On 7/7/2026 at 3:11 PM, Liquorice said:

Am I to understand you only stay in Thailand for 3 months of the year, beginning of Nov, to beginning of Feb?
If so, why are you even applying for annual extensions, when a TV + 30 day extension would suffice each year.

No. This year is an exception. I normally stay in Thailand for 5 to 6 months each year, which is why I have annual retirement extensions.

My next stay will only be from the beginning of November until the beginning of February. As I had not planned to make monthly transfers or to use the 800,000 THB bank method, my original plan was simply to leave Thailand before my current extension expires.

1 hour ago, daejung said:

If I do that, could Bangkok Bank refuse to issue the bank letter because the funds have only been in that account for two months? Is that what you meant?

They will require you to sign a document that will allow them to freeze your funds for 4 months. They will only refuse to issue the letter if you will not let them freeze the funds.

1 hour ago, daejung said:

Could you also clarify exactly which banking documents Chaeng Wattana normally requires for a retirement extension?

• the bank letter,

• the updated passbook,

• a bank statement,

• or all of them?

All of these things are required

1 hour ago, daejung said:

Finally, can the required bank letter (and, if necessary, the bank statement) be obtained from the Bangkok Bank branch inside the Chaeng Wattana Immigration complex, or must they be issued by the branch where the account is held?

Bangkok Bank cannot produce a 12 month statement on the spot. It takes approximately one week. So showing up at the branch inside CW will not help you get your extension. You can use it to get the updated bank book, but it's easier to just order the bank statement from your most convenient (and earliest opening branch), then plan to pickup your statement and go directly to CW for your extension, getting the bank letter and bank book updated at the same time that you pickup the statement.

11 hours ago, BrandonJT said:

They will require you to sign a document that will allow them to freeze your funds for 4 months. They will only refuse to issue the letter if you will not let them freeze the funds.

All of these things are required

Bangkok Bank cannot produce a 12 month statement on the spot. It takes approximately one week. So showing up at the branch inside CW will not help you get your extension. You can use it to get the updated bank book, but it's easier to just order the bank statement from your most convenient (and earliest opening branch), then plan to pickup your statement and go directly to CW for your extension, getting the bank letter and bank book updated at the same time that you pickup the statement.

Thank you, that's very helpful.

Just to make sure I understand correctly: when you say Bangkok Bank "freezes the funds", do they actually freeze the whole account, or only the required 800,000 THB?

From a practical point of view, it seems difficult to freeze only part of a savings account while allowing the rest of the balance to remain freely available. That would seem to imply that the 800,000 THB should be kept in a separate dedicated account, which was actually my plan from the outset. Have I understood that correctly?

One more question about the banking documents. I was surprised to learn that Bangkok Bank cannot issue a 12-month bank statement immediately and that it has to be ordered about a week in advance. Is this specific to Bangkok Bank, or is it the same with the other major Thai banks?

I've always found it surprising that Bangkok Bank does not provide downloadable monthly PDF account statements through its online banking or mobile app. For day-to-day account management, this is standard with most European banks. Is this also common practice in Thailand, or do the other major Thai banks provide downloadable PDF statements?

28 minutes ago, daejung said:

Thank you, that's very helpful.

Just to make sure I understand correctly: when you say Bangkok Bank "freezes the funds", do they actually freeze the whole account, or only the required 800,000 THB?

From a practical point of view, it seems difficult to freeze only part of a savings account while allowing the rest of the balance to remain freely available. That would seem to imply that the 800,000 THB should be kept in a separate dedicated account, which was actually my plan from the outset. Have I understood that correctly?

One more question about the banking documents. I was surprised to learn that Bangkok Bank cannot issue a 12-month bank statement immediately and that it has to be ordered about a week in advance. Is this specific to Bangkok Bank, or is it the same with the other major Thai banks?

I've always found it surprising that Bangkok Bank does not provide downloadable monthly PDF account statements through its online banking or mobile app. For day-to-day account management, this is standard with most European banks. Is this also common practice in Thailand, or do the other major Thai banks provide downloadable PDF statements?

