My visa extension based on Thai Wife expires on January 16th 2026 so we trooped in today to apply for my 11th year extension. Normally they tell us (me) to come back on the day of expiry but this time I was told to come in on the 8th January. Well, I rolled in in a wheelchair, my wife trooped pushing me!

 

I am 80 on Christmas Day (really) and as stated in another post my 400,000 has been locked up until next April by Bkk Bank. So if this is to give me a final week to pack and leave I got no money to do so. No reason to be scared really but compassion is not a thing with Immigration whereas paranoia at age 80 is my thing as I have no place to go after being here for over 10 years.

 

I asked the Immigration lady if there was a problem or if everything was ok as I was worried that being told to come in a week early might be because they would refuse the extension and give me time to go. If they did my only option available would be to jump off a bridge. The lady told my wife (who translated being bloody clever) that things were ok, no problem. 

 

Everything was as before, ticked all their boxes as before, my wife handled everything as usual and made sure all their requirements were met but.............??? I know how like Bkk Bank they change the rules but don't tell anyone until one gets caught by the changes.

16 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

I am 80 on Christmas Day (really) and as stated in another post my 400,000 has been locked up until next April by Bkk Bank. So if this is to give me a final week to pack and leave I got no money to do so. No reason to be scared really but compassion is not a thing with Immigration whereas paranoia at age 80 is my thing as I have no place to go after being here for over 10 years

You have started 3 threads re same issue. 

 

The nonsense from BBL bank has been noted for some time. 

If you cannot lock up the 400k for 4 months then there is an issue. 

 

You could use an agent to obtain extension based on retirement and given mobility issues am surprised you haven't opted for agent previously. 

Which immigration office? 

Am I paranoic here?

 

I would say yes 😮 , it appears you've already applied for your yearly extension based on marriage to a thai, and now you have an under consideration stamp telling you when to come back to get the year inked in. 

That they told you to come in on a date different then the expiration date of your current extension is not anything to be worried about. 

How about you look in your passport and see if you do have a new stamp that says "extension of stay under consideration" and has a date the 8th of January stamped in? 

If you have that, you're fine, show up on that date, and they'll ink the year extension in. 

I would dial the paranoia back just a notch or three, best of luck with it, and happy birthday on Christmas. 

16 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

You have started 3 threads re same issue. 

 

The nonsense from BBL bank has been noted for some time. 

If you cannot lock up the 400k for 4 months then there is an issue. 

 

You could use an agent to obtain extension based on retirement and given mobility issues am surprised you haven't opted for agent previously. 

Which immigration office? 

Office was Chang Wattana, sorry, intention was not to start 3 threads on same issue, Bkk Bank issue was one, Paranoia over Immigration is another. Paying for an agent is not a financially possible option. When one is on a small UK pension that under the new UK Labour Government is now taxed it is challenging to say the least given how the exchange rate has tanked.

 

The English voting citizens are mostly too young to remember how the last Labour Government caused economic chaos when in office. Be that as it may the exchange rate has eaten away a pension already shrunk by rising costs so please understand how some of us struggle especially if like me they burnt their bridges to be with their wives when the then Home Secretary 10 years ago imposed draconian financial burdens on English spouses with foreign wives.

 

My wife had to leave so I sold up and we left together and I have nothing to go back to now. That's our situation now.

17 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

Paying for an agent is not a financially possible option

You have ruled out other options for next extension. 

Also if your financials are so bad then what do you expect options from Thailand. 

It's not rocket science. Your options are clear.. 

Meet the financials + BBL freeze account OR

use an agent OR 

Go home. 

@ThaiVisaCentre can you advise this guy

1 hour ago, cliveshep said:

If they did my only option available would be to jump off a bridge. The lady told my wife (who translated being bloody clever) that things were ok, no problem. 

 

Everything was as before, ticked all their boxes as before, my wife handled everything as usual and made sure all their requirements were met but.............??? I know how like Bkk Bank they change the rules but don't tell anyone until one gets caught by the changes.

Please don't do that.

I've sent you a message with my personal number.

 

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

You have ruled out other options for next extension. 

Also if your financials are so bad then what do you expect options from Thailand. 

It's not rocket science. Your options are clear.. 

Meet the financials + BBL freeze account OR

use an agent OR 

Go home. 

@ThaiVisaCentre can you advise this guy

Dr Jack - home is Khlong Sam Wa, no agent as stated,  Not going to let BB freeze the account as talking with my wife I'll just pretty much abandon the BB account with just minimum movements and we'll manage using the Kasikorn account only. I'd love to burn the BB down but that is dreaming only, but if money is in the BB for the year then they have no need to freeze it. We'll just have to tighten our belts and so will the other family I also support. Hopefully PP manage to find a decent leader and win in February and force out the current lot of mongrels as I suspect things will improve then.

