek a re-entry permit covering their 30-day "under consideration" period - provided, of course, that they were back in Thailand by the time this period (and, indeed, the related re-entry permit) expired.

 

I'm pretty sure that i exited and returned during the 30 day "under consideration" period on my re-entry permit.

Never applied for a retirement visa, but I don’t think there’s anything too difficult about the paperwork for a Support Thai Wife extension. Kor Ror form easy and cheap to get. Same map every year. Photos easy to do. Bank statement (at SCB) very easy to get. Wife’s blue book. Etc.

 

Positives:

Only B400k, and not B800k with Retirement.

You can have a Thai Work Permit, can’t obviously on a Retirement visa.

 

Negatives:

You do have to visit a second time to the Imm office with a Support Thai Wife extension, but that’s only to get the stamp in the passport so doesn't take long.

You get asked the same questions every year by the Imm off: where did you meet? When? Etc.😁

From my personal experience of dealing with different immigration offices, Khon Kaen immigration office is one of the better ones.  Just a shame they'd moved out of the bus station, which was very handy.  

23 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Marriage extension qualifies for a work permit, if you wanted to work.

 

I assumed everyone would know that - but you are right - some people may not have known that. Retirement Visa is only for those who have 'retired' as such, and do not work in Thailand. 

23 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

First up the issue you had with frozen funds in bank account has nothing to do with immigration. 

That is a BBL specific rogue action. 

 

The financial requirements using money in bank method is apples and oranges. 

For marriage it's locking up 400k for two months only then  an be used. 

Many on extensions retirement basically lock up the 800k all year round. That's a significant loss with opportunity cost consideration. 

 

Granted many married guys opt to do extensions retirement because of less paperwork etc. 

Up to the individual. 

You could consider income method if you don't wish to lock up any money. 

 

Cheers Jack - as you said, the Immigration part of the retirement extension application was quick and easy. But the last two years that was the bad part of the marriage extension process. Besides the complications of paperwork, there was the house visits (which they do here every year), and the 30 day waiting period during which leaving the country was 'not allowed', and leaving the Province could be an issue.

 

I am OK with the money requirements of Immigration for a retirement extension (800K for 3 + 3), and then min 400K. What seriously annoyed me was that the bank has now locked that 800K down for 4 months. Not a financial problem as we have several other bank accounts, and we use one of the accounts as our medical slush fund - it is just the arbitrary (and illegal?) nature of the lockdown.  None of the other banks do this - just the Bangkok Bank - as soon as the 4 months is up I am pulling most of the 800K out of that bank. What also annoys me is that Immigration have done nothing about this (that we know about) - have they approached management of Bangkok Bank and made sure they know their requirements? Has the BOT discussed with Bangkok Bank this arbitrary lockdown of people's bank accounts?  Does a bank in Thailand have the legal right to do such a thing?  Who would invest money into Thailand if the banks can arbitrarily impose such ridiculous actions at will? 

 

23 hours ago, OJAS said:

 

The IO was talking through their derriere, I think. No problem for those applying for a marriage extension to seek a re-entry permit covering their 30-day "under consideration" period - provided, of course, that they were back in Thailand by the time this period (and, indeed, the related re-entry permit) expired.

 

 

Surely you know I cannot believe a bloke on AN and not believe an IO?  Can you provide any proof of that claim - a link to an Immigration website or a document?

 

My understanding is that in order to enter a country you must have a valid Visa (or get a Visa exemption) and you cannot enter under a Visa that is not valid but which is  'waiting approval'.  Yes I can re-enter the country, but I think the IO is right in that I cannot re-enter under an invalid Visa.  @DrJack54 Can you provide any insight into this issue? 

On 10/24/2025 at 1:22 PM, Liquorice said:

Immigration rules are 2 months, not 3.

800K for 3 months after, then 400K for the remaining 12 month period.
12 month bank statement required.

Wrong. 

List of documents for Retirement Visa | Samut Prakan Immigration

https://www.samutprakanimmigration.go.th/list-of-documents-for-retirement-visa/

33 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

My understanding is that in order to enter a country you must have a valid Visa (or get a Visa exemption) and you cannot enter under a Visa that is not valid but which is  'waiting approval'.  Yes I can re-enter the country, but I think the IO is right in that I cannot re-enter under an invalid Visa.

When folk obtain an extension from eg a Non O they have a used  visa and permission of stay. 

To exit Thailand and and return you need a reentry permit. 

That protects your permission of stay. 

The expiry of the permit will be same as the expiry of permission of stay. 

If you apply for an extension based on marriage you will be given an under consideration period. 

(often ~month) and a return date for final stamp. 

To exit and return during that period you would buy a reentry permit. 

The expiry of that permit will be the same as under consideration stamp. 

 

Edit: the guy you quoted re money in bank for retirement is correct. 

It's 800k two months PRIOR and Three months after and not below 400k in other months is correct. 

The 3 month bank statement you posted in that list is just referring to the bank statement which would need to show required funds

 

 

On 10/24/2025 at 1:46 PM, OJAS said:

In that case you'll probably need account confirmation letters plus bank statements from both Krungsri and Bangkok Bank on a one-off basis next year.