It's only Bangkok Bank that cannot do it on the spot. Every other bank can do it. But branches of Bangkok Bank cannot do a 12 month statement and must order it from the headquarters.

As far as the freeze, it will only be the 800,000. When you look at your account it will say what your full balance is, but only show the available amount as whatever the balance is minus the 800,000.

23 minutes ago, daejung said:

Thank you, that's very helpful.

Just to make sure I understand correctly: when you say Bangkok Bank "freezes the funds", do they actually freeze the whole account, or only the required 800,000 THB?

From a practical point of view, it seems difficult to freeze only part of a savings account while allowing the rest of the balance to remain freely available. That would seem to imply that the 800,000 THB should be kept in a separate dedicated account, which was actually my plan from the outset. Have I understood that correctly?

One more question about the banking documents. I was surprised to learn that Bangkok Bank cannot issue a 12-month bank statement immediately and that it has to be ordered about a week in advance. Is this specific to Bangkok Bank, or is it the same with the other major Thai banks?

I've always found it surprising that Bangkok Bank does not provide downloadable monthly PDF account statements through its online banking or mobile app. For day-to-day account management, this is standard with most European banks. Is this also common practice in Thailand, or do the other major Thai banks provide downloadable PDF statements?

BBL is only bank that cannot issue 12 month bank statement on the spot.

Kasikorn etc no problem.

While some reports of downloaded bank statement from app has been accepted by random immigration office. They should not be accepted and won't by most.

The bank staff will stamp and sign the statement provided by bank and that's what immigration do/should require.

Re freezing of funds. Suggest you withdraw amount above 800k prior to obtaining Bank Letter and signing BBL "blackmail letter"

23 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

BBL is only bank that cannot issue 12 month bank statement on the spot.

Kasikorn etc no problem.

While some reports of downloaded bank statement from app has been accepted by random immigration office. They should not be accepted and won't by most.

The bank staff will stamp and sign the statement provided by bank and that's what immigration do/should require.

Re freezing of funds. Suggest you withdraw amount above 800k prior to obtaining Bank Letter and signing BBL "blackmail letter"

Thanks, DrJack.

From what I've read in various discussions on this forum, Kasikorn Bank often seems to receive more favourable comments than Bangkok Bank in general.

Since I intend to keep my Bangkok Bank account for my everyday banking, would it make sense to open my second savings account, dedicated to the 800,000 THB, with Kasikorn instead? Or would you see no real advantage in doing so?

Would it generally be straightforward to open a second savings account with Kasikorn while keeping my existing Bangkok Bank account?

The account would have almost no activity apart from receiving the initial transfer of the 800,000 THB and maintaining the required balance. Is that a perfectly normal use of such an account, or do banks generally expect more day-to-day activity?

17 minutes ago, daejung said:

Since I intend to keep my Bangkok Bank account for my everyday banking, would it make sense to open my second savings account, dedicated to the 800,000 THB, with Kasikorn instead?

I would as have pretty poor opinion of BBL since all this joke rules to obtain bank letter.

19 minutes ago, daejung said:

Would it generally be straightforward to open a second savings account with Kasikorn while keeping my existing Bangkok Bank account?

It previously was very simple with non immigrant status (which you have)

Your pp + something to verify address such as lease, TDL etc.

Bank could ask for COR (shouldn't)

Note: in recent times kasikorn have added additional doc of proof of address in pp country.

Easy for some. eg I would use my Oz DL or rates notice etc.

23 minutes ago, daejung said:

Is that a perfectly normal use of such an account, or do banks generally expect more day-to-day activity?

They want minimum one transaction a month if trying to use bank book copies alone or they will accept a 12 month bank statement and no monthly transaction requirements.

On 1/15/2026 at 12:41 PM, daejung said:

I will not use the income method nor deposit 800 000 bahts on my bank account. I will just reduce my stay here from 6 months to 1 month or 2

Good idea, Vietnam is more welcoming, even Malaysia.

On 1/22/2026 at 9:59 AM, OJAS said:

How easy (or difficult) is it to obtain this stamp in practice? And for those living in Nakhon Nowhere it would presumably necessitate a potentially time-consuming trip to the MFA's offices in Bangkok? Or is it possible to deal with the MFA for this purpose by snail mail?

