From https://assistthaivisa.com/retirement-visa-chiangmai/

Retirement extensions.

Funds deposited in a Thai bank.

For a first time application, you must show 800K deposited in a Thai bank for 2 months prior to the date of application, then 3 months after being granted permission.

You can then withdraw up to 400K, however you must leave a remaining balance of 400K throughout the year. For these first time applications you will also need to show proof of where the money came from.

For the second year, you must prove 800K deposited in a Thai bank for 3 months prior to the date of application, then 3 months after being granted permission.

You can then withdraw up to 400K, but must leave a remaining balance of 400K throughout the year.

The change here relates to holding the money for 3 months after. Chiang Mai Immigration will look to enforce these new regulations strictly.

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/retirement-visa also gives 3 months.

Hasn't it always been 2 months prior to the date of application? Is this a new requirement?

There is no new requirement. It is 2 months prior. Just because 2 agencies have the wrong information doesn't mean the requirements have changed. I think there's one immigration office, maybe Jomtien? that requires 3 months for a non-O conversion, but still only 2 months for the extensions.

I typically ignore those websites. However they did mention "new" requirements.

Any Chiangmai experts, please chime in.

Found this post from 2019, after Police Order 35/2562 came into force:

18 hours ago, bg53 said:

Hasn't it always been 2 months prior to the date of application? Is this a new requirement?

The rule is 2 months prior to application + 3 months after approval and not below 400k in other months.

Vaguely recall another immigration office requiring 3 months prior.

That's incorrect requirement but possible.

Suggest you either season for 3 months or attend immigration for clarification.

19 hours ago, bg53 said:

From https://assistthaivisa.com/retirement-visa-chiangmai/

https://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/retirement-visa also gives 3 months.

Hasn't it always been 2 months prior to the date of application? Is this a new requirement?

unreliable site

On 3/5/2026 at 12:42 AM, bg53 said:

Hasn't it always been 2 months prior to the date of application? Is this a new requirement?

Well before they changed the law to 800K two months before and 3 months after then 400K the rest of the year, it used to be just 3 months before the extension and you could then spend all the money after getting your extension.

14 hours ago, steve187 said:

unreliable site

Which one, please?

25 minutes ago, rwill said:

Well before they changed the law 800K two months before and 3 months after then 400K the rest of the year, it used to be just 3 months before the extension and you could then spend all the money after getting your extension.

Yes discussed in this thread by ubonjoe and others.

Problem is that couple of crack pot offices (I believe) still insist on 3 months prior to application

Trolling post removed

On 3/4/2026 at 7:42 AM, bg53 said:

Hasn't it always been 2 months prior to the date of application? Is this a new requirement?

I always remember it was two months for your first time.

Reason being many arrived on 90 day non Imm O

Many opened a bank account in that first month

So Imm allowed a 2 month seasoning for the very first 1 year extension

The next year & ever after it would be 3 month before applying for extension as you should be well settled already with bank etc.

20 minutes ago, mania said:

So Imm allowed a 2 month seasoning for the very first 1 year extension

The next year & ever after it would be 3 month before applying for extension as you should be well settled already with bank etc.

Don't believe it's three months prior to application.

My previous link does not work.

Here is another thread.

19 hours ago, Unamerican said:

Which one, please?

thaiembassy