 

Yeh - they dont make it easy to live here do they?

 

22 hours ago, Bredbury Blue said:

Never applied for a retirement visa, but I don’t think there’s anything too difficult about the paperwork for a Support Thai Wife extension. Kor Ror form easy and cheap to get. Same map every year. Photos easy to do. Bank statement (at SCB) very easy to get. Wife’s blue book. Etc.

 

Positives:

Only B400k, and not B800k with Retirement.

You can have a Thai Work Permit, can’t obviously on a Retirement visa.

 

Negatives:

You do have to visit a second time to the Imm office with a Support Thai Wife extension, but that’s only to get the stamp in the passport so doesn't take long.

You get asked the same questions every year by the Imm off: where did you meet? When? Etc.😁

Then you dont know what you are talking about if you have never applied for one.

 

This time around the banks were a pain - but the Immigration part was over done and dusted inside 30 minutes with a new Extension stamp in my Passport.  Last 2 marriage extensions have been a pain in the butt - including the 30 day waiting period and associated issues and the house visits.  

 

I know there are poor pensioners here who cannot hold a million baht in a bank account, but that is not an issue for me and the question still remains - why the **** should I ever do the marriage Visa extension again. It is/was a pain in the backside and the retirement extension was a breeze (bank aside). 

7 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

I know there are poor pensioners here who cannot hold a million baht in a bank accoun

I think most married guys and unmarried over 50 could afford the extensions based on retirement option. 

It certainly has less paperwork etc. 

The under consideration period can be an issue and I would regard the home visit as unpleasant. 

I say most folk can afford the retirement option is that there is income method option. 

65k per month. 

That equates to ~ $24k usd/year.

Modest amount IMO and of course is not maintained in bank. 

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

When folk obtain an extension from eg a Non O they have a used  visa and permission of stay. 

To exit Thailand and and return you need a reentry permit. 

That protects your permission of stay. 

The expiry of the permit will be same as the expiry of permission of stay. 

If you apply for an extension based on marriage you will be given an under consideration period. 

(often ~month) and a return date for final stamp. 

To exit and return during that period you would buy a reentry permit. 

The expiry of that permit will be under consideration stamp. 

 

I will ask you if you have a link or some document Jack - otherwise I know you know far more than others - but that is your opinion and read of the rules - which IOs do not always comply with as we know.  Do you have anything - just in case needed?

 

I also must question what you have said and tell more details of what the IO explained to me very clearly (in good English). When you apply for an extension on your original Visa's Permission to Stay for reason of Marriage and you are waiting the 30 days for approval, your existing Visa's Permission to Stay will expire within that 30 days. It might be only 1 day and it might be 14 days (or more) but the existing Permission to Stay on a Non-Immigrant Visa will expire while you are waiting 'approval' and if you are not in the country at that time, your original Visa automatically expires. The 30 days is not a 'temporary' extension of your permission to stay under your original Visa, it is a waiting period for approval.  That made sense to me when he explained it, and I can see that an IO at the airport might interpret the situation that way. 

 

But having said all that, I am not trying to argue because it is no longer a problem for me, and I accept I could be wrong. I am pushing back a little just in case someone on a marriage Visa does have to leave the country during the waiting approval period, and they get rejected when they return and have to start all over again.  Which means applying for a new non-immigration Visa for marriage - which I am not sure you can do when you enter on a Visa free/exempt basis?  But if you are absolutely certain iot would not be an issue, then by all means I will leave it at that. 

1 minute ago, DrJack54 said:

I think most married guys and unmarried over 50 could afford the extensions based on retirement option. 

It certainly has less paperwork etc. 

The under consideration period can be an issue and I would regard the home visit as unpleasant. 

I say most folk can afford the retirement option is that there is income method option. 

65k per month. 

That equates to ~ $24k usd/year.

Modest amount IMO and of course is not maintained in bank. 

Yes indeed - the monthly income method is a much easier option for most Expats on a retirement Visa because they can spend any/all of that money each month. 

 

You may recall a year ago that we discussed my 'home visit' experience on AN and I swore then never to let that happen again.  The previous home visit in another Province was fine - quick and easy and polite.  But here in KK last year it was atrocious. We had to obtain two witnesses who not only had to sign paperwork, they had to participate in what can only be described as a 15-20 minute lecture by a small pen**ed tiny-brained tin-pot General wannabe who spoke in Thai only.  To say it took a lot of self control not to stand up and throw the little ar****ole out of the house, as he lectured my wife and the witnesses, is an understatement. I promised back then to give the details of how the retirement extension process went, and aside from the bank problems, it was brilliant. 

1 minute ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

You may recall a year ago that we discussed my 'home visit' experience on AN and I swore then never to let that happen again

I guess home visit is a deal breaker for some. 

I say that with confidence as I just wouldn't accept it and as a result would do extensions retirement even if I had the marriage option. 

 

I'm now on income method and transfer much more that 65k/month.