I used these people, they have been great for the last 15 years.

Express Translation Service & Travel Co., Ltd. operates from Mahatun Plaza as well, with listings varying between Unit 14, Ground Floor and Unit 3, 1st Floor at 888 Ploenchit Road. Contact numbers include 02-2555420 and 02-2520337. This entity is also recognized by embassies such as the Swiss and Belgian missions for translation services.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

They want minimum one transaction a month if trying to use bank book copies alone or they will accept a 12 month bank statement and no monthly transaction requirements.

Thanks, DrJack.

Just one point I'm not sure I understood.

When you say "they", are you referring to the bank or to Immigration?

I wasn't sure whether you meant that the bank expects some activity on the account, or that Immigration expects at least one transaction per month unless a 12-month bank statement is provided.

Edited July 13Jul 13 by daejung

14 minutes ago, daejung said:

When you say "they", are you referring to the bank or to Immigration?

I'm referring to what immigration want.

The banks simply supply what you want (apart from BBL) by way of bank letter and bank statements.

Banks have nothing to do with immigration (apart from what BBL think they can do)

3 hours ago, daejung said:

From what I've read in various discussions on this forum, Kasikorn Bank often seems to receive more favourable comments than Bangkok Bank in general.

Banks all have pro's and cons, as can individual branches of the same bank.

3 hours ago, daejung said:

Since I intend to keep my Bangkok Bank account for my everyday banking, would it make sense to open my second savings account, dedicated to the 800,000 THB, with Kasikorn instead? Or would you see no real advantage in doing so?

When using the 800K funds method, many expats keep this in a dedicated account throughout the year for Immigration purposes.
Open a Fixed Term Deposit (FTD) account, which offers a higher interest rate than a Savings account.
These types of account do not offer a debit card, just a passbook, so accidentally withdrawing funds from the wrong account is eliminated.

3 hours ago, daejung said:

Would it generally be straightforward to open a second savings account with Kasikorn while keeping my existing Bangkok Bank account?

As you already have a Bangkok bank account, it would be easy to also open an FTD account at the same branch.

I've had a Savings and FTD account with Bangkok bank for over 12 years without any issues.

Use a bank that is convenient for you to access.

Note, some banks are now requesting proof of a present or previous overseas address in the form of an original document, so it would be a good idea to bring such a document with you.

4 hours ago, daejung said:

The account would have almost no activity apart from receiving the initial transfer of the 800,000 THB and maintaining the required balance. Is that a perfectly normal use of such an account, or do banks generally expect more day-to-day activity?

I transfer as an when required to my Savings account, usually just twice a year.
Other than the originally 800K deposited in my FTD account, I never transfer or withdraw from that account, interest is added annually.

Only if you chose to use the monthly income method for extensions, would you need to make monthly overseas transfers.

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

Banks all have pro's and cons, as can individual branches of the same bank

He specifically asked about Kasikorn.

Yes you have BBL. Fact is BBL rubbish has not affected you.

Read the threads it has affected many. Absolute Rubbish bank

1 hour ago, Liquorice said:

As you already have a Bangkok bank account, it would be easy to also open an FTD account at the same branch.

He doesn't want another another BBL account with good reason.

On 2/9/2026 at 5:33 PM, Liquorice said:

Which Embassies, certainly not European, as Data Protection prevents disclosure of personal information.

Yeah, the Data Protection hoax screws Europeans more often than not.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

He specifically asked about Kasikorn.

No he didn't, your just biased.

He asked about a second account with Bangkok bank or Kasikorn.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

Read the threads it has affected many. Absolute Rubbish bank

If you keep the funds in the account throughout the year Bangkok banks policy doesn't affect you.

In your own previous comments, the only group really affected are those who extend based on Thai spouse and withdraw the 400K after the extension is granted.

This is not @daejung situation.

My experience with Kasikorn wasn't good.
Both local branches are situated on major junctions with no parking facilities.
Non of the staff spoke English, so conversations were always 3 ways using their helpline to translate.

The SMS texting facility never worked, even though they charged me monthly for the service and repeat visits never resolved the issue.