Empty post removed

If I was 80 and in a wheelchair, I'd definitely be using an agent for a retirement extension rather than keep jumping through the marriage extension hoops.

51 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

 

@ThaiVisaCentre can you advise this guy

Thanks, but I think we have calmed down and formulated our way forward that includes going home as home is irrevocably here and I have replied to the Thai Visa Centre explaining our future plans which do not include violence on BB much as I wish them a meteor strike at the very least!

2 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

I wish them a meteor strike at the very least!

 

You're not alone with this wish, I'd daresay.

 

Best of luck, I'm sure it will work out - you've got options and time. 

1 minute ago, Caldera said:

If I was 80 and in a wheelchair, I'd definitely be using an agent for a retirement extension rather than keep jumping through the marriage extension hoops.

If you got 800,000 to do a retirement extension lucky you, I have not and after 10 years of supporting all & sundry we are by the Grace of God still somehow managing the marriage extension although it has meant some belt tightening in the last months before renewal over the last 3 or 4 years. 

@cliveshep just my opinion. 

Consider options. 

You have Thai wife. 

Leaving Thailand IMO is poor option. 

Perhaps agent outside of your province can assist. 

Last resort would be quit Thailand. 

 

7 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

@cliveshep just my opinion. 

Consider options. 

You have Thai wife. 

Leaving Thailand IMO is poor option. 

Perhaps agent outside of your province can assist. 

Last resort would be quit Thailand. 

 

This is, for better or worse - now my home. We managed this for 10 years, now we have a financial plan we've worked out we will carry on as indicated - using BB as little as possible, leaving the money alone where it is which is a shame because in past years once the visa was extended we had the use of that money for the next 9 or 10 months but clearly BB have cottoned on to that - we are not alone in wanting to use our own money outside of Immigration's requirements and they clearly want to prevent that by insisting the money must be in their bank for 4 months not the 2 months required by Immigration.

 

There is it seems nothing we can do to circumvent this, sending over 40k a month to my account as an alternative would attract taxation here. Right now tax is paid in the UK on the total, the money is then transferred from there directly using WISE to myself and 2 other different recipients in Thailand I support and no individual total attracts taxation.  No one is getting rich either but we all have food on the table and a roof over our heads. 

Just because BBL has a lock on the account does not mean that you do not own the money nor does it mean you are non-compliant. Get the statements and proceed as usual.

28 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

There is it seems nothing we can do to circumvent this, sending over 40k a month to my account as an alternative would attract taxation here

Frankly you are all over the shop. 

You seek advice however seem to type nonsense. 

Enough

Probably this has already been discussed, but could someone please shortly tell me what is going on with Bangkok Bank, as my money is in there (800K) on retirement extension, and maybe switching to marriage soon?
As far as I understand it, BB is the only bank that is asking you to keep the money frozen for a longer period than what is required by Immigration? For both retirement and marriage extension?

I don't need that money now, but you never know.

Can I just open another bank account with a different bank and transfer the money?

Thanks a lot.

46 minutes ago, DrJack54 said:

Frankly you are all over the shop. 

You seek advice however seem to type nonsense. 

Enough

Why am I typing nonsense Dr J? That is an unfair comment from someone whose opinions I have sought previously and respect. 

13 minutes ago, pub2022 said:

Can I just open another bank account with a different bank and transfer the money?

If currently using money in bank method then suggest you open new account eg Kasikorn and transfer in two step during the period when minimum is 400k.

Leaving 400k in BBL account. 

Then transfer rest if your MO is to maintain 800k ongoing

 

 

 

 

2 minutes ago, cliveshep said:

Why am I typing nonsense Dr J? That is an unfair comment from someone whose opinions I have sought previously and respect. 

You were using money in bank method. 

Unfortunately using BBL. 

So now with the 4 month freeze that seems deal breaker for you. 

You cannot flick to income method as you imply. 

Also taxation is a red herring nonsense. 

 

 

 

 

the issue is cleve is in a tight spot, he cant afford the ordeal to go back,

he dont get 40k a month, the agent cost hurts, and its an issue to keep 400k in bank for any length of time

3 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

You were using money in bank method. 

Unfortunately using BBL. 

So now with the 4 month freeze that seems deal breaker for you. 

You cannot flick to income method as you imply. 

Also taxation is a red herring nonsense. 

 

 

 

 

4 month freeze is not a deal breaker for my wife and I, but it does leave another who I, now mistakenly, promised to bail out of financial trouble once the extension was completed but they will still be in a hole. I feel bad about that on their behalf but I cannot realistically do it as promised as the money is locked up.

 

As for taxation, not a red herring. Ok, I cannot change to the monthly transfer method so that would be irrelevant I agree. But the total amount I do transfer every month would put me into the Thai income tax bracket given I also support two others elsewhere. That is why I transfer individually to myself, my wife and two others every month direct from my UK bank so none of the individual totals are liable for tax at year end in Thailand.