 

Regards your other point re link to option of travel abroad during under consideration period I don't have a link nor personal experience. 

My opinion is based on numerous posts of first hand having done exactly that. 

 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1338466-leave-the-country-while-under-consideration/#findComment-19241575

 

48 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

When folk obtain an extension from eg a Non O they have a used  visa and permission of stay. 

To exit Thailand and and return you need a reentry permit. 

That protects your permission of stay. 

The expiry of the permit will be same as the expiry of permission of stay. 

If you apply for an extension based on marriage you will be given an under consideration period. 

(often ~month) and a return date for final stamp. 

To exit and return during that period you would buy a reentry permit. 

The expiry of that permit will be the same as under consideration stamp. 

 

Edit: the guy you quoted re money in bank for retirement is correct. 

It's 800k two months PRIOR and Three months after and not below 400k in other months is correct. 

The 3 month bank statement you posted in that list is just referring to the bank statement which would need to show required funds

I got that list from KK Immigration and the Officer stated that the money must be in the account for 3 months prior to the date of application and you must prove that with a bank statement. 

The link I provided to the Samut Prakan Immigration list also states clearly 3 months.

 

I know the official rules might be 2 months - but the Provincial Offices of the Immigration Police are 'independent' and it is clear they are in some Provinces they are stating 3 months before application.  

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

I guess home visit is a deal breaker for some. 

I say that with confidence as I just wouldn't accept it and as a result would do extensions retirement even if I had the marriage option. 

 

I'm now on income method and transfer much more that 65k/month.

 

Regards your other point re link to option of travel abroad during under consideration period I don't have a link nor personal experience. 

My opinion is based on numerous posts of first hand having done exactly that. 

https://aseannow.com/topic/1338466-leave-the-country-while-under-consideration/#findComment-19241575

 

Another house visit was an absolute deal breaker for me too - unbelievable. 

 

Following your advice I am going to switch to the income method next year and then use it in the following year for all extensions.  Then if/when we return to Australia (for the end game) there will be need to take account of money being ever locked into the account again, and we can draw down as much as we like before leaving. 

 

Thanks for that information about leaving while under consideration - makes sense - people just gotta hope the IO at Swampy does not think like the one I spoke to in Rayong. 

Did my retirement extension in KK on Oct 8.

(I am married)

The hassle with Bangkok Bank was terrible, raising cortisol level.

Never again. On Monday I will close fixed deposit at BBL and move money to Kasikorn.

(BTW: quite nice that web-banking still exists, 500k transfer like a breeze, did one already)

Now I am thinking whether to continue with income method or play the 800k card?

Next week in Pattaya I will open fixed deposit with Kasikorn (where I have a savings account since 2009). Useful anyway after some money flown in from gold selling.

And yes, KK usually easy and quick. Fastest retirement extension was about 20 min in/out.

No appointment, no queue... no 5 AM travel..

9 minutes ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Following your advice I am going to switch to the income method next year and then use it in the following year for all extensions.

Just be aware that for extension changing from money in bank to income they will want to see the 800k maintained in bank for 3 months after last application + 12 month bank statement showing 12 monthly transfers. 

I actually just did this and played it safe. 

I was able to show the 12 + transfers and I ALSO maintained the 800k for the entire 12 months. 

In other words I covered both methods. 

Added bonus is I have nothing in my name. Also no money tied up in bank. 

No need for WILL. 

8 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

On Monday I will close fixed deposit at BBL and move money to Kasikorn

When you cancel account keep the bank book (cancelled) 

 

10 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Now I am thinking whether to continue with income method or play the 800k card?

Cant imagine why you want to  change from income method. 

8 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Cant imagine why you want to  change from income method. 

I think you are right. In the end it's the rule confirming method proving that money comes in from abroad as required. With Kasikorn it seems easy, one year statement at every branch on the spot. 

1 minute ago, KhunBENQ said:

In the end it's the rule confirming method proving that money comes in from abroad as required.

Tip that works. Ask for 12 month bank statement in Thai language. 

In Thai script above the transfer it states "funds from abroad" 

Yes Kasikorn bank statement on the spot same as others apart from BBL. 

 

I highlighted the transfers. 

 

On 10/24/2025 at 1:22 PM, Liquorice said:

Immigration rules are 2 months, not 3.

 

800K for 3 months after, then 400K for the remaining 12 month period.
12 month bank statement required.

 

2 hours ago, TroubleandGrumpy said:

Wrong. 

List of documents for Retirement Visa | Samut Prakan Immigration

https://www.samutprakanimmigration.go.th/list-of-documents-for-retirement-visa/

Told Liquorice the same thing months back and he didn't believe me.  Many offices don't require a 12 month statement. In 25 years maybe I've been asked for on but can't remember.  I just show up with my bank book and bank cert letter now and haven't had a problem.  This fact riles a couple regular posters here for some reason.  If you showup with a bank book with a few transaction over a twelve month period as many just use the account for their visa only, immigration probably would ask for more info ( i.e., 12 month statement).