That's why my advice to the OP was to use a bank (and branch) that is accessible and convenient to him.

Edited July 13Jul 13 by Liquorice
Typo

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

He doesn't want another another BBL account with good reason.

Absolutely nowhere did he make such a statement, or give a reason.

That's a figment of your biased imagination.

6 hours ago, Liquorice said:

No he didn't, your just biased.

He asked about a second account with Bangkok bank or Kasikorn

He stated....

"Since I intend to keep my Bangkok Bank account for my everyday banking, would it make sense to open my second savings account, dedicated to the 800,000 THB, with Kasikorn instead?"

I decided to do that. I will keep my Bangkok bank for everyday but I decided to open a new account with Krungthai bank so when I do my 90 day next week I’ll go to the other counter with my certificate of residence (Tm 30 and all the other documents). My friends told me Krungthai bank because the others won’t give me the bank app on my phone because I’m over 70. KrungSri said they won’t give me the app so I won’t use them.

7 hours ago, Liquorice said:

My experience with Kasikorn wasn't good.
Both local branches are situated on major junctions with no parking facilities.
Non of the staff spoke English, so conversations were always 3 ways using their helpline to translate.

The SMS texting facility never worked, even though they charged me monthly for the service and repeat visits never resolved the issue.

I've heard many ridiculous reasons against using a particular bank over the years, but finding the parking at two of their branches inconvenient moves straight to the top of the list. I may be a bit biased because I have three of their branches within walking distance, but the best thing about Kasikorn Bank is that I've almost never had to visit them over the years and that you don't need to go to your "home branch" for anything and can use any of their branches anytime instead. I can also order replacement debit cards from the app; last time I checked Bangkok Bank still didn't allow that for foreigners.

Your SMS issue is interesting though. My Kasikorn Bank SMS notifications have always worked reliably, so I'm wondering what the problem was. That they failed to fix it is a concern in any case.

1 hour ago, kawikasudo said:

I decided to do that. I will keep my Bangkok bank for everyday but I decided to open a new account with Krungthai bank so when I do my 90 day next week I’ll go to the other counter with my certificate of residence (Tm 30 and all the other documents). My friends told me Krungthai bank because the others won’t give me the bank app on my phone because I’m over 70. KrungSri said they won’t give me the app so I won’t use them.

I think Krungthai is a good choice. Account opening with them was painless (i didn't even need a Certificate of Residence, but that may depend on the branch) and I like their app.

20 minutes ago, Caldera said:

I've heard many ridiculous reasons against using a particular bank over the years, but finding the parking at two of their branches inconvenient moves straight to the top of the list.

If you ever have a disability and need aid walking, tell me then how ridiculous it is.
They also both have entrance steps, no ramps.

22 minutes ago, Caldera said:

I may be a bit biased because I have three of their branches within walking distance, but the best thing about Kasikorn Bank is that I've almost never had to visit them over the years and that you don't need to go to your "home branch" for anything and can use any of their branches anytime instead.

Ditto with Bangkok bank.

25 minutes ago, Caldera said:

I can also order replacement debit cards from the app; last time I checked Bangkok Bank still didn't allow that for foreigners.

I use Bualuang iBanking and Bangkok bank notify you in advance when debit cards are due for renewal.

My wife is a co signature to my accounts so Bangkok bank issue 2 debit cards.
Kasikorn would only issue a single card.

Everyone's situation and circumstances are different, so I'd advise using the bank that can accommodate most of your needs.

2 hours ago, DrJack54 said:

He stated....

"Since I intend to keep my Bangkok Bank account for my everyday banking, would it make sense to open my second savings account, dedicated to the 800,000 THB, with Kasikorn instead?"

He asked 'would it make sense', not 'should I'.

If your going to open a dedicated account for the 800K, regardless of whatever bank, he should open an FTD account, not a second Savings account.
I'm surprised you never mentioned that fact.

Again my advice would be to use a bank that's convenient and accessible for this.
If the OP is happy with his current Bangkok bank branch, then it would probably be easier to open an additional account there.

56 minutes ago, Caldera said:

Your SMS issue is interesting though. My Kasikorn Bank SMS notifications have always worked reliably, so I'm wondering what the problem was. That they failed to fix it is a concern in any case.