 

If I transferred the total to my bank and then disbursed it here I would certainly fall foul of the Thai taxman. My money is already taxed in the UK because of this crap new government we got there. I've done my sums properly. I agree - BBL is no longer ideal, and now I see why you guys seem to advise against them, but SWMBO (if you understand the acronym, not sure what country you hail from) meaning She Who Must Be Obeyed from Rumpole of the Bailey books has made her orders plain.

 

We'll avoid a repeat of today by keeping the 400k in BBL and run with Kasikorn for all transfers and daily needs. They take seconds only whereas BBL takes hours if not days sometimes to show the money in my account. For visa extensions they are convenient as they can do the letter Immigration need and are downstairs in the Government Building below Immigration. There is no Kasikorn there, they are not close to us at home either.

3 hours ago, pub2022 said:

Probably this has already been discussed, but could someone please shortly tell me what is going on with Bangkok Bank, as my money is in there (800K) on retirement extension, and maybe switching to marriage soon?
As far as I understand it, BB is the only bank that is asking you to keep the money frozen for a longer period than what is required by Immigration? For both retirement and marriage extension?

I don't need that money now, but you never know.

Can I just open another bank account with a different bank and transfer the money?

Thanks a lot.

Bangkok Bank rule:

For an immigration letter, if the money you need for your extension has not already been in your BBL account for 4 full months when you get the letter, you must sign something letting them freeze it in your account for 4 full months from that date.

 

If you just keep the money in your account all year, you will not be affected by this.

3 hours ago, cliveshep said:

I feel bad about that on their behalf but I cannot realistically do it as promised as the money is locked up.

Your friend should understand the situation. Unfortunately through no fault of yours BBL policy prevents you from assisting. 

4 hours ago, cliveshep said:

 But the total amount I do transfer every month would put me into the Thai income tax bracket given I also support two others elsewhere.

Your fear of taxation on transfers is based on what you have read. 

Not applicable IMO

4 hours ago, cliveshep said:

For visa extensions they are convenient as they can do the letter Immigration need and are downstairs in the Government Building below Immigration.

The Bank Letter and Bank Statement can be obtained days prior for immigration CW. 

Yes the bank book does need to be updated on day of application. 

I also use Kasikorn and not nice they closed branch at CW however I just use street branch on way to immigration (not Mall) 

 

FWIW: If I was wheel chair and dealing with monster immigration building CW ... I would be using an agent and doing extensions (retirement) via Agent. 

Added bonus wife does not need to attend. 

4 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

Bangkok Bank rule:

For an immigration letter, if the money you need for your extension has not already been in your BBL account for 4 full months when you get the letter, you must sign something letting them freeze it in your account for 4 full months from that date.

 

If you just keep the money in your account all year, you will not be affected by this.

 

For clarity, and with regard to marriage extensions using Bangkok Bank accounts, does the 400 k baht "lock" apply to the minimum 4 months pre-seasoning only? They don't care about the minimum balance for the other 8 months?

34 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

For clarity, and with regard to marriage...... 

All covered in previous treads. 

Here is 6 page thread and my first post has link to another 9 page thread. 

 

 

 

So i will trawl a six or nine page thread, both full of irrelevant, off topic conjecture and misinformation in lieu of a simple yes or no answer.

 

It's gonna be a long weekend...

35 minutes ago, NanLaew said:

So i will trawl a six or nine page thread, both full of irrelevant, off topic conjecture and misinformation in lieu of a simple yes or no answer.

 

It's gonna be a long weekend...

 

Asked and answered. It's only Thai immigration that has mandatory account minimums that need to be adhered to throughout the previous year.

 

Those using Bangkok Bank just need to be aware of the bank's unique 4-month 'pre-seasoning' rule... for now.

11 hours ago, cliveshep said:

This is, for better or worse - now my home. We managed this for 10 years, now we have a financial plan we've worked out we will carry on as indicated - using BB as little as possible, leaving the money alone where it is which is a shame because in past years once the visa was extended we had the use of that money for the next 9 or 10 months but clearly BB have cottoned on to that - we are not alone in wanting to use our own money outside of Immigration's requirements and they clearly want to prevent that by insisting the money must be in their bank for 4 months not the 2 months required by Immigration.

 

There is it seems nothing we can do to circumvent this, sending over 40k a month to my account as an alternative would attract taxation here. Right now tax is paid in the UK on the total, the money is then transferred from there directly using WISE to myself and 2 other different recipients in Thailand I support and no individual total attracts taxation.  No one is getting rich either but we all have food on the table and a roof over our heads. 

With 40K a month, you don't have a problem with taxation as there are many deductibles. UK also has a tax agreement with Thailand so you don't pay tax twice over the same money.