No idea and apparently neither did they.

It worked the first time when we tested it at their ATM, then stopped.

Each visit they'd make a phone call, we'd test it again at their ATM, which worked, then not thereafter.

I became tired of the constant trips and complaints. Even their boffins at HQ appeared clueless as to why it worked once after being reset, then thereafter stopped working.

Each visit it usually took the staff 10-20 minutes to get through to their helpline for a 3rd party to translate.

I slowly lost the will to live.

Back to your laughing emoticons again @DrJack54

It's childish, pathetic and disrespectful just because a member has a different opinion than yourself.

3 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Ditto with Bangkok bank.

Correct me if this has changed in recent years, but to my understanding, with Bangkok Bank there are still things only your "home branch" can do, not just any branch unlike with Kasikorn Bank. Updating your passport whenever you get a new one comes to mind.

3 hours ago, Liquorice said:

I use Bualuang iBanking and Bangkok bank notify you in advance when debit cards are due for renewal.

I'm aware, that's not what I meant though. With Kasikorn Bank's K-Plus app, I can actually order the new card and they mail it to me. No visit required at all. When my Bangkok Bank card was last due for renewal, the same wasn't possible, I had to go there. Unless that has changed since, I see that as a benefit Kasikorn Bank offers.

3 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Kasikorn would only issue a single card.

You're mistaken that you can only link a single debit card to a Kasikorn Bank account. I currently have two physical debit cards plus one virtual debit card linked to one and the same Kasikorn Bank account, all active and working fine.

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

Correct me if this has changed in recent years, but to my understanding, with Bangkok Bank there are still things only your "home branch" can do, not just any branch unlike with Kasikorn Bank. Updating your passport whenever you get a new one comes to mind.

Not that I've experienced.
Regardless of whatever service I've requested any branch has been able to deal with it.

A couple of friends initially opened an account at the Bangkok bank HQ when they first arrived in Thailand, then after moving to Isaan discovered they were paying the 'out of province' charge for each and every withdrawal. They stated they had been told in order to open an account locally, they'd need to personally visit their home branch to close their accounts.

That wasn't the case, when we enquired at the Isaan branch, they stated they could simply transfer the account without any requirement to visit the branch where they opened their account, and that's exactly what they did.

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

I'm aware, that's not what I meant though. With Kasikorn Bank's K-Plus app, I can actually order the new card and they mail it to me. No visit required at all. When my Bangkok Bank card was last due for renewal, the same wasn't possible, I had to go there. Unless that has changed since, I see that as a benefit Kasikorn Bank offers

That's a pro for Kasikorn, but Bangkok bank also has it's pros over other banks.

1 hour ago, Caldera said:

You're mistaken that you can only link a single debit card to a Kasikorn Bank account. I currently have two physical debit cards plus one virtual debit card linked to one and the same Kasikorn Bank account, all active and working fine.

Perhaps you misunderstood.

My wife is added as a co-signature to my accounts.

Bangkok bank issued us both a debit card for the Savings account.

Kasikorn on the other hand stated they had stopped this practice and would only issue a single debit card to family members of the same account.

If I have to travel, I find it particularly useful that we both have separate access to my accounts whilst in different locations.
As yet I haven't found the need to download and use a banking App.

Edited July 14Jul 14 by Liquorice

Thanks again, Liquorice.

Your explanations have been very helpful.

I hadn't considered using an FTD account instead of a second savings account, but that certainly sounds like an option worth looking into.

20 hours ago, Liquorice said:

Banks all have pro's and cons, as can individual branches of the same bank.

When using the 800K funds method, many expats keep this in a dedicated account throughout the year for Immigration purposes.
Open a Fixed Term Deposit (FTD) account, which offers a higher interest rate than a Savings account.
These types of account do not offer a debit card, just a passbook, so accidentally withdrawing funds from the wrong account is eliminated.

As you already have a Bangkok bank account, it would be easy to also open an FTD account at the same branch.

I've had a Savings and FTD account with Bangkok bank for over 12 years without any issues.

Use a bank that is convenient for you to access.

Note, some banks are now requesting proof of a present or previous overseas address in the form of an original document, so it would be a good idea to bring such a document with you.

I transfer as an when required to my Savings account, usually just twice a year.
Other than the originally 800K deposited in my FTD account, I never transfer or withdraw from that account, interest is added annually.

Only if you chose to use the monthly income method for extensions, would you need to make monthly overseas transfers.

One question though.

BrandonJT mentioned that only Bangkok Bank cannot issue a 12-month bank statement on the spot, as branches have to request it from Head Office. My Bangkok Bank account is actually held at the Head Office on Silom Road.

Do you happen to know whether the Head Office itself can issue the statement immediately, or does it also have to be ordered in advance?

On 7/12/2026 at 11:53 AM, BrandonJT said:

It's only Bangkok Bank that cannot do it on the spot. Every other bank can do it. But branches of Bangkok Bank cannot do a 12 month statement and must order it from the headquarters.

Regarding Kasikorn, I was only wondering whether opening a second account there might offer any practical advantages.

I have never had any problems with Bangkok Bank. On the contrary, I've always been well looked after there, and having my account at the Head Office about 300 metres from where I stay in Bangkok is certainly a significant advantage

7 hours ago, Liquorice said:

He asked 'would it make sense', not 'should I'.

If your going to open a dedicated account for the 800K, regardless of whatever bank, he should open an FTD account, not a second Savings account.
I'm surprised you never mentioned that fact.

Again my advice would be to use a bank that's convenient and accessible for this.
If the OP is happy with his current Bangkok bank branch, then it would probably be easier to open an additional account there.

So, at this stage, I'm simply trying to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding whether to open a second account with Bangkok Bank or with Kasikorn.

Thanks again

Edited July 14Jul 14 by daejung

17 minutes ago, daejung said:

BrandonJT mentioned that only Bangkok Bank cannot issue a 12-month bank statement on the spot, as branches have to request it from Head Office. My Bangkok Bank account is actually held at the Head Office on Silom Road.

Do you happen to know whether the Head Office itself can issue the statement immediately, or does it also have to be ordered in advance?

12 month statements can be issued on the spot from the HQ branch on Silom Road.

19 minutes ago, daejung said:

Regarding Kasikorn, I was only wondering whether opening a second account there might offer any practical advantages.

I have never had any problems with Bangkok Bank. On the contrary, I've always been well looked after there, and having my account at the Head Office about 300 metres from where I stay in Bangkok is certainly a significant advantage

The DPA only guarantees deposits up to 1 million baht per depositor, per financial institution in the event of a banks liquidation. (highly unlikely).

Funds exceeding this limit are subject to the bank's liquidation process, where depositors become creditors seeking recovery of their remaining assets.

Depending how much you intend to keep in Thailand in a combination of a Savings and FTD account, it could be worthwhile splitting the amounts into two seperate account with two separate banks.

The hype with Bangkok bank is their new policy of freezing the account for 4 months when requesting the bank account balance letter for Immigration, if funds of 400/800K haven't been in the account for the previous 4 months prior to requesting the letter, they will not issue the letter unless you grant authorisation and agree to freeze said amount for 4 months afterwards.

As it's an Immigration requirement when using the 800K funds for a retirement extension to keep 800K in the account for 3 months after the extension is granted, so it has the minimal effect in your circumstances. The following year, funds held in a dedicated account, the letter will be issued on request, the funds having already been in the account for the previous 4 months.

36 minutes ago, daejung said:

So, at this stage, I'm simply trying to weigh up the pros and cons before deciding whether to open a second account with Bangkok Bank or with Kasikorn.

Thanks again

It would certainly in my opinion be easier to open an additional account at the branch where you currently have an account.
I keep the funds necessary for Immigration in my Bangkok bank FTD account, and transfer funds as and when required to my Bangkok Bank Savings account for day to day living expenses. The total of the two accounts rarely exceeds 1.2 million.

That's not to say from a personal preference point of view, it wouldn't be an advantage to have a separate account with a different bank. If that is your preference then try to open the FTD account at Kasikorn or any other local bank branch that's easily accessible to your place of